I’m starting off fierce fancy today, with a Latin quote from St Augustine, Solvitur ambulato, meaning “It is solved by walking.” As a writer, when I go for a walk, I’m meant to waft along on clouds of meaning and all the knots in my brain will untie themselves.
This has never happened yet.
Journeys and Destinations
I go walking with my husband and dog. Many people regard walking their dog as the highlight of their day. For our dog, it’s all about the journey, not the destination,
Ten yards out the gate, she stops for a sniff. Another ten yards and she stops to do her business. And on it goes like that. I’m meant to seize the opportunity to stop and smell the roses, and appreciate life’s simple joys. I just smell petrol fumes.
It may be about the journey, but I’d really prefer if I reached my destination faster.
‘Interesting’ Sights and Sounds
I’m also meant to feast my eyes on nature. I live right by the sea so there’s no excuse. But I turn inwards, entranced by the furnace in my brain.
Photo Description: Here’s a pic of Tramore Beach. In the distance, you can see me with Husband, dog and another walker. I’m in the middle; the dog is on the left. Photo Credit: Sheila Gaughan.
Right so, I say to myself, I’ll tune into what I hear. What I hear speaks to me more than what I see. But when I tune in, I don’t hear birdsong or crashing waves.
All I hear is the rumble of car engines and a delivery driver bawling into a speakerphone. “Right, I’ll be there in two minutes?”
Where’s The Inspiration?
We stop for chats. Ah, contact with my fellow human beings. Surely this will make my spirit soar. But after three or four different weather reports, mixed in with some half-baked economic analysis (sometimes my own!) I want to scream with boredom.
When I arrive home, I take refuge in my desk. Nothing has been solvitured. But at least I’ve been able to write this piece.