The writing I do when I'm not writing

I recently looked at my diary for the next six (now five) weeks, and felt completely overwhelmed by all the non-writing/real-life stuff that will be happening, and made the decision to put my writing on hold.

It wasn't an easy decision - the last time I stopped writing (while pregnant and coping with a four year old) I didn't start again for a year!

This time, however, I've already started doodling in my notebooks - just the fact that I've given myself permission to not write means I want to. I'm staying away from my current projects though, avoiding my computer files and the hard-copy draft that's sitting on my shelf, and instead just letting my mind run free. 

So far, without the compulsion to be at my computer for several hours a day, I have:

• walked my dog for much longer than normal, and spent time talking to other dog walkers
• met up with a couple of friends I hadn't seen for ages
• read a book, and bought several more
• discovered SyFy are showing Star Trek:Voyager, and got a little bit hooked
• discovered SyFy are also showing Quantum Leap, and got very hooked!
• stayed on top of my laundry, and made plans to sort out the little nook in my kitchen where all the tools have ended up... although I haven't quite done it yet.

Sometimes, not writing is the best thing a writer can do!