*This was supposed to go up yesterday. I'm not sure what happened!
First off, Happy Birthday to my oldest baby! It's difficult to wrap my head around the fact that he's 21 now. And about to become a daddy. I distinctly remember him being a baby, and quite honestly, it doesn't seem like it was that long ago. I don't feel any older, so how does this happen?
I know. I know.
Anyway.
We're back from our relaxing weekend in the wilds. It was wonderful. The weather was beautiful. The company awesome. The kids all had friends down either for the entire weekend, the afternoon, or just overnight and they had a blast. We hung with the family and friends and also had a blast.
There were geese, eagles, frogs, deer sightings, fish, turtles, tons of Mayflies, and the huge spider I stepped on while barefoot. My sister's dog caught two groundhogs, so there were two funeral services for said beasties.
Good sleeping, good eating, lots of laughter - Great weekend.
And now we're home again - with insanity looming on the schedule.
I want to go back.
Behave!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Feel Good Friday
Here we are at Friday again!
And here's the list:
1. Thankfully cooler temperatures. The past two days were nearly unbearable. I'm not ready for that kind of heat yet.
2. Catching up with one of my bff's. Though it meant being on the phone until midnight. It was worth it. I miss her.
3. Camping! Whoot! First campout of the season and I am so looking forward to it.
4. Changing my mind about what I'm working on. Again. Though I am very happy with my decision and I haven't abandoned the other ideas. I'm heavily editing/rewriting a story that I absolutely love - call it a modern Frankenstein story.
5. Strange cooking ideas that actual work out. Store brand brownie mix + a few packets of hot chocolate mix = awesome brownie cookies.
6. Being nearly ready to hit the road for camp.
7. Big baby bellies! About a month until my granddaughter arrives.
8. The fact that even though our calendar is extremely loaded, most of it is fun stuff. Now if I just had an unlimited supply of cash - birthdays, graduation, parties, grandchild - you get the picture.
I'm off!
Behave!
And here's the list:
1. Thankfully cooler temperatures. The past two days were nearly unbearable. I'm not ready for that kind of heat yet.
2. Catching up with one of my bff's. Though it meant being on the phone until midnight. It was worth it. I miss her.
3. Camping! Whoot! First campout of the season and I am so looking forward to it.
4. Changing my mind about what I'm working on. Again. Though I am very happy with my decision and I haven't abandoned the other ideas. I'm heavily editing/rewriting a story that I absolutely love - call it a modern Frankenstein story.
5. Strange cooking ideas that actual work out. Store brand brownie mix + a few packets of hot chocolate mix = awesome brownie cookies.
6. Being nearly ready to hit the road for camp.
7. Big baby bellies! About a month until my granddaughter arrives.
8. The fact that even though our calendar is extremely loaded, most of it is fun stuff. Now if I just had an unlimited supply of cash - birthdays, graduation, parties, grandchild - you get the picture.
I'm off!
Behave!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Resurgence of the Gnomes
Did anyone else watch this show?
I did and I loved it. Especially the fact that their beds were in the wall. ..... You have to watch gnomes. They have attitudes, but usually those attitudes can be adjusted with a healthy dose of liquor and a midnight poker game. I have no problem with that, but they damned well better earn their keep while they're spending all night goofing off and terrorizing the cat. It would be nice if the yardwork was done, and the rest of the housework, too. Mine do nothing, despite the fact that I take care of their garden and make sure they look all spiffy. Even the one in the house is all disdainful and angry-looking. Last night I realized he's standing with his back to the room, which is never good. I want happy gnomes, not gnomes that look so evil that I fear for my life every night.
I think I might have to go into gnome negotiations to make sure I get what I want while I'm providing them a place to live. They've been somewhat disgruntled every since Nic visited a while back. I think Nic's fairy talk riled them up and now all they can think about is "fairy relations". Sick and something I so don't need to know about.
I have a feeling these negotiations are going to take a while.
Wish me luck.
Behave!
