A week ago I reached a stopping point in one of my major summer writing projects. I took the opportunity to get away from the computer. I put most of my other writing aside to focus on some projects around the house. I ripped out some drywall and rewired and relocated some electrical boxes, and I sealed up the wall. I built a deck.

Taking a little wood and a little metal and building things is enormously and immediately satisfying in a way that writing things rarely is. That’s no great insight, but it’s useful to have the reminder now and then.