light but constant snow, mild, temps minus 4
Lovely dat - large, fluffy flakes. We met Cheryl for breakfast in Sutton this morning. Michael comes in with me, but is banished to the coffee shop area for breakfast with his book or newspaper while Cheryl and I get to sit in the dining room. And get all caught up. How wonderful to have a bosom pal, who seems to always be going through the same angsts, the same challenges and questions and wonderments as I am. We try to figure out why, and what to do about it. We also laugh so hard, and tell each other all the great things happening in our lives. You know, the stuff that sounds like bragging and we're taught not to mention. Well, Cheryl and I tell each other all the unmentionables. Good and bad. And eat eggs and bacon and sip coffee while doing it. And I always come away refreshed and energized.
Michael and I just realized that our loaner car is not insured for trips into the States. this would not normally be a problem, except that we're going to St. Lucia a week tomorrow and will be flying from Burlington, VT. We need to get there. With our luggage.
We can't take the large loaner car - and our other car, as you might know, is a VW Beetle.
So when we got back from breakfast we brought the summer clothes and the suitcases up from the basement. And then tried to stuff the big suitcases into the small beetle, as a test run. Shoving, and pushing and cursing.
Much like what is about to happen when I finish this and go upstair to try to shove my Buick body into a VW beetle bathing suit.
Damn those sneaky pastries. And the bacon. And the eccles cakes. And the medicinal pizzas. etc.
The only way I'm going to get the bathing suit onto my body will be to eat it. Thank God we've rented a private villa so I needn't worry about scaring small children on the beach. Or having someone alert Greenpeace.
We finally did get the luggage in - and then began the struggle to get it back out. We might have to airmail the entire beetle.
Oh well - I have to say, I enjoyed each and every bite - and if this is the consequence, then so be it. I'm fortunate to be married to a man who doesn't seem to care. As long as we're healthy. I think he long since gave up the hope I'd be a trophy wife. Though I suppose it depends what the competition was for.
OK - off upstairs to see how bad it is. God bless spandex.
Showing posts with label Cheryl. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cheryl. Show all posts
Saturday, 29 January 2011
Thursday, 29 July 2010
the One with the Big Caboose
overcast, cool, temps 19
but we still drove home from Cowansville with the top down...loving this convertible.
A day of details. Wrote the interview I'll be doing on stage in BC with crime writer Gwen Southin. that takes a little time and thought since I want it to be good, and comfortable, for her.
Replied to a zillion (roughly) emails. Fine tuned the newsletter. Dear Lord, UPS is arriving...thank God we're not swimming. Trudy barking....
Oh, it;'s the large print edition of The Brutal Telling, arriving from the publishers.
We arrange for a few bouquets of flowers to be sent to friends, celebrating. And spent a fair amount of time discussing logistics with the french publisher. So grateful I'm finished this draft of the book so I can concentrate on these other things. All fun details but they can seem a burden when coupled with writing. I realize, as I suspect you do too, that my big challenge is balance.
And, to not take things too seriously. To remember to have fun. I can sometimes feel overwhelmed. But, you know, a huge thing with me is that I simply adore the people I work with. Not one person, now, whose emails I don't enjoy reading - no one I cringe to communicate with. Professionally. There are still a few on the periphery who seem a little odd - but I try to take a deep breath and pray to just not make things worse.
Cheryl is dropping by in about 15 minutes for a visit. We'd hoped to have a swim too, but I think it might be too cool - but we'll see how she feels. It's been so long since I've had one-on-one time with her. I miss my friends sometimes... how lucky I am they seem to understand that some seasons I need to work really hard...and then when I'm off, we can play.
Tomorrow the army of spca tea volunteers begins to arrive with tents and chairs and food and plates and glasses and cups and saucers... this is going to be great fun. And again - how lucky to really be able to concentrate on it and not feel I'm stealing time.
I feel a bit like a hobo today, though. Keep changing what I'm wearing...adding things, taking things off. And now nothing matches. have shorts, and socks, and slippers, and a tank top, and sweater. All we need is a train out west and the image is complete.
Enjoy the day...speak tomorrow I hope!
but we still drove home from Cowansville with the top down...loving this convertible.
A day of details. Wrote the interview I'll be doing on stage in BC with crime writer Gwen Southin. that takes a little time and thought since I want it to be good, and comfortable, for her.
Replied to a zillion (roughly) emails. Fine tuned the newsletter. Dear Lord, UPS is arriving...thank God we're not swimming. Trudy barking....
Oh, it;'s the large print edition of The Brutal Telling, arriving from the publishers.
We arrange for a few bouquets of flowers to be sent to friends, celebrating. And spent a fair amount of time discussing logistics with the french publisher. So grateful I'm finished this draft of the book so I can concentrate on these other things. All fun details but they can seem a burden when coupled with writing. I realize, as I suspect you do too, that my big challenge is balance.
And, to not take things too seriously. To remember to have fun. I can sometimes feel overwhelmed. But, you know, a huge thing with me is that I simply adore the people I work with. Not one person, now, whose emails I don't enjoy reading - no one I cringe to communicate with. Professionally. There are still a few on the periphery who seem a little odd - but I try to take a deep breath and pray to just not make things worse.
Cheryl is dropping by in about 15 minutes for a visit. We'd hoped to have a swim too, but I think it might be too cool - but we'll see how she feels. It's been so long since I've had one-on-one time with her. I miss my friends sometimes... how lucky I am they seem to understand that some seasons I need to work really hard...and then when I'm off, we can play.
Tomorrow the army of spca tea volunteers begins to arrive with tents and chairs and food and plates and glasses and cups and saucers... this is going to be great fun. And again - how lucky to really be able to concentrate on it and not feel I'm stealing time.
I feel a bit like a hobo today, though. Keep changing what I'm wearing...adding things, taking things off. And now nothing matches. have shorts, and socks, and slippers, and a tank top, and sweater. All we need is a train out west and the image is complete.
Enjoy the day...speak tomorrow I hope!
Sunday, 13 June 2010
The View From Here
sunny, warm, temps 28
A splendid, unexpected, day. It was supposed to rain, but not a drop. Instead it is sunny and cool, then warm, and now hot.
Spent the morning struggling some more. Writing, erasing, re-organizing, erasing. Arrgh. I know what the problem is. I need to streamline the thoughts, and it's a complex spot. But it needs to not read as though it's complex. There are four or five things that need to be said, that have to get in. And one right way of putting them all in. It's like the rubic's cube or any puzzle. And so I try this and try that. Getting closer, then something just doesn't fit and I need to try again.
But then we needed to head off for an early lunch with Cheryl, on the terrasse of the Cafe Floral in Knowlton. Gary was supposed to be there but golf called. Poor man, smitten by golf. Of course, my guy's smitten by a VW. I wonder which is worse?
So it was Cheryl, Michael and I...wonderful lunch. Great chats. Then off to Mansonville, about 20 minutes down a very picturesque road - toward the US border - to do an event in the local library. Michael, of course, drove. Lise was saying when he drove away the otehr day in the car, with the top down, and she and donna were working in the garden...and he tooted the horn, they turned to each other and said, 'Louise has lost the car.' What they failed to appreciate is that I've also lost a husband. If he could marry the beetle he would. I suspect it's in the will.
But what a magnificent drive. Sunny, warm, feeling so free in this peppy, fabulous car. And waching the scenery go by and relaxing I had some ideas for how to solve this little problem. Most frustrating. In the book it will be about 2 pages...but it needs to be right. And it's close. Tomorrow I have nothing...a blank slate...so with luck i will solve it by then.
Loved the talk at the Mansonville library. Not that I was so brilliant, but there were lots of people and everyone just made me feel so comfortable. Such nice people. Including Lise - who came out in the most beautiful floral sundress on her day off.