I did and I loved it. Especially the fact that their beds were in the wall. ..... You have to watch gnomes. They have attitudes, but usually those attitudes can be adjusted with a healthy dose of liquor and a midnight poker game. I have no problem with that, but they damned well better earn their keep while they're spending all night goofing off and terrorizing the cat. It would be nice if the yardwork was done, and the rest of the housework, too. Mine do nothing, despite the fact that I take care of their garden and make sure they look all spiffy. Even the one in the house is all disdainful and angry-looking. Last night I realized he's standing with his back to the room, which is never good. I want happy gnomes, not gnomes that look so evil that I fear for my life every night.
I think I might have to go into gnome negotiations to make sure I get what I want while I'm providing them a place to live. They've been somewhat disgruntled every since Nic visited a while back. I think Nic's fairy talk riled them up and now all they can think about is "fairy relations". Sick and something I so don't need to know about.
I have a feeling these negotiations are going to take a while.
Wish me luck.
Behave!
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Answer!
Which of the following is the truth:
1. Upon opening the camper, a large rodent ran out between my legs. Bigger than a mouse. I screamed like a little girl and slammed the door. After gathering my wits, I armed myself with a metal pole and reopened the door. Nothing ran out, but the distinct odor of rodent urine and little fluffy bits of fabric filled our sweet summer haven. I am not happy. And I'm not sure if it was a squirrel or a rat. The extent of the damage is not yet known, but it looks like we'll be dragging our old trusty tent along this weekend, just in case the camper is now a rodent house. Joy. Nah! And Nat's right, I probably would have said something very unlady like.
2. Because I'm lazy, I drove the 'burban around my sister's yard to get to the camper. I had stuff to transfer and didn't want to have to walk too far. After taking care of my business, I pulled forward to turn around and made my first big mistake - mud. And a lot of it, too - like a swamp to my axles. Four wheel drive wasn't helping. She won't be happy with me for the damage to her yard. I was less happy with having to have her father-in-law pull my big ass out with the tractor. Also a no. Though I was a little worried when I had to put it in four wheel drive, but there was no damage and no getting stuck.
3. After taking care of my business with the camper, I decided to be nice and give my sister's camper a looksee for small rodents. Unbelievably, we somehow managed to get through another year parked next to their camper without a single dropping in ours, and I really wanted to tell her theirs was all clear as well. We have the same key for our campers, so I unlocked their door. And promptly broke the only key we know the whereabouts to off in their lock. I managed to get the door closed and locked, but now we have a stub for a key. Oh, and they still have mice. Yep. Luckily, I found our other set of keys. We were sure they'd fallen into an abyss somewhere and my brother-in-law is still able to get into their mice-ridden camper.
So there you have it.
Behave!
1. Upon opening the camper, a large rodent ran out between my legs. Bigger than a mouse. I screamed like a little girl and slammed the door. After gathering my wits, I armed myself with a metal pole and reopened the door. Nothing ran out, but the distinct odor of rodent urine and little fluffy bits of fabric filled our sweet summer haven. I am not happy. And I'm not sure if it was a squirrel or a rat. The extent of the damage is not yet known, but it looks like we'll be dragging our old trusty tent along this weekend, just in case the camper is now a rodent house. Joy. Nah! And Nat's right, I probably would have said something very unlady like.
2. Because I'm lazy, I drove the 'burban around my sister's yard to get to the camper. I had stuff to transfer and didn't want to have to walk too far. After taking care of my business, I pulled forward to turn around and made my first big mistake - mud. And a lot of it, too - like a swamp to my axles. Four wheel drive wasn't helping. She won't be happy with me for the damage to her yard. I was less happy with having to have her father-in-law pull my big ass out with the tractor. Also a no. Though I was a little worried when I had to put it in four wheel drive, but there was no damage and no getting stuck.
