Bumpy

We've all had them, the weekend that's more bumpy than relaxing. It happens. Sometimes things don't go the way we hope they will, do they?

Me? Bumpy weekend? Check.

But it's Monday, a new week filled with possibilities. Anything can happen, right?

Plan to concentrate on writing. That always takes my mind off everything else, so it serves more than one purpose. And it's cheaper than retail therapy!

Hope you have a peaceful day.

March Madness

Mi dispiace. I've been a lousy blogger. Totally neglecting the blog, but you realize that so I won't even begin to make excuses (excuses really are rubbinsh, aren't they?) but will promise to attempt to be more consistent...beginning right now.

Hi, friends. How are you all doing?

Me? Have been mulling over lots of life issues, making some decisions and evaluating the possibilities open to me. Also, having a bit of adventure in intriguing location. Cleaning out closets, as well, which is making me feel really accomplished.

The big news for this first day of March? By the way, the month is definitely roaring in like a lion here in upstate New York but that's another story. My big news?

Beginning a new book this morning. That's right, putting my behind back in the chair, my fingers on the keyboard and going back to work. It will be good for me, and hopefully the book I've got filling my head will be as satisfying on paper as it is in my imagination.

So...off to write. After I clear the driveway, that is.

What about you? What's on your to-do list for this third month of the year? And while I'm asking, how are you doing with those New Year's resolutions?

A domani!

Reprieve

reprieve [rɪˈpriːv]

verb
1. to postpone or remit the punishment
2. to give temporary relief

noun
1. a postponement or remission of punishment
2. a warrant granting a postponement
3. a temporary relief from pain or harm; respite
4. (Law) the act of reprieving or the state of being reprieved
[from Old French repris (something) taken back, from reprendre to take back, from Latin reprehendere; perhaps also influenced by obsolete English repreve to reprove]


Calendar says it's the end of January. Melted snow, warm breezes and huge patches of green grass tell another story.

Oh yes, I'd call this a reprieve. And I am very grateful!

Enjoy the day!

Quote

From someone I have always admired. I've had this thought in my head for the past few days, so I thought I'd share it this Monday morning.

"Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding." --Albert Einstein

I've been puzzling over a situation in my life for a bit, trying to understand and find a peaceful refuge. So far, still working on it...

Perhaps Some Tylenol?

Oh, how can a clear head ache?

Evidently I forgot the lovely beery headache that follows a night of "ordering one's thoughts."

Yes, that's what I'm calling the little party we had here last night. I'm sticking to it, too.

Hope you have a lovely Sunday. It is brutally cold here so me, my head and the manuscript are going to curl up by the fire and not move. Really, not moving. Football's on this afternoon and tonight and I plan to be a sofa slug.

What about you? Any plans for the day?

And, would you please pass the Tylenol?

One Life

Hi friends,

Yes, I know. It's late. Much too late for posting, right? Well...maybe yes, maybe no. This morning I didn't have much to say. Now, however, a word or two comes to mind. Figured I'd get those words out while they're fresh.

Hope you've had a great Saturday. Me? I had a nice day. Happy. Productive. Fun.

I spent this evening with a friend. One of those irreplaceable friends who is more family than friend. You know the kind I mean, don't you?

I've had a bunch of stuff swirling around in my head these past few weeks. Changes in my life that I'm not altogether sure of. Work issues that need to be attended to. Decisions to be made. Regular things, but I guess I needed to talk it all out with someone who can be trusted.

Over some beer. And chips.

Isn't it amazing how much clarity comes with beer and chips?

Let's just say I've made a few decisions concerning how I proceed with this one life I've got. It feels super to have things unswirled--and ordered--in my head.

Again, beer is just such an incredible un-swirler, don't you think? Beer, chips and a good friend. Doesn't get much better than that.

Wishing you a great Saturday night. I hope you are happy, healthy and content. Me? I've got a good friend waiting to laugh some more, so I'm going to scram. I think there's still more beer and chips...

Have a great weekend!

Pedaling Off

I hope you'll excuse me while I pedal off for a bit. Nothing wrong--I just need a little time to myself, is all.

I hope you enjoy these chilly evenings and blustery days. I plan to do some forest hiking, lots of reading and indulging in maybe one or two more hot toddies than is absolutely necessary to ward off the cool-ish nights. But then, who's to say exactly how many hot toddies is too many?

Anyhow, I just need a break. Be back soon. Until then, I wish you peace. Lots and lots of it.

Just Another Day

Oh, yeah, I'm back home. The lunacy continues here in the middle of nowhere.

