Inspiration Strikes

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I try not to whine about writer’s block on the blog because… well… complaining about it doesn’t make it better! 🙂 But lately I’ve been struggling to be inspired as I write revisions to a big proposal.  I try not to panic when I’m facing a block, as I know inspiration will eventually strike.  But I was starting to get a little nervous as the document sat in my inbox, lonely and unfinished.

 

Last night, I was laying in bed with the Husband, and we were talking about the block.  I said I felt unmotivated for not being able to write and went to sleep feeling a little guilty, like I’d been playing hooky when I should’ve been in study hall.

 

Lo and behold, I woke up this morning with the urge to WRITE.

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And write, write, write I did!  :)  It felt GREAT!  Like an emotional cleansing.

 

We also enjoyed breakfast in bed:

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Guess it’s officially Fall because I’m drinking Pumpkin Spice Lattes like it’s my job and craving hot oatmeal.

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In the mix:

 

  • 1/2 cup oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup rice milk
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 sliced banana
  • Hazelnut syrup
  • Toppings: blueberries, chia seeds, and pecans

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Get thee to Marshall’s or TJ Maxx and pick up some flavored syrup for your oatmeal, stat.

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Off to enjoy this wonderful day and be thankful that I’m alive.

 

On that note, it’s the 9th anniversary of 9/11, and I heart the good old US of A.  Don’t know what else to say on the subject of 9/11 (guess I’m all written out for the morning), but I am remembering the souls that passed on this day and am eternally thankful for our country and our troops.

{ 53 comments }

 

  • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) September 11, 2010, 11:53 am

    Ace job on the writing, go you!
    Hazelnut syrup?? Wow, that sounds good!!!

  • Kristina @ spabettie September 11, 2010, 11:54 am

    Amen to that. I am eternally grateful for those who gave themselves to the rescue and recovery of my very favorite city.

  • AngelaOSG September 11, 2010, 11:59 am

    Congrats on getting past the writer’s block! One thing I have learned with writing it is that you HAVE to write in the moment. Once the urge or inspiration passes, it is hard to get it back.

  • Katie September 11, 2010, 12:03 pm

    Are you making pumpkin spice lattes at home? If so how? I am addicted to them at starbucks but I would love to know how to make them at home!

    • Caitlin September 11, 2010, 12:03 pm

      nope, only at starbucks!

    • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) September 11, 2010, 12:18 pm

      I add pumpkin butter to my coffee–not quite the same but better than nothing!

  • Tiffany (Stuffed With Fluff) September 11, 2010, 12:04 pm

    Congrats on getting past the block.

    I can’t believe it’s been 9 years. I am also eternally grateful for the troops, sad for the lives lost and so proud to be an American.

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) September 11, 2010, 12:17 pm

    Glad you found some inspiration! I used to use sugar free syrups in my oatmeal–so good. Since cutting out splenda and aspartame, I’ve been missing them. I guess I gotta go for the real deal.

  • Sarah @ Sarah's Shaping Up September 11, 2010, 12:18 pm

    ahh, I love breakfast in bed! 🙂 the best way to start a relaxing Saturday! 🙂

  • Whitney September 11, 2010, 12:23 pm

    Yum…Hazelnut syrup??? I *almost* bought a pumpkin iced coffee this morning, but it hasn’t quite cooled down enough for me to crave it!

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef September 11, 2010, 12:24 pm

    breakfast in bed! how fun. would’ve loved that when i was running a 5k in the rain 🙂

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet September 11, 2010, 12:25 pm

    how much syrup did you add? i’d be afraid of making my oats to sweet

    • Caitlin September 11, 2010, 12:39 pm

      1/4 a tablespoon per bowl

  • eatmovelove September 11, 2010, 12:27 pm

    Ah, a desk. I should get one of those one day.

    Are you writing something that requires Research?

    • Caitlin September 11, 2010, 12:40 pm

      not yet!

  • Maria @ Oh Healthy Day September 11, 2010, 12:31 pm

    I think the biggest problem with a writer’s block is when you try to FORCE yourself to write at a certain time. This never works for me. I get the most inspiration from being in the shower, driving home from work, watching tv, etc. Those may seem like idle time, but really, if you mind is on your topic, they aren’t at all.

  • Stacey September 11, 2010, 12:34 pm

    🙂 I’m glad you got over the writer’s block! Sometimes talking about it helps…and I understand about you feeling guilty, but you shouldn’t. I think it would be a bad thing to try and FORCE yourself to write when nothing is coming to mind, because then it might not be as great as usual 😀 If that makes sense! Ok, I’m done now. Enjoy your day Caitlin!