3. After taking care of my business with the camper, I decided to be nice and give my sister's camper a looksee for small rodents. Unbelievably, we somehow managed to get through another year parked next to their camper without a single dropping in ours, and I really wanted to tell her theirs was all clear as well. We have the same key for our campers, so I unlocked their door. And promptly broke the only key we know the whereabouts to off in their lock. I managed to get the door closed and locked, but now we have a stub for a key. Oh, and they still have mice. Yep. Luckily, I found our other set of keys. We were sure they'd fallen into an abyss somewhere and my brother-in-law is still able to get into their mice-ridden camper.
So there you have it.
Behave!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tall Tale Tuesday
The pre-camping edition.
So today the dog had a grooming appointment for her summer cut. It takes hours. So, I figured I'd check out the camper, grab our coolers, and hope like heck the camper didn't have mice.
Which of the following is the truth:
1. Upon opening the camper, a large rodent ran out between my legs. Bigger than a mouse. I screamed like a little girl and slammed the door. After gathering my wits, I armed myself with a metal pole and reopened the door. Nothing ran out, but the distinct odor of rodent urine and little fluffy bits of fabric filled our sweet summer haven. I am not happy. And I'm not sure if it was a squirrel or a rat. The extent of the damage is not yet known, but it looks like we'll be dragging our old trusty tent along this weekend, just in case the camper is now a rodent house. Joy.
2. Because I'm lazy, I drove the 'burban around my sister's yard to get to the camper. I had stuff to transfer and didn't want to have to walk too far. After taking care of my business, I pulled forward to turn around and made my first big mistake - mud. And a lot of it, too - like a swamp to my axles. Four wheel drive wasn't helping. She won't be happy with me for the damage to her yard. I was less happy with having to have her father-in-law pull my big ass out with the tractor.
3. After taking care of my business with the camper, I decided to be nice and give my sister's camper a looksee for small rodents. Unbelievably, we somehow managed to get through another year parked next to their camper without a single dropping in ours, and I really wanted to tell her theirs was all clear as well. We have the same key for our campers, so I unlocked their door. And promptly broke the only key we know the whereabouts to off in their lock. I managed to get the door closed and locked, but now we have a stub for a key. Oh, and they still have mice.
So which one is the truth?
Behave!
So today the dog had a grooming appointment for her summer cut. It takes hours. So, I figured I'd check out the camper, grab our coolers, and hope like heck the camper didn't have mice.
Which of the following is the truth:
1. Upon opening the camper, a large rodent ran out between my legs. Bigger than a mouse. I screamed like a little girl and slammed the door. After gathering my wits, I armed myself with a metal pole and reopened the door. Nothing ran out, but the distinct odor of rodent urine and little fluffy bits of fabric filled our sweet summer haven. I am not happy. And I'm not sure if it was a squirrel or a rat. The extent of the damage is not yet known, but it looks like we'll be dragging our old trusty tent along this weekend, just in case the camper is now a rodent house. Joy.
2. Because I'm lazy, I drove the 'burban around my sister's yard to get to the camper. I had stuff to transfer and didn't want to have to walk too far. After taking care of my business, I pulled forward to turn around and made my first big mistake - mud. And a lot of it, too - like a swamp to my axles. Four wheel drive wasn't helping. She won't be happy with me for the damage to her yard. I was less happy with having to have her father-in-law pull my big ass out with the tractor.
3. After taking care of my business with the camper, I decided to be nice and give my sister's camper a looksee for small rodents. Unbelievably, we somehow managed to get through another year parked next to their camper without a single dropping in ours, and I really wanted to tell her theirs was all clear as well. We have the same key for our campers, so I unlocked their door. And promptly broke the only key we know the whereabouts to off in their lock. I managed to get the door closed and locked, but now we have a stub for a key. Oh, and they still have mice.
So which one is the truth?
Behave!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
What I Learned...
At the retreat.
Yeah, I know I've been home for a week now, but it's still relevant.
1. The retreat's not only about word count. Or it doesn't have to be about word count.
2. Sometimes you have to give yourself permission to say you don't think you know what you're doing.
3. There are always people at the retreat to either kick you back into the chair, or hold your hand while you figure it out.
