Cart WomanBy Barbara Jorgen Nance

Here I sit, quiet as a feather while the early morning light peeks through the blinds. I'm waiting for Cart Woman, the one who knows how to carry life forward on the long and winding road we all travel. I have a tablet of paper and my pencils all sharpened. I choose to write my column in long hand first, before typing it. There's something intimate and special about the time spent pondering with pencils in hand, a cup of hot coffee and my dogs at my side. Going straight to the computer just somehow seems a little impersonal to me. I've tried it to no avail. Yes, it would be faster, but I just can't pound the computer keys and ponder at the same time. I'll end up typing, but later on. Cart Woman just does not visit me in the presence of a machine.

My dogs, Zephyr and Lightning, play a big part in my writing as well. Once Cart Woman delivers an idea, I have to consult with someone that won't criticize or laugh at my pondering. Dogs come in handy for consulting on stories. Of course, their input is always positive and flattering. All you dog owners must know what I mean. Just ask your dog: GÇ£Do you think I'm fat?GÇ¥ or GÇ£Do you think I make all the right choices?GÇ¥ Dogs will always give you the answer you're looking for. Dogs are very wise indeed!

Well, here I go again, pondering right off the page. Pablo Picasso was once quoted as saying, GÇ£I begin with an idea and then it becomes something else.GÇ¥ I wonder if while Picasso pondered, he waited for Cart Woman to show up as well? Perhaps, we all wait for her under different circumstances and when she shows up, new ideas come with her. But none of us could ever imagine what she might deliver in her cart? So, keep a watchful eye out for Cart Woman entering your life.

Ponder On