A moment from yesterday morning? Sure, I'll share that with you.

Hold on tight to your coffee mugs, friends. And, don't say I didn't warn you.

It snowed here. And was still snowing yesterday morning while I was in the hot tub, which is in its own little building. Private. Peaceful. All good.

Yesterday when I went to the hot tub I grabbed a pair of jeans and sweatshirt off the pile of folded laundry as I passed. Divine intervention, I think. Anyhow, I had more than just my short blue robe with me when I headed out.

Good thing, that.

So there I am. Drinking coffee. Watching steam rise off the water. Plotting the day's chapters in my mind.

The roar of an engine breaks into my peaceful time. I hear noise. The doorbell on the house rings. Me? I hunker down in the water and hold my breath. Then, heavy footsteps on the deck. A knock on the door.

Crap.

"Yes?"

"Fed Ex, ma'am. Package for you."

"Uh, could you just leave it by the door? Thanks."

"I need a signature, ma'am."

Double crap.

Climbing from the water, dripping everywhere, I manage, "Ah, sure. Just...one....minute, okay?"

"Take your time, ma'am." I hear the laughter in his voice.

Of course, I'm glad I've got real clothes and tug the sweatshirt over my head. I jump into the jeans, wiggling my wet body into the dry denim. Not easy, take my word for it. Finally the jeans are up all the way.

Backwards.

Oh yes, I did. I put those jeans on backwards.

So I did what anyone would do. I pulled that sweatshirt down as far as I could, attempted a calm demeanor and opened the door. Signed the slip. Thanked the guy. Took the package.

But I know he saw my pants were on backwards. He totally saw it.

Yeah, I need another MHB. Bad.

Nailed

Picture it. One woman. Two men. A search.

That's right. A look-everywhere, are-you-sure-this-isn't-it?, tip-to-toe search. A rescue mission, of sorts, as she hopes to retrieve box of nails. High hopes, because windy conditions tore loose a trim edge on barn which now needs--you guess it--a few nails to resecure trim piece.

So...

"Here you go, sweetie. And I didn't even use any of them for my project."

Glance at box in hand. "Thanks, but these aren't my nails."

Puzzled. "You sure?"

Handing back box. "Uh huh. These are coated trim nails. Not mine. Actually more expensive than the ones I gave you."

"What did you give me?"

"Four penny nails."

"Huh?"

"A box of four penny nails. That's what I gave you."

"Come inside. Let's look."

View boxes of screws, nails and assorted fasteners set out on top of pool table.

"What does a four penny nail look like? Is it this?"

Hands over a box.

A head shake. "Nope. They're galvanized screws."

"Okay. But what does this four cent nail look like?"

Shifting boxes, an answer. "Not four cent--four penny. And they're just one-and-a-half-inch commons."

Blank stare. Second man joins search party.

"Hey, did you see a box of nails?"

Second man sweeps hand over table. "Yeah. Lots."

Woman is more likely to find box of diamonds than box of nails in this Abbot and Costello mission.

"No problem. I'll just borrow a couple of nails, fix the trim and pick up another box when I hit Home Depot." She peruses a huge bin of random fasteners.

"Take what you need, sweetie. What will work?"

She spies a nail that will do. "Just a half-dozen roofers. They'll work."

A blank stare. From both men. "Roofers?" As if they're singing in church, perfectly synchronized and pitched.

Reaching in, she pulls out six nails. Opening her hand, displaying them on her palm, "Roofers. Fat head. Short. Long enough to tack the trim in place."

As she leaves, she hears man number one say to man number two, "Now, what is it I lost? So I can replace them for her?"

"Nickels. I think the nickel nails, she said. Yeah, that's it. Go get a box of nickels."

Welcome to my world.

One Way Out

Recently I chatted with a dear friend who is deep into the NaNo experience. She's going to make the word count this year. Congrats, you-know-who! I'm so proud of you.

But we weren't talking about NaNo or word counts. The topic of conversation was one that anyone who's written a book knows intimately...

That's right. We were talking about the dreaded dragging middle. She's stuck in the middle, hating the experience and looking for some way out.

Me? I'm no help. I call it as I see it. No gilding the writing lily from me, sorry.

My advice...keep the butt in the chair. Deal with the draggy bits. Make them exciting, even if you hate them. Annoying characters? Give them a face lift, a keyboard makeover. Pull 'em back into line. Remember, you're the boss of this expedition. You drive the bus--tell those suckers sitting behind you to shape up...or else!