4. It's okay to feel frustrated and apathetic as long as you don't let it rule you.
5. Dancing in the hall is a good way to unclog your brain.
6. People shouldn't tell you they think they see someone walking in and out of your room (especially when what they see isn't really there) until after you are done sleeping there. (We've always thought the retreat site was haunted.)
7. Sometimes the idea you need is already on your hard drive.
8. Saying you're going to sleep in doesn't mean you'll get to.
9. Having no voice is not an excuse for not writing.
10. If you keep the temperature of your room too hot or too cold, people will not want to linger and talk to you.
There's probably more. But the bottom line is that I went to the retreat in somewhat of a crisis. I had no idea what I wanted to work on and while I ended up with a great idea that I will eventually craft into a book, I was still 'meh' about everything. After spending a lot of time talking and thinking and brainstorming, a short story I wrote a while back was mentioned and it's now being turned into a full length book.
And yes, even with all of the power washing and the insanity of my home, I did manage to open the document and write a few dozen words today. And that makes me feel fantastic.
Behave.
Yeah, I know I've been home for a week now, but it's still relevant.
1. The retreat's not only about word count. Or it doesn't have to be about word count.
2. Sometimes you have to give yourself permission to say you don't think you know what you're doing.
3. There are always people at the retreat to either kick you back into the chair, or hold your hand while you figure it out.
4. It's okay to feel frustrated and apathetic as long as you don't let it rule you.
5. Dancing in the hall is a good way to unclog your brain.
6. People shouldn't tell you they think they see someone walking in and out of your room (especially when what they see isn't really there) until after you are done sleeping there. (We've always thought the retreat site was haunted.)
7. Sometimes the idea you need is already on your hard drive.
8. Saying you're going to sleep in doesn't mean you'll get to.
9. Having no voice is not an excuse for not writing.
10. If you keep the temperature of your room too hot or too cold, people will not want to linger and talk to you.
There's probably more. But the bottom line is that I went to the retreat in somewhat of a crisis. I had no idea what I wanted to work on and while I ended up with a great idea that I will eventually craft into a book, I was still 'meh' about everything. After spending a lot of time talking and thinking and brainstorming, a short story I wrote a while back was mentioned and it's now being turned into a full length book.
And yes, even with all of the power washing and the insanity of my home, I did manage to open the document and write a few dozen words today. And that makes me feel fantastic.
Behave.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Feel Good Friday - The Saturday Edition
The week was like a runaway freight train full of rattlesnakes and scorpions, with a few alligators thrown in for good measure and a rabid dingo or two . Yes, it was that bad.
But, let me see if I can find some good in there anyway. Might be a short list.
1. B bringing me wildflowers.
2. Hanging out with good friends.
3. People who love the retreat as much as I do.
4. Bon fires in the backyard.
5. Sleeping in this morning.
6. Power washing my patio.
Umm...that's about it right now, though there are probably a few other good things I just can't think of right now. It wouldn't be B's knee injury, the microwave blowing up, or even how insane the next few weeks are going to be, or how my writing time has been inadequate.
That is all.
Behave!
But, let me see if I can find some good in there anyway. Might be a short list.
1. B bringing me wildflowers.
2. Hanging out with good friends.
3. People who love the retreat as much as I do.
4. Bon fires in the backyard.
5. Sleeping in this morning.
6. Power washing my patio.
Umm...that's about it right now, though there are probably a few other good things I just can't think of right now. It wouldn't be B's knee injury, the microwave blowing up, or even how insane the next few weeks are going to be, or how my writing time has been inadequate.
That is all.
Behave!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
What Day Is It?
My week has definitely been off-kilter.
Not only am I having a little trouble adjusting to "life as we know it" after the retreat, all of this other stuff keeps popping in just to keep me off balance. I mentioned the chaos on Monday. Well...it hasn't gone away.
