Kate Collins's Blog, page 215
October 20, 2013
A CHARACTER THAT RESONATES
By Kate Collins
Abby Knight is a feisty, fiercely loyal, short, young, redheaded florist with freckles who got kicked to the ground twice by life -- and got up again to become the star of the Flower Shop Mystery series. Readers took to Abby right from the start, and I’ve had women of all sizes and ages say to me, “I am so Abby!”
I’ve tried to put my finger on why women identify so strongly with Abby and always assumed that it was because life dealt her some hard blows and still she came up swinging. But after listening to an inspirational speaker talk about how to get a job you love, I may have found even more reason.
When Abby’s life fell apart – booted out of law school, ending her career goals; dumped by her fiancé, ending her marriage plans – she looked around for a way to piece it together again and ended up returning to the place that gave her solace and made her happy -- Bloomers Flower shop. Look how well that worked for her. Not only did she find a career she loved, but she also found the man who would become the love of her life, her soulmate, Marco.
What this speaker recommended people do to find a job they love is to figure out what makes them happy and then find ways to use it that will bring in income.She recommended that you write down 10 things that make you happy. They can be as simple as “Eating ice cream,” or, “Taking walks.” For Abby, it was being around flowers. She never dreamed she would become the owner of her own flower shop, but it worked for her.
I’ve followed the speaker’s advice in my own way without realizing it. I always wanted to be a teacher, so I did that. And then I wanted to be home with my children and find a way to express my creativity at the same time, and I did that, too. It took me awhile. I tried many kinds of crafts, all of which made me happy, but none of which brought in any income. And then I tried putting to paper all the stories that were sitting in my imagination just waiting for an outlet. And that led to a wonderful career as an author doing what I love – making up stories that entertain and move people.
Maybe you’re in a career you love, or have a hobby that makes you happy. But if you’re wishing your life could be better, more rewarding and fulfilling, maybe you can try the above technique. Write down as many things as you can think of that make you happy and see if you can find a way to incorporate one of them into a job. And then tell the Universe what you want. Keep saying what you want every day and start to watch for opportunities to present themselves. It may sound a little “woo woo” but it really does work.
Are you happy with what you do or are you ready for a change?
October 19, 2013
Bring on the PUMPKIN EVERYTHING!
by Leann
Pumpkin is my hero and I am glad we are celebrating it more and more. I am allergic to eggs, but I have always loved to bake. Pumpkin to the rescue! There are egg substitutes out there, but many times, especially with cookies and cakes, they just don't work very well.
Most people are used to adding plenty of spices to pumpkin to perk it up. Why? Because it has very little taste on its own. And that, combined with its binding ability, is why a heaping tablespoon of pumpkin puree is an excellent substitute for one large egg. In cakes, if I add pumpkin, I usually
also add a powered egg substitute for lightness--or even an extra teaspoon of baking powder. But in bar cookies, I don't need to.
I love pumpkin with all those spices, too. For the first time this week, I found "pumpkin nog" in the grocery store. I can't have eggnog--which I love!--so when the soy milk people started offering pumpkin nog, I thought I'd give it a try. (And I am NOT a fan of regular soy milk--but I was desperate for a nog, any nog.) I love it. It's the only soy thing I really enjoy.
For a time, only one company offered a pumpkin ice cream (Edy's in some parts of the country, Dreyer's in other parts) but now, even Ben and Jerry are on the pumpkin bandwagon. I love pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin muffins. Why? Because all of those can be made without eggs
and still turn out wonderful. I make awesome pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving and Christmas. In fact, my kids were allergic to milk when they were growing up, so we had one egg free pie and one milk free pie--both delicious.
Maybe some folks are tired of the pumpkin explosion this time of year, but I celebrate it. And a tablespoon of pumpkin has a lot fewer fat calories that an egg and is loaded with beta carotene. Healthy? You betcha! Oh, and they're pretty.
Pumpkin is my hero and I am glad we are celebrating it more and more. I am allergic to eggs, but I have always loved to bake. Pumpkin to the rescue! There are egg substitutes out there, but many times, especially with cookies and cakes, they just don't work very well.