Then Michael and I piled into the bug and drove over the mountain back to Sutton, stopping for ice cream on the way. Am now home, writing to you, sitting with a ginger ale, cranberry and raspberry drink on the screen porch. From where I sit I can hear birds in the trees, a single bee. I can see the Japanese lilac in bloom, as well as alliums, tall digitalis in soft pink. Striking blue irises and bright orange poppies. By the pool one of the peonies has burst into bloom.
Peace and quiet. Ahhh.
A splendid, unexpected, day. It was supposed to rain, but not a drop. Instead it is sunny and cool, then warm, and now hot.
Spent the morning struggling some more. Writing, erasing, re-organizing, erasing. Arrgh. I know what the problem is. I need to streamline the thoughts, and it's a complex spot. But it needs to not read as though it's complex. There are four or five things that need to be said, that have to get in. And one right way of putting them all in. It's like the rubic's cube or any puzzle. And so I try this and try that. Getting closer, then something just doesn't fit and I need to try again.
But then we needed to head off for an early lunch with Cheryl, on the terrasse of the Cafe Floral in Knowlton. Gary was supposed to be there but golf called. Poor man, smitten by golf. Of course, my guy's smitten by a VW. I wonder which is worse?
So it was Cheryl, Michael and I...wonderful lunch. Great chats. Then off to Mansonville, about 20 minutes down a very picturesque road - toward the US border - to do an event in the local library. Michael, of course, drove. Lise was saying when he drove away the otehr day in the car, with the top down, and she and donna were working in the garden...and he tooted the horn, they turned to each other and said, 'Louise has lost the car.' What they failed to appreciate is that I've also lost a husband. If he could marry the beetle he would. I suspect it's in the will.
But what a magnificent drive. Sunny, warm, feeling so free in this peppy, fabulous car. And waching the scenery go by and relaxing I had some ideas for how to solve this little problem. Most frustrating. In the book it will be about 2 pages...but it needs to be right. And it's close. Tomorrow I have nothing...a blank slate...so with luck i will solve it by then.
Loved the talk at the Mansonville library. Not that I was so brilliant, but there were lots of people and everyone just made me feel so comfortable. Such nice people. Including Lise - who came out in the most beautiful floral sundress on her day off.
Then Michael and I piled into the bug and drove over the mountain back to Sutton, stopping for ice cream on the way. Am now home, writing to you, sitting with a ginger ale, cranberry and raspberry drink on the screen porch. From where I sit I can hear birds in the trees, a single bee. I can see the Japanese lilac in bloom, as well as alliums, tall digitalis in soft pink. Striking blue irises and bright orange poppies. By the pool one of the peonies has burst into bloom.
Peace and quiet. Ahhh.
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Sherlock Holmes
overcast, rainy, temps 9
Back in sutton - feels wonderful. Had a quiet day yesterday...did some groceries and mailings. And rented Sherlock Holmes. I've been reluctant to see it because I adored reading the Conan Doyle stories growing up. Read them all - they were very important to me. And I hated the idea of giving them the Hollywood, testosterone treatment. Call it something else, but no Sherlock Holmes. But finally decided to see it and....I loved it. Still don't think of it as Holmes, but it was wonderful. Great chemistry between Robert Downie Jr and Jude Law as Watson. Didn't like the casting of the two women, Irene Adler and Watson's Mary. I thought they were both mis-cast. But, not being a casting agent I might be wrong. There was nothing wrong with the women who played them, but i thought they could have been both stronger and more charming.
But the film surprised me by being so good.
Had breakfast with Cheryl in Knowlton. Looked at the plans for the home they're building. It's wonderful - very exciting. i love looking at house plans, and especially of people I care about.
Seeing a friend for coffee in Sutton this afternoon. And...wait for it....
Off to Hovey Manor tomorrow!!! Three nights. Hovey was the inspiration for the Manoir Bellechasse in A Rule Against Murder/The Murder Stone.
Having such fun with these two weeks off...and getting alot of good ideas for the editing. Helps to relieve the stress - a whole lot of things start becoming clearer. Including a new way to start the book. Nothing radically different, but just a slight re-adjustment to the opening scene.
Speak to you tomorrow.
Back in sutton - feels wonderful. Had a quiet day yesterday...did some groceries and mailings. And rented Sherlock Holmes. I've been reluctant to see it because I adored reading the Conan Doyle stories growing up. Read them all - they were very important to me. And I hated the idea of giving them the Hollywood, testosterone treatment. Call it something else, but no Sherlock Holmes. But finally decided to see it and....I loved it. Still don't think of it as Holmes, but it was wonderful. Great chemistry between Robert Downie Jr and Jude Law as Watson. Didn't like the casting of the two women, Irene Adler and Watson's Mary. I thought they were both mis-cast. But, not being a casting agent I might be wrong. There was nothing wrong with the women who played them, but i thought they could have been both stronger and more charming.
But the film surprised me by being so good.
Had breakfast with Cheryl in Knowlton. Looked at the plans for the home they're building. It's wonderful - very exciting. i love looking at house plans, and especially of people I care about.
Seeing a friend for coffee in Sutton this afternoon. And...wait for it....
Off to Hovey Manor tomorrow!!! Three nights. Hovey was the inspiration for the Manoir Bellechasse in A Rule Against Murder/The Murder Stone.
Having such fun with these two weeks off...and getting alot of good ideas for the editing. Helps to relieve the stress - a whole lot of things start becoming clearer. Including a new way to start the book. Nothing radically different, but just a slight re-adjustment to the opening scene.
Speak to you tomorrow.
Tuesday, 13 April 2010
Somebody's been sleeping in my bed...
bright sunny skies, cool, temps 6
Very calm day, no wind...makes it feel much milder. But it is a crystal clear day. Gorgeous.
Didn't sleep well last night. Started off well. got to bed by 8:30 (yes - such is the life of an international jet setter) - read the page proofs for Bury Your Dead...got 100 more done. Not many errors, at least not that I found. Then at 10pm I watched House Hunters and House Hunters International. New favorite shows. Fantasy stuff. Then off to sleep. I always fall asleep quickly.
And then, well, it's anyone's guess what happens. Happily most days now I sleep all the way through. But sometimes i wake up at 3 and toss and turn. Thinking about the book. But not last night. last night I woke up about 1am and starting thinking about....the bear.
suppose, my 1am brain asked, the bear comes back and is hungry. Can it break into the house? the doors are locked, the alarm is on...but maybe a bear doesn't worry about such things. And then what?
What was that? A creak? A groan? A bear?
So I lay in bed coming up with plans. Close and lock the bedroom door...though that seemed not very effective, if the bear could get through locked front door. Still, it would slow him down, thought my 1:30am brain.
but it did not seem the best plan. We could climb into the attic, I thought. drag a chair over, lift Michael into it first, get Trudy up there. Then I could jump up...and maybe knock over the chair. So the bear wouldn't come up too.
Have to take the phone to call someone. The Surete. They'd save us.
I fell off to sleep trying to remember to take the phone with us into the attic when the bear broke into the house.
I hope a degree of insanity is a good thing in a writer. Kind of too bad if it isn't.
Went off for breakfast in Cowansville today - then did some banking and renewed my drivers license and health care card. And then home by noon, for a call from my agent with the news Turkey has bought the rights to my books. That's terrific. Very happy about that.
fielded some requests for events to promote The Brutal Telling, including a possible mini-tour of Ontario linked to the Evergreen nominations of the Ontario Library System.
Then spent the afternoon writing book 7. Such a funny life (bears aside)...promoting The Brutal Telling, editing Bury Your Dead, writing book 7 and starting to think about book 8. No wonder I'm nutty.
tomorrow is our friend Bal's birthday, as well as our friend Cheryl's birthday! I'm heading off for a 7:30 birthday breakfast with Cheryl. Great way to start the day.
