Writer, or not...

Since August, I've gradually become more and more fatigued.

Since November and cold weather becoming dominant, it's been more difficult to simply get out the door. 

It's not because my symptoms are worse in cold weather; it's because of the laborious task of clothing my body in appropriate layers.

I have to take time to rest while dressing or right afterward.

Pulling on socks is a major, major feat. 

Ha. A feat to cover my feet...

Isolation has been my reality since around 2013...

Though it was part of my life before that time, the feelings of isolation became palpable (as a day-to-day reality) beginning sometime in latter 2013... 

Due to living with a rare disease that few can relate to, due to the 24/7 selfcare required, due to my limited energy to engage with others, and due to... blah, blah, blah; the isolation has grown as the months and years have rolled by...

When I search the word "isolation" on tossandripple, 271 posts pop up. 

Since March 2009, I've published 878 separate blog pieces on tossandripple; the subject matters are often the same.

271 of 878 comes to over 25% of the posts that contain the word "isolation."  

Once this piece is published, there'll be 272...

Since September 2008, I've published 237 separate posts on my poetry blog.

Some of those poems go back as far as the late 1970s,

Point being, not all have been written since 2008... 

Those totals are from only two of my blogs.

They don't count my transcribed-journal blog, my private blogs, nor my-some 30+ handwritten journals...

A select few of my poems have been published in 5 different hardcopy poetry anthologies. 

I was asked if I would write the foreword for one of those anthologies; so, I did.

I've had several poems published in one magazine.

I was voted poet laureate on the poetry forum which used to be active.

One of my poems won a poetry contest.

One of my poems inspired a friend to illustrate the poem; his mother-in-law then quilted that illustration. 

I feel I could hardcopy publish more of my poems if I'd submit them somewhere; I just don't have a desire to submit any...

I first posted on the internet in December 2005.

At the time, I never imagined I'd have a blog nor that I'd ever be hardcopy published.

But here I am...

Yet, I still don't consider myself a writer or a poet... 

I do consider myself a journaler...

~*~

Is there ever a final draft? ~cw 

~*~