9' x 12': Chapter 10 - Inspiration

I awoke from the operation to find myself trussed like a proverbial chicken. My right arm was wholly restrained in a sling (called The Immobilizer) designed by someone to be as impractical as possible, except for its intended purpose. I soon discovered that simple activities took hours instead of minutes. Getting dressed or having a shower was a process that a contortionist would appreciate. Like the tortoise in the race with the hare, I realized that slowly, slowly would win the race. I surrendered and listened to friends and family who admonished me to put my feet up and rest!

Breakfast and the NY Times crossword. A perfect way to start the day!

I will be the first to admit that I am not very good at sitting still but sit still I did. Good friends arrived every day with nourishing food, so I didn't have to try and cook. My son made me excellent tea, and I found the most comfortable places to park myself around the house. Once past the challenging first weeks, I settled into a routine that usually found me ensconced on the terrace, pillows stuffed under my elbow and arm, the New York Times, books, pencils, and notebooks piled up around me, and tea or coffee to hand. I had (and still have) stacks of books around my house, which I meant (and still mean) to read. This was the perfect time to delve into them and to revisit some of my favorites.

It was also time to take stock. Like many people, I was racing from one work event or project to the next. There had been no time to really reflect on strategy or long-term planning other than working out how to keep everything afloat over the past 24 months. Now I had that time. I didn't quite know what to make of it at first. I went from 100 miles an hour to a very sedate pace. I could pick and choose what I wanted to read, and to think about. I didn't know where to start, but I relished the idea that I could read anything I chose, not just something work-related, and my mind wondered, and perhaps that was the whole point!