Most people are used to adding plenty of spices to pumpkin to perk it up. Why? Because it has very little taste on its own. And that, combined with its binding ability, is why a heaping tablespoon of pumpkin puree is an excellent substitute for one large egg. In cakes, if I add pumpkin, I usually
also add a powered egg substitute for lightness--or even an extra teaspoon of baking powder. But in bar cookies, I don't need to.
I love pumpkin with all those spices, too. For the first time this week, I found "pumpkin nog" in the grocery store. I can't have eggnog--which I love!--so when the soy milk people started offering pumpkin nog, I thought I'd give it a try. (And I am NOT a fan of regular soy milk--but I was desperate for a nog, any nog.) I love it. It's the only soy thing I really enjoy.For a time, only one company offered a pumpkin ice cream (Edy's in some parts of the country, Dreyer's in other parts) but now, even Ben and Jerry are on the pumpkin bandwagon. I love pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin muffins. Why? Because all of those can be made without eggs
and still turn out wonderful. I make awesome pumpkin pies at Thanksgiving and Christmas. In fact, my kids were allergic to milk when they were growing up, so we had one egg free pie and one milk free pie--both delicious.Maybe some folks are tired of the pumpkin explosion this time of year, but I celebrate it. And a tablespoon of pumpkin has a lot fewer fat calories that an egg and is loaded with beta carotene. Healthy? You betcha! Oh, and they're pretty.
October 18, 2013
Look What I Found
By Heather
Occasionally you’ll hear about writers who keep notepads next to the bed so that when they wake up in the middle of the night with a brilliant idea, it can be jotted down, no problem.
Usually the issue is that most of us can’t read a word we wrote come morning. Ha! Kind of defeats the purpose, but it doesn't usually stop us.
I rarely have these middle-of-the-night AHA! moments, but every once in a while I do and actually have the presence of mind to jot them down. When I was moving recently, I found one of these notes tucked away in my nightstand.
Don't you love the Cozy Chicks' post-it note?
In case you can't read that, it says S.R. blew into the V Inc office like a gust from a Cat 5 hurricane. The door slammed against its stopper, rattling the - glass. "The Lone Ranger is back." Hurry.
Some of you might recognize what this turned into. It’s the opening paragraph of ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, the third book in the Lucy Valentine series. It was fascinating for me (having forgotten all about the note) to take a peek at the book and see how my words changed from initial thought to revised, polished published book. Here it is:
I think I might have to get it that little post-it framed, don’t you?
Occasionally you’ll hear about writers who keep notepads next to the bed so that when they wake up in the middle of the night with a brilliant idea, it can be jotted down, no problem.
Usually the issue is that most of us can’t read a word we wrote come morning. Ha! Kind of defeats the purpose, but it doesn't usually stop us.
I rarely have these middle-of-the-night AHA! moments, but every once in a while I do and actually have the presence of mind to jot them down. When I was moving recently, I found one of these notes tucked away in my nightstand.
Don't you love the Cozy Chicks' post-it note?In case you can't read that, it says S.R. blew into the V Inc office like a gust from a Cat 5 hurricane. The door slammed against its stopper, rattling the - glass. "The Lone Ranger is back." Hurry.
Some of you might recognize what this turned into. It’s the opening paragraph of ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, the third book in the Lucy Valentine series. It was fascinating for me (having forgotten all about the note) to take a peek at the book and see how my words changed from initial thought to revised, polished published book. Here it is:
I think I might have to get it that little post-it framed, don’t you?
Fleeting Fall
by Lorraine Bartlett / Lorna Barrett / L.L. Bartlett
Last weekend, Mr. L and I went on a magical mystery tour. Well, we knew where we were going, but not with whom, or how the day would end up.
I don't fly, but I love riding the rails and we took a scenic train ride up the side of Lake Champlain with a bunch of like-minded people. The best part? We rode in three vintage rail cars. The diner car was from the old Santa Fe line and had been lovingly restored. Amtrak uses plastic dishes -- not this little rail line. They had reproduction china with American Indian motifs. The breakfast was great (albeit slow. Although the diner car opened at 9, some of the other riders didn't get their breakfast until almost noon. I think they'll hire more than one cook on their next excursion). The food was worth waiting for, however, and I certainly wasn't expecting a cooked breakfast on this little day trip. (It had been billed as a continental breakfast.)