Hope you are slightly nuts too.
Very calm day, no wind...makes it feel much milder. But it is a crystal clear day. Gorgeous.
Didn't sleep well last night. Started off well. got to bed by 8:30 (yes - such is the life of an international jet setter) - read the page proofs for Bury Your Dead...got 100 more done. Not many errors, at least not that I found. Then at 10pm I watched House Hunters and House Hunters International. New favorite shows. Fantasy stuff. Then off to sleep. I always fall asleep quickly.
And then, well, it's anyone's guess what happens. Happily most days now I sleep all the way through. But sometimes i wake up at 3 and toss and turn. Thinking about the book. But not last night. last night I woke up about 1am and starting thinking about....the bear.
suppose, my 1am brain asked, the bear comes back and is hungry. Can it break into the house? the doors are locked, the alarm is on...but maybe a bear doesn't worry about such things. And then what?
What was that? A creak? A groan? A bear?
So I lay in bed coming up with plans. Close and lock the bedroom door...though that seemed not very effective, if the bear could get through locked front door. Still, it would slow him down, thought my 1:30am brain.
but it did not seem the best plan. We could climb into the attic, I thought. drag a chair over, lift Michael into it first, get Trudy up there. Then I could jump up...and maybe knock over the chair. So the bear wouldn't come up too.
Have to take the phone to call someone. The Surete. They'd save us.
I fell off to sleep trying to remember to take the phone with us into the attic when the bear broke into the house.
I hope a degree of insanity is a good thing in a writer. Kind of too bad if it isn't.
Went off for breakfast in Cowansville today - then did some banking and renewed my drivers license and health care card. And then home by noon, for a call from my agent with the news Turkey has bought the rights to my books. That's terrific. Very happy about that.
fielded some requests for events to promote The Brutal Telling, including a possible mini-tour of Ontario linked to the Evergreen nominations of the Ontario Library System.
Then spent the afternoon writing book 7. Such a funny life (bears aside)...promoting The Brutal Telling, editing Bury Your Dead, writing book 7 and starting to think about book 8. No wonder I'm nutty.
tomorrow is our friend Bal's birthday, as well as our friend Cheryl's birthday! I'm heading off for a 7:30 birthday breakfast with Cheryl. Great way to start the day.
Hope you are slightly nuts too.
Saturday, 15 August 2009
A summer's day
sunny, hot, temps 31
Beautiful summer day. Classic Quebec July day - in mid-august! Had a quiet day yesterday - spent most of it waiting for a delivery from the publisher's in New York that I needed to work on - but UPS messed up and it didn't come. We're thinking we should switch to FedEx since we do so much courier-ing and we need a service that's reliable. The thing will now come Monday, which means I need to work on it all monday afternoon, evening and Tuesday morning - in order to get it back to NYC in time.
but, such is work. And the frustrations of living in the country. I suspect in the city these logistical issues don't apply. Still, doesn't seem enough of a reason to move back to a city!
Bal and Linda came over for a swim yesterday afternoon.
Had breakfast today with Cheryl in sutton. Love our breakfasts. It's wonderful to have a friend who is going through the same sort of life issues...menopause, feeling emotional - trying to decide how much is hormones and how much is 'real'...would I have reacted the same way three years ago - or three years from now? Trying to sort through things. And to talk about issues of faith and God and prayer and anger, and joy and gratitude. And husbands!
Phew. I feel so much more human after I've been with a good friend. And had a good breakfast!
Michael and Bal also had breakfast, a couple of tables over. then the firefighter's parade through town was about to start...so we skiddadled out of there before we were stuck for 2 hours. Fun to see all the floats, and costumes, and vintage cars. We love parades in Sutton...and we love our volunteer firefighters.
Off to Kirk and Walter's garden party this afternoon - the annual fundraiser for the SPCA Monteregie. We're bringing sandwiches - and a set of hardcover books for the auction.
Then off to our regular Saturday night meeting.
Tomorrow we have a vernissage in North Hatley, but we might not make it. Michael needs to edit his book proposal and I need not to do anything, except watch Tiger Woods et al in the PGA tournament. And swim!
Gotta run. Linda and I need to run into the village for groceries.
Lovely to have the sun shine on us again! Hope you're well. Hope those California wildfires get under control soon...I was remmembering those terrible ones you had in Australia this past February.
Speak tomorrow
Beautiful summer day. Classic Quebec July day - in mid-august! Had a quiet day yesterday - spent most of it waiting for a delivery from the publisher's in New York that I needed to work on - but UPS messed up and it didn't come. We're thinking we should switch to FedEx since we do so much courier-ing and we need a service that's reliable. The thing will now come Monday, which means I need to work on it all monday afternoon, evening and Tuesday morning - in order to get it back to NYC in time.
but, such is work. And the frustrations of living in the country. I suspect in the city these logistical issues don't apply. Still, doesn't seem enough of a reason to move back to a city!
Bal and Linda came over for a swim yesterday afternoon.
Had breakfast today with Cheryl in sutton. Love our breakfasts. It's wonderful to have a friend who is going through the same sort of life issues...menopause, feeling emotional - trying to decide how much is hormones and how much is 'real'...would I have reacted the same way three years ago - or three years from now? Trying to sort through things. And to talk about issues of faith and God and prayer and anger, and joy and gratitude. And husbands!
Phew. I feel so much more human after I've been with a good friend. And had a good breakfast!
Michael and Bal also had breakfast, a couple of tables over. then the firefighter's parade through town was about to start...so we skiddadled out of there before we were stuck for 2 hours. Fun to see all the floats, and costumes, and vintage cars. We love parades in Sutton...and we love our volunteer firefighters.
Off to Kirk and Walter's garden party this afternoon - the annual fundraiser for the SPCA Monteregie. We're bringing sandwiches - and a set of hardcover books for the auction.
Then off to our regular Saturday night meeting.
Tomorrow we have a vernissage in North Hatley, but we might not make it. Michael needs to edit his book proposal and I need not to do anything, except watch Tiger Woods et al in the PGA tournament. And swim!
Gotta run. Linda and I need to run into the village for groceries.
Lovely to have the sun shine on us again! Hope you're well. Hope those California wildfires get under control soon...I was remmembering those terrible ones you had in Australia this past February.
Speak tomorrow
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Quiet day
sunnyu, then clouding over, mild - temps 23
Slightly below seasonable. had breakfast with Joan today in the village. Long chats about life. Took her a container of sugar snap peas from our garden. They're fabulous. Then home to cut some flowers in the garden and take a vase to Bal and Linda at the guest cottage. Stopped and had a lemonade with them - such interesting people. Fascinating. Then home to sit on the screen porch with book 6 and a red pen. Then Cheryl called and we chatted for half an hour or so. Have set up breakfast next Saturday with her.
Such a tonic - to re-connect with friends. To open the door and walk back into the community. Phew.
Slightly below seasonable. had breakfast with Joan today in the village. Long chats about life. Took her a container of sugar snap peas from our garden. They're fabulous. Then home to cut some flowers in the garden and take a vase to Bal and Linda at the guest cottage. Stopped and had a lemonade with them - such interesting people. Fascinating. Then home to sit on the screen porch with book 6 and a red pen. Then Cheryl called and we chatted for half an hour or so. Have set up breakfast next Saturday with her.
Such a tonic - to re-connect with friends. To open the door and walk back into the community. Phew.
Monday, 1 September 2008
Are you feeling better?
sunny, hot, temps 29
Glorious day.
Poor Michael's sick in bed. We're going to have one week of brilliant summer and he may very well miss it. I should pull the curtains and tell him it's rainy and cold. Hmm, might just do that.
