---

“A Penny for your Thoughts.”

Well… my short (but sweet) attempt to keep up with the 2023 #bloganuary challenge came to an abrupt stand still when I thought about the question that was posed on January 6th…

Why do you write?

What I wanted to say is that I write because I have something to say, but as I sat at the keyboard, racking my brain for the best way to say that – be it witty, profound, or even the slightest bit interesting or entertaining – nothing (and I mean NOTHING) came to mind. 

I kinda realized that if I was having trouble answering the question as to why I write, then maybe that explains why I have a hard time sticking with writing challenges – whether it be the #bloganuary challenge or even those that I impose upon myself quite often. 

In being more introverted than extroverted… I have learned that when I am asked a question and need to respond quickly – on the spot – the words that tend to come out are nothing like what I would say if I’d been given more time to think about the question.

I need HOURS, or perhaps even DAYS. I just cannot think on demand.

My thoughts reminded me of the old idiom “a penny for your thoughts,” and it also made me realize that if I’m going to take the time to sit down and write… with the idea in mind that others are going to take the time to sit down and read… then isn’t it in everyone’s best interest for me to take my time and actually say something that is worthwhile? (or at least witty, profound, or even the slightest bit interesting or entertaining)

I don’t know. A penny isn’t much these days (in fact, I think it actually takes 2 cents to make one), but it’s a great metaphor to use when sitting down to write. Before tapping on those keys mindlessly, maybe I need to ask myself this… “What are these thoughts worth?”

So… although I came up with no real answer to the prompt… I was inspired to create an image that depicted how I was feeling. I’ve been sitting on the idea for a week now because I’ve been dog sitting, but I was finally able to finish it and I just love the idea of expressing my thoughts on the prompt through an illustration.

I have more to say (believe it or not) but I’ll save that for when I am back from the dog sitting adventure and able to concentrate. That being said, I’ll be back in a few days – later in the week.

In the meantime, thank you so much for taking the time to read (or view my illustration). I hope it was worth a penny!

-Janet