On Water #1

“Was it all a dream?” wondered Shasta. But it couldn't have been a dream for there in the grass before him he saw the deep, large print of the Lion's front right paw. It took one's breath away to think of the weight that could make a footprint like that. But there was something more remarkable than the size about it. As he looked at it, water had already filled the bottom of it. Soon it was full to the brim, and then overflowing, and a little stream was running downhill past him, over the grass.

“Shasta stooped and drank—a very long drink—and then dipped his face in and splashed his head. It was extremely cold, and clear as glass, and refreshed him very much. After that he stood up, shaking the water out of his ears and flinging the wet hair back from his forehead, and began to take stock of his surroundings.” C.S. Lewis, The Horse and His Boy

“They stood on a wet floor of polished stone, the doorstep, as it were, of a rough-hewn gate of rock opening dark behind them. But in front a thin veil of water was hung, so near that Frodo could have put an outstretched arm into it. It faced westward. The level shafts of the setting sun behind beat upon it, and the red light was broken into many flickering beams of ever-changing colour. It was as if they stood at the window of some elven-tower, curtained with threaded jewels of silver and gold, and ruby, sapphire and amethyst, all kindled with an unconsuming fire.” (Later) “…As he went by the cave-mouth he saw that the Curtain was now become a dazzling veil of silk and pearls and silver thread: melting icicles of moonlight.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers

Writing is an outpouring of life and one of my blog goals here is to share about all of it (the writing and the life going into it) in a very rounded way. Hence our subject for this week—water! Water brings with it all sorts of wonderful typological and metaphorical imagery, but today we’ll specifically be discussing drinking it down as a daily habit. *And disclaimer: I am not a doctor or medical advisor, simply a fellow being sharing some of my own experience!* 

When it comes to water I’ve heard all sorts of various, conflicting opinions—everything from drinking huge amounts to only drinking when you’re thirsty to drinking with meals to not drinking with meals to not drinking at all. 

Personally, I’ve found that remembering to drink a moderate amount (not all at once, but spread out over the day) keeps me energized and thinking more clearly (both hugely important on the writing front)! Problem is: I tend to forget and then rue the effects afterwards, so I’ve found it’s super helpful to have a water bottle to carry around or a quart jar (they’re both great for easily measuring your progress and taking a small mouthful in a hurry rather than forcing yourself to drink an entire cup if it’s not a liquid you find particularly exciting)!

So, with spring and summer upon us—and all those wonderful adventures on and off the writing front—do remember a good dose of water. Don’t overload, figure out what amount works best for you…but remember, it works marvels!

The opening quotes here are two of my favorites in literature. Do you have any favorite literary quotes on water and its vital refreshment?

Heidi Peterson is a lover of wide-spreading land, summer dust, white pounding waterfalls, and mountain tops; also of good dark coffee and rich stories. Most of all she's a lover of the One who is the Word, the Word made flesh. You can visit her additional blog (where she shares more about books, movies, and further marvels of life) at: Along the Brandywine.

Visit and contact at: Sharing the Journey // Along the Brandywine // ladyofanorien(at)gmail(dot)com