An Unexpected Sabbatical: Shadesbreath's Challenge
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The Challenge
Since I am not a terribly prolific writer, it is not unheard of for me to take 'sabbaticals' from time to time. Actually, I read far more than I write. And, I babysit. Call me boring.
No, call me Laurel.
And so when Shadesbreath challenged Hubbers to write a Hub in 30 minutes this evening, I figured this was as good a time as any to stick it to my so-called writer's block and come out swinging. Here goes!
Be forewarned, however, there is absolutely nothing of educational value here-don't look for profundity, please! Proceed with mindless caution.
A Bit of This
What is a Hub? Why on earth spend 30 minutes of your precious time concocting something meaningful when you have absolutely nothing to say? Because the Shadyman offered up a challenge. Okay, this is already an exercise in fluff, in absurdity-an existential nightmare. But I am a huge sucker for anything Sartre. Or, better, anything Kierkegaard.
Is this strange enough yet? I am sufficiently confused at this point and hopefully you are as well.
Oh, yeah. This is supposed to be a rant. What shall I rant about? Any suggestions? Since I can't seem to hear you, I guess I'm left to come up with something all by myself. All right, how about the scourge of morons on the face of this planet? I am speaking particularly of those individuals who insist that their views on life and love, humanity and existence are the only truths we need to adhere to.
How's about a thunderous religious zealot?
A Bit of That
Oh, rats!! "Fight Club" just came on the tube and I've been meaning to watch it. I've been told it's my kind of movie, a superior 'mind-f*ck.' I am a sucker for tightly wound psychological films. Okay, so I am trying to follow the story while writing a Hub. Hmm. Anyone following this?? I thought not...
I wonder how the HubPages algorithm will score such a meaningless, pointless piece of writing. Writing? Blathering, perhaps, but I'm not sure I'd call this writing. Aw, hell, sure it's writing. Stream of consciousness verbosity. Lugubrious to the Nth degree
"I wonder what the word count is," I just thought to myself. But, steadying myself, I refused to look. It's none of my business how many words I've penned, I am here only to produce. Drivel counts.
This movie IS f*cking with my piteous mind. Saturday night, fight night. Edward Norton is one helluvan actor. And tell me he's not extremely easy on the eye.
So what's next?
And What on Earth Was That In Between?
Ahh, sheer nothingness. It appears my strange brain has come full-circle to touch once again on the existentialist point of view. I wouldn't say this was Kierkegaardian, or even along the lines of Jean Paul. Nietszhe (sp?) comes to mind, certainly.
There is nothing left to say.
My 30 minutes have passed.
It's been, umm, tiring.
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See, I'll tell you what this hub will do for you. It will show people who you are. This hub is real, spontaneous, an ephemeral moment of youness. It's awesome. Four or five of us now know you better. That's worth something. It is to me anyway.
(And I just put that move on netflix. I haven't seen it again since the first time I watched it and I wasn't in the mood when I did. I hpe its as cool as they say. I'm actually looking forward to watching it from a different place in life.)
Hey Laurel, this was quite funny. That's what the Instant Hub Challenge is all about. Streaming conscious thought while writing. Sometimes the adrenaline gets pumping and the mind goes blank at the begin. I mean, I've started some hub just on a thought and then next thing I know the thought is complete done. It does take some practice. :) Thank you for participating in the Instant Hub Challenge. :)
Hey, Lorlie. Well done. I knew not of a contest. Perhaps I'll write something...ugh. Anyway, you did good. Sometimes a ramble can say so much!
A rather "Joycian" hub that reveals more than you realize, Laurel! I enjoyed it!
lorlie6, congratulations on your return from sabbatical! I hope this is the start of a new prolific time for you!
Hey, your sabbaticals are pretty powerful and count for more than you think! And your thirty minute hub made a great hit with the logos rhythmns! Your score is 99! Congrats. We got to read "pure" you for those thirty minutes, as someone else already commented.
