Friday was a messy weather day to say the least-- we must have received another 5-6 inches on top of the glare ice in the parking lot, making the trek to the woodshed a treacherous walk. My cramp-ons only clotted full of snow, causing my boots to rock on the icy ground rather than landing flat and steady like they should have. But, despite the weather, my husband braved the storm to drive home from CT after being in Baltimore for over a week.
Saturday, the morning was spent in slow motion, drinking tea, eating warm peanut butter toast, chatting with my husband and my two older sons once they ventured forth from their respective bedrooms. We shoveled out and after lunch, Yule, Jeffrey and I made the slippery drive to Skowhegan to play pool at Ken's. We met my youngest son in town and headed to play pool until I spotted the bar.
Yule turned 21 while out in Hawaii, so we entered the bar and had a beer together before heading to the tables. We cranked up the old juke box and played for a couple of hours. None of us were that good and that didn't matter. We drank beer, shot balls into pockets, ate french fries and onion rings and had a good time, enjoying each other's company. I walked away from there that night feeling like one of those VISA commercials--beer $24, pool tables $32, pizza, fries, onion rings $25 time spent with my family--priceless.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
February 24, 2011--A personal best...
Today was another good day, not quite so grand as yesterday but productive nonetheless. I hit a personal milestone-page 50 of the same project for the first time ever.
I know it's only one-fourth of a book-length manuscript, but the knowledge that I have actually carried a story this far amazes me. Probably because when I first started thinking about writing a book, the idea daunted me so much that I backed away for a couple of weeks. But, the ideas, the characters would not let me go and so, I began to write. A scene here, a scene there, some transitions to tie them together, then another few scenes and slowly, but steadily, the ideas are getting out onto the page.
I've read enough interviews of published authors in magazines, been to enough readings and attended Q and A sessions to know that the methods of writing a book are as varied as the number of people writing them, so I don't worry that my method is unorthodox. It seems to be working, I am producing pages on a consistent basis and that's good enough for me.
I know it's only one-fourth of a book-length manuscript, but the knowledge that I have actually carried a story this far amazes me. Probably because when I first started thinking about writing a book, the idea daunted me so much that I backed away for a couple of weeks. But, the ideas, the characters would not let me go and so, I began to write. A scene here, a scene there, some transitions to tie them together, then another few scenes and slowly, but steadily, the ideas are getting out onto the page.
I've read enough interviews of published authors in magazines, been to enough readings and attended Q and A sessions to know that the methods of writing a book are as varied as the number of people writing them, so I don't worry that my method is unorthodox. It seems to be working, I am producing pages on a consistent basis and that's good enough for me.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
February 23, 2011-- A good day...
Today was one of those all too rare good days when everything seems to feel just right and the day unwinds in a logical procession of accomplishments. Four hours of work, several cups of tea, a huge load of laundry, and warm sun streaming through the windows comprised much of the morning. Then, a brief lunch, wood hauling chores, a quick walk to feed the neighbor's cat, and a longer walk down a crunchy snowmobile trail for forty minutes or so started off the afternoon. Then, two glorious hours of losing myself in my latest writing project where my characters came to life and made me forget I was sitting in central Maine, in the middle of February. Suddenly I glanced out the window and saw the shadows starting to lengthen, realized that the stoves needed fuel, and the pot roast for supper had to get in the oven if we were to eat tonight. So, I reluctantly shut down my computer, put on some Shakira, and danced in the kitchen while I cooked a big meal and baked cookies for my sons.
Now, I wait for my boys to arrive, to hear their tales of ice fishing up on Spencer Lake and find out their plans for tomorrow. My hope is to have a repeat of today, but of course, that will almost certainly not happen, so I am grateful for today and every day that comes close to it.
Now, I wait for my boys to arrive, to hear their tales of ice fishing up on Spencer Lake and find out their plans for tomorrow. My hope is to have a repeat of today, but of course, that will almost certainly not happen, so I am grateful for today and every day that comes close to it.
Monday, February 21, 2011
February 21, 2011-- On being alone....
