Day 1762: Election Anxiety Syndrome

I haven't slept through the night in a week.  Too much raging in my mind.  But I have strategies to deal with the last five days before the election.  First, I spoke with my son Evan for an hour tonight.  He wrote a beautiful opinion piece on Facebook that moved me to tears.  I was craving positive words amid the vitriol and noise of this campaign.  So that helped immensely.

Then, he helped me with the title.  He urged me not to torment myself any longer.  He reminded me that a publisher will have that conversation with me later.  My writer's group has said that numerous times, but I have resisted because I know that I'll only get one chance with each publisher to make a positive impression.  This book means so much to me that I don't want to leave anything to chance.

We spoke about the holidays, the election, Quest, friends, the travel he's planning, the downstairs neighbor, new pillows, bosses.  And as the conversation progressed, I could feel myself calming.  Perhaps there are a few hours of sleep in my future.

Over the next few days, more distractions.  A movie in Buffalo,  long walks, laughing with the gals at book club, sharing my query letter with Penelope.  We are completely tied up on election day, too.  Vote at 6 am, then go to school all day to talk with eighth graders, meet the Silver Creek students at 2:30, meet Amy at 6 pm.  I won't even turn on the tv till 8:00.   Then stay up all night till we know the outcome.

Chestnut Street

Stream in Russell Joy Park

Near the pedestrian bridge

Forest Place