Pushmi-Pullyu

Do you remember that strange beast from Dr. Doolittle movie (the original one from the 60s with Rex Harrison) -- the llama-like beastie with a head at both ends? This poor creature could never tell which way was a step forward, nor which was a step back. In fact, taking steps at all in any direction was a major event. There are many, too many, days when I can relate to the Pushmi-Pullyu only too well.

How does one know which way to go? Is a step in this direction the one that will lead somewhere new or interesting, or is it one that just takes the safe route, the one that didn't lead anywhere? If you think about it too much, of course, you never get anywhere at all.

So, today I embark on a path - forward, I hope - testing myself to see if I can write something like a blog in a consistent manner. Maybe if I can keep it up. I'll get that novel that's hovering in the back of my head actually written, too.

Why the name "lance and quill"? Funny you should ask because, like the pushmi-pullyu, it represents two ways of going. The saying goes, "the pen is mightier than the sword", but in my world the quill (pen/computer) may not prove to be mightier than the lance, which for me symbolizes my life as a horsewoman, riding coach, member of a ceremonial cavalry squadron.

One career path has just more or less ended -- that of a business-to-business magazine editor. It's hard to imagine in these "tough economic times" (gawd I hate that phrase), but I wonder what other paths might be in front of me to explore ....