The center car had seats along the side so that everyone had a great view of the ever changing scenery, and this is where we spent the bulk of the day. But the observation car was the most fun. It had windows on all sides. Again, it had been lovingly restored and members of the crew got out at one point and washing the windows (that didn't really need it). Since there was limited seating, we all took turns spending an hour or two in this car.
The scenery was fantastic. It was a terrific way to spend the day.
How have you celebrated this fleeting fall?
Last weekend, Mr. L and I went on a magical mystery tour. Well, we knew where we were going, but not with whom, or how the day would end up.
I don't fly, but I love riding the rails and we took a scenic train ride up the side of Lake Champlain with a bunch of like-minded people. The best part? We rode in three vintage rail cars. The diner car was from the old Santa Fe line and had been lovingly restored. Amtrak uses plastic dishes -- not this little rail line. They had reproduction china with American Indian motifs. The breakfast was great (albeit slow. Although the diner car opened at 9, some of the other riders didn't get their breakfast until almost noon. I think they'll hire more than one cook on their next excursion). The food was worth waiting for, however, and I certainly wasn't expecting a cooked breakfast on this little day trip. (It had been billed as a continental breakfast.)
The center car had seats along the side so that everyone had a great view of the ever changing scenery, and this is where we spent the bulk of the day. But the observation car was the most fun. It had windows on all sides. Again, it had been lovingly restored and members of the crew got out at one point and washing the windows (that didn't really need it). Since there was limited seating, we all took turns spending an hour or two in this car.The scenery was fantastic. It was a terrific way to spend the day.
How have you celebrated this fleeting fall?October 16, 2013
What *to* Wear
by Julie
For years, the girls and I watched What Not To Wear on TLC. We even got Dad to watch a few episodes too. It's paid off -- there have been times when he's suggested a change based on Stacy London's or Clinton Kelly's advice. My husband not usually a wardrobe consultant, but he's occasionally remembered tidbits I'd forgotten.
Although we've all gotten a little tired of the show's formula -- find the victim/recipient, show her what's wrong, enlist her participation, watch her get frustrated, watch her cry, bring Clinton and Stacy in to save her from shopping mistakes, view her transformation -- we love hearing the advice and learning how to best dress different body shapes. It's good stuff.
A few months ago one of our daughters received this book as a gift:
I thought it would be a fun read, and I hoped to learn a few things.
Let me just say this: Wow!
Clinton Kelly's slim tome is packed full of great advice. I'll admit that I knew a lot of it from watching the show, but he gives specifics as in: how long jeans should be, how far a man's cuff should extend from his suit sleeve, and why wearing hooded sweatshirts may not be the best fashion choice (I'm guilty of that one).
Be warned, however. This book, while funny, is irreverent. It boldly and unrepentantly makes fun of people who dress in a non-Clinton approved manner. He puts his opinion out there, unvarnished, clear, concise.
It's a quick read, and I'm currently going through it a second time. I've also taken some of his advice and decided to find a tailor. Tweaking my clothes to fit me will make a huge difference. I can sense that already. The only hard part is finding a tailor willing to do the work. I tried a local tailor at the mall and she told me that my changes weren't worth her time. Fine. I'll find someone else.
I really love new clothes. More than that, I love clothes that fit and make me look like I haven't just tumbled out of bed.
Have you ever watched What Not To Wear? Have you ever taken away information from them and used it?
For years, the girls and I watched What Not To Wear on TLC. We even got Dad to watch a few episodes too. It's paid off -- there have been times when he's suggested a change based on Stacy London's or Clinton Kelly's advice. My husband not usually a wardrobe consultant, but he's occasionally remembered tidbits I'd forgotten.
Although we've all gotten a little tired of the show's formula -- find the victim/recipient, show her what's wrong, enlist her participation, watch her get frustrated, watch her cry, bring Clinton and Stacy in to save her from shopping mistakes, view her transformation -- we love hearing the advice and learning how to best dress different body shapes. It's good stuff.
