Breakfast was finished. Laundry sorted, and I’m putting the first load in the washer.
“I think I’ll walk over and check on the blackberries.” That was my husband calling out from the family room.

“If you’ll wait until I’m finished here, I’ll wander over with you.”

And off we went fairly early this morning. Our wandering takes us just around the corner from our house. The blackberries grow wild along the perimeter of the land on which sits the saddest house in the neighborhood. No one has ever seemed to love it, and vines have grown up over some windows and doors. It sits vacant. Its elderly owner unable to live there any longer. She refuses to sell.

But the blackberries are not daunted. As most of us know, wild blackberries are tenacious and grow usually where you don’t want them. White blossoms could be seen before we hit the bottom of the hill. The sun glinted on berries, red and black, and some not tinged with color yet.

On this morning, we find their transformation underway from buds and blossoms to red berries turning to black. Not quite read by a taste test taken while checking out the quantity.

“Another day or two of this sunny weather, and they’ll be pie ready.” My husband smiles and nods in agreement as he pops just one more berry in his mouth.

We turn and walk down the road, taking the long way home.

Why am I sharing this with you?

Since early morning I had tried to write, but nothing was coming to the fingers and keys I manipulated. That’s when I stopped to sort the laundry.

Returning from our berry walk, I resumed my place at the desk in front of my laptop. And suddenly the fog cleared and mental clarity struck. I began writing, and soon it was coming together on the screen.

Clearing the head, exercising the body, breathing fresh air combine to make for a good restart to your writing. Try it the next time you’re stuck.

* * *

“If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to ­music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don’t just stick there scowling at the problem.”

~ Hilary Mantel