In Between Storms

clouds on a clear sky
I treasure the "aahs" between storms.

backstory: This week’s six-word memoir was inspired by a comment on a previous post. And regarding storms? When the backstory got decidedly long, I thought nah, let’s turn this into art! Because storms will eventually run out of rain.

Does that happen to you, as well? That is, you realize a blog post wants to be something else, instead. And where do those drafts go?

Anyway, if you’re experiencing storms in your life, please remember to treasure the calm in between!

Khaya Ronkainen
Khaya Ronkainen is a writer, poet and creative professional. Her blog focuses on all things poetry and creative nonfiction.

25 Comments

  1. Love this, Khaya. Embracing the “ahhs” and learning from the storms are important to well-being.
    I have so many blog drafts in process, waiting to discover what they’re meant to be. No rush. “Ahhh…”

  2. There is an old saying to the effect if it weren’t for December, it would be hard to appreciate May. Enjoy those times of beauty and light! They get us through the darker times.

  3. Thanks Diana, I borrowed this phrase from someone else. But it has provided me with a much needed fresh perspective.

  4. I love this so much. It’s funny–or, perhaps, the feeling is in the air–because I had a similar thought about storms today. They can make our lives highly unpredictable, even painful… but the in-betweens can be rather lovely.

    And yes, the same thing has happened to me while writing a post. I start with something, and after a while I realize that I’m taking too long to make the point I wish to convey… and I start wondering if I don’t need to put the words aside… and maybe revisit them later.

  5. Absolutely. All of this. Blogs and stories and thoughts become other things. Fragments live in draft indefinitely. So often they have a purpose of their own they don’t always initially reveal to me. I have learned to trust them as they wander.

    When I had my first child, a mother I admired mentored me in motherhood. Her mantra was “this too shall pass,” and she meant the good times you cherish and the challenging times you think you won’t survive. I have adopted that mantra with motherhood but then the rest of life. That and life is a series of chapters. Not all the chapters are great, but they are all part of the book and will eventually close. Other names for those storms 🙂

  6. I call it synchronicity. 🙂 Or perhaps, it’s because 2022 remains a mystery while storms keep raging. But oh, the in-betweens! They are the beauty that reminds us to live in the moment.

    Putting those drafts aside make for a rich archive to return to. And maybe by then the post draft has already decided to be born again as a fictional story, essay or poem. Is that the beauty of writing!

  7. Good you’re out of the woods. Flu is common at this time of the year. But nowadays, it can be stress inducing, when one can’t tell whether it’s the normal flu or the virus. Take care & hugs back at you!

  8. So often have a purpose, say that again! And you’ve adopted a brilliant attitude of letting them wander. I have myself mined some rough gems; poem draft I meant to blog but decided against. And going back to them now after almost three years, is such a joy.

    You speak like a true writer, Christina. 🙂 Seriously, life IS a series of chapters. I’ll remember that, thank you!

  9. Those ‘aahhs’ between the storms are precious moments and I love the thought of storm running out of rain – a thought I’ll keep with me. As for posts that runaway from me, I put those in a draft folder, sometimes return to them for a rewrite or they might inspire something altogether different. There’s one that’s been waiting patiently for a couple of years and I’m waiting for the right moment! Hope you’re having a good week, Khaya! xx

  10. Aren’t they just! These moments are worth acknowledging. And I know right about drafts that have the patience to wait for years. Let’s hope they’ll be released to find their freedom some day, soon. 🙂 Thanks so much Annika, some days are better than others…xx

  11. Love this reminder! I keep my drafts because the universe often provides me with the additional material I need to add, at a later date! I just trust the process! 😉

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