Not Writing? Remember Two Things

 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day! Things have been kind of busy around here with the new puppy, but I’m getting back to work. Still, when the North wind blows into California, I start shivering and coming up with excuses for not writing. 

One of my favorite hobbies is crocheting. I’ve crocheted sweaters, scarves and hats that magically, bring on a heatwave. Then it drops thirty degrees and I’ll have tea and get comfortable in fuzzy slippers, when all of a sudden there’s a barking festival inside, and outside, the house. Seems the neighborhood dogs want to welcome our pup. By the time the chorus is over, it’s time for lunch. It’s a never-ending cycle, and we have to be ready. All creative writers have to be ready. Are you?

Which leads me to the two pieces of advice I have for times like this:

1.    Stay the course.

You don't have time. Seriously. After all, there are a million distractions, but don’t forget, your mind still works. You can plot things out without writing them down. The more you repeat dialogue in your head, the better it will be. If you’re prone to forgetting things, make small notes along the way. Notes aside, you can create a better story by thinking about your scene--and your characters and imagining everything clearly—all while making dinner or driving your car.

When shopping, and about to select a vegetable or package off the shelf, think about your characters. What would they eat, what would they drink? Do they eat cereal for breakfast? Are they just like you? Maybe not, right?

Don’t worry, you’ll have time to write it all down someday. Maybe not this week, or next, but when it’s right. In other words, don’t give up. Ever.

 2.    Stay Positive!

There are many reasons for excuses. One bad rejection letter and I can fall behind for two months. Broadcasts about war send my poetry muse packing. If my book isn’t selling, I wonder why I should write another. Then, when I least expect it, I receive a wonderful review about how the reader can’t wait to read more.

 Excuses run the gamut:  my computer is giving me a problem, I’m cold, I’m hungry, worrying about someone else, the kids, the mortgage, health related stuff, the water bill, the news reports, etc. I imagine you know what I’m talking about. Anyway, with electronic rejections, I suggest deleting them immediately. There are hundreds of other publications that are in need of creative work, and we need to focus on the ones that appreciate our writing. With so many negative things to worry about, seeing that email once, is enough. Of course, if the publication offers a few suggestions, and gives constructive criticism to improve the piece you wrote, you will want to take those things into consideration. Otherwise, don’t re-read it. Don’t dwell on it, and don’t print it. Delete button and gone. What rejection?

 

My acceptance file. 

When you receive an acceptance letter—print it--and put it next to your computer. Additionally, I suggest not watching the depressing, not-so-local news. Instead, stay in tune with your local neighborhood, by joining social media groups and watching city hall meetings in your town. Want edge of your seat reporting? The comments about the lost cat from around the corner are riveting. Also, a distraction, but more interesting than anything that happens on cable. Plus more poetic.

 In summary, there will be a time, and you'll be ready.

Two things-that’s it. You can do this.

Worth a Resolution Detour

 

I had serious goals and the best of intentions, until I received a special birthday gift, at which time, my New Year’s Resolutions sort of sprang, flew or dashed to the wayside. Yes, I had multiple ideas, most focused on writing. I have three unfinished books in my laptop, a couple more bouncing around in my brain, not to mention the blog, the website updating, poetry, volunteer work, not to mention the normal duties of everyday life.

Diets and exercise? Puhleeze—there’s a pandemic going around, and even if I spruced up, and almost looked perfect, there's nowhere to go. So, I’m settling for a bit of pudge, minor house cleaning and daily walks. And don’t ask about reading! The pile is growing like a snowcapped Kilimanjaro.  Honestly, no matter how I look at this situation, the gift, is worth the detour. 

Here she is—drumroll please--------Baba. (Means baby doll). Faster than lightening—she’s an Italian greyhound mix rescued by, and from, Southern Star Animal Shelter, where she spent a couple months, after the original parents said they couldn’t afford to keep her. 💓 (They probably couldn't catch her.) 