I'm tired. I feel like I'm running on auto-pilot right now and can't tell you how thrilled I am that tomorrow is Friday. (Though I still keep thinking today is Wednesday. That's what life without Supernatural will do to you!)
I won't go through the list, because while it's burdensome, it's mostly boring. But at least you'll know that there's just stuff going on in case I disappear in the void. I hope I don't, but you never know.
Behave!
Not only am I having a little trouble adjusting to "life as we know it" after the retreat, all of this other stuff keeps popping in just to keep me off balance. I mentioned the chaos on Monday. Well...it hasn't gone away.
I'm tired. I feel like I'm running on auto-pilot right now and can't tell you how thrilled I am that tomorrow is Friday. (Though I still keep thinking today is Wednesday. That's what life without Supernatural will do to you!)
I won't go through the list, because while it's burdensome, it's mostly boring. But at least you'll know that there's just stuff going on in case I disappear in the void. I hope I don't, but you never know.
Behave!
Answer!
Sorry it's late. I got derailed by ER visits, doctor appointments, and the usual stuff of life.
Here we go with the answer!
1. One year my sisters and I decided to decorate Mom's birthday cake with fresh lilacs. When cake time came around, we had a nasty mess of disgusting flowers and gross icing. I can't remember what happened next, except that we ate the cake anyway. I know there are pictures of the three of us holding this cake that we absolutely slaved over and were very proud of. Very true. A nice gesture, I suppose, considering Mom said lilacs were her favorite flower.
2. We'd planned a birthday blowout on a significant birthday year for mom. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I think she knew. Anyway. We had pouring down rain, ticks, and a gas leak siren during the party. Apparently, we were supposed to evacuate the area, but we had no idea. No one died. And I think it turned out okay, despite the mud and wetness. True. We had a blast and since we were unaware about the gas leak, we were just very annoyed by the siren.
3. Several years ago, we went out to a Chinese buffet for Mom's birthday. Eight out of ten of us ended up with food poisoning. I managed to be one of the lucky ones, probably because I wouldn't touch Egg Drop soup with a ten foot pole. Everyone always jokingly suggests that we try it again, but no one ever means it. Never happened.
Might be back with more later!
Behave!
Here we go with the answer!
1. One year my sisters and I decided to decorate Mom's birthday cake with fresh lilacs. When cake time came around, we had a nasty mess of disgusting flowers and gross icing. I can't remember what happened next, except that we ate the cake anyway. I know there are pictures of the three of us holding this cake that we absolutely slaved over and were very proud of. Very true. A nice gesture, I suppose, considering Mom said lilacs were her favorite flower.
2. We'd planned a birthday blowout on a significant birthday year for mom. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I think she knew. Anyway. We had pouring down rain, ticks, and a gas leak siren during the party. Apparently, we were supposed to evacuate the area, but we had no idea. No one died. And I think it turned out okay, despite the mud and wetness. True. We had a blast and since we were unaware about the gas leak, we were just very annoyed by the siren.
3. Several years ago, we went out to a Chinese buffet for Mom's birthday. Eight out of ten of us ended up with food poisoning. I managed to be one of the lucky ones, probably because I wouldn't touch Egg Drop soup with a ten foot pole. Everyone always jokingly suggests that we try it again, but no one ever means it. Never happened.
Might be back with more later!
Behave!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Tall Tale Tuesday
The birthday edition!
In honor of my mom's birthday, we're doing Tall Tale Tuesday birthday style!
Which of the following is a lie:
1. One year my sisters and I decided to decorate Mom's birthday cake with fresh lilacs. When cake time came around, we had a nasty mess of disgusting flowers and gross icing. I can't remember what happened next, except that we ate the cake anyway. I know there are pictures of the three of us holding this cake that we absolutely slaved over and were very proud of.
2. We'd planned a birthday blowout on a significant birthday year for mom. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I think she knew. Anyway. We had pouring down rain, ticks, and a gas leak siren during the party. Apparently, we were supposed to evacuate the area, but we had no idea. No one died. And I think it turned out okay, despite the mud and wetness.
