Today started off quite well. A nice stroll through Hampden, lunch, shopping for a gift, lots of sunshine, and reading in bed. Then I decided to experiment with my website…
I should not be allowed to tinker with my WordPress blog. I stumbled upon this “BuddyPress” plugin and thought it would be a cool tool to experiment with. Instead, I managed to totally mess up the “behind the scenes” part of my blog. Anyone know a WordPress expert? Help!
Anyway, if you’ve noticed some social networking tools popping up, that’s the culprit. Since I don’t really have a need to create a social network, it seems a bit silly to have this function available. I should have read the fine print. Anyway, happy Saturday everyone. Rather than trying to uninstall this pesky plug-in, I’m going to write. Super brainstorming session with Steve this morning over coffee. I am so stoked to write the scenes we discussed. I’m not going to let a little web-related trouble get me down!
This is yet another reason why I love my neighborhood. How could I resist taking a picture of this lovely Hampden front yard? These are the kinds of scenes that spark my imagination for future characters and settings. I snapped this picture while walking to the post office last week. I’ve stayed true to my daily strolls and sun salutations and it makes a world of difference!
I’m back in Charm City, but I’ve been on the road for the past five days. First stop was dinner at Candle 79 with the CSL crew. Next stop was Jersey City for a weekend filled with friends and Indian food. Next month I’ll be part of an Indian wedding and to get us in the spirit of this joyous occasion, we watched Bride and Prejudice. Twice. You’ve probably already guessed that this is the Bollywood adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel. My dear Jersey City friend had these guys (below) on her shelf and they made me smile.
On Sunday, I headed to CSL headquarters in Woodstock, NY and I was back on the road by Tuesday night! I’m happy to be home and looking forward to a relaxing weekend of reading, writing, and seeing friends and family. I finished Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (AMAZING) and started Nicole Peeler’s novel, Tempest Rising. It’s a fun and adventerous read and I’m excited to dig in more this weekend, rather than reading a few pages a night. Speaking of which, it’s time to do a few more manuscript edits and jump in bed!
Steve and I trekked through the snowy streets of Hampden on Saturday. It was quite the mini-adventure. Neighbors are much more friendly while shoveling the side walks. I loved knowing that everyone on the street was a local, although I felt bad for the shop owners who probably rely heavily on sales the weekend before Christmas.
We visited some lonely merchants to finish up our Christmas shopping, chowed down on veggie burgers at Common Ground, and made it to The Rotunda in time to catch a matinee! Avatar was amazing by the way and must be seen in theaters. I kind of want to go again…After a quick stop at Superfresh for more grub, we walked home and I took the picture above on the way.
Many hours was spent under the covers with my laptop. Editing, editing, and more editing. The comments from my beta readers keep coming in and they are so helpful! If you’re out there readers, THANK YOU. I know I’ve already told you a million times, but you rock.
I took a stab at a query letter for the first time too! It was fun to dip my toe in the water and take a stab at the synopsis. After working on it for a night, I saved it, closed it, and now I will let it rest.
On another note, I’m excited to start reading Hunger Games soon. I’ve heard amazing reviews and I want to find a series of books that I cannot put down. It’s been a while since I’ve found that magical connection. Last Christmas I discovered Charlaine Harris, will it be Suzanne Collins this year? I hope.
Top: New writing nook! Last Friday, Steve and I went to the magical world of Ikea to purchase a new desk and lamp. Our official office space does not have a door and it was driving me bonkers. After a few weeks away from novel #1 (and starting novel #2!) I’ve returned to #1 to do a final round of revisions before writing the dreaded query letter. Exciting!
Middle Left: Discovering this tiny Buddha statue last week seemed to symbolize turning over a new leaf. I started taking a walk each day for about a half hour in a nearby park and it makes a world of difference to my mental health. Last week was filled with yoga, green juice, raw foods, walks, and cacao smoothies. I also cut out my beloved vegan cookies and cupcakes. I felt like a new person. This stuff really works. On Monday, I found Buddha nestled in the leaves. The next day, I returned with a pink flower and found that I wasn’t the only one bringing gifts to this guy. He’s pretty popular. The small act of visiting the miniature stone statue enriched my entire day. So many small beauties can enter your life when you take the time to let them in. Thanks, Buddha, I’ll be back Monday.
Middle Right: Hampden’s Christmas on 34th Street has returned and it should not be missed. Steve and I strolled down the street with cups of hot coffee one evening to feast our eyes on this kitchy wonder. Yet another event that makes Hampden charming and quirky. I feel very lucky to live here.
Bottom: The Pea. She had no problem with this. Adorable? I think so.
The holiday was quiet and uneventful, which was perfect. Family events can be filled with stress and drama and I’m very grateful to have survived without those ugly elements present. The long weekend was heaven. I camped out on the couch writing, watching movies and hulu (how cool is hulu?), and listening to more of Stephen King’s memoir. I have too much in my brain to craft clever paragraphs, so I’m opting for a list of thanks this evening.
Thanks for…
1. Four day weekends. Enough said on that one.
2. Teenage Dirtbag, the movie. This is one of the least cliche-ridden movies about teenagers that I’ve ever seen. I couldn’t stop thinking about the characters afterward. I watched it again the next day with the commentary on and I’ve watched the trailer ten (ok, maybe twenty) times since. I can’t just like something, I have to be obsessed with it. Although my next book doesn’t relate to the subject matter, there is something about the mood of this film that I’m digging for my new work-in-progress.
3. Listening to the memoir portion of On Writing by Stephen King with Steve. He loved it too! King’s life story and the lessons he shares are universal. If you’re a writer or in a relationship with a writer, I can almost guarantee you’ll love the story of Stephen King and Tabitha Spruce.
4. Working through the beginning of a new novel. I’m researching the location, outlining the plot, talking it through with the hubs, and drawing maps of my new imaginary world. It’s not easy being on page one but I love the possibilities.
5. Creating the soundtrack for the new book. It’s dark and I heart it. Here’s a sneak peak…
6. It goes without saying that I’m thankful for my family, friends, and an amazing job.
7. Dreams. I’ve been blessed to have many dreams and also to have the opportunity (and courage) to chase them. Some of these hopes have become a reality (like my kick-ass job) and others are still just dreams, but that’s exciting too. It’s easy to forget the things you never thought were possible when they become a part of daily life. When Steve and I moved to Baltimore, I wanted to own a house in Hampden. We weren’t “ready” in many people’s eyes, but we set the intention and here we are, sitting in a Hampden rowhouse that we’ve owned for almost three years. If we’d listened to everyone’s advice, we would still be living in a tiny rented carriage house with a concrete front yard.
8. My first completed novel and many more in the future…