The only way to get to the Valhalla of writing words, "The End", is by going straight through the middle. There's just one way out if you expect that fabulous idea, cast of oh-so intriguing characters and fat file to actually become a decent book. Keep your butt in the chair. Keep writing. No shortcuts.

And, you don't have to like every moment of the process. I think some people think that writing a book is a lark. It's not. It's hard work.

But, if you keep at it, those two beautiful words are the last you'll write before pressing the save button. You know the words. Me, too. Currently I'm dragging a boatload of zombies through a jungle, working my way toward The End.

After reading this post, you'll probably never approach me for writing advice, will you?

Oh, boy. So, what's going on with you?

Wishing you a peaceful day!

Swimming with Zombies

The truth of it is that we never really know what sort of curve ball life's going to throw our way, do we? We can prepare, plan and prognosticate until you-know-where freezes over but it's pretty much a waste of energy. Plans are shattered. Preparations disposable. Prognostications fly like leaves in a stiff breeze.

I know it's early but I'm making a resolution. You know, the kind that comes with the beginning of a new year. But...earlier.

No planning for me. Not now. Not for a while.

Instead, I'm taking it as it comes. Just going with the flow, dealing with whatever life sends my way. Actually, that's exactly what I've been doing for the past couple of years. The only thing is that at this point I'm hoping (not planning, mind you!) for some fun, happy stuff to find me. Yeah, it's time.

Thanksgiving? Tough. But I'm past it now, feeling good and exploring new options. Options, you ask? That's right. Options.

Like, you know, zombies. Really, I'm writing something that keeps me smiling. And I've been plotting the story while I've been floating in the hot tub.

So, swimming with the zombies here.

What about you? What's going on in your backyard?

Brr!

Oh my, chilly doesn't begin to describe this upstate New York morning! It's downright cold here! But we had the most gorgeous weekend, with blue skies and almost balmy breezes, so there's no complaining coming from this chair.

The answer to a brisk morning? Around here, it's a nice cup of cappuccino, so I'm off to brew a cup. Or two.

Then, I'm going to park my behind in my chair and get to work. Oh yes, I'm working on a new book. I'd begun something sweet, sexy and fun...and by chapter 3 I wanted more. Much more. So I closed that file, and intend to return to sweet and sexy at a later date. Now, though, I'm lost in something entirely new to me. Really. So new that it's a challenge, which is precisely what I need right now. I need something to stretch my creative mind, something that isn't a walk in the park to write.

Oh, boy, I've given myself the perfect diversion for what may be a rocky stretch. These are the first holidays I'll spend without my sweet husband, so I know I might have a tough time but I'm trying to keep my chin up, stay busy and look toward the future. I'm not forgetting to allow myself time to cherish the beautiful moments from my past. He was so good, and we were blissfully happy, so there are lots and lots of wonderful memories...

So, writing today. A challenging story. Filled with intrigue, sexual tension and way-out-of-the-box characters. One big question? Will they get a happily-ever-after? Honestly, I don't know yet. What I do know is this: Whatever happens, she's strong enough to survive it, and that's all that matters at this point. The rest will take care of itself. I think. I hope. We'll see.

First, though, cappuccino.

What about you? What's on your to-do list this chilly Monday morning?

Neighborhood Cake

How to ward off an overly quiet afternoon? Toss together a quick cake, wrap it still warm from the oven and stroll down the street to visit with a neighbor. Yes, an impromptu tea-and-cake visit. It works.

This is one of my favorite, easy recipes. It whips together in a flash, is yummy with whatever berries you've got on hand and is pretty much irresistible so whoever you decide to share it with will probably welcome you.

I hope you enjoy it! Wishing you a peaceful, cake-filled day.

Crumb Cake

2 1/4 cups flour
½ cup granulated sugar
2 ½ t. baking powder
½ t. salt
1 egg
½ cup milk
2 T. melted butter
2 t. vanilla
1 cup sliced strawberries
8 T. butter
½ cup brown sugar
2 t. cinnamon

In a large bowl combine flour, salt, granulated sugar and baking powder. Add egg, milk, melted butter and vanilla and mix thoroughly. Pour batter into a greased and floured cake pan.

Arrange strawberries on top of batter.

Combine butter, brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle crumb mixture over berries. Place cake pan in a pre-heated 325-degree oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Venturing

Venturing to the movies! I love movies but it's been a real long time since I actually went to the theater. I went a few afternoons ago with my mom and step-dad, and we had a peaceful afternoon.