3. Several years ago, we went out to a Chinese buffet for Mom's birthday. Eight out of ten of us ended up with food poisoning. I managed to be one of the lucky ones, probably because I wouldn't touch Egg Drop soup with a ten foot pole. Everyone always jokingly suggests that we try it again, but no one ever means it.
So which one is the lie?
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Behave!
In honor of my mom's birthday, we're doing Tall Tale Tuesday birthday style!
Which of the following is a lie:
1. One year my sisters and I decided to decorate Mom's birthday cake with fresh lilacs. When cake time came around, we had a nasty mess of disgusting flowers and gross icing. I can't remember what happened next, except that we ate the cake anyway. I know there are pictures of the three of us holding this cake that we absolutely slaved over and were very proud of.
2. We'd planned a birthday blowout on a significant birthday year for mom. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I think she knew. Anyway. We had pouring down rain, ticks, and a gas leak siren during the party. Apparently, we were supposed to evacuate the area, but we had no idea. No one died. And I think it turned out okay, despite the mud and wetness.
3. Several years ago, we went out to a Chinese buffet for Mom's birthday. Eight out of ten of us ended up with food poisoning. I managed to be one of the lucky ones, probably because I wouldn't touch Egg Drop soup with a ten foot pole. Everyone always jokingly suggests that we try it again, but no one ever means it.
So which one is the lie?
Happy Birthday, Mom!
Behave!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Back to Reality
I think I want to go back. Now.
I came home to absolute chaos. I arrived home before the family, giving me just enough time to pull out the computer and start my laundry. Then there were hugs and talking and lunch making. I missed my family. A lot. I wanted to take a nap. That didn't happen.
Because of schedule conflicts and whatnot, we ended up scheduling my mom's surprise birthday celebration Sunday evening. We wanted to do a huge shindig, but absolutely nothing worked in our favor for it. Coordination talks went on for weeks before we finally had to compromise our grand plan and do what we could, which made us all sad (because we wanted the shindig for her).
(Let me back up a minute to fill in details. K3 went on an overnight hike with the Scouts Saturday. They hiked the A.T., camping somewhere north of here. His first time, and not only was he nervous, I was too. He did great, though he came home filthy, very sore, and with blisters on both feet. And he came home approximately 45 minutes before we had to leave for Mom's party. And he had homework that needed to be done before this morning.)
So, we did the party, which was fun, despite the boatload of cash B and I dropped for dinner. It was great that Mom's friends brought another friend Mom hadn't seen in a long time. We, my younger sisters more than I, kind of grew up with this woman and even after all she's been through the past couple of years, she's still sharp as a tack and fun to be around. (As in, she apologized for running over my foot with her wheel chair after she was done laughing. ha!) It was late when we got home and there was still homework to be done.
Anyway. Today was total chaos in so many ways. I won't go into details here because I'm not sure I have the space, but here's the summary: too much laundry, filthy house, house guests, truck needs a new ignition switch and won't start half the time, no food in the house, band concerts, full calendar this week...you get the picture.
I'm hopeful for Tall Tale Tuesday tomorrow. We shall see if I have anything worthwhile.
Behave!
I came home to absolute chaos. I arrived home before the family, giving me just enough time to pull out the computer and start my laundry. Then there were hugs and talking and lunch making. I missed my family. A lot. I wanted to take a nap. That didn't happen.
Because of schedule conflicts and whatnot, we ended up scheduling my mom's surprise birthday celebration Sunday evening. We wanted to do a huge shindig, but absolutely nothing worked in our favor for it. Coordination talks went on for weeks before we finally had to compromise our grand plan and do what we could, which made us all sad (because we wanted the shindig for her).
(Let me back up a minute to fill in details. K3 went on an overnight hike with the Scouts Saturday. They hiked the A.T., camping somewhere north of here. His first time, and not only was he nervous, I was too. He did great, though he came home filthy, very sore, and with blisters on both feet. And he came home approximately 45 minutes before we had to leave for Mom's party. And he had homework that needed to be done before this morning.)