Off the top. Love it, Lorlie. Of course you said nothing, and simultaneously, you said a lot. I think it is called Kirkesartesgard!! lol. I love those guys. Used to live next door to them when I was drinking!!
Vern
Ha! Ought to do that more often...my turn? Pues, OK. At least it kept you partially away from lousy movies! Bob
Lorlie6,
It is kind of nice to find you through this 30 minutes, challenge! I love your rant! and reading through it.
I love fightclub too!
Hey Lorlie , we have missed you ,you know!
I bet you could write this in 29 minutes! God bless Laurel!
Ha, liked it! Hope you watch Fight Club in its entirety, without commercials!
Fun and different, these 30 minute challenges, aren't they? You did well, Lorlie - better than my efforts in the past.
Glad to see you back. Sometimes a sabbatical is well needed. I haven't come across this challenge yet, but sounds like my kind of challenge. As for the movie, I seen it when it first came out. It wasn't too back for a mind twister.
Terrific exercise in writing and curing writer's block. It feels so good, doesn't it?
I could have taken the challenge, but my problem is that, although it takes me no more than 30 minutes to write most of my hubs, it takes me 3 hours or more to insert capsuls (photo, text, links, etc), so I am out. It must be an easier way to do it, but for right now I am f*ed by technology - big time.
I read this morning Christophers rant and I am almost sure it was part of the challenge, Keep going, guys!
Laurel nice to see you back and so spontaneously with a 30 minute challenge, it always amazes me what we all can rant at any given moment. I could sit on the shitter and describe in detail how the glue on the paper roll pisses me off when I try to unroll a few slabs without it tearing to shreds in my hand.
Due to this frigging glue they used on new rolls, or how my Tabby cat rolls on the floor between my legs wanting me to throw a piece of ass wipe in the air so she can jump at it and roll with it on the floor:0) and then goes to the locked toilet door and scratches to get out while I'm still pulling my drawers up:0))
Yup spontaneous thoughts can come quickly no matter where we are sitting. he he he....good job, I loved your story. Welcome back my friend...Hugs
Congratulations! "vacations" are good!
Lol! I enjoyed your thoughts about ‘this and that’. I am also a sucker for intense psychological films. Hugs from me to you.
Hi Susy! I'm going to have to watch the film again, I couldn't concentrate on the premise while writing, so I'm not sure what was going on-'tis a hard movie to follow if you've missed the first part!
@Shades-Thanks for noticing my me-ness. I've never dared expose myself this way before. Only you could get me in that sort of mood...Love you, dearest!
@Cagsil-I honestly needed something like this to get out of my present writing funk. 'Twas a blast!
@Hey there, St. Louis pal 'o mine! I just may do this to get 'in touch' with my inner idiocy.
Loved the weirdness. ;)
@Habee-"Joycian?" I think it's more like "nothing in her head whatsoever!" Haha, thanks for coming by!
@Hi Betty-I sure hope so! Thanks for putting up with me...It's good to be back. :)
@Vern-Don't you adore them existential dudes? On a side note, when I was a child-who didn't drink, YET ;)-I actually lived across the street from Henry Miller! Not exactly a philosopher, but quite the author back then! Thanks for commenting, my friend!
@Hi Bob-I sure had fun writing these 440 words. It's mighty interesting to re-read it. What was I thinking? Weird, weird, weird. But I think I'll do it again, that's for sure!
@cookingdiva-You're such a sweetheart for reading my drivel! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks again!
@ahorseback-Thank you so very much! I've been taking that sabbatical and reading my California butt off. Terrible books, but I need to read crap once in a while-makes me feel like a quality writer, you know? :)
@Micky Dee-Next time I'll do it in 29, just for you!
@Mikeydoes, I'm going to watch Fight Club without trying to write. That did not work at all!
@Hi Wilderness-'Different' is right, I am looking forward to my HubScore on this one. Guaranteed to be the worst ever!!
@tipoague-This challenge was spontaneously put up on the forums last night by Shadesbreath. At least I think it was spontaneous. He's probably my favourite Hubber, so I shamelessly do whatever he suggests. Maybe you should start another challenge-If I see it, I'll be sure to join in!!
