Tues. Nov. 26, 2024: Getting Things Done, But Slowly
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
Waning Moon
Neptune, Chiron, Uranus, Jupiter, Mercury Retrograde
Rainy and cold
Today is release day for the novelette STRANGERS IN THE SNOW. Trapped in a diner off the interstate by a snowstorm, an eclectic group of diner patrons determines to create a found family holiday, with a soundtrack by a local radio host. You can watch a video, read more about it, and find the buy links on the Delectable Digital Delights page.
Buckle up, my friends, Mercury went retrograde yesterday and will be in that state until December 15. Deep breaths, make sure your tech is backed up, everything will take more time, listen during the holidays or there will be issues, and don’t be surprised if there are travel glitches.
GREAT time to go thrift shopping, though. But don’t buy big ticket or electronic items, or something like a house. Keep it small and simple.
The biggest message for this particular retrograde is “slow down.” That’s counter to the way we are expected to approach the holiday season, piling more and more and more on. But listen to the message to not just slow down, but to savor everything about the holiday season.
Friday was about cleaning, library run, picking up some flowers to put in my friend’s room and the living room. I had a ZOOM interview with a writers’ organization for whom I will probably teach early next year. It sounds like we’re all in synch, but until contracts are signed and dates finalized, you never know. And, yes, I have to do all this paperwork during Mercury retrograde, so I will be reading the fine print. It can’t wait until mid- December.
Settled in. My friend was delayed, so I hung out with the cats reading until she arrived. The weather was, unfortunately, nasty. But that’s why I like to do something crockpot when people are traveling. No one has to stress, because it’s waiting whenever we want it, and giving the house a wonderful scent.
Got my friend unloaded, took her car to the overnight lot, got back home. Ate dinner, drank local beer, had a good catch-up chat. Willa was very friendly. Charlotte was a diva princess. Tessa wanted nothing to do with anybody. Bea was curious but shy. My friend and I picked up our friendship right where we left off, even though it was so many years ago.
Slept well, up early, let my friend sleep in a bit. We had a nice, leisurely breakfast and headed out. We stopped at the library, so I could show it off. Then we headed to the holiday market at Greylock Works.
It was packed! The parking lot was full, the ballpark’s lot was full, so I had to park beyond (and probably illegally). The market itself was pretty overwhelming. The space was set up nicely, but too many people for me to feel comfortable (even pre-pandemic, it would have been too much). Yes, I masked. Ran into a bunch of people I knew, moseyed around the vendors. I took a card from a woman who uses natural dyes for her silk and cotton pieces. I loved them, but right now, they are out of my budget. I will buy something from her site as soon as I can afford it – probably in spring.
Once we had enough of the market, we headed to the Clark. Again, it was packed, and we ended up parking up at the Lunder Center at the top of the hill and walking down. We meandered through the museum, starting with decorative arts and visiting the Renoirs and Sergeants that I always visit. And, of course, the piano that used to be part of the Broadway Hall of Fame at the Gershwin Theatre.
When we had enough of that, we headed to Wild Soul River for the workshop. We were early, so we could browse and have some hot tea and chat with Shea while they set up. It was a lovely workshop, almost all familiar faces, and they welcomed my friend with open arms. Shea did a lovely presentation, and we got to play with art, which was fun.
After it was over, we headed back, cooked dinner, and talked until we nearly fell asleep in our respective chairs.
Sunday morning was Eggs Benedict and prosecco with Guava (called a “plumeria”) for brunch. My friend headed back to the Eastern part of the state. I picked up the turkey for Thanksgiving, and a few bits and bobs we needed for the meal.
Did some practical things, and then just crashed. Fell asleep for about 90 minutes in the afternoon. We had a great time, and my friend was able to not be a caretaker for a few days, and let herself be cared for; I’m glad I could provide her a fun break. I’m feeling the aftereffects of my show, the A4A decisions, prepping for workshop proposals, some lingering effects from the vaccine, and having company.
This Mercury retrograde is supposed to be about rest and big picture stuff. There’s part of me that’s trying not to panic about the lack of work (which means lack of income) these past few weeks. But I’m also putting some things into play for the longer term.
I did the Community Tarot Reading for the week and got that scheduled to post. Heated up leftovers for dinner. Started reading Eric Idle’s SPAMALOT DIARIES about the process of putting the show up on Broadway, which is interesting.
Slept in on Monday. The cats were fed by the time I finally got up. I had to do a bunch of administrative work. I had to sign a contract for the teaching gig (couldn’t put it off until Mercury goes direct), but I took my time with it, and it’s what we discussed on Friday, so all good. I did all that paperwork and got it sent off. I put in the order for the print proofs of the first two Nina Bell books. I should have them in a couple of weeks, then I can go through them and see if I have to make any changes to the print file, or we’re good to go. Used a gift card I received as a thank you from a client for things that will go into gift packages for some friends. Followed up on a bunch of emails. Submitted two plays to submission calls. Did about two hours’ worth of admin work, and an hour’s worth of marketing.
Honestly, it was hard to stay awake, even though it was sunny. I just wanted to rest.
Tried not to panic at the lack of script coverages coming in. I got a couple of small ones, which I will turn around today.
Got my dates set for the teaching contract. I will teach a workshop on screenwriting tools during the month of March, on Wednesday nights from 6-8 PM. It’s via ZOOM, so people can attend from anywhere. I will put more information into the newsletter, and, closer to the date, add in more information and links to promote it.
Had a ZOOM catchup with a friend from my Nightwood cohort, which was fun.
Started feeling more rested in the evening, although I gave myself the evening off to read for pleasure. Reading a mystery which does well on the character level, but the plotting on the mystery side of it leaves something to be desired.
On today’s agenda: promotion for STRANGERS IN THE SNOW. Work on VICIOUS CRITIC, and possibly another story that’s been rolling around my brain for a bit, and now wants to come out. Jaunt to the post office to mail a few things. Turn around the two small coverages and hope for more. Start the next book for review. Yoga.
I realized that Thanksgiving itself is the day before the dark moon, which is my lowest energy day of the year. Good we’re planning a quiet day built around the meal, and a lot of rest.
Have a good one!
