Seasons of Change: Writer’s conference & speaking to Chaos

This summer’s been a season of change for me–one mixed with many challenges and blessings alike. I recently changed jobs and am now employed at a place where my weekends are guaranteed and work life balance is strictly guarded. When I log off at 5 pm, I magically transform from a pumpkin back into Cinderella. Sort of of a reverse fairy tale effect, if you will. I could breathe, start decompressing, and move on from that season of my life.

Little did I know, however, that Chaos had other plans for me. She showed up one day at our front door, her suitcase next to her, dressed in a vintage mauve suit with rakish hat, complete with feather. In her hand was a calendar and she wasted no time in scheduling our weeks for us. Our conversation went something like this:

“Now, I know you’re transitioning into a new job and need to acclimate–but where would the fun be in that? To start things off, I thought this Saturday you would find a raccoon wandering on your property, leaving parasitic infested droppings. Cleanup will be a chore, but how about we add in a nice little twist? You discover (only a few days later!) that your neighbor is actually FEEDING the racoon. Sure you can try talking to them, but they won’t listen. Come, now. I’m also going to make your riding lawnmower stop working and force you to hand mow during consecutive heat waves. And I’m talking fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk heatwaves endorsed by the Republican party! No, don’t bother trying to fix the mower yourself–I know you’re stubborn but it won’t do any good. You won’t get any of your other projects done either so just put that out of your mind. Also–ooh, I quite like this one. Are you ready? Ahem. Your last paycheck that you were eagerly waiting on, the one from your old job? It’s going to be wrong and they’re going to shortchange you a lot of money. But don’t worry; it’ll only take about a month or two to get it fixed, if they ever do. I quite like them. I don’t see why you ever left that place…

“Now then, I also see in my client notes that you like to play video games to relax? Well, strike that, that’s gone now. I’m going to cause your Nintendo Switch to stop working–just poof! You’ll play for ten minutes–it’ll turn off. You’ll try fixing it yourself (oh, how you make me laugh!) but to no avail. Then I’m going to have it start turning itself on and off repeatedly while you’re trying to work. Isn’t that a nice touch? We just love those little electronic beeps and whistles, don’t we? Beep-boop. BEEEEEEEP! As well, in late July I have a hive of bees scheduled to move in–that’ll be a few weeks after the racoon incident. Yes, I believe in doing everything in quick order. Knock ’em while they’re already down is my motto. The bees are going to make a home in your front porch–they didn’t like the acres of land and woods they had available and wanted a home with a view. And…wait, where are you going? Come back. I’m not through with you yet!”

Shortly thereafter, I tackled Chaos and tied her to a lawn chair in my backyard. I relegated her to blowing bubbles and popping them with her fingers. That’s all the glee and mirth she’s allowed to do now. Yes, she’s sullen, but she’ll get over it. A good thunderstorm or two never did anyone any harm…

In happier news, I am planning to attend a writer’s conference in the next few weeks. This has been a goal of mine for some years that I am finally able to do. I also joined a writer’s group as well and will be getting feedback on a horror novella I wrote recently (set in post-WWII England). I am considering possibly developing it into a full novel. Wish me luck.

Until then, I continue to perspire and persist in the Summer of 2023, following the guy in the dusty sandals. I hope you’re all well and continuing to follow your writerly pursuits. Leave a comment about how this is going, or if you’ve tried frying an egg on your sidewalk yet. Cheers!