Photo by moria.
I have this old, ugly, dirt brown sweater that I have handed down from my grandfather or uncle. I absolutely love this sweater, and I’m pretty certain that it helps my writing.
If you saw the sweater yourself, you might match the type to one a kindly old college professor would wear. (At least, that’s what I associate it with.) Admittedly, you wouldn’t see this sweater on many twenty-somethings, but that’s beside the point.
I noticed recently that aside from the warmth, the sweater makes me feel smart. Really smart. I have no idea why, other than to say that the sweater allows me to role play as an academic, if that makes sense. I’m fairly certain I’ve seen a picture of C.S. Lewis with this exact style of sweater, leaning on a cane. Writing is easier when I have this sweater on, and it gives me an extra confidence with my words that I sometimes don’t have without the sweater.
Yeah, yeah… I’m a nutcase.
I’ll be the first to admit that this is totally a psychological thing. Does the sweater really help my writing? Absolutely not. But it gives me an edge, a bit of confidence. I wear the sweater to feel smart, because I equate the sweater with smart people.
I wonder how often we use things like sweaters to gear us up, to get us ready to perform that extra bit better? Do sweatbands really help basketball players control sweat-related issues? I’ve worn sweatbands and I’ve noticed the same, ungated amounts of sweat pouring from my over-sized glands. They don’t help with the sweat. But they DO give you a bit of security to someone who’s played with them forever. Football receivers wear gloves. Chef’s wear those poofy hats. Ever read the book or seen the movie The Natural? Robert Redford’s character can’t hit without his bat Wonderboy.
I wear an old, brown sweater.
We all have or use psychological accessories that allow us to compete or work at a higher level. What about you? What’s your ugly, brown sweater?
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{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
I don't have something like this.. but reading this post, i wish i had!
I am reminded of an old (from some points of view) song by Eskimo Joe called sweater.
I found it on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgaVa-BvOFA
it's not Rick Astley, I swear! (But I should probably give a slight language warning as the Album version has at least one instance of “language” in the lyrics and I'm not in a position to check whether it is edited out in this live TV version)
Joe
I completely empathize. Whatever it takes to get you to perform is worthwhile, even if it means looking stupid for a day or following a strange ritual or whatever.
I perform better when I follow somewhat of a routine. When I dress well. When I eat sushi. Stuff like that. Oh, and I used to wear this green velvet jacket around in college days and, I think I might put that old top hat of mine on now…
My “ugly brown sweater” is late 70's and early 80's rock through my headphones. Rush, Ozzy, Van Halen, etal…
And just reading the first few lines of this post I got scary flash backs to Donald Sutherland in Animal House.. Please tell me that isn't the scene at your home..
Mine is a fountain pen. Yes I can type, and fairly faster than most people, but still when I want to write fiction, there is nothing to me but the fountain pen and the moleskine.
So I understand you. Any nuts to spare? :)
I make it a habit to look stupid on a daily basis. It's actually not as hard as some would believe ;)
If you put on the top hat, please, PLEASE post pictures. That will be my creative inspiration for the day ;)
No, no Animal House. Not yet :)
Sorry, fresh out of spareable nuts ;)
You totally owe me for this.
http://flickr.com/photos/dancingwithwords/31818...
Or better context: http://flickr.com/photos/dancingwithwords/20637...
HAHAHA! AWESOME! :)
It is a temptation…I would like to have an old brown sweater…
What if – the difference between _really_ being able to write – and not – was exactly your state of mind – the inner view – the person you choose to be wearing this sweater. Does the sweater _really help your writing? Absolutely!
Hi Glen
I don't think there is anything odd about it. It's part of the experience.
I wish I had an old brown sweater…
Juliet
I agree 100% with Michael (first comment). What if the difference between “really” being able to write and not is your state of mind? If the sweater helps your state of mind, which it does, then OF COURSE the sweater helps your writing. Cool topic!
Well, it sorta looks like the Hemingway sweater. Of course it makes you feel smart!
I'm totally with you on this one Glen. This makes me feel better about wearing my slippers. They are so old school my grandfather would be embarrassed to wear them, but man they are comfortable!
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