So, we did the party, which was fun, despite the boatload of cash B and I dropped for dinner. It was great that Mom's friends brought another friend Mom hadn't seen in a long time. We, my younger sisters more than I, kind of grew up with this woman and even after all she's been through the past couple of years, she's still sharp as a tack and fun to be around. (As in, she apologized for running over my foot with her wheel chair after she was done laughing. ha!) It was late when we got home and there was still homework to be done.
Anyway. Today was total chaos in so many ways. I won't go into details here because I'm not sure I have the space, but here's the summary: too much laundry, filthy house, house guests, truck needs a new ignition switch and won't start half the time, no food in the house, band concerts, full calendar this week...you get the picture.
I'm hopeful for Tall Tale Tuesday tomorrow. We shall see if I have anything worthwhile.
Behave!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Retreat! Last Day!
Well, it's nearly time to go. And I'm sad. And happy.
Leaving the retreat is always bittersweet.
We always think another day would be great, but the true fact is that is wouldn't be. I love being here - love having nothing to do but write, but I miss my family, too. The retreat is one of those perfect places. At least for me. By the time I go home I am recharged and comfortable in my writer's skin. It's easier to focus on the writing with everything else going on at home because I've had this time to recommit to my career and goals. I've been with other people who share my wants and needs and who understand how my brain works.
This year hasn't been about word counts. At all. It's been about figuring out what I need to do - finding my spark and maybe even a part of myself. I am ready to go home. Ready to continue with my next project - which, as it turns out, has been under my nose for a while now.
So...
Until next year, retreat room. Thank you for being here when I need you the most.
Behave!
Leaving the retreat is always bittersweet.
We always think another day would be great, but the true fact is that is wouldn't be. I love being here - love having nothing to do but write, but I miss my family, too. The retreat is one of those perfect places. At least for me. By the time I go home I am recharged and comfortable in my writer's skin. It's easier to focus on the writing with everything else going on at home because I've had this time to recommit to my career and goals. I've been with other people who share my wants and needs and who understand how my brain works.
This year hasn't been about word counts. At all. It's been about figuring out what I need to do - finding my spark and maybe even a part of myself. I am ready to go home. Ready to continue with my next project - which, as it turns out, has been under my nose for a while now.
So...
Until next year, retreat room. Thank you for being here when I need you the most.
Behave!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Retreat! Day Three! Update...
*Our injured duck returned to the nest around lunchtime. She's sore and bruised, but no major damage was done. She recieved copious amounts of tickets and attention, including having lunch brought to her room and she's feeling much better now.
*We give out raffle tickets every year for a chance to win a prize. This year (at dinner tonight) I've instituted a new way to get tickets..."Convince me you deserve them." I think I'll keep it for next year.
*On the writing front, I have made what I think is a good decision and am once again feeling good about things. Excited, even. Things feel right and the weight and fog are gone. Yes!
*Tonight is our annual game. Then a trip to the graveyard for frivolity. Then probably a dance party. And then more work.
The retreat has gone far too fast this year.
More later.
Behave!
*We give out raffle tickets every year for a chance to win a prize. This year (at dinner tonight) I've instituted a new way to get tickets..."Convince me you deserve them." I think I'll keep it for next year.
*On the writing front, I have made what I think is a good decision and am once again feeling good about things. Excited, even. Things feel right and the weight and fog are gone. Yes!
*Tonight is our annual game. Then a trip to the graveyard for frivolity. Then probably a dance party. And then more work.
The retreat has gone far too fast this year.
More later.
Behave!
Retreat! Day Three!
Wow! The time is going too fast.
Did pretty good with the word count yesterday until I realized I wasn't really feeling the new shiny. Hit a brick wall of "what the heck am I doing?". Still don't know, but am more relaxed about it anyway. Not sure what I'm going to work on today, but releasing myself from expecting a huge word count has helped. I have a feeling I'm going to have a long list of "what I learned at the retreat" when I get home.