He's running a temperature, but it broke in the night and is now down to normal. I give him pills, soup, juices and slather him in Vicks Vapo-rub. You know, that's almost a comfort smell for me. I remember reading a study about comfort smells and the conclusion was that there were certain smells that most westerners reacted to. Roses. Fresh cut grass.
But - the intersting finding was that comfort smells are evolving and generational. For people over 70 they're likely to be fresh baked bread, line dried clothing, vanilla. For baby-boomers they're more likely to be Vapo-rub, gasoline, talcum powder, Kraft dinner. In other words, a more chemical smell.
I remembered that as I spread the Vapo rub on Michael's chest. While it clearly signals illness, even more than that it signals caring.
The amazing Linda Lyall - the woman who designs and maintains my website - sent out the September Newsletter today. That's always fun.
Had a great breakfast at the Saint Patrick restaurant in Sutton with Cheryl. We talked about all sorts of things including maybe one day taking a couple of weeks in the spring or summer and sign up for one of the short courses Trinity in Dublin or Cambridge University give. Take something like anthropology, comparative religions, the history of recluses - something almost totally useless but fascinating. Wouldn't that be fun?
Cheryl's one of the most gifted people I know. A writer and artist, she has a series of children's books. One's already published and is called Dragon Dreams, and the others are in various stages of completion and about to be sent to her publisher. We're lucky enough to own one of her original illustrations. A real treasure.
Must be off - check on Michael. We're watching Gustav on the televison and very relieved it isn't worse...though I suspect it's bad enough.
My goal is to see how many times Michael can be asked, 'Are you feeling better?' before he explodes. Wish me luck.
Glorious day.
Poor Michael's sick in bed. We're going to have one week of brilliant summer and he may very well miss it. I should pull the curtains and tell him it's rainy and cold. Hmm, might just do that.
He's running a temperature, but it broke in the night and is now down to normal. I give him pills, soup, juices and slather him in Vicks Vapo-rub. You know, that's almost a comfort smell for me. I remember reading a study about comfort smells and the conclusion was that there were certain smells that most westerners reacted to. Roses. Fresh cut grass.
But - the intersting finding was that comfort smells are evolving and generational. For people over 70 they're likely to be fresh baked bread, line dried clothing, vanilla. For baby-boomers they're more likely to be Vapo-rub, gasoline, talcum powder, Kraft dinner. In other words, a more chemical smell.
I remembered that as I spread the Vapo rub on Michael's chest. While it clearly signals illness, even more than that it signals caring.
The amazing Linda Lyall - the woman who designs and maintains my website - sent out the September Newsletter today. That's always fun.
Had a great breakfast at the Saint Patrick restaurant in Sutton with Cheryl. We talked about all sorts of things including maybe one day taking a couple of weeks in the spring or summer and sign up for one of the short courses Trinity in Dublin or Cambridge University give. Take something like anthropology, comparative religions, the history of recluses - something almost totally useless but fascinating. Wouldn't that be fun?
Cheryl's one of the most gifted people I know. A writer and artist, she has a series of children's books. One's already published and is called Dragon Dreams, and the others are in various stages of completion and about to be sent to her publisher. We're lucky enough to own one of her original illustrations. A real treasure.
Must be off - check on Michael. We're watching Gustav on the televison and very relieved it isn't worse...though I suspect it's bad enough.
My goal is to see how many times Michael can be asked, 'Are you feeling better?' before he explodes. Wish me luck.
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Happy Birthday, Gary!!!
sunny, stunningly beautiful day, temps 28
This is a picture perfect day - and the day our good friend Gary turns 50! Cheryl, one of my best friends, organized a huge party for him at their place (such courage - or perhaps it was foolishness - but she's young, not yet 50) So she's been cooking, cleaning, organizing for weeks. They have 2 almost grown sons so you can image how much use they were. Fortunately sanity prevailed and Cheryl allowed some of us to bring things. Michael and I brought a bulgar and lentil salad.
We were all watching the forecase for today. Normally with these things the weather turns foul. Unbelievably the forecast started out bad, but as the week progressed it got better and better, and today was simply the best day of the summer so far.
People came from all over. Gary's brother Glen from Calgary and his father Pete from Vancouver (a surprise for Gary). And we let Gary out of the basement, just for today.
There was badminton, a swimming pool, trampoline, music, fantastic food, two barbecues.
His lovely mother, Joan, had spent about a month going over all her old photos and putting together an album of his life. it was deeply moving. To see a good man's life condensed like that. His childhood, his wedding to Cheryl (who is gorgeous and I hated her the first time I saw her...imagine that. Happily I'm much more evolved these days), the birth of his two children, Evan and Sam. His parents. And it was strange and impressive, to see him age so quickly. In a matter of moments we watched as he went from newborn to 50 year old.
It re-enforced how quickly life really does go by. How really very fleeting it is, for all of us. But also how lovely it can be, and is.
We had a great time at the party, then had to rush away to our regular Saturday night event. And there my friend Janet brought flowers for my 50th birthday, and gummies and a gift certificate for the Station in Cowansville, where she knows Michael and I go for breakfast every Tuesday.
Ain't friends grand?
This is a picture perfect day - and the day our good friend Gary turns 50! Cheryl, one of my best friends, organized a huge party for him at their place (such courage - or perhaps it was foolishness - but she's young, not yet 50) So she's been cooking, cleaning, organizing for weeks. They have 2 almost grown sons so you can image how much use they were. Fortunately sanity prevailed and Cheryl allowed some of us to bring things. Michael and I brought a bulgar and lentil salad.
We were all watching the forecase for today. Normally with these things the weather turns foul. Unbelievably the forecast started out bad, but as the week progressed it got better and better, and today was simply the best day of the summer so far.
People came from all over. Gary's brother Glen from Calgary and his father Pete from Vancouver (a surprise for Gary). And we let Gary out of the basement, just for today.
There was badminton, a swimming pool, trampoline, music, fantastic food, two barbecues.
His lovely mother, Joan, had spent about a month going over all her old photos and putting together an album of his life. it was deeply moving. To see a good man's life condensed like that. His childhood, his wedding to Cheryl (who is gorgeous and I hated her the first time I saw her...imagine that. Happily I'm much more evolved these days), the birth of his two children, Evan and Sam. His parents. And it was strange and impressive, to see him age so quickly. In a matter of moments we watched as he went from newborn to 50 year old.
It re-enforced how quickly life really does go by. How really very fleeting it is, for all of us. But also how lovely it can be, and is.
We had a great time at the party, then had to rush away to our regular Saturday night event. And there my friend Janet brought flowers for my 50th birthday, and gummies and a gift certificate for the Station in Cowansville, where she knows Michael and I go for breakfast every Tuesday.
Ain't friends grand?
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Are you sane?
cloudy, cold, temps 10
risk of frost tonight. I bought flats of annuals two weeks ago and Lise (smart woman - my external brain, if you remember) said I was WAY too early. According to Lise (our assistant/gardener/judgement) we shouldn't plant annuals until after the new moon - in early June. So now Michael and I spend a great deal of time moving our annual garden into the mud room, then outside, then back in. Quite fun, really, to come down in the morning and see rows and rows of annuals, as though the inside of our home had become a field.
Had our great Cowansville breakfast - lots of coffee in white mugs, french toast, real maple syrup and mountains of fresh fruit. With a side order of bacon.
Then we zipped off to the courthouse so I could get out of jury duty. Then to Canadian Tire for light bulbs and a gift certificate for Tony. Then off to the bank, then home to drop off Michael and get into Sutton in time to meet Michelle and Joan (Rose) for lunch at the Tintoretto. Such a riot. Michelle was one of the first people we met when we moved down here. I used her husband's name (Marc Brault) with his permission in book 3. He loves mysteries, though is suffering quite badly now from Alzheimers. Michelle is a wonderful potter.