  • Jacquelynn September 11, 2010, 12:36 pm

    The oatmeal looks super yummy! It looks like you were up EARLY to write, it doesn’t even look fully light outside yet! Your block was definitely removed 🙂

  • christina cadden September 11, 2010, 12:43 pm

    How did you make pumpkin spice lattes? What were your ingredients?

  • Amber@momsgottheruns September 11, 2010, 12:52 pm

    I would also love to know how you made the pumpkin spice lattes at home! Also, what do you think of the chia seeds? I’m thinking about buying some today.

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat September 11, 2010, 12:55 pm

    I hear ya on the writer’s block! I only post once a day during the week and I have no idea how you manage to do 2 or 3+ posts without running out of ideas! Your breakfast looks so so good. I’ve never tried hazelnut syrup but I bet it’s great. What I’d love is some of the pumpkin spice flavoured syrup from Starbs! 🙂

  • Nicole - yuppie yogini September 11, 2010, 1:00 pm

    You need to figure out how to get paid for you pumpkin latte-drinking “job”. 🙂

  • Steph @ Epicurious Runner September 11, 2010, 1:08 pm

    I think I am going to cave and FINALLY try a pumpkin spice latte! They are everywhere and I I normally don’t like lattes, but seriously I have to have one now!

    Also, where did you get your desk? I love it and I am looking for one exactly like that for my fiance and I.

  • Camille September 11, 2010, 1:10 pm

    I love how just talking about things makes you want to do them!
    When I’m not in the mood to run I talk about how I am going to do it and all the sudden I’m in the mood!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) September 11, 2010, 1:12 pm

    So glad you got some inspiration. We all have those blocks so never feel like you can’t talk about them! Breakfast looks delicious. Enjoy your day!

    On the subject of 9/11, I think just remembering is the best way to respect all that were directly involved.

  • Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks September 11, 2010, 1:18 pm

    Oh writer’s block, how well I know (and despise!) thee. I think it was the hardest part about being a creative writing major in college….having to write when you really, just can’t! So frustrating. I turned out so many pieces that were just really sloppy..and that was just as bad as not writing at all, in my book.

    Yay for you busting through the wall! Congrats! 🙂

  • Erika @ Food, Fitness, & Fun September 11, 2010, 1:29 pm

    I really hate writer’s block when I am blogging but it’s even worse when it comes when I am supposed to be finishing a school assignment. I love the foods of fall – warm and comforting. I’m sure oatmeal will be making an appearance on my blog soon! 🙂

  • Catherine September 11, 2010, 2:08 pm

    I write freelance, so I understand what you mean about writer’s block. I find that a cup of tea or ONE glass of wine can be helpful. Coffee just makes me too hyper and my brain branches off into a million different directions at once, or I get up and start power-cleaning. No bueno.

  • 'laina September 11, 2010, 2:18 pm

    Don’t know if anyone has mentioned it, but Torani makes a yummy pumpkin spice syrup for drinks. I got a big bottle of sugar-free- it should last me all winter AND save me beaucoup bucks in the process from not having to go to Starbucks all the time. lol

    Also, there was a recipe in this months Weight Watchers mag for making and freezing your own pumpkin puree. I thought maybe you could share the recipe for all the bloggers/ readers who are experiencing a Libby’s shortage (pg 65, Sept/Oct 2010 issue):

    Place 1 (3 to 5 lbs.) whole pumpkin on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake on lower oven rack at 350*F until small knife can be inserted into flesh, 1.5- 2 hours. Let cool. Cut out stem and cut away peel. Halve; scoop out seeds and strings with spoon and disgard. Cut into 2-inch chunks; puree chunks in batches in food processor or blender. A 3 lb. pumpkin will yield about 3 cups puree. Can be stored in fridge for 5 days, or freezer for up to 6 months. If frozen let thaw in fridge overnight.

    Yum! Bonus, being in control organic, local, and any spices/ sweeteners added to the puree, if wanted.

  • hippierunner September 11, 2010, 2:22 pm

    Ack! Now all I can think about is hazelnut syrup!

  • holly @ couchpotatoathlete September 11, 2010, 2:26 pm

    I’m glad you finally got the urge to write! I am that way with lots of things, and I did that a lot during high school and college: I would put off projects and papers until the last minute when I *finally* got some inspiration. If I forced myself to do the work early I would end up not being happy with it and redoing it. I think sometimes you have to let things happen!