Last night was out with the gang. There were 10 of us at Applebee's for snacks and drinks. We had a blast and it was really good to begin to get to know some of our newer members. We got back late and, of course, I couldn't sleep. I decided I'd sleep in this morning, because, heck, why not? Had a crappy night's sleep on top of the difficulty falling asleep.
I opened my eyes a few minutes before my alarm was about to go off and decided, yes, I was staying in bed. Drifting off again when there's a commotion in the hall. Then a knock on my door. I ignored it, figuring they'd go away. Then my phone rings. Crap. One of our members took a tumble in the shower. The ambulance was called. She had a really big knot on her head and her hip hurt really bad. She's at the hospital now, so we're waiting to hear what's up with her.
Update later.
Behave!
Did pretty good with the word count yesterday until I realized I wasn't really feeling the new shiny. Hit a brick wall of "what the heck am I doing?". Still don't know, but am more relaxed about it anyway. Not sure what I'm going to work on today, but releasing myself from expecting a huge word count has helped. I have a feeling I'm going to have a long list of "what I learned at the retreat" when I get home.
Last night was out with the gang. There were 10 of us at Applebee's for snacks and drinks. We had a blast and it was really good to begin to get to know some of our newer members. We got back late and, of course, I couldn't sleep. I decided I'd sleep in this morning, because, heck, why not? Had a crappy night's sleep on top of the difficulty falling asleep.
I opened my eyes a few minutes before my alarm was about to go off and decided, yes, I was staying in bed. Drifting off again when there's a commotion in the hall. Then a knock on my door. I ignored it, figuring they'd go away. Then my phone rings. Crap. One of our members took a tumble in the shower. The ambulance was called. She had a really big knot on her head and her hip hurt really bad. She's at the hospital now, so we're waiting to hear what's up with her.
Update later.
Behave!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Dear Supernatural People,
Pardon the break in Retreat madness for a Supernatural squee moment.
We finally got to watch the season finale today and...Holy Crap!!
Amazing!!
I don't think I can properly recap it enough. Maybe we'll get a chance to watch again before we go home and I can write a decent post about it. But I have to tell you I can't stop thinking about it. It was amazing! Fantastically Amazing!
Behave!
We finally got to watch the season finale today and...Holy Crap!!
Amazing!!
I don't think I can properly recap it enough. Maybe we'll get a chance to watch again before we go home and I can write a decent post about it. But I have to tell you I can't stop thinking about it. It was amazing! Fantastically Amazing!
Behave!
Retreat! Day Two!
And Feel Good Friday!
Here's the list:
1. Feeling better, though I have no voice! (yes, the voice is gone. I have a little squeak now.)
2. Sleeping really good last night.
3. Retreat! What else do I have to say about that? No cooking, no cleaning...
4. Coming to the realization that this weekend isn't really about seeing how many words I can get on the page. It's about me and writing and doing what I want/need to. I do have words. I have a fair amount of them as I explore this new story idea, but I've given myself permission to set it aside and continue my edits if I get to a place where that would be more productive. And that is good.
5. Going out later!
6. Being here tomorrow, too!
It's going to be a short list, because pretty much everything about today has been awesome!
Behave!
Here's the list:
1. Feeling better, though I have no voice! (yes, the voice is gone. I have a little squeak now.)
2. Sleeping really good last night.
3. Retreat! What else do I have to say about that? No cooking, no cleaning...
4. Coming to the realization that this weekend isn't really about seeing how many words I can get on the page. It's about me and writing and doing what I want/need to. I do have words. I have a fair amount of them as I explore this new story idea, but I've given myself permission to set it aside and continue my edits if I get to a place where that would be more productive. And that is good.
5. Going out later!
6. Being here tomorrow, too!
It's going to be a short list, because pretty much everything about today has been awesome!
Behave!
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