Category: Brief Humor & Check-Ins

Brief Humor & Check-Ins

Poison Ivy: Election thoughts & writing updates

Peregrine Arc: An Author's Scratchwork

Like many Americans who didn’t vote for Trump, I have felt in a bit of a daze since Tuesday evening. I’ve been fluctuating between feelings of sadness, disbelief, disgust and anger. When did our country become so bigoted, so full of hatred, with such little disregard for others–particularly women, minorities, immigrants and other vulnerable humans? When did logic and truth become things we could twist and barter with ease, rape and felony convictions things we could ignore? I feel like I just watched over 74 million people pour gasoline on the country and light matches in unison. They’re gleeful, enraptured, and ready to watch it all burn. As long as their stomachs are fed, their gas is cheaper, and they’re comfortable and at ease, that’s all they seem to care about. They want to be just like their false god, the one they all but profess to worship, Trump-branded Bibles in hand. A book that is full of stories about loving your enemies, sacrificial love, humility and the dangers of idolatry. The hypocrisy is blinding.

I’m puttering around our house this weekend, reflecting on these things, while doing some cleaning and organizing . I am trying to process everything and think of ways forward. “Not enough data” my brain keeps telling me. “Nobody knows what to expect.” “Perhaps some tea would help?” I like the last one.

We are also finishing up yardwork in preparation for the Winter–I am dealing with a bad case of poison ivy currently from that endeavor. I’ve declared war on the plant and its roots system and will be donning my full camo suit and face paint soon.

I also finished my first draft of my YA Fantasy novel. I like it a lot, but need to go in and clean up a few areas and tighten a few loose screws. The motor of the story gives way a little over halfway through and sputters out erratically. Reader safety and all. I’m hoping to start sending that out en masse to agents and publishers this holiday season.

Until then, if you see a woman wandering around her backyard spraying Roundup in a biohazard suit, muttering to herself about hypocrites and Jasmine tea blends–don’t worry it’s just me. I’m talking with the guy in dusty sandals. He’s seen this all before, and He knew long ago that this was coming. He’ll refill my teacups and listen to me. He will guide me in this season and the next to come. Take care and happy writing.

Brief Humor & Check-Ins

Watching the Wheels go ’round and round’

Peregrine Arc: An Author's Scratchwork

I blinked and we’re halfway through 2024. This has been an interesting year for me, one filled with a lot of work and also introspection. There’s a song by John Lennon called “Watching the Wheels“. It’s one of my favorites; the melody and the chorus have been a touchstone over the years. The words tend to pop in my head when the world becomes a bit too much. And it’s a good match for the current season I’m in:

I’m just sitting here watching the wheels go round and round
I really love to watch them roll
No longer riding on the merry-go-round
I just had to let it go

Watching the news, and the current infighting in America, I feel like this. I’m not a politician. I have very little power to make lasting change, at least in the immediate sense. I try to do good in my career, through the children we sponsor and in my prayer life. But sometimes, I feel a bit like John: just watching chaos unfolding that I’d rather have nothing to do with. Beam me up, Peter–have you seen the circus down here?

Writing wise, I’ve started querying my YA Fantasy book. It’s a peach, a gem and I’m quite proud of her. I’m also still trying to find a home for a horror novella and a sci-fi short story I’ve written. I’ve been enjoying writing on this end, along with doing some house projects and taking care of the Godzilla known as my Labrador. If her meals are late, or if you forget her lunchtime walks, heaven help you.

In my little corner of the world, I’m trying to light as many small candles as I can and keep them lit. Spread the kindness, encourage others, while keeping Godzilla from destroying the neighborhood. All in a days work. And of course, I plan to vote, too.

I hope everyone is having a good summer. Peace be with you. Eat lots of vegetables, go on walks. Talk with the guy in dusty sandals. And happy writing.

P.S.–I also saw the movie “Legend” a few weeks ago for the first time. It was…interesting. Surreal. Trippy. Choppy in its editing and storyline. But very magical and filled with pure imagination. It has beautiful scenery, visuals and its innocence was refreshing. I think I really liked it. I am looking forward to watching it again and checking out the other versions. Here’s one of my favorite scenes from it, near the climax. Enjoy.

Brief Humor & Check-Ins

The Holiday Season, December’s Perspective & Writing

Peregrine Arc: An Author's Scratchwork

December came up to my doorstep without invitation, just the other week. I wasn’t quite finished speaking to November yet, but she had left before I knew it. She walked down my driveway and around the corner, not to be seen for another twelve months. November is quite nice–have you met her? She likes to come over towards the end of every year, in her green corduroy suspenders and maroon turtleneck, her hair tied up in a velvet scrunchie, and share a cup of tea. We like talking about deeper subjects, such as gratitude, the qualities of the best french fry, and the finer details of Autumn’s leaves and dying foliage. Beauty in a time capsule, set soon to break. November’s often overshadowed by her other, more well known siblings–October and December. The one month is all about candy, costumes and ghosts, and the other–well, that depends, I’ve found.

December can be a profound month. It’s the ending of another year, and depending on your faith, a time for celebrating deep mysteries with awe and humility. This year I am using it more intentionally, as a month for reflection, dreaming, and finishing projects at a slower and more focused pace. I am doing my best to ignore the constant marketing ads–ones telling me to buy more, want more, and to chase after false promises of peace or joy. I am not perfect at this, but I’ve learned over the years that when December comes up to my doorstep, I take away all his bright flashy lights and neon signs, say no to the unrealistic expectations, and take all the junk mail out of his hands filled with stock footage of happy, perfect families that are actually paid models in coordinated outfits. December and I instead decorate together, do a few slower-paced traditions my husband and I have created over the years, and try to finish up any shopping early. I’ve found this approach much more peaceful and feasible. Resting is an art I am trying to relearn. Refocusing without distractions, another.

Writing wise, I have a story idea bubbling around in my mind, something I am beginning to write ideas down for. I am dreaming of creatures while on walks with my dog and husband, thinking of funny jokes and characters, chapter plots, and also those serious moments of life that makes us all-too human and connected with one another, even with our differences. I hope to start getting this all into coherent writing soon–with God’s grace, and many cups of hot cocoa. Yum.

How are you spending your December? Are you hoping for twenty feet of snow, like I am, or maybe just a few minutes of peace, stretched to hours with a good book and some cocoa?

I hope your December is filled with good meals, and simpler moments of lasting joy and treasured peace. And if you’re at the family dinner table, and Uncle Bernie brings up politics, or Aunt Sally gives you her unsolicited advice yet again–remember that dinner rolls can also be used as projectile weapons. Especially when filled with mashed potatoes and gravy. Merry Christmas and happy writing adventures.