End of February...

No, I'm not going to say how fast this year is going... 

The past week has been super hectic and chaotic. Nothing major, just a constant flow of obligations and stuff--most of which are boring and you don't care about. 

We had Mr. B over the weekend. It was a chill and relaxed time. He got a break from his little brother, lots of outside time, and he earned a few bucks by cleaning out flower beds. He helped cook, wore out the dog, and made our grocery bill go up. Ha! Then, Sunday we took him home and hung out with both boys while their parents got a little break. Little B is a riot. 

This weekend is more craziness with multiple obligations. Little B, friends, and more friends. So much to look forward to, but oy! I'm still tired from last weekend! But this is where our calendar picks up steam, so it's going to be this way for a bit unless something changes. 

Needless to say, the writing has taken somewhat of a hit, but it'll come back around. I figured out where I went off rails and am in the process of correcting it. I also finally remembered to send the novella to the critique partners. So, nervously awaiting their comments on that. 

And that is about it...

Behave!

Mid-Week Check In

See? I'm trying! Ha!

Retreat was awesome. I ended the weekend at the halfway mark of my new book, which was amazing! (Of course, we won't talk about how I haven't done crap since coming home...) 

My ice maker died. I am so very sad. That Man has to take it apart to see if it can be fixed, but we're pretty certain it reached the end of life. It's been five years though, so that's not a terrible run. But now I need to find a new one. And a new blender since we fried ours. 

So Mother Nature is having a breakdown or something. Right now it's snowing. Tomorrow it's supposed to be in the 70's. And then the temps plummet over the weekend. It's no wonder everyone is sick right now. Our trees are trying to bud and my flowers are trying to grown. I mean, at this point, my vote is to just stick with the 70's temperature from here on out. 

And that's all I have...

Behave! 

Retreat: Day Three!

And Retreat is almost a wrap! We're in the final hours. 

No, I didn't post this morning because, really, how much do you care about how I slept and what I had for breakfast? Ha! 

Today has been writing, writing, and more writing. There were no adventures. Plus, damn. It's cold! 

I did manage to sleep in a little. And I smashed yesterday's word count into dust! Not by much, but I did beat it. I only have about 1,800 words to hit the halfway mark, which is my goal before I leave tomorrow. 

But for now, my brain is a little on the fried side. I am loving this story and how it's coming together. The words are flowing so well, but I've been marinating this one for a while. 

Oh and no nap today. Damnit! I had a plan, but lost track of time and the next thing I knew it was time to start my dinner. Oh well. I know I'll be in bed early tonight. I'm already feeling it. Ha! 

I probably won't post in the morning, but hopefully it won't be weeks and weeks until I get back here. 

These retreat days have been excellent and exactly what I've needed in my writing world. Though, sadly, this will be our last retreat for this year. I was already on the probably no more because of trying to cut expenses, but one of our members officially cut herself out for the rest of this year. I mean, it is what it is and we'll pick it back up next year. 

And that is all! 

Behave! 

Retreat: Day Two! Evening!

What a stellar day! Oh! And it's also Feel Good Friday! So let's do that!

1. Hitting a grand total of 12,006 words for today! I am loving this new story and it's flowing so well! I hope to get at least that tomorrow, which would put me around the halfway point. 

2. Our little trip to the outside world for fudge, cookies, and hot pepper jelly. The place was pretty cool, though most of the shops were still closed. We wanted to go in between rain sessions, so we hit it early. I could have spent a ton more money, but I reigned myself in. Ha! I didn't partake in the fudge or cookie part of it, but I did get the hot pepper jelly and some mango salsa. And some cool wax melts. And some cool coffee. 

3. Trying to take a nap. I did try. I might have nodded off for like ten minutes. It was still good and the option to nap is awesome. The best thing is that I have that option tomorrow as well! Ha! 

4. Drawing the lucky straw and getting the master bedroom. Though it's only a master while I'm sleeping. If I'm up, then the bathroom is free for anyone to use. Though this decision was based on how many times each of us gets up to pee during the night. And that's what made me the winner. Ha! But it's nice not to have to put pants on every time I need to get up. 

5. So much talking and laughing going on! It's good for refilling the well, especially with people who don't think I'm super weird. 

6. One more day of retreat! I'll head home Sunday morning. We have a long standing social obligation with friends on Sunday. Though because I'll just be coming home, the option to opt out is there. We'll see. So far I'm still a go. 

And that's about it. I am currently hating the wind and the dropping temperature, but I'm hoping that means a better night of sleep. 

Behave! 

Retreat: Day Two! Morning!

Good Morning from Retreat!

Here I am setting in my spot on the couch, drinking coffee, chatting, and listening to the horse and buggy's go by. And yes, my manuscript is open and I'm getting ready to write.

I slept okay. Had to get up and open a window, but that's just me. Was up far earlier than I wanted to be, but that just means a nap will be well deserved later. It's raining right now, which is nice. Makes my position on the couch even more cozy. You know and the fact that my only actual requirement today is writing. 

I managed over 3K words on my new manuscript! So, yeah, that's going well so far. 

We have plans to head down to the local farmer's market in a bit. Little field trip. Hopefully that's cool. 

That's all for now!

Behave!

Retreat! Day One!

Well, here we are at retreat! I haven't been on retreat since last May!

But here I am! I already have my couch seat picked out. It's a recliner and it's very comfy. We haven't picked bedrooms yet since one of us isn't here yet, but food is put away, the heat is on, and writing will commence shortly. 

Right now it's a lot of talking, which is normal. Yeah, we all saw each other on Saturday, but we were busy, so it's not the same. I think the last time I saw everyone together like this was last May, so...

Getting ready to start a new project. I even have notes! 

That's it for this first update...

Behave! 

Oof!

Sorry for the long silence! 

Now we're halfway through February! How does that happen? I mean, I know how it happens, but still! Time is flying!

So what's been going on? 

1. I finished the novella! Yay! It's going for critiquing very soon. 

2. The annual booksigning at the greenhouse happened this past weekend. Always a lot of fun! I sold a few books, got to see my writing friends, and my sister and bestie came out to support me. 

3. Normal day job craziness. It's all good. Nothing too stressful or insane. 

4. Getting to hang with the grand boys. They are fun and definitely wear us out, but it's so worth it! 

5. Writing retreat commencing in just two days! It's been a minute since I've been to one. I'm looking forward to it! (This is why I haven't sent my novella to my critique partners. Retreats are for doing your own stuff, not critiquing someone else's work) I plan to start a new story while there, and then I will try to balance edits with new writing. 

6. Looking forward to warmer weather. I mean, I know it's pretty danged warm for February right now. Since it doesn't appear we're going to get any significant snow, it's time for Spring! We're trying to figure out our vegetable garden situation. The squirrels ate ALL of our tomatoes last year, so I don't think we'll be planting them this year. Also, the little peckers dug up my rosemary bush that I've had for three years. We'll probably end up with a lot of peppers of all varieties and some herbs. I'm sad about no tomatoes, but it's not worth the frustration. I tried everything to keep them off the plants last year and nothing worked. 

I think that's about it!

Behave!