Joan Rose is one of the funniest women I've ever met. She describes realizing she'd never be the actress she'd hope when she was in a play and as soon as she stepped on stage, before even opening her mouth, the audience started laughing. Both Michelle and Joan are in their 70's and were describing some of the trials - like having to renew drivers licences, in which one of the question is:
Are you sane?
I thought soup would come out of my nose when Joan described trying to answer that question. Is it just Canada? Do other government's politely ask that question? then believe the answer?
Had a small 'crisis' this afternoon when we got an email from the woman who was going to rent us her flat in London for 3 days in early June. I'm off to the Bristol CrimeFest convention June 5,6,and 7th - then we were going to London. It's the same flat we rented in April, and quite often in the past. We'd made all the arrangements, then she wrote to say she was double booked and we were out of luck.
Huh? Are you sane?
Those of you who've tried to find hotel rooms in London you know the difficulty. Not the hotel, but the expense! It's inconceivable how much hotels cost! So we put our heads together to come up with a plan - or a few plans.
Here were the options:
Not go at all
Find another private flat to rent for 3 days
Find a hotel
change flights and go to Toronto early (Sunday instead of Wednesday)
change flights and return to Montreal on Sunday then drive ourselves to Toronot for BookExpo Canada.
We called our travel agent about how much it would cost to change our British airways tickets. She looked it up, investigated then told us. 1,500 dollars. Each.
Are you sane?
When we regained consciousness we yelled, calmed down, and asked if there were alternatives. Yes, she said. Get this. The alternative is not to re-book, but to fly to London this coming Saturday night as planned. When we get in to Heathrow we go to a BA desk and change our return flight then. At that point it will cost us 200 dollars each. Funny how suddenly 400 dollars sounds like a bargain.
So that's our new plan. Plan is I think too hopeful. It's our new wild hope that that works. How can this be? I can understand a penalty for changing the return flight...by why 15-hundred before and 200 in the middle of the round trip?
I must be missing something - or perhaps I really am sane. Maybe this is the test. If the British Airways rules make sense, you're nuts.
Very cunning.
Off for breakfast tomorrow with the wonderful Cheryl - she who does the best children's books and illustrations in the world. So looking forward to it!
Then a day of laundry and packing. heading to Ottawa Thursday for an event in the evening - a panel discussion with other Crime Writers of Canada members to celebrate National Crimewriters week.
I'm not kidding.
risk of frost tonight. I bought flats of annuals two weeks ago and Lise (smart woman - my external brain, if you remember) said I was WAY too early. According to Lise (our assistant/gardener/judgement) we shouldn't plant annuals until after the new moon - in early June. So now Michael and I spend a great deal of time moving our annual garden into the mud room, then outside, then back in. Quite fun, really, to come down in the morning and see rows and rows of annuals, as though the inside of our home had become a field.
Had our great Cowansville breakfast - lots of coffee in white mugs, french toast, real maple syrup and mountains of fresh fruit. With a side order of bacon.
Then we zipped off to the courthouse so I could get out of jury duty. Then to Canadian Tire for light bulbs and a gift certificate for Tony. Then off to the bank, then home to drop off Michael and get into Sutton in time to meet Michelle and Joan (Rose) for lunch at the Tintoretto. Such a riot. Michelle was one of the first people we met when we moved down here. I used her husband's name (Marc Brault) with his permission in book 3. He loves mysteries, though is suffering quite badly now from Alzheimers. Michelle is a wonderful potter.
Joan Rose is one of the funniest women I've ever met. She describes realizing she'd never be the actress she'd hope when she was in a play and as soon as she stepped on stage, before even opening her mouth, the audience started laughing. Both Michelle and Joan are in their 70's and were describing some of the trials - like having to renew drivers licences, in which one of the question is:
Are you sane?
I thought soup would come out of my nose when Joan described trying to answer that question. Is it just Canada? Do other government's politely ask that question? then believe the answer?
Had a small 'crisis' this afternoon when we got an email from the woman who was going to rent us her flat in London for 3 days in early June. I'm off to the Bristol CrimeFest convention June 5,6,and 7th - then we were going to London. It's the same flat we rented in April, and quite often in the past. We'd made all the arrangements, then she wrote to say she was double booked and we were out of luck.
Huh? Are you sane?
Those of you who've tried to find hotel rooms in London you know the difficulty. Not the hotel, but the expense! It's inconceivable how much hotels cost! So we put our heads together to come up with a plan - or a few plans.
Here were the options:
Not go at all
Find another private flat to rent for 3 days
Find a hotel
change flights and go to Toronto early (Sunday instead of Wednesday)
change flights and return to Montreal on Sunday then drive ourselves to Toronot for BookExpo Canada.
We called our travel agent about how much it would cost to change our British airways tickets. She looked it up, investigated then told us. 1,500 dollars. Each.
Are you sane?
When we regained consciousness we yelled, calmed down, and asked if there were alternatives. Yes, she said. Get this. The alternative is not to re-book, but to fly to London this coming Saturday night as planned. When we get in to Heathrow we go to a BA desk and change our return flight then. At that point it will cost us 200 dollars each. Funny how suddenly 400 dollars sounds like a bargain.
So that's our new plan. Plan is I think too hopeful. It's our new wild hope that that works. How can this be? I can understand a penalty for changing the return flight...by why 15-hundred before and 200 in the middle of the round trip?
I must be missing something - or perhaps I really am sane. Maybe this is the test. If the British Airways rules make sense, you're nuts.
Very cunning.
Off for breakfast tomorrow with the wonderful Cheryl - she who does the best children's books and illustrations in the world. So looking forward to it!
Then a day of laundry and packing. heading to Ottawa Thursday for an event in the evening - a panel discussion with other Crime Writers of Canada members to celebrate National Crimewriters week.
I'm not kidding.
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Busy Bees
Sunny, warm, highs 21
Wow - a beautiful day! Sat outside having a cafe au lait with Cheryl in the village. We sat under a cherry tree just about to bloom. Splendid. She showed me the watercolours for her latest children's book. She's a remarkable artist and she has a series of picture books for children - Dragon Dreams is out now, the second Mother's Dreams is at the publisher and she's working on Mermaid's Dreams. One illustration was so amazing it almost made me cry.
Went across the border for gas again - and to Cowansville for breakfast with Michael. Left the Volvo at the station to have its winter tires taken off (we feel it's safe now) and the all season's put on.
Came back to find Tony had put the barbeque and garden furniture out, and the Adirondack chairs around the pond. And the bench I gave Michael last year for his birthday is out. We immediately walked the dogs and sat there, chatting, in the sun.
After having coffee with Cheryl I did some grocery shopping, (including steaks for the BBQ!) and picked some stuff up at the new hardware store, then noticed the ice cream 'cabin' was open on Main Street for the first time - so went over and got Michael and softie chocolate cone. He was at work. By the time he'd finished it there was chocolate all over his gray beard. He looked like the happiest kid in town.
Received quite a funny email from Lise a couple of days ago under the heading "pear" - which of course I took personally. Actually, what she and Delmar meant was that our pear trees were about to flower and the bees cycle had been disrupted by the warmth, then a killing frost...so when the trees bloomed the bees might not be there to pollinate them. So, Lise asked, could we?
How?
She suggested finding a feather from one of the geese and rubbing it on all the flowers, thereby spreading the pollen. I asked if we had to be naked, and apparently not.
So yesterday afternoon I checked and the buds had popped. I found a feather and made like a bee. Happily as I was busy pollenating I noticed 'another' bee buzzing around. A real one! But I kept at it anyway, just in case. So we should have a great crop of pears this fall.
