Monday 4 April 2011

A Cup of Cocoa

during those 'awful wonderful early days..' (A few thoughts for fellow graduates / interns.)

I read this article by Al Kennedy, called 'The Best Gift for a Writer is a Good Reader and a cup of cocoa;' I found it very comforting, not that I am trying to build my career as a writer - but I am trying to build my career. So I have picked out the universal sentiments from the article which everyone might appreciate...

I particularly wish to highlight his mention of the tender solace of a cup of cocoa. For just one moment, in between the restless feelings and the erosion of your soul; the ritual of making a cup of cocoa, or indeed making it for someone else, is a reassuring little lighthouse, beaming hope.

Above all else; it's nice to know you're not the first to battle through those frightful hours when you wake up, wide eyed, at 5.30am and ask 'what in the name of sanity am I doing!?' - And, you certainly won't be the last.


'I was more often disappointed than not, but I was also learning that I cared about this. I cared so much that I would start again after every sad envelope flopped in, write something else, forget that it hurt to be knocked back.'

'You're flinging out the best love letters you can, you're breaking your heart and no one's answering, but on you go regardless –'


And of course, a wonderful sentiment for when you are feeling sick with anxiety:
'...he read my material while I felt nauseous. Then he showed me how to make cocoa. Thinking back on it, making cocoa is probably all he could think of to do with someone who was clearly a ball of pure tension and liable to cry, if not faint, at any moment.'

(The image is linked, read the full article here, at The Guardian online.)

18 comments:

  1. As I am knee deep in dissertation, this made me really smile!
    x

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  2. ah, my mum really rates A L Kennedy! My mum is on a graduate writing course and A L Kennedy is one of her tutors.

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  3. I like that a lot and I just might try it tomorrow morning:) happy Monday, sunshine

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  4. Loved this post.
    Lovely blog :)xx

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  5. love these words-"I cared so much I would start again" sums up my life right now, nice to know others feel the same!

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  6. I love this photo. looks so cozy :)

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  7. i am also knee deep in dissertation work...the bit about waking up at 5 summit really made laugh. i do it all the time.

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  8. mmm "the tender solace of a cup of cocoa." I love how things like that can bring such comfort in stressful times!

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  9. mmmm, a cup of cocoa always does wonders, and I love it!

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  10. A cup of cocoa sounds divine!

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  11. What a lovely and simple story. Great post.

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  12. pretty, pretty words! you put it so well. i like the picture you chose, too. (:

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  13. Lovely post :) I'd probably replace the cocoa with a big mug of tea but same thing. It is terribly comforting xx

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  14. that is comforting. and i have those moments of questioning my sanity quite frequently...i might substitute the cocoa for tea tho. :)

    helen :}
    the daily nook

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  15. Exceptionally well constructed post.

    You displayed the esoteric cognitive and condundrums that we all face. Thank you putting words to the worldless emotions even I struggle with describing.

    Cordially,
    Raulston

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  16. it's so great to read this and know EXACTLY what he's talking about (And to not feel so alone!).
    great post!
    xo

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  17. I really enjoyed reading this, very inspirational. Thanks for sharing!

    mjaguilera.blogspot.com

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