A few months ago one of our daughters received this book as a gift:
I thought it would be a fun read, and I hoped to learn a few things.
Let me just say this: Wow!
Clinton Kelly's slim tome is packed full of great advice. I'll admit that I knew a lot of it from watching the show, but he gives specifics as in: how long jeans should be, how far a man's cuff should extend from his suit sleeve, and why wearing hooded sweatshirts may not be the best fashion choice (I'm guilty of that one).
Be warned, however. This book, while funny, is irreverent. It boldly and unrepentantly makes fun of people who dress in a non-Clinton approved manner. He puts his opinion out there, unvarnished, clear, concise.
It's a quick read, and I'm currently going through it a second time. I've also taken some of his advice and decided to find a tailor. Tweaking my clothes to fit me will make a huge difference. I can sense that already. The only hard part is finding a tailor willing to do the work. I tried a local tailor at the mall and she told me that my changes weren't worth her time. Fine. I'll find someone else.
I really love new clothes. More than that, I love clothes that fit and make me look like I haven't just tumbled out of bed.
Have you ever watched What Not To Wear? Have you ever taken away information from them and used it?
October 15, 2013
When Duty Calls
by Deb Baker/Hannah Reed
Duty calls.
My eighty-year-old spunky, active mother broke her ankle. The right one. Her driving ankle. While working in her garden.
Mom (widowed) still lives in the three-bedroom family ranch with full basement and a yard bordered by flowerbeds. I’m the closest distance-wise at 2 hours away. My sister is 3+. Until now, our mother hasn’t needed much help.
By the time you read this, I will have helped her through the weekend and taken her to the specialist to figure out if she will need surgery. I will have made meals and finished getting her garden ready for winter. Before I leave, I'll make sure she has frozen dinners and I'll do her wash. But I can't stay for the number of weeks it will take for that ankle to heal. I have my own family and a job (so does my sister).
Mom is an independent soul and probably she'll be just fine. But I'll worry and feel guilty and worry some more.
What now? What's next? How do I deal with my mother's future health issues from a distance?
p.s. Mom doesn't have wi-fi (sigh) so I'll be going to the local library each day to keep in touch.
Duty calls. My eighty-year-old spunky, active mother broke her ankle. The right one. Her driving ankle. While working in her garden.
Mom (widowed) still lives in the three-bedroom family ranch with full basement and a yard bordered by flowerbeds. I’m the closest distance-wise at 2 hours away. My sister is 3+. Until now, our mother hasn’t needed much help.
By the time you read this, I will have helped her through the weekend and taken her to the specialist to figure out if she will need surgery. I will have made meals and finished getting her garden ready for winter. Before I leave, I'll make sure she has frozen dinners and I'll do her wash. But I can't stay for the number of weeks it will take for that ankle to heal. I have my own family and a job (so does my sister).
Mom is an independent soul and probably she'll be just fine. But I'll worry and feel guilty and worry some more.
What now? What's next? How do I deal with my mother's future health issues from a distance?
p.s. Mom doesn't have wi-fi (sigh) so I'll be going to the local library each day to keep in touch.
The October 2013 Report
* * * * * * * * * *
Welcome to Dru's Cozy Report: October 2013. This month we have three new series.
Drizzled with Death by Jessie Crockett is the first book in the new "Sugar Grove" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, October 2013
I had such a fun time reading this delightfully charming whodunit. In this new series, Dani is hunting for a killer in her attempt to clear her family's name and some loose animals in town. The author did a great job in this wonderfully-served mystery that had a nice pace as each chapter flowed from one to the another, never missing a beat as clues are presented to help us solve this puzzle. I love the humor between the pages and the engaging conversations throughout. Dani is a great protagonist, who I want to learn more about, surrounded by a quirky cast of characters who are just as entertaining as she is. I can't wait for the next book in this exciting new series.Meet Dani Greene—a fourth-generation maple syrup maker dealing with a first-class troublemaker.
The annual pre-Thanksgiving pancake-eating contest is a big event in Sugar Grove, New Hampshire. It’s sponsored by the Sap Bucket Brigade, aka the firefighters auxiliary, and the Greene family farm provides the syrup. But when obnoxious outsider Alanza Speedwell flops face first into a stack of flapjacks during the contest, Greener Pastures’ syrup falls under suspicion.