Years ago, I truly hated being alone. My sons would be off with their dad for a week, my husband would leave town to visit his family, and I'd find myself alone in the house, wandering from room to room, at a loss as to what to do with myself. Often, I'd wind up in the easy chair by the wood stove, curled into a ball, crying...seriously...then would spend hours writing in my journal, trying to figure out why I hated to be alone in my own skin.
But, that was then. Now, it's all different. I am home alone and it's nice. I lie in bed in the morning, watching the sun break through the trees and think about all the time ahead of me, about how I will spend my day, and it feels good. I know that all the chores, like filling the wood box, splitting kindling, and doing the dishes are solely on my shoulders, but that's okay as the rest of the time is mine. Of course, I still have to work, which takes quite a chunk out of the day, but then, it's free time.
I can't remember the last time I lay down on the couch for an hour after work and read a book, eating a few potato chips and having a nice drink, without the need to carry on a conversation with anyone or to rush off and prepare a large meal for dinner. The cats and I were quite content with scrambled eggs with chopped tomato and broccoli for supper.
I don't have to feel guilty for rushing up to my desk and computer to write, leaving anyone downstairs on their own. The cats are sleeping by the stove and could care less if I sit at my desk for the next three hours.
They will join me once I move into bed and we'll settle in for another night.
I'm not sure when this new attitude towards aloneness really told hold, a few years ago, I think. But, it's comforting to know I can be comfortable by myself. Now, it feels like an intrusion into precious time when a neighbor suggests I stop by for lunch or an afternoon drink. It's nice of them to offer, but I decline, preferring to stay home. Solitude is a good thing; I can hear myself think these days and what I hear, I like.
But, that was then. Now, it's all different. I am home alone and it's nice. I lie in bed in the morning, watching the sun break through the trees and think about all the time ahead of me, about how I will spend my day, and it feels good. I know that all the chores, like filling the wood box, splitting kindling, and doing the dishes are solely on my shoulders, but that's okay as the rest of the time is mine. Of course, I still have to work, which takes quite a chunk out of the day, but then, it's free time.
I can't remember the last time I lay down on the couch for an hour after work and read a book, eating a few potato chips and having a nice drink, without the need to carry on a conversation with anyone or to rush off and prepare a large meal for dinner. The cats and I were quite content with scrambled eggs with chopped tomato and broccoli for supper.
I don't have to feel guilty for rushing up to my desk and computer to write, leaving anyone downstairs on their own. The cats are sleeping by the stove and could care less if I sit at my desk for the next three hours.
They will join me once I move into bed and we'll settle in for another night.
I'm not sure when this new attitude towards aloneness really told hold, a few years ago, I think. But, it's comforting to know I can be comfortable by myself. Now, it feels like an intrusion into precious time when a neighbor suggests I stop by for lunch or an afternoon drink. It's nice of them to offer, but I decline, preferring to stay home. Solitude is a good thing; I can hear myself think these days and what I hear, I like.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
February 20, 2011-- When things fall apart....
When things fall apart, why does it always happen 1) when it is extremely cold and 2) when I am home alone and not sure how to fix it?
We live off the grid, relying on solar panels, a series of batteries, and an inverter to power the house. On cloudy days, or when we've used too much power or need to run a power tool like the vacuum that requires extra zoom, we have a generator to provide the juice.
Which is great when it all is running well. But, then there is today--not only does the inverter not want to accept a charge from the generator, but the generator is the older one we have and with it so cold, is impossible to start. I spent twenty minutes yanking on the cord, with the choke on and off this afternoon, trying to start the darn thing only to pull it off the little platform it sits on to keep it level. Which required me to haul it back onto the platform, pulling something in my lower back in the process....
So, I am sitting here by candlelight and the light of my computer screen contemplating ways to continue for the evening. I think I will continue to write until the battery goes dead in this computer, then crawl into bed and read the new book I bought by Rosemary Mahoney called Down the Nile: Alone in a Fisherman's Skiff. If this woman can row the Nile in a seven-foot boat all by herself, I can survive the next few days with no power in the house.
We live off the grid, relying on solar panels, a series of batteries, and an inverter to power the house. On cloudy days, or when we've used too much power or need to run a power tool like the vacuum that requires extra zoom, we have a generator to provide the juice.