With our very first advance cheque for STILL LIFE Michael and I wanted to do something special. We thought about it and decided to give 25 percent away - and spend the rest on planting an orchard. So every year now we walk through the STILL LIFE orchard, and see the changes. And marvel. And each autumn we harvest our good fortune, and eat it!
Can't find the propane tank for the BBQ - must call Tony. Poor guy must think we're morons. Actually...
Speak to you tomorrow. Be well.
Wow - a beautiful day! Sat outside having a cafe au lait with Cheryl in the village. We sat under a cherry tree just about to bloom. Splendid. She showed me the watercolours for her latest children's book. She's a remarkable artist and she has a series of picture books for children - Dragon Dreams is out now, the second Mother's Dreams is at the publisher and she's working on Mermaid's Dreams. One illustration was so amazing it almost made me cry.
Went across the border for gas again - and to Cowansville for breakfast with Michael. Left the Volvo at the station to have its winter tires taken off (we feel it's safe now) and the all season's put on.
Came back to find Tony had put the barbeque and garden furniture out, and the Adirondack chairs around the pond. And the bench I gave Michael last year for his birthday is out. We immediately walked the dogs and sat there, chatting, in the sun.
After having coffee with Cheryl I did some grocery shopping, (including steaks for the BBQ!) and picked some stuff up at the new hardware store, then noticed the ice cream 'cabin' was open on Main Street for the first time - so went over and got Michael and softie chocolate cone. He was at work. By the time he'd finished it there was chocolate all over his gray beard. He looked like the happiest kid in town.
Received quite a funny email from Lise a couple of days ago under the heading "pear" - which of course I took personally. Actually, what she and Delmar meant was that our pear trees were about to flower and the bees cycle had been disrupted by the warmth, then a killing frost...so when the trees bloomed the bees might not be there to pollinate them. So, Lise asked, could we?
How?
She suggested finding a feather from one of the geese and rubbing it on all the flowers, thereby spreading the pollen. I asked if we had to be naked, and apparently not.
So yesterday afternoon I checked and the buds had popped. I found a feather and made like a bee. Happily as I was busy pollenating I noticed 'another' bee buzzing around. A real one! But I kept at it anyway, just in case. So we should have a great crop of pears this fall.
With our very first advance cheque for STILL LIFE Michael and I wanted to do something special. We thought about it and decided to give 25 percent away - and spend the rest on planting an orchard. So every year now we walk through the STILL LIFE orchard, and see the changes. And marvel. And each autumn we harvest our good fortune, and eat it!
Can't find the propane tank for the BBQ - must call Tony. Poor guy must think we're morons. Actually...
Speak to you tomorrow. Be well.
Monday, 14 April 2008
Happy Birthday, Cheryl!!!
sunny, rainy, cool highs 9
I've frankly never seen weather like this. I'm freezing! How can a Canadian freeze to death in London in April? Baffles me, but I am. Need to put on my long underwear. I think it's the damp, the rain, the hail and the wind. But I might be wrong.
Ah, April. And I was so smug about being in spring while back home in Quebec it was still winter.
Though I have received a few emails from friends saying it's still snowing. That really must stop.
Speaking of home - it's our good friend Cheryl's Birthday today!!!! Happy birthday, Cheryl. She and Gary are married and have two great sons, Evan and Sam. And Joan, another wonderful friend, is Gary's mother and Cheryl's mother-in-law. And people wonder where I get all the inter-relations in Three Pines!
Am the Dear (not Dead) Reader fiction pick for this week. You might want to go over there - I think Googling DearReader will do it - and check it out...they publish 5 days worth of readings, so you get the first few chapter of a book (in my case The Cruelest Month) for free. Get to preview it.
Wrote for most of today. Eva, Erika's cleaning woman came. She speaks no English, only Polish. And I speak no polish, but found myself speaking French to her for some reason that confounded both of us. It obviously didn't help. All I really wanted to do was ask if she minded if we didn't leave, as we normally would. But stayed to write.
After an hour or so, when we didn't leave, she brought out the vacuum cleaner. That had a limited effect. It chased Michael out of the living room and into the dining room where I was working.
Working is a relative term, of course. I'd been very happy with yesterday's writing. Then we went out for a pub lunch on Walton Street, just around the corner, then bought the Sunday papers. When we got home I wrote for another couple of hours. But when I'd finished I wasn't feeling so good. Not physically, but just sort of uncomfortable.
I ignored it for a few hours, but eventually gave in to what I knew to be right. What I'd written was wrong. It wasn't necessarily bad, just wrong. The wrong way to convey the information. I wasn't sure what the right way was, but at least I've come to trust my instincts.
So this morning I re-wrote the whole thing. It was hard - had to back up a few times as well. There seem to be stages like that in my books. Sections where a few things need to be related - and not all verbally. Anway, after stuggling all morning, and trying to ignore the vacumm with the same determination Eva ignored my Frenc, I finally finished. And I like it.
But wow, is it ever hard to go back and erase thousands of words. And start again. Though I must admit, it's getting easier. Perhaps because it's getting easier to trust my feelings.
Busy afternoon. Heading off the London BookFair to meet kim McArthur at the Headline Publishing Booth. Kim's my Canadian publisher and affiliated with the UK Headline. We'll meet the Canadian ambassador there - James Wright and his wife Donna Thomson. then all go to the Canada booth for a party. Kim says I'm a guest of honour, but I'll believe that when I see it. Still, thought I should put on my party frock, and perhaps even remove the long underwear.
Then it's off to Michael's sister Carol's and her husband David, for dinner. A man named Eddie Botterell will be there. Michael and Carol knew him when they were kids. They sailed together and Eddie went on to compete in the olympics - sailing for Canada. He's in London because his grandfather is being honoured. eddie is in his late 70's, and his fgrandfather just died, can you believe it?
He was the last flying ace from the Great War. Died at the age of 106, a couple of years ago. The Brits are honouring him and Eddie Botterell is here to represent the family.
I'm really looking forward to meeting him!
Watched the Masters until 1am last night. How thrilling for Trevor Immelman - though when he put his drive into the water on the 16th I shuddered. Michael and I held hands as though at a horror flick until he was safe.
Must be off. Speak to you tomorrow. Be well.
I've frankly never seen weather like this. I'm freezing! How can a Canadian freeze to death in London in April? Baffles me, but I am. Need to put on my long underwear. I think it's the damp, the rain, the hail and the wind. But I might be wrong.
Ah, April. And I was so smug about being in spring while back home in Quebec it was still winter.
Though I have received a few emails from friends saying it's still snowing. That really must stop.
Speaking of home - it's our good friend Cheryl's Birthday today!!!! Happy birthday, Cheryl. She and Gary are married and have two great sons, Evan and Sam. And Joan, another wonderful friend, is Gary's mother and Cheryl's mother-in-law. And people wonder where I get all the inter-relations in Three Pines!
Am the Dear (not Dead) Reader fiction pick for this week. You might want to go over there - I think Googling DearReader will do it - and check it out...they publish 5 days worth of readings, so you get the first few chapter of a book (in my case The Cruelest Month) for free. Get to preview it.
Wrote for most of today. Eva, Erika's cleaning woman came. She speaks no English, only Polish. And I speak no polish, but found myself speaking French to her for some reason that confounded both of us. It obviously didn't help. All I really wanted to do was ask if she minded if we didn't leave, as we normally would. But stayed to write.
After an hour or so, when we didn't leave, she brought out the vacuum cleaner. That had a limited effect. It chased Michael out of the living room and into the dining room where I was working.
