Are we too hard on ourselves?

I feel like a total failure of a blogger because it has been weeks since I last put up a posting. One of three things is happening here: either I am completely undisciplined (yes, living in france has done this to me), I am actually just enjoying myself too much (yes, living in france sans work has done this to me), or this is just a very normal part of being a writer. I think this is a case of all three sentiments.

Perhaps the indulgence of French way of life has rubbed off a little bit too much onto me. With no real routine or deadlines, my days and weeks are filled with lots of "me time", lots of "what do you feel like doing today, Mel?" and doing lots of exactly that. Total and utter decadence. But maybe I can't blame the french for this, maybe it is the Australian in me, or maybe it is just me. Spring has come out with a vengeance and with it are now warm afternoons and late sunsets, flowers, birds, and the need to be outside au soleil. Well, that part is definitely the Aussie in me unleashed.

I am writing this now whilst sitting in a deck chair under the late afternoon sun. It is still extremely warm (perhaps around 20 degrees) and a bee is buzzing in the bushes beside me. It feels very french provincial, and I'm completely content. I can't say that I have been feeling particularly french, but my surroundings are, and lets just go with that. I have actually learned to adore the countryside, the quiet and the gentle sounds of birds cooing. Yes,even I am shocked. City girl moves to french countryside and loves it?

I was telling my uncle about how lazy I have been not writing, and he chuckled, most people have had the same reaction. Other writers will understand and be familiar with the feeling of guilt that comes with not putting pen to paper (or as it is now, putting text to the screen). Call it writer's block or just straight lazy-girl-wants-to-enjoy-the-sunshine, but maybe this will signal the end of it. Maybe my act today of trying to get back into it, will get me back on the horse, so to speak. Luckily though, I have actually discovered how to get it all, writing from the deck chair which has has been strategically placed to face directly into the warming sun. Women, brilliant multi-taskers and so damn hard on themselves.

Merci,
Mel