Her green eyes and meerkat expressions crack me up, and while physically, she resembles my previous pups, she is a unique little being, sometimes timid, mostly sweet and always fast. Besides being a cutie, I can tell she’s smart too. Right now, she’s kind of a handful, but that’s expected because she’s only 9 months old.

Who knows maybe after chasing Baba all day I’ll be lean and fit, ready to conquer 2022?

 (Don't laugh!😃)

And----- Hopefully, when she settles down, I’ll get back to writing. 😊

How's your resolution going? 

Don't you think this interruption is 100% worth it?

Wishing You MORE!

 

What are you looking for? Are you searching for a dream destination? A new home, or career? It’s always exciting to think we have a new year ahead of us filled with unlimited possibilities.

Every single day can lead to fresh ways of looking at things.

From one hour to another, we might have a refreshing and bold new idea; a graphic concept, a color combination that works, a tasty twist in a recipe, a different pathway for walks, a novel workout routine, a new dance step, a puzzle piece that fits, a plan for a vacay, a fancy investment, a career goal and more.

Every minute might bring a surprise. An unexpected phone call from someone far away, or a passionate kiss and a sudden embrace; a letter of acceptance, a long-awaited package at the door--a benign biopsy. Maybe there will be a late-arriving Christmas card, a high school friend request, a song you haven’t heard in ages, a butterfly that lands in your yard, rosebuds, the hummingbird that hovers nearby, unpredicted rain and more.

And seconds, we have 31,536,000 every year!

Time for a wink, a touch, a giving hand, smiles, and more.

May all your New Year Dreams Come True!

Happy New Year!

 

Ever See a Rock Snake?

 

One of the places we enjoy trekking is the Lake Elsinore levee, where a kind person came up with the creative idea of a rock snake, that currently slithers down the trail for over half a mile.

The white birds are pelicans and egrets

Carefully painted, decorated rocks adjacent to the path, pull attention from ducks, pelicans, hawks and egrets like a display at a modern art museum. There are also rabbits bounding across into wild scrub brush, lizards sunning themselves on warm rocks, and who knows, maybe real snakes? Yikes. The rock snake is good enough for me.

Not only cute and entertaining, we have even added a rock from my personal Desert Rocks Collection. (Long story, but I painted rocks of the Coachella Valley and began freelance writing as The Desert Rocks, after leaving the newspaper business.)

The levee is a simple, flat walk with rest stops and fresh ocean breezes that swirl over nearby mountains from Orange County beaches. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and catch up on some local art!

Maybe it's a crow?

 A real turkey vulture

Watch out, is that a turkey vulture?  

Vulture at rest

Painted rocks....

as far as the eye can see.

Autumn's Warning

 

  

Crisp autumn seems to

gently negotiate with those of us used to warm climes.

Bold winds and light sprinkles advertise coming times.

New shows on the marquee,

mannequins with coats,

candy sales and baked brie.

January and February will be nippy,

she whispers among falling leaves.

Is your wine chilled or are you tipsy?

Craving hot appetizers on cool platters,

we want al fresco dining ‘til our teeth chatter.

 

Prepare yourself autumn seems to say.

Before everything turns gray.

Fix the furnace before it’s too late.

Shorter days are worth the wait?

Stock up on tea bags and cocoa,

there might be snow.

You never know.

Time to dig out sweaters and socks,

hide the shorts--ditch the flipflops.

Trade lemonade for pumpkin lattes--

and secretly pray for long summer days.

 

 

Eve Gaal

Another Part of the Circle-A is for Apple

 

With a name like Eve, it may not be surprising that we have an apple tree out back. Adorable, pale green apples sway in the autumn breeze, just waiting to be put into a pie. I seem to remember these are the Fuji variety. 

 

I was tempted.

What’s your favorite apple? Macintosh? Gala?

 Red Delicious? Honeycrisp?