Dani knows the police—including her ex-boyfriend—are barking up the wrong tree, and she’s determined to pull her loved ones out of a very sticky situation. The odds may be stacked against her, but she’s got to tap the real killer before some poor sap in her own family ends up trading the sugar house for the Big House.
Visit Jessie at www.jessiecrockett.com
FTC Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book, in hopes I would review it. I later read my kindle edition.
Murder and Marinara by Rosie Genova is the first book in the new "Italian Kitchen" mystery series. Publisher: Obsidian, October 2013
Have you ever been behind the scenes of a family restaurant? Well, in this new debut series, the author takes us there and let the good time roll as Victoria is gently forced to save the family business by any means necessary and if that means she plays detective like the character she writes, then so be it. I love the comfortable atmosphere of this story as every scene depicted made me feel like I was right there alongside this eccentric cast of characters lead by our heroine, Victoria with support from her BFF who adds comedic relief throughout this charming drama. With a nicely done plot, great conversations and a mystery that kept me entertained from beginning to end, this was especially enjoyable and I look forward to the next book in this appealingly fresh new series. Bonus recipes are included.Hit whodunit writer Victoria Rienzi is getting back to her roots by working at her family’s Italian restaurant. But now in between plating pasta and pouring vino, she’ll have to find the secret ingredient in a murder.
When Victoria takes a break from penning her popular mystery series and moves back to the Jersey shore, she imagines sun, sand, and scents of fresh basil and simmering marinara sauce at the family restaurant, the Casa Lido. But her nonna’s recipes aren’t the only things getting stirred up in this Italian kitchen.
Their small town is up in arms over plans to film a new reality TV show, and when Victoria serves the show’s pushy producer his last meal, the Casa Lido staff finds itself embroiled in a murder investigation. Victoria wants to find the real killer, but there are as many suspects as tomatoes in her nonna’s garden. Now she’ll have to heat up her sleuthing skills quickly…before someone else gets a plateful of murder.
You can visit Rosie at www.rosiegenova.com
FTC Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book, in hopes I would review it. I later read my kindle edition.
Chili Con Carnage by Kylie Logan is the first book in the New "Chili Cook-Off" mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, October 2013
This is a fun and humorous read where Maxie, our reluctant sleuth, starts an investigation when one of the roadie is murder and suspicions is cast upon her. What we have is a nicely executed whodunit that immediately entertains in this action-filled drama from the dancing chili to the apprehension of the killer. The author did a good job in keeping this mystery fresh and appetizing as we follow our spunky heroine who delighted me with her timely comedic escapades in her search for the truth. With a comfortable tone, the feel of being at traveling show, a group of eccentrically diverse characters and engaging dialogue, this was a wonderfully enjoyable read and I can’t wait to see what’s next up for Maxie and her friends.Bean there. . .done that
Romance is supposed to be the spice of life. But Maxie Pierce is so done with bad relationships—well, almost. She just has to get rid of the latest loser, Roberto. Besides, she has more important things to worry about. Her daddy, Texas Jack Pierce, king of the chili cook-off circuit, has been missing for nearly six weeks now. In his place, she must team up with her irritating half sister, Sylvia, to promote the family business at the Taos Chili Showdown, to be judged by celebrity chef Carter Donnelly.
But when Maxie discovers Roberto’s body in the chef’s trailer—only hours after publicly breaking up with him while wearing a giant red chili pepper costume—she suddenly finds she’s the one in the spotlight as the police pepper her with questions. Now this Chili Chick needs to kick up the search to catch the real killer and get back to finding her father.
You can visit Kylie at www.kylielogan.com
FTC Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of this book, in hopes I would review it. I later read my kindle edition.
And check out these other October releases
October 13, 2013
And The Plot Goes On
by Kate CollinsHave you ever sat on a board or in a committee meeting that got heated? Where the core issue got lost because one board member’s ego stood in the way? It happened to me last week at our homeowners’ association board meeting. One hot button topic. Five committee members – three of whom were trying to do what was best for the community, one who wanted what was best for herself, and one who was trying to mediate. Add to that one leader who didn’t lead and what do you get?