  • Halley (Blunder Construction) September 11, 2010, 2:34 pm

    Note to self: Acquire bed trays so that I can eat breakfast in bed for the first time since approximately 1992. Need to make up for lost time!!

  • Tina September 11, 2010, 2:39 pm

    You can get that at TJMaxx?! I’m so on that.

    I love when the urge to write hits and the words just flow. Such an amazing feeling.

  • Ellen@FirednFabulous September 11, 2010, 2:45 pm

    Writer’s block is the worst, but it’s also the BEST feeling when the ideas just start coming to you. Don’t feel guilty for taking a break or going to sleep…you obviously needed to! I’m glad you’re feeling inspired again 🙂

  • Wendy Irene (Give Love Create Happiness) September 11, 2010, 2:46 pm

    so glad you found your inspiration! 🙂

  • Debby September 11, 2010, 2:50 pm

    I’ve already tried a macadamia nut syrup of the same brand (the serve it with the coffee on the campus) and I liked it!

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward September 11, 2010, 3:00 pm

    I’m glad you got your mojo back 😉 and I can’t wait to hear all about the latest proposal!

  • Amber K September 11, 2010, 3:08 pm

    It is definitely fall! I’m loving the cool weather.

  • Hilary September 11, 2010, 3:36 pm

    Enjoy the football game today but as a bucks fan I’m hoping for a different outcome.

  • Sana September 11, 2010, 3:49 pm

    I think that is what makes writing a book so special- when you get your “ah-ha” moment. Not that I have written a book or anything, but as a reader of many books I can feel the passion of the author when they write 🙂

    It’s nice that you document the struggle of writing, so that we know how hard you work for all your success.
    Thanks for inspiring us :)!

  • Stacey @ The Habit of Healthy September 11, 2010, 4:00 pm

    Ooh, I’ve never thougt of putting syrup on oatmeal but I bet it’s good. I’m glad you managed to get over your case of writers block and it’s nice to know that even for you it isn’t always easy to know what to write.

  • Marie September 11, 2010, 4:00 pm

    Living in New Hampshire, I can get the freshest maple syrup! It is so good, and a great addition to so many recipes. There is a sugar maple farm right down the road from our house, and I love stopping in each season for a fresh gallon of syrup. Raised in Georgia, I’d never had anything like this (most of the name brand pancake syrups are not the real deal). Now I can’t live without it!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) September 11, 2010, 4:08 pm

    Breakfast in bed. What a fun treat!

    And I’m the same way. Lately I’ve been all over hot oats and hot pumpkin spice lattes. I’m lovin’ the fall. 😀

  • Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels September 11, 2010, 5:17 pm

    I’m glad you were able to find some inspiration and write write write! I sometimes find that after a good nights sleep will really do the trick. If I can’t think of anything to write the night before, it just comes to me in the morning. Love it when that happens! 🙂

  • Shari September 11, 2010, 5:20 pm

    Is it not one of the best feelings when that spark of inspiration comes back and suddenly you can’t type out the ideas and thoughts fast enough? I’m always so interested to hear how other writers work through the block, whether they take a break to clear their mind or push through. It definitely seems like a process that’s unique for everyone. One thing’s certain, though – there’s nothing like having that burst of inspiration return!

  • Kelly September 11, 2010, 6:20 pm

    Yay for no more writers block!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin September 11, 2010, 7:22 pm

    Sometimes taking a break is one of the best cures for writer’s block! It feels so great when inspiration finally hits you. 😀

  • virginia September 11, 2010, 7:25 pm

    oooh, i’ve seen a bunch of syrups and the like at marshall’s/tj maxx but i haven’t ever looked at them close enough to see if there are flavors like hazelnut! imma have to do that soon, won’t i? 😉

  • Tay September 11, 2010, 9:31 pm

    How much is that syrup at TJmaxx? I can get it at Cost Plus for about $6, so was just wondering if it was cheaper and worth searching for!

    • Caitlin September 12, 2010, 10:06 am

      I think it was $4?

  • Nikki @ Balance and Moderation September 12, 2010, 12:12 pm

    Sounds like you need to get out on an adventure – do something crazy! Something you have never done before, something that is super exciting and has a healthy spin.

    On another note – love maple syrup on my oats – mmmmmmm – delish!

  • Chelsey September 12, 2010, 12:24 pm

    Awesome for no more writer’s block! I’m sure you were jsut emotionally overwhelmed by JUST having your book out this summer and traveling like crazy. I’m sure your next book will be awesome!

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