This Life...
-
November Memos
Okay, so maybe these are actually early December memos. No matter, here we go… Hey, Cancer, You SUCK and I’ve had quite enough of you attacking my loved ones, so cut it out! Got it? Scram! They need a break and frankly so do I, so go away and never, ever return, okay? Fiercely, Nan ******* Dear Cloudy, Gray Skies, Buzz off and let the sunshine in… Please? Nan ****** Dear Christmas Cookies and Fudge, Somehow, you’ve gotten the mistaken idea that I made you for my own pleasure. Well, I didn’t. I made you for my clients and friends, so stop calling to me from the freezer in the…
-
Chasing Summer
It’s November 2 and it’s chilly and breezy here at the lake—like wintertime chilly. The sun is shining today, but on Halloween–just two days ago–it snowed! Snow on Halloween! Sheesh! We just walked down to the dock to take a look at the lake, and the wind nipped at my nose so bad, I had to wrap my scarf around my face. Now, as I sit by the window, working and watching the wind scatter our tidy piles of raked leaves back across the yard, I’m wondering what the hell happened to summer? I know summer was here—after all the cottage is still open (although we’re closing up next weekend).…
-
The Zen of Traveling
I’ve done a lot of traveling this year…well, for me a lot of traveling. I went to Chicago for the Chicago North Romance Writers Conference—a blast, by the way! Then I went west to stay with Grandboy while his parents went even further west for a business/pleasure trip. I was home for about twenty-four hours before heading to Albany, New York to attend a family wedding and then on to visit friends near Syracuse. Had a great time on all those trips, but I’m rather glad that for a while, most of the traveling I’m doing is back and forth between home and the lake. Husband and I have traveled…
-
A Word From the Editor…
Most of you know that I make my living as a freelance copyeditor. I hope one day that the writing will bring in enough income that I can do it full-time, but right now, it’s important I maintain my editing clients. I’m okay with that because at this point in my career, I can be pickier about the projects I take on. I’m getting more into fiction editing, which I adore, and I have several nonfiction clients whose work is always a treat. All in all, things are good on the editing front. One of my clients is a huge computer title publisher and I’m just crazy about them. The…
-
In Memory of Kyle–An Elegant Mourning
Today’s post is a repeat of one that I’ve done before, but I’m posting it again in memory of my nephew, Kyle Alexander, who died twelve years ago today. My buddy, Tim Moody (whom we lost two years ago), wrote some music after he first read this piece about Kyle and PJ. He named it An Elegant Mourning and it’s lovely. I like to imagine Kyle and Tim up in heaven making music together, because I’m certain God brings all his musician angels together now and then, and that heaven is frequently one big jam session. Please listen. God bless you, Kyle and you too, Timmie, and peace be with…
-
December Memos
Dear Snow, So you couldn’t hang around for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day? What’s up with that? It’s 8 degrees outside, so a little of the white stuff wouldn’t be out of line here. Shiveringly, Nan **** Dear James Taylor, Thank you for your Christmas CD! It’s awesome and I’ve nearly worn it out this Christmas. I especially love your rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “River.” You are, as always, amazing. Caroling, Nan **** Dear Christmas Cookies and Fudge in the Freezer, Shut up! Resistingly, Nan **** Dear Grandboy, What a wonderful time Pops and I had watching you and Daddy baking this past weekend. Skype surely rocks! You’re such a…
-
8-Sentence Sunday
Can you believe it’s a new 8-Sentence Sunday? Where is the time going? I’m deep into Book 3 of the Women of Willow Bay series–Sarah’s as-yet untitled story. I’m open to suggestions by the way. Setup is the same as last week–Sarah is closing up La Belle Femme, the resale shop she manages at a women’s shelter in Chicago. A mysterious limo has been parked outside each evening for the past couple of days and she and Mack, the nightwatchman are wondering… “Yup,” Sarah returned the smile—Mack was a sweetheart. She switched off all the lights except the can lights over the front window and locked the register as he…
-
Mushy Mind…
…and wow, is it bad right now! I have a very bad case of mind mush—my ability to focus and function is seriously out of whack. I’m not sure if it’s because the weather is changing or that I’m finally sleeping again or the poison ivy that’s driving me crazy or allergies or what, but for some reason, my brain is muddled. My grandmother used to say she was muzzy—isn’t that a great word? I’m muzzy. Example 1: I went back in the house twice this afternoon before I finally took off for my errands. Once to make sure I’d unplugged all the hair stuff in the bathroom (I had)…
-
On Being Nanny…
I’m just home from a wondrous visit with Son, DIL, and Grandboy, and although it’s nice to be back home and getting into my “normal” routine again, I already miss all of them! Grandboy and I had a fun-filled two weeks of playing and reading and simply getting to know one another better. He is a delight, but wow, there is truly a reason that God gives toddlers to young people. Whew!! I definitely got my exercise! It wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle though, and I was happy for my strong legs and healthy body. The boy is busy and full of curiosity! Everything is an adventure. He discovered the…
-
Grandboy!
Grandboy, Son and DIL visited a week ago and spent five days at the lake with us. They all loved the lake—it was Grandboy’s first foray into lake life, DIL’s first time at a lake since she became an adult, and for Son, it was a visit back to his own childhood. He got to swim and fish and boat and generally re-live his days at this lake when he was a kid. It was glorious having them there, in spite of poor DIL popping her knee out of place. Son did the brave thing and popped it back in for her, but she had to be in a knee…