@breakfastpop-You bet it feels good! Thanks for coming by!
@Petra-The great thing about this challenge was that photos, etc., could be added later. That would have really slowed me down. Good to see you!
@saddlerider-Your words are always so welcome! The toilet paper scenario is terribly familiar. My cats do the same exact thing. I find those cardboard dealies all over the house!
Creatures!! ;)
@Hey, dallas! Vacation? I can't even afford to stay at home! ;) Haha, I stole that line from somewhere...Anyhow, thanks for coming by to comment.
@Martie-You and I are quite the pair. Thanks for reading and paying attention to the wee titles! I have loads of fun with those. See you soon!
You made it fun to read, so three cheers!
Thanks so much, sheila! I appreciate the read, especially since it makes absolutely NO sense!!
Haha, rambling minds, my kind of gal. Now I want to write something, thanks for the encouragement.
What a delightful and light hearted read that brought a smile to my tired face. So glad you took the shady challenge. Peace and Love :)
Hi SteveoMc-You know, it was really quite liberating to publicly filet my own brain! I did enjoy the process and am having fun re-reading the thing. Thanks so much for the visit.
katiem2-I'm very happy that this silliness was welcome. Try it sometime-you'll like it!
Promise!
Laurel that really was a great read. Getting off topic, off track and letting your subconscious mind do the writing can have a powerful affect on the outcome for the reader. So sorry I missed the challenge but well done to you.
I've done two of these myself, Laurel, so my hat's off to you. Heck, you even mentioned two of the world's greatest philosophers! I like this candid look inside Laurel world myself. It's a nice place to hang out. Cheers!
Well done, Laurel...you rose well to the challenge! :)
Hi Karanda-This was a real ball to write, I appreciate the visit. You know, it was sort of a spontaneous challenge in the forums started by Shadesbreath-I couldn't help myself, it was freeing!
@wordscribe-I imagine those 2 philosophers are rattling around in my attic, just begging for attention. Those guys! Nice to know they're sticking around!
@Feline-I thank you for taking a look at my meanderings! Weird tends to rule in my head.
Thanks for coming by.
I loved this! What a wonderful piece Laurel! I think love you :-)
Great hub. Stream of conscious seems to be your forte.
Namste.
Hey, De Greek! I KNOW I love you!
Deborah, thanks so much-maybe I'll do this again!! I didn't expect anyone to come by. I appreciate the feedback.
Gee Laurel, for a minute there I thought you dozed off and missed most of the movie. This reminds me of some of those over-energized pieces I have written in the past which seemed to be driven by my inner demons rather than my writers' muse. It's like painting on canvas...nobody ever said it had to make sense to be valuable. Who knows, this may be the one that gets you published! LOL! WB
Nice work, L! I've done one of these quite a while back. Not that easy...you did a great job and wrote funny, interesting stuff. *thumbsup*
Published? Wouldn't that be a hoot! You have it right, Wayne, the muse is probably the one on sabbatical, and those inner demons are messing with my head.
But hey, that's better than nothing, don't you agree? ;)
Thanks for the read!
Hi MB! Glad you stopped by, I need to get out of this damned constipation of the writing brain. I just may write a couple more, though I'm not sure if anybody will read them...
Glad for the visit!
LOL at constipation as a descriptor... I heard that! Maybe you and I should do our own unique hub challenge? I've got errands in a bit but I'll be back and find ya online somewhere this eve... (yep, you can take that as a warning or a threat haha j/k)
Sounds great! I look forward to hearing from you later on! I love threats, keep 'em coming...;)
Yes, but who do you like best? Cheyenne Body or Ed Norton? and sense I may never visit this hub again, just mull it over til you see me and MAYBE I'll remember what I asked!
I must choose Ed Norton! Who the hell is Cheyenne Body, anyway? I guess I didn't pay much attention to the movie-must rent it again. Since you're probably not going to read this, I'll just say thanks, and Merry Christmas!
Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy ,healthy, and prosperous New Year. My specialty is the verbose and befuddled rant. you picked up the gauntlet of a challenge and have therefore succeeded. Cheers.
Bless ya, sligobay! You're a sight for sore eyes.
Verbosity is one characteristic I need to work on-as you can see, I've only written 33 (?) hubs!
I do excel in befuddlement-perhaps we can stroll Bufuddlement Bay arm and arm.
Have a marvelous holiday season!
Befuddlement Bay has just given me a metaphor for 'brain freeze' that I had been seeking for a poem. You've now joined the ranks of my many 'Amusing Muses' at Hub Harbor.
I'm honored, sligobay! In Befuddlement Bay, I seem to wade and wander without purpose. Same for you?
Thanks for the visit!
Laurel - Merry Christmas Day -
We are always purposeful though not always aware of our purpose.
When we wade, we seek to feel the sand or stones beneath our naked feet and the stream's current or ocean's surf lapping lazily against our legs. It is our purpose to experience the moisture and flow without immersion in the depths.
When we wander, we seek to experience newness through exploration. We seek release from trodden path and the routine and freedom from our fears of misdirection and liberty.
Even when there is no apparent purpose for ourselves,we remain poised to satisfy and fulfill an even greater universal purpose for which we were motivated to wade or wander. Our purpose is not always known or revealed to us.
We are all 'intended' to be where we are until we are 'intended' to be elsewhere in time and space.
Felice Navidad, mi amigo.
Thanks for coming by again, sligobay. I wrote my last comment with a bit of the old tongue in cheek, but I appreciate your words!
Have a joyous new year!
Live long and prosper. I read your tongue in cheek but wading, wandering and purpose offered three delicious morsels of inspiration for me. Have a great New Year and keep that bit o tongue in cheek for midnight. Cheers.
Will do, sweet man! The same to you!
Happy New Year, Lorlie. I loved this Hub. I'm not sure I could ever write something so interesting in that short of time. Your writing is always real and that's what it's all about.
You're too kind, suziecat! It was a fun exercise, that's for sure!
Thanks for coming by.
I have got to say that was entertaining! And funny. Now I have to go find an Edward Norton movie to watch, because I do love him so. Well not love, but like. Seriously this hub is delicious.
Aw shucks, crazybeanrider, thanks so much!
I did enjoy writing down all the drivel in my head.
Thanks for the visit!
OMG, just had to check back, did you watch Fight Club? He is amazing in this film and talk about a head thriller. I just know you loved it! This is the type of movie I love as well, a real thinker! Deep stuff and one you can watch over and over again! And I'm not one to do that unless it's REALLY worthy! :) Katie
Hi katiem-I'm afraid I was trying to multi-task far too much, so I didn't really follow the film closely enough. But since I've been told Fight Club is my kind of movie, I intend to rent it and NOT write at the same time!!
Thanks for checking back in!
Just enjoying another read. You've made a hub in 30 mins. I'm working on one for days. God bless lorlie!
Hey Micky-I just had to try this, 'cause I've been 'stuck' for weeks without writing a thing. Ouch.
Glad to see you're still hubbing, friend!
I enjoyed reading this and I am smiling away.
Best Wishes, lovely Lady. :)
Thanks for coming by, Elena!
Maybe there will be a new TV show called 30 Minute Authors and you will be the star. Sort of like Rachel Ray only not so much garlic. Really! I'd watch it.
My only quotes from Kierkegaard come from Wayne's World. "To label me is to negate me." Or was it Three Stooges? Anyhow, loved your entry into the challenge.
I want and need another break, but must complete my project first. You're awesome anyway girl. xox CC
That was truly felt as I read. What a wonderful spout of nothing. Hats off to this.
Hi Peg-30 minute authors? Cool idea!
Thanks for the read and take good care.
Charlie-I do hope your break, you deserve it.
