Overcast, rain and snow, temps just at freezing.
First thing in the morning. last thing at night. We watch the BBC to find out what is happening in Japan. Wondering about the nuclear reactors. Worrying about the missing. The towns and villages just gone. Worrying whether there's enough drinking water and food for the survivors. And feeling like a voyeur, at home, eating and watching their sorrow. As though it was entertainment. But not being able to look away.
I know it isn't entertainment. Indeed, it feels a bit of a betrayal to look away. To turn on HGTV or a DVD instead.
Wrote to Kiyomi yesterday - she translates my books in Japan - to make sure she was safe. Here's her response...
Dear Louise,
The earthquake was so big , I couldn't stand in my office.
I was scared to death.
We were thrown into panic.
It took me to get home more than 6 hours. Usually it takes only 20 minutes.
But we, my family and friends who live in Tokyo , are safe and well.
Watching TV news, those tsunamis, I cannot believe they are real occurrences.
Best regards,
Kiyomi
What a relief to get that email. I know many of you have friends and family in Japan. I hope they're safe. And remain safe.
Closer to home, we had dinner last night with our friend Louise. Today is the 6 month anniversary of Jacques death. She went back to work - is slowly building up to full-time. She was worried about having the energy at work, and the concentration. And worried about the kindness of co-workers, always asking how she is. And how tiring that is - though she knows they mean well. What she wasn't prepared for was how awful it was to return home after work. Alone. No one to ask how her day was. No one to tell and the silly little things that happen. Just silence.
She's getting used to it, she says. But it breaks our hearts that this is one more source of pain.
I suspect many of you know exactly how she's feeling.
It's been a difficult time. Our great friend Joan is in hospital, tests being done - no one at all sure what's wrong.
Pat and Tony lost their beloved dog Logan a week ago. He was 11 - quite old for a Golden - and healthy. He had a sudden seizure and died. they're inconsolable. They'd hoped to get a puppy for Logan to 'train' before the time came - they thought they had more time.
We've loaned them Trudy for a few days. Not totally sure, frankly, how we'll get her back!!
Had brunch today with Bal, Linda and Bethany, at the Cafe Floral in Knowlton. Yum. Scrambled eggs, brie, bacon and cafe au lait. Bring it on! The only trouble was wanting and needing to write...but I knew by the time brunch was over I wouldn't really have the energy. I'm much better writing while I'm fresh in the morning. and Michael's fine tuning his book....so we decided to set the alarm to get up early. 6am. Except - with the time change - it was 5am.
but it worked. By 10am - when we hopped in the car to drive to Knowlton - we'd finished our writing for the day.
I'll tell you, the roads around here are atrocious! the ground heaves, as it thaws. Great holes appear. huge ridges and rents. Tony has a name for it, which I forget. Something old townshippers say to describe the spring thaw's effects on the roads. Something like a 'whoompa' or a 'gazump'...something with onomatopoeia...the word sounds like bumping over one of these heaves. Or heaving over one of the bumps. have to remember to ask Tony.
Michael and I are beyond pooped.
We're now more actively looking for a rescue dog - to adopt for ourselves. An adult. And trying to find a golden puppy for Pat and Tony. Tony says they'd love one.
Long post. Sorry about that!
Hope you're ok.
Showing posts with label earthquake. Show all posts
Showing posts with label earthquake. Show all posts
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
Christchurch
clear blue skies, very cold - temps minus 18
Couldn't believe it this morning. Minus 20 when we started the car. Just glad the poor thing started.
Thank you for your patience - and for not complaining about the silence. Notice how I assume that my silence is a major tragedy and chasm in your life. Never mind.
We could not believe our eyes when we saw the devastation in Christchurch! We've been there, and it is such a beautiful city. To see their cathedral, an icon of the city, so broken - it left us open-jawed and speechless. And deeply saddened.
For anyone the images are terrible, but for those of you who know and love (and perhaps live in) New Zealand and Christchurch in particular, it must be almost unfathomable. Unbearable. I suspect you might feel quite isolated - and overwhelmed. Michael and I just want you to know that we're watching - and care. And not just us, but millions around the world.
Michael and I drove in to Montreal today - stopping at Ikea to fine-tune the kitchen decisions and arrange for their people to come measure. It's very exciting. And a little stressful - which is why we want Ikea's people to measure...because I frankly don't trust myself.
Am edging toward starting to write the next book. Next Tuesday - march 1st, as I've mentioned. it looms. Am trying not to get nervous, but to be excited about it. And, when the fear doesn't overwhelm me, I actually am. Can't remember when I have so looked forward to writing a book. I think it's not just the location that excites me - especially after our remarkable visit to the St-Benoit-du-lac abbey just before Christmas - but getting to explore music, gregorian chants, the effects of music on all of us, and the themes of the books. As well as re-joining Gamache et al.
I can see many of the scenes, and can hardly wait to write them.
I've also, for the most part, managed to clear the social decks - and the promotional decks - so that I have at least six weeks without interruption, to get the first draft started - before events start to close in.
Oh, also wanted to mention that the remarkable Julia Spencer-Fleming did an interview with me for her new blog!! She's joined the fabulous writers at Jungle Red Writers! Her first blog is tomorrow and she asked if we could have a 'conversation' for her first blog....I agreed right away.
If you'd like to read it, feel free to visit Jungle Red Writers tomorrow - or anytime actually! It really is a wonderful group of bloggers. And I loved answering Julia's questions. I'm a little worried that I gave the impression that I don't care that I'm writing traditional mysteries. I hope it doesn't come across as that. I care very deeply - it's just that I have no choice. I write what I love to write. And have no skill to do anything else. No other agenda except trying to do my best.
As always, Julia asked thoughtful and fun questions! So tomorrow, if you have time, pop by Jungle Red Writers.
And don't forget that Julia's new book is finally coming out - in a few weeks. It's called One Was a Soldier. I've read it and it is brilliant!!! Well worth the wait - and when you read it you'll see why it took so long. A beautiful, searching, gorgeous book.
Speak to you tomorrow. I have an interview at 10am with the Ottawa Sun. Turned down an interview on Radio Canada television - in french - since I need to concentrate on the new book. But said I'd happily and gratefully do it in August. In hopes that miracle finally occurs and I become completely fluent in french by then.
Hope you're well. Watching Libya. And watching Christchurch. You're not alone.
Couldn't believe it this morning. Minus 20 when we started the car. Just glad the poor thing started.
Thank you for your patience - and for not complaining about the silence. Notice how I assume that my silence is a major tragedy and chasm in your life. Never mind.
We could not believe our eyes when we saw the devastation in Christchurch! We've been there, and it is such a beautiful city. To see their cathedral, an icon of the city, so broken - it left us open-jawed and speechless. And deeply saddened.
For anyone the images are terrible, but for those of you who know and love (and perhaps live in) New Zealand and Christchurch in particular, it must be almost unfathomable. Unbearable. I suspect you might feel quite isolated - and overwhelmed. Michael and I just want you to know that we're watching - and care. And not just us, but millions around the world.
Michael and I drove in to Montreal today - stopping at Ikea to fine-tune the kitchen decisions and arrange for their people to come measure. It's very exciting. And a little stressful - which is why we want Ikea's people to measure...because I frankly don't trust myself.
Am edging toward starting to write the next book. Next Tuesday - march 1st, as I've mentioned. it looms. Am trying not to get nervous, but to be excited about it. And, when the fear doesn't overwhelm me, I actually am. Can't remember when I have so looked forward to writing a book. I think it's not just the location that excites me - especially after our remarkable visit to the St-Benoit-du-lac abbey just before Christmas - but getting to