Which is great when it all is running well. But, then there is today--not only does the inverter not want to accept a charge from the generator, but the generator is the older one we have and with it so cold, is impossible to start. I spent twenty minutes yanking on the cord, with the choke on and off this afternoon, trying to start the darn thing only to pull it off the little platform it sits on to keep it level. Which required me to haul it back onto the platform, pulling something in my lower back in the process....
So, I am sitting here by candlelight and the light of my computer screen contemplating ways to continue for the evening. I think I will continue to write until the battery goes dead in this computer, then crawl into bed and read the new book I bought by Rosemary Mahoney called Down the Nile: Alone in a Fisherman's Skiff. If this woman can row the Nile in a seven-foot boat all by herself, I can survive the next few days with no power in the house.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
February 19, 2011-- Mayans and Hawaii...
The Mayans and Hawaii are on my mind today--The Mayans because I have taken the day off from my paying job to work on my book, which is centered around the Mayans. And Hawaii, because my oldest son is flying in from Hawaii to Boston today, then taking the bus to Portland where I will pick him up.
I lose myself in writing another scene for the book only to glance at the clock and realize I have several more hours to wait before leaving for Portland. It is a strange, giddy kind of day, kind of like the blustery wind that blows fiercely, then dies off for a few moments. I write rapidly, then stare vacantly out the window until another burst hits me. I think about Hawaii, how crazy it is to leave that warm sunshine for the wild winter and snow we are experiencing right now and yet, am glad that my son has not lost his taste for Maine and all its various seasons. He is eager to go snowmobiling and ice fishing; I would rather lie on the beach, go snorkeling and watch him surf board! But, that will happen in June, when I am determined to go see him in HI. As a reward for finishing (I hope) this new book among other reasons.
Meanwhile, the sun has come out, enticing me to venture farther than the woodshed for more fuel for the stoves. But, I think I will sink back into the Mayan jungle and see where my characters will lead me next.
I lose myself in writing another scene for the book only to glance at the clock and realize I have several more hours to wait before leaving for Portland. It is a strange, giddy kind of day, kind of like the blustery wind that blows fiercely, then dies off for a few moments. I write rapidly, then stare vacantly out the window until another burst hits me. I think about Hawaii, how crazy it is to leave that warm sunshine for the wild winter and snow we are experiencing right now and yet, am glad that my son has not lost his taste for Maine and all its various seasons. He is eager to go snowmobiling and ice fishing; I would rather lie on the beach, go snorkeling and watch him surf board! But, that will happen in June, when I am determined to go see him in HI. As a reward for finishing (I hope) this new book among other reasons.
Meanwhile, the sun has come out, enticing me to venture farther than the woodshed for more fuel for the stoves. But, I think I will sink back into the Mayan jungle and see where my characters will lead me next.
Friday, February 18, 2011
February 18, 2011- Rewards...
Several of the writing blogs and magazines I read have all had articles and comments on how important it is as freelance writers to remember to reward oneself from time to time. To set goals, big and small, and when one is reached to do something as a pat on the back. Since we work for ourselves, we have no boss to give us that pat, that bonus for the week, the gold star on the forehead like I used to give my kids when they were little and being home schooled.
I think it's especially important to remember to reward yourself right now, when we are still stuck in winter, with mountains of snow out every window. The next season is mud season and frankly, that can be far worse than the snow.
So, since I finished another chapter in my book, I took own advice. I went and got a haircut yesterday, then went to Borders and bought a new book and magazine. I feel extremely pleased at the bookstore purchases as I get something new to read, the author of the book makes a little moola, the magazine has some needed support and bankrupt Borders gets a little cash, too. And, I am grateful that the Bangor store is not one that is closing, which says something about readership in central Maine.
How will you reward yourself this weekend?
I think it's especially important to remember to reward yourself right now, when we are still stuck in winter, with mountains of snow out every window. The next season is mud season and frankly, that can be far worse than the snow.
So, since I finished another chapter in my book, I took own advice. I went and got a haircut yesterday, then went to Borders and bought a new book and magazine. I feel extremely pleased at the bookstore purchases as I get something new to read, the author of the book makes a little moola, the magazine has some needed support and bankrupt Borders gets a little cash, too. And, I am grateful that the Bangor store is not one that is closing, which says something about readership in central Maine.
How will you reward yourself this weekend?
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