Revision and remodel

When I was in college and wanted to avoid the hard work of studying for an exam or writing a research paper — I suddenly discovered that my bathroom was in desperate need of a deep and thorough cleaning. So, it should come as no surprise (although somehow it did) that since I’ve matured, so have my habits. Now that I am facing a major revision of my novel, I suddenly and desperately need to remodel the entire guest bathroom. I will not be dissuaded.

Unfortunately, my desires in remodeling are turning out to be as difficult to attain as the chapter revising. Is is just reflective of my brain patterns in general?

With the novel, I have tried to follow advice (believe me everybody has some and one must pick through for what will make the work better, not just different), and now I have reached the brick wall that forces me to turn a different direction. Do I go back to my original idea, and recast the voice of the protagonist? Or, do I stay where I am now and simply add more character depth and maybe more historical scenes and references? Do I set the whole darn thing aside and start on the next idea bubbling up?

With the bathroom, do I do the electrical first, or the toilet? And if I do the toilet should I get the round bowl so I have more room? But if I get the round bowl, I can’t get it in the color I need. Do I go with an older model toilet to get the round bowl and the right color, but sacrifice the original idea for a quality upgrade?

Well, you get the gist by now. I’ve been told, when you don’t know what to do you should do nothing until direction naturally comes to you. But there is that other school of thought that it’s best to stay in motion, keep the energy high so you are more receptive and more likely to be in the right place at the right time. Plus, my sister is coming for Christmas and I want my new bathroom by then. Never mind the questionable wisdom of spending that kind of money before Christmas!

Oh, bother. The thing is, I want what I want, and I want it all now. Somewhere back in time  I remember being in a kindergarten play, dressed up as a fairy princess with a magic wand, and I got to tap the toy soldier on the shoulder to make him suddenly come to life. I’m pretty sure that is the first and last time a magic wand has worked for me.  It has, in fact, turned into a toilet brush!