Love to you, mister!
christiansister, 'wonderful spouts of nothing' pretty much describes most of my Hubs! J/K!
Thanks for coming by!
I love personal hubs (like this one); the rants, the hanky hubs, the personal motivational hubs, the spiritual ones, and the rants. Maybe Google won't like them, but it's a great way to share yourself with the hub community.
Hi Dolores! What Google thinks is a mystery to me, and really doesn't make much of a difference to me! I love your term, 'Hanky Hubs!'
Thanks for the read!
I take sabbaticals every tax season as my mind must focus on my four (yes four) different jobs...I miss writing though and I have missed you too...!
Hugs
This is really fun to read and amazing. Stream of consciousness, for sure! funny how the mind works..and yours is working in really entertaining ways! I have always loved this kind of mindstream.
And, I'm with you on this one: " those individuals who insist that their views on life and love, humanity and existence are the only truths we need to adhere to." Wish I had more time to read each and every offering here and those of so many other really gifted writers. Thank you Lorlie... I'll keep on reading!!
You are too funny and dam I gotta look a word up. (lugubrious). You are a genius.
I did not see fight club - I just can't stand the thought of anyone fighting! I can't stand to even hear it. Normally I just plug my ears and Dave tells me when the hitting stuff is over. Ugh! I'm tempted to watch it now because I want to know what it's about.
HAHA-I LOVE lugubrious! That's one word never to forget...umm, greasy, eh? Genius? HAHA again. I give that to you, my dear! I am definitely NOT into fighting, but this is no film about fighting, it's really a mind-f*ck, if you know what I mean. ;) It is just a strange movie, kinda psychological. That's what I love-mess with my head and you get my personal Oscar!
You are such a trip - I was just reading one of your other hubs;) I am going to watch it now. I've heard it was really good but I hesitated because of the possibility of hearing things crunching:(! Like that show - scrubs. I heard I would love it but I just couldn't watch it - they showed too much gore! Lol. Terrible.
I love the psychological thrillers best! Especially if they keep you guessing until the end. I'll let you know how it is;)
I'm soooo curious which hub you're talking about, but I'll have to wait, huh? Ewww, 'crunching'? I hope not, don't recall putting that to my readers. I am not a fan of Scrubs, either-don't like the humor, sort of 'base' or something.
Do get back to me-I always check!! ;)
Oh I read the one honoring Anne Lamott too - I love her and I have Bird by Bird! Oh we would have been at the very same parties.
No - I didn't think you would be for the violent films - I had always thought because of the title that is what it was. I was curious because I bet I'll like it too. The crunching was in scrubs! I watched it for 5 minutes and never watched it again - there was crunching!
EEEEwww, I hate crunching, and those characters...but that's just me. Oh, Anne Lamott is the cat's a***, you already know! Did I ever tell you that I went to Webster College? Oh, yeah! And I grew up many summers in St. Jo, Mo? I feel a great love for Missouri and say it like the old timers-Miss-ou-ruw! Or something like that...Oh, sweet new friend, take good care.
I did not know you went to Webster - my mom graduated from there with her bachelors in Science and Nursing. That is a swanky college! I would have loved to go there but it was way to expensive for my blood!
I knew you spent summers in St. Joe - which isn't very far from where I live really. A couple of hours maybe?
Some say Miss our AH - some say Miss sour ee - I say Misery:) LOL
Oh, California can be misery-really!!
And I did not know that Webster's was so swanky. I guess I was one of those spoiled keeds. ;)
Maybe you should try to write an inane hub, they take hardly any time at all to write.
Hi P.P. (or is that rude? ;)) Anyway, check out my new one if you wish-it's even 'inaner.' LOL
Yeah Webster got to be one of the very expensive and IN colleges to go to. Dave used to play softball on a company team that played at Webster:) good times girlfriend!
Ha ha ha what a funny way of relieving stress. Glad i could read through your mind as you wrote this funny, awesome and pain relieving hub. Bravo
WryLilt Level 2 Commenter 17 months ago
Good job! And I love fight club!