Working is a relative term, of course. I'd been very happy with yesterday's writing. Then we went out for a pub lunch on Walton Street, just around the corner, then bought the Sunday papers. When we got home I wrote for another couple of hours. But when I'd finished I wasn't feeling so good. Not physically, but just sort of uncomfortable.
I ignored it for a few hours, but eventually gave in to what I knew to be right. What I'd written was wrong. It wasn't necessarily bad, just wrong. The wrong way to convey the information. I wasn't sure what the right way was, but at least I've come to trust my instincts.
So this morning I re-wrote the whole thing. It was hard - had to back up a few times as well. There seem to be stages like that in my books. Sections where a few things need to be related - and not all verbally. Anway, after stuggling all morning, and trying to ignore the vacumm with the same determination Eva ignored my Frenc, I finally finished. And I like it.
But wow, is it ever hard to go back and erase thousands of words. And start again. Though I must admit, it's getting easier. Perhaps because it's getting easier to trust my feelings.
Busy afternoon. Heading off the London BookFair to meet kim McArthur at the Headline Publishing Booth. Kim's my Canadian publisher and affiliated with the UK Headline. We'll meet the Canadian ambassador there - James Wright and his wife Donna Thomson. then all go to the Canada booth for a party. Kim says I'm a guest of honour, but I'll believe that when I see it. Still, thought I should put on my party frock, and perhaps even remove the long underwear.
Then it's off to Michael's sister Carol's and her husband David, for dinner. A man named Eddie Botterell will be there. Michael and Carol knew him when they were kids. They sailed together and Eddie went on to compete in the olympics - sailing for Canada. He's in London because his grandfather is being honoured. eddie is in his late 70's, and his fgrandfather just died, can you believe it?
He was the last flying ace from the Great War. Died at the age of 106, a couple of years ago. The Brits are honouring him and Eddie Botterell is here to represent the family.
I'm really looking forward to meeting him!
Watched the Masters until 1am last night. How thrilling for Trevor Immelman - though when he put his drive into the water on the 16th I shuddered. Michael and I held hands as though at a horror flick until he was safe.
Must be off. Speak to you tomorrow. Be well.
Saturday, 29 March 2008
Bacon, eggs, coffee and friends - no mystery here
Sunny, cold, highs minus 10
A little 'bloggette' today - must run. Michael clearing snow off the car and starting it, and I'm supposedly up here putting dry cleaning in the suitcase. Pre-packing. Like a fish in a container ship.
Off to Sutton for breakfast with Cheryl at 8am, then coffee with Joan at 9:30. Feel odd 'scheduling' friends like that, but these days that's what it comes down to. Hope their patience extends further!
Then meeting Lise at work (she's my assistant) to go over last minute things, then doing the 'bookchatcentral' on-line talk at noon.
Then off tonight for a 5:15 meeting.
Received the revisions for the reading from the book based on the Redpath Murders that I'll be doing at the launch of the Canadian History Project on Monday in Montreal. Read and revised last night.
Must run - speak soon. Breakfast and coffee with friends...phew...feels like a huge exhale.
Speak to you tomorrow and hope this finds you well.
A little 'bloggette' today - must run. Michael clearing snow off the car and starting it, and I'm supposedly up here putting dry cleaning in the suitcase. Pre-packing. Like a fish in a container ship.
Off to Sutton for breakfast with Cheryl at 8am, then coffee with Joan at 9:30. Feel odd 'scheduling' friends like that, but these days that's what it comes down to. Hope their patience extends further!
Then meeting Lise at work (she's my assistant) to go over last minute things, then doing the 'bookchatcentral' on-line talk at noon.
Then off tonight for a 5:15 meeting.
Received the revisions for the reading from the book based on the Redpath Murders that I'll be doing at the launch of the Canadian History Project on Monday in Montreal. Read and revised last night.
Must run - speak soon. Breakfast and coffee with friends...phew...feels like a huge exhale.
Speak to you tomorrow and hope this finds you well.
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Smelling good
stormy, 10-15 cms of snow, windy, mild, highs minus 1
Quite a change from yesterday when it was clear blue, blue skies and bitterly cold. Temperatures around minus 14. Then overnight the temps soar and the snow moves in.
I woke up in the middle of the night - not sleeping so well in the last few weeks. Not sure why, but I think it might have something to do with age, hormones and the moustache that's appeared on my lip. And the communication cables sprouting from my chin. Wow, is it ever a good thing I'm already married. Got a lock on Michael. He, poor man, is accompanying his second wife through menopause. I advised that next time he needed to choose a woman in her 20s or 60s. He didn't disagree.
Anyway, waking up at 2:30 I heard the storm and got up to put water in the bathtub. This far out in the country we have our own artesian well, with an abundance of lovely sweet pure water. But if the power goes out so does the water. Being anal I find this thought horrifying. So a tub gets filled just so we can flush.
Power, miraculously, stayed on.
The workshop at the high school went well - no thanks to me. This was definitely thanks to the generosity of Charles Benoit and the patience and tolerance of the workshopees. I really am rubbish at this. If I'm ever stupid enough to agree to give another one, and you're in the position to sign up? Run. Flee. Take your children.
This particular workshop was to teachers, and it ended up being me talking about my process, the things I've learned, mistakes I've made, things I wished I knew before starting. (silly little things like how long a novel is. 80-100,000 works is the recommended length for a first crime novel - though there are always exceptions). I blabbed on, stumbled to a stop, and they back-filled by asking extremely intelligent questions. Like: Do you have an outline before you start? Now, you'd think I'd think to talk about that myself, but nooo.
As always it was just loads of fun meeting people. I'm actually quite shy and always prefer to stay at home. I think people scare me a little. But once out I always have a great time.
Writing going well, except Monday morning when I turned on the computer I discovered 3,500 words were missing from Chapter 3.
Oh oh.
I stared at it, willing the words to appear, which isn't as effective as you might expect.
I think what happened is that was exactly the place where my laptop froze when we were in Montreal last week. And I switched to Michael's desktop. Soooo, I'm thinking (hoping, praying) the rest of chapter 3 is still in Montreal on his computer. Of course now in my mind it's become the pivotal, most brilliant part of anything ever written (except, of course, this blog). We'll find out Sunday when we go back in. More doctors appointments. We all have to have a hobby, and sitting in waiting rooms appears to be ours.
Went to the office yesterday where Lise sorted us out, even instructing us on the Valentine's gifts we should give each other. (but stopping sadly short of buying them) Wrote 1,500 words (and saved them!!!) then met my good friend Cheryl for lunch. Place we'd decided on was closed so we went to Le Cafetier. We'd just settled in, and the order had just arrived, when Michael appears. He'd tried every restaurant in the village (not actually all that many, but it was cold and felt like more). He had a call from my agent Teresa in London. So Michael sat with Cheryl, drank my cafe au lait, while I went into the bitter day to speak to Teresa. I didn't want to stay in the restaurant, since I'd disturb everyone.
Not only was it terribly cold, but suddenly every huge truck in Quebec arrived and was either going forward or backing up with that Beep, Beep, Beep. It sounded like one of those Monster Truck Rallies. Teresa kept saying, 'Louise, Louise, where are you? Are you all right?'
She was in central London and it was quiet as a mouse, I was in my tiny Quebec village maelstrom. We talked for about 30 minutes while I looked through the bistro window like a waif, then I saw Cheryl get up. To go. I hung up on Teresa, rushed in, but she had to go back to work. I felt horrible.
And Cheryl even paid for lunch.
But I did get to tell her something quite lovely. While I was at the high school for the workshop I went to the washroom, and there written on the walls of my stall was only one sentence. It was clear and simple. 'Evan Matthews Smells Good.'
Evan is Cheryl and Gary's son. Isn't that an amazing co-incidence and a wonderful little sentence? So gentle. Not that he looks good (which he does) not that this girl who wrote it wanted to kiss him or anything like that. Nothing rude. Just that he smelled good. It's almost heartbreaking in its simplicity.