I saw ads for Real Steel and knew instantly I wanted to see it. So, that's what we saw and we all agreed it was well worth the price of admission. I loved this movie--it's filled with everything that I enjoy in films. Adventure. Innovation. Heart. And strength. The good guys triumphed. The creep got what he deserved. When I walked out, I was grinning. All good.

What about you? What kind of films do you enjoy most?

I wish you a peaceful day. Filled with adventure. Innovation. Strength. And, most importantly, heart.

Tons of Soup

I made this a few days ago. I cut the ingredient list in half, and there's still tons of soup. Thank goodness, it's so yummy! I love soup weather, don't you?


Roasted Squash Soup

1 acorn squash
1 butternut squash
2 sweet potatoes
2 large onions
6 garlic cloves
½ T. cinnamon
1 Tbsp onion powder
2 T. garlic powder
1 T. pumpkin pie spice
1 T. cumin
2 T. oregano
2 T. paprika
2 T. chili pepper
1 T. salt
1 T. black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup canned pumpkin
4 cups vegetable stock
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup small pasta

Cut squashes in half and remove seeds. Cut sweet potatoes and onions in half. Put all the pieces in a roasting pan, flesh side up. Sprinkle with spice mixture and drizzle with olive oil. Turn flesh side down, placing garlic cloves under cavity of the squash. Roast in a 350 degree oven for 40 minutes or until fork tender.

Cool, then scoop flesh into a pot. Add pumpkin and blend with an immersion mixer. Still blending, slowly add stock. Add heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then add pasta.

Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Flying

It's a perfect fall day here! Blustery. Chilly. Leaves flying through the air. I love days like this.

My plan? To get a small fire burning in the wood stove so the house gets nice and cozy. Then, I'm heading outdoors. It's a great day for planting mums and bulbs. Buttoning up the barns and checking the greenhouse. Securing the stuff near the pond. I'll drive the mower over the leaves, crunching them up as soon as they hit the ground.

It doesn't take much to entertain me, does it?

Then, I'll pull together some more winter squash soup(yeah, I'm hooked on the stuff!), warm some apple cider and settle in to work on a new crafty project. What am I making? I can't say just yet(it's a surprise for someone who reads this blog)but it involves some pretty colors and long needles. And, when it's done it'll hopefully keep someone special toasty warm. Got it figured out? I thought so.

Well, what's on your schedule for this pretty fall day? Whatever you do, I hope you have a peaceful day!

Armchairs

Armchair traveling. That's what I've been doing lately. And you know what? It's pretty darn comfortable!

No worries I'll stay in the armchair forever, but for now I'm having a great time browsing travel deals. Researching faraway places. Exploring different cultures.

I know where I'd go if money weren't a concern. What about you? Any destination catch your attention?

Wishing you a peaceful day!

Just a Thought

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." ~Steve Jobs

Breathe...

Good Monday morning, friends. I hope you had a pleasant weekend. Mine? Interesting, but I'm not going to share. I'm just going to say that today I'm going to breathe. Enjoy the warm fall day. Go for a walk. Write. Bake something just for fun. And breathe. Yeah, lots of that.

One flower. So pretty, isn't it?

Stretching toward the sky.

I love it.

Now, don't you just wish your bathroom ceiling could look like this?

Short story?
A leak.
Crying.
Then, angry.
Hacksaw.
Chair.
Hole.

Yes, that is a kitchen towel stapled to the ceiling.
You know, I never thought I'd say that.
Live and learn.
And breathe.

I hope you have a peaceful Monday. As I said, I've got lots of plans. I'm going to ignore the ceiling today. It'll be there tomorrow. Today, just breathing. Peace. Relaxation. No ceiling holes or leaks.

See you tomorrow!

Checking In

Ah...so, it's Thursday already, isn't it? How did that happen?

First, thanks for all the kind emails. I didn't mean to worry anyone. Honestly, the days just got away from me. I'm fine. Just busy.

I've got a ton of farm stuff to square away before the cold weather hits in earnest. My to-do list is longer than my arm! I've been painting the deck, pulling out the veggie gardens and mowing. And mowing. And mowing!

And, the canning. Oy, the canning... Tomatoes and apples just won't quit. I'll be grateful come winter but now I'm just sick and tired of canning. Don't get me wrong--I'm grateful for the produce but I wish it would can itself.

Polishing the book up, tweaking it and making it ready to go out into the world. I really hope there's a way to read the pages from heaven. I really do.

So, that's it from here. Just muddling along, not really paying attention to the days but focusing instead on what's right in front of me. It is working but I'm sorry if I've worried anyone. I'm still here!

Wishing you a peaceful day.