Voices raised. Faces turned red. Tempers flared. Neighbors who weren’t so neighborly. And nothing decided. Now a few residents aren’t speaking to each other.
A homeowner’s association board is supposed to be looking out for the best interests of the community as a whole. When a few or even one member can only think of her/himself, it ceases to work.
What didn’t stop working was my right brain. Even while my left brain was arguing, my right brain was plotting a future murder mystery.
Here’s what I came up with:
The Victim: The board member who wouldn’t approve someone’s landscape plans.
The Suspects:
1. The neighbor whose plans were unfairly shot down.
2. A board member who stood up to the victim and got bullied and shot down.
3. The victim’s former employee who was fired for a silly reason.
4. A person from within the victim’s family/former husband with an axe to grind.
And I was off and running. It’s too bad I’ve already got my plot for book 16, which I’m just now starting. But hey, 17 is right around the corner. All I need is a title. Hmm. Something to do with landscaping, shrubs, flowers ….. Oh, well. Something will come to me.
By the way, I do this at other times, too, such as when I’m waiting in a long line at the airport. You know those annoying TSA employees who insist your hand lotion is actually the residue from illegal drugs? I see a murder mystery taking shape. Amazing how you can entertain yourself when you put your right brain to it.
Next time you’re stuck in a similar situation, try it. At the very least, it’ll make you smile. At the most, it’ll make the time fly by. Or maybe you have a better way to make the tedium interesting. I’d love to hear it.
October 12, 2013
If Wishes Were Houses ...
by Leann
It has been more than a year since we have been living in limbo while our home on the lake is being built. I believe one year is a magical amount of time--and when you are waiting past a "due date," every small thing begins to add more stress than it should. Yes, I was foolish enough to think I would be in my new house by now. Well, I'm not there yet.
My husband is the general contractor and first, I must say, he is doing an
amazing job of taking on a project that is difficult to say the least--and one
he'd never done before. He is working hard coordinating subcontractors and finding the right people for the job. The craftsmanship is excellent as far as I can tell. There are a lot of skilled, hardworking folks in South Carolina. Second, I must add, if I expected quick work, well that was wishful thinking. Rain delays and indecison are frustrating beyond belief.
Right now, I am on deadline. This is my second time finishing a book in the rental house I hate with a passion. The first time I soldiered through and I believe I wrote one of the best books I've ever created. This time the struggle has been immense. Each passing day without the "comfort of home" weighs on me. I find myself imagining myself sitting at my sewing machine or cutting fabric, I can almost smell banana bread baking. I can see myself sitting on my new deck and watching the ducks float by on the lake. But these are only wishes right now.
I have also been dealing with a difficult family issue that has hurt my heart and a kitten who has struggled since I brought him home. He is not healthy, may never be healthy, but I have poured so much energy into
helping him survive, it is taking a toll. But giving up on him is not an option. He and I have a bond that will last forever.
I reflect on all this because despite the difficulties, I have learned much in this last year and 3 months, and I will be stronger because of it all. Most days I can look past filthy windows, ugly walls and other awful aspects of this house I cannot even bear to put into words. I can focus on the future. When this book is completed, it will probably reveal things to me when I reread it that I didn't realize I was placing between the lines. The subconscious will always have its way.
Relief will come. Life is full of passages and this is simply one of those particularly unpleasant times I never thought I'd be dealing with. The end is in sight, as is the end of the latest cat book.
Most days I try to focus on the happiness I experienced in the last year. Yesterday my oldest granddaughter turned six, a month ago my middle granddaughter turned three. Next month the youngest will turn one. They are beautiful and wonderful and I am so lucky. My daughter put on an amazing show this year that I got see in NYC. Now my son-in-law is experiencing what it's like to be a "little famous" with the co-writing of his highly successful Welcome to Night Vale podcast. Good things are happening. Joy is here. But sometimes it's difficult to see what's beyond the dirty windows and ugly paint that I wake up to everyday.
Thanks for reading. I needed to just get it out by writing it down. The written word is a powerful healer.