Nice day at home today - writing by the fire again.
I'll try to write more tomorrow.
Quite a change from yesterday when it was clear blue, blue skies and bitterly cold. Temperatures around minus 14. Then overnight the temps soar and the snow moves in.
I woke up in the middle of the night - not sleeping so well in the last few weeks. Not sure why, but I think it might have something to do with age, hormones and the moustache that's appeared on my lip. And the communication cables sprouting from my chin. Wow, is it ever a good thing I'm already married. Got a lock on Michael. He, poor man, is accompanying his second wife through menopause. I advised that next time he needed to choose a woman in her 20s or 60s. He didn't disagree.
Anyway, waking up at 2:30 I heard the storm and got up to put water in the bathtub. This far out in the country we have our own artesian well, with an abundance of lovely sweet pure water. But if the power goes out so does the water. Being anal I find this thought horrifying. So a tub gets filled just so we can flush.
Power, miraculously, stayed on.
The workshop at the high school went well - no thanks to me. This was definitely thanks to the generosity of Charles Benoit and the patience and tolerance of the workshopees. I really am rubbish at this. If I'm ever stupid enough to agree to give another one, and you're in the position to sign up? Run. Flee. Take your children.
This particular workshop was to teachers, and it ended up being me talking about my process, the things I've learned, mistakes I've made, things I wished I knew before starting. (silly little things like how long a novel is. 80-100,000 works is the recommended length for a first crime novel - though there are always exceptions). I blabbed on, stumbled to a stop, and they back-filled by asking extremely intelligent questions. Like: Do you have an outline before you start? Now, you'd think I'd think to talk about that myself, but nooo.
As always it was just loads of fun meeting people. I'm actually quite shy and always prefer to stay at home. I think people scare me a little. But once out I always have a great time.
Writing going well, except Monday morning when I turned on the computer I discovered 3,500 words were missing from Chapter 3.
Oh oh.
I stared at it, willing the words to appear, which isn't as effective as you might expect.
I think what happened is that was exactly the place where my laptop froze when we were in Montreal last week. And I switched to Michael's desktop. Soooo, I'm thinking (hoping, praying) the rest of chapter 3 is still in Montreal on his computer. Of course now in my mind it's become the pivotal, most brilliant part of anything ever written (except, of course, this blog). We'll find out Sunday when we go back in. More doctors appointments. We all have to have a hobby, and sitting in waiting rooms appears to be ours.
Went to the office yesterday where Lise sorted us out, even instructing us on the Valentine's gifts we should give each other. (but stopping sadly short of buying them) Wrote 1,500 words (and saved them!!!) then met my good friend Cheryl for lunch. Place we'd decided on was closed so we went to Le Cafetier. We'd just settled in, and the order had just arrived, when Michael appears. He'd tried every restaurant in the village (not actually all that many, but it was cold and felt like more). He had a call from my agent Teresa in London. So Michael sat with Cheryl, drank my cafe au lait, while I went into the bitter day to speak to Teresa. I didn't want to stay in the restaurant, since I'd disturb everyone.
Not only was it terribly cold, but suddenly every huge truck in Quebec arrived and was either going forward or backing up with that Beep, Beep, Beep. It sounded like one of those Monster Truck Rallies. Teresa kept saying, 'Louise, Louise, where are you? Are you all right?'
She was in central London and it was quiet as a mouse, I was in my tiny Quebec village maelstrom. We talked for about 30 minutes while I looked through the bistro window like a waif, then I saw Cheryl get up. To go. I hung up on Teresa, rushed in, but she had to go back to work. I felt horrible.
And Cheryl even paid for lunch.
But I did get to tell her something quite lovely. While I was at the high school for the workshop I went to the washroom, and there written on the walls of my stall was only one sentence. It was clear and simple. 'Evan Matthews Smells Good.'
Evan is Cheryl and Gary's son. Isn't that an amazing co-incidence and a wonderful little sentence? So gentle. Not that he looks good (which he does) not that this girl who wrote it wanted to kiss him or anything like that. Nothing rude. Just that he smelled good. It's almost heartbreaking in its simplicity.
Nice day at home today - writing by the fire again.
I'll try to write more tomorrow.
Saturday, 17 November 2007
Move the scaffolding, she's ready for her closeup
partly cloudy, high 2 degrees
Woke up to a couple of inches of snow on the ground. It's beautiful. I adore the first couple of months of winter. Until March. By St. Patrick's Day it's time winter was over. Now that would be a miracle worth having. If St. P managed to rid Quebec of all the snow.
Had a great email from Gary last night. He's our contractor - but he's also a great friend. He's one of those mystery people in our area. You think he's a great contractor and then find out for most of his life he was an incredibly successful and sought-after photographer. In fact, when you wander around Loblaws, a lot of their photos were taken by Gary. He's taken all my author photos. Marvelous to have a construction worker/photographer. First he stuccos and gyprocks me - gets me plastered, splashes on some paint - then takes the picture.
Anyway, Gary wrote to say in our absence the renovations to our bedroom/bathroom have sped along. Which I find frankly surprising. How could they have made such progress without my supervision and helpful advice?
Can hardly wait to see the progress. Right now we're camped in another bedroom, stuffed with all the clothing/furniture/books/lamps, detritus from the master suite. The mattress is on the floor, which means Trudy wakes us up every morning at about 5:30 with a wet nose to my nose. And a tail thumping the bedclothes. Some lucky mornings she brings her fluffy ball, which she's had since she was 6 weeks old, and thrusts that into our faces. Yum.
We leave Hovey Manor this morning. Sad. But looking forward to lunch with one of my best friends. A really gifted artist and writer. She's created a series of stunning children's books, and illustrated them herself. A New York agent is interested (not surprising, frankly - they're astonishing works) so we're going to have a celebratory and strategizing lunch. Cheryl Long is her name - and she happens to be Gary's wife!
Small world. Not actually unlike Three Pines.
Be well - and we'll talk tomorrow.
Woke up to a couple of inches of snow on the ground. It's beautiful. I adore the first couple of months of winter. Until March. By St. Patrick's Day it's time winter was over. Now that would be a miracle worth having. If St. P managed to rid Quebec of all the snow.
Had a great email from Gary last night. He's our contractor - but he's also a great friend. He's one of those mystery people in our area. You think he's a great contractor and then find out for most of his life he was an incredibly successful and sought-after photographer. In fact, when you wander around Loblaws, a lot of their photos were taken by Gary. He's taken all my author photos. Marvelous to have a construction worker/photographer. First he stuccos and gyprocks me - gets me plastered, splashes on some paint - then takes the picture.
Anyway, Gary wrote to say in our absence the renovations to our bedroom/bathroom have sped along. Which I find frankly surprising. How could they have made such progress without my supervision and helpful advice?
Can hardly wait to see the progress. Right now we're camped in another bedroom, stuffed with all the clothing/furniture/books/lamps, detritus from the master suite. The mattress is on the floor, which means Trudy wakes us up every morning at about 5:30 with a wet nose to my nose. And a tail thumping the bedclothes. Some lucky mornings she brings her fluffy ball, which she's had since she was 6 weeks old, and thrusts that into our faces. Yum.
We leave Hovey Manor this morning. Sad. But looking forward to lunch with one of my best friends. A really gifted artist and writer. She's created a series of stunning children's books, and illustrated them herself. A New York agent is interested (not surprising, frankly - they're astonishing works) so we're going to have a celebratory and strategizing lunch. Cheryl Long is her name - and she happens to be Gary's wife!
Small world. Not actually unlike Three Pines.
Be well - and we'll talk tomorrow.
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