Tuesday, June 26, 2007

a writer's bed

van Gogh

In the current issue of Poets and Writers (sorry, article not on line), Tova Mirvis discusses writers who habitually wrote/write in bed, among them, Mark Twain, James Joyce, Edith Wharton, Colette and Mirvis herself. This appeals to me.

I love being in bed: I could easily spend my life moving (languidly) between bed and the garden, making necessary stops at the kitchen and the bathroom. I have written in bed, though it isn't my habit. Now I'm thinking, why not? The fact that my back gets sore can be remedied with sufficient pillows. I have a wooden lapdesk from Levengers which Jim got me a Christmas or two ago (and which I use daily--for eating in front of the TV, watching The Daily show!) But why not actually mix work with pleasure, dreams with consciousness--and do so wearing pajamas!

I am writing this from bed now. I had a colonoscopy today and am groggy from anesthesia. But really, I'm using an available excuse to be where I most love to be. I'm thinking I should do this (sans colonoscopy) more often.

5 comments:

SusanD said...

Anything is better in bed. Recover quickly, though, so you can really enjoy the bed.

Liesl said...

I find myself in fine company in that case.

The view from my be brings hoepoes, hadedahs, mynahs, starling, finches, and the wicked parrot.

Bed is definitely my favourite writing spot.

Maryanne Stahl said...

good to know. if bed produces writing such as yours, it is clearly the place to be!


love to see a pic of the wicked parrot.

Huh? said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Huh? said...

A colonoscopy? Oh, Maryanne, what an vexing thing that is. I hope all is well in Thunderbolt.

Love,
Gary B