It has been more than a year since we have been living in limbo while our home on the lake is being built. I believe one year is a magical amount of time--and when you are waiting past a "due date," every small thing begins to add more stress than it should. Yes, I was foolish enough to think I would be in my new house by now. Well, I'm not there yet.
My husband is the general contractor and first, I must say, he is doing an
amazing job of taking on a project that is difficult to say the least--and one he'd never done before. He is working hard coordinating subcontractors and finding the right people for the job. The craftsmanship is excellent as far as I can tell. There are a lot of skilled, hardworking folks in South Carolina. Second, I must add, if I expected quick work, well that was wishful thinking. Rain delays and indecison are frustrating beyond belief.
Right now, I am on deadline. This is my second time finishing a book in the rental house I hate with a passion. The first time I soldiered through and I believe I wrote one of the best books I've ever created. This time the struggle has been immense. Each passing day without the "comfort of home" weighs on me. I find myself imagining myself sitting at my sewing machine or cutting fabric, I can almost smell banana bread baking. I can see myself sitting on my new deck and watching the ducks float by on the lake. But these are only wishes right now.
I have also been dealing with a difficult family issue that has hurt my heart and a kitten who has struggled since I brought him home. He is not healthy, may never be healthy, but I have poured so much energy into
helping him survive, it is taking a toll. But giving up on him is not an option. He and I have a bond that will last forever.I reflect on all this because despite the difficulties, I have learned much in this last year and 3 months, and I will be stronger because of it all. Most days I can look past filthy windows, ugly walls and other awful aspects of this house I cannot even bear to put into words. I can focus on the future. When this book is completed, it will probably reveal things to me when I reread it that I didn't realize I was placing between the lines. The subconscious will always have its way.
Relief will come. Life is full of passages and this is simply one of those particularly unpleasant times I never thought I'd be dealing with. The end is in sight, as is the end of the latest cat book.
Most days I try to focus on the happiness I experienced in the last year. Yesterday my oldest granddaughter turned six, a month ago my middle granddaughter turned three. Next month the youngest will turn one. They are beautiful and wonderful and I am so lucky. My daughter put on an amazing show this year that I got see in NYC. Now my son-in-law is experiencing what it's like to be a "little famous" with the co-writing of his highly successful Welcome to Night Vale podcast. Good things are happening. Joy is here. But sometimes it's difficult to see what's beyond the dirty windows and ugly paint that I wake up to everyday.
Thanks for reading. I needed to just get it out by writing it down. The written word is a powerful healer.
October 11, 2013
Is Halloween Being Phased Out?
By Ellery Adams
It's October 12th and at my local craft store, the Halloween section has been compressed to one aisle to make way for the Christmas decorations. I love Christmas. I love decorations. But I also love Halloween. I always have. As a kid, I thought it was so cool that there was this one night to run around in the dark, dressed in costume, and collect candy. Being with my friends with the moon out and dozens of other kids racing about made me feel free and happy.
We also have a big Halloween parade at school. I remember the year I went as Lady Liberty and my arm got so sore holding up that dang torch, but I had a ball.
Neither of my kids can wear costumes to school. They trick-or-treat, but so many people turn their lights off or pretend not to be home.
To prepare for the haunted supper I hosted last night, I had to go to five stores to find enough decorations and tableware.
Is Halloween on its way out?
How do you feel about the holiday?
Love it or loath it?
It's October 12th and at my local craft store, the Halloween section has been compressed to one aisle to make way for the Christmas decorations. I love Christmas. I love decorations. But I also love Halloween. I always have. As a kid, I thought it was so cool that there was this one night to run around in the dark, dressed in costume, and collect candy. Being with my friends with the moon out and dozens of other kids racing about made me feel free and happy.
We also have a big Halloween parade at school. I remember the year I went as Lady Liberty and my arm got so sore holding up that dang torch, but I had a ball.Neither of my kids can wear costumes to school. They trick-or-treat, but so many people turn their lights off or pretend not to be home.
To prepare for the haunted supper I hosted last night, I had to go to five stores to find enough decorations and tableware.
Is Halloween on its way out?
How do you feel about the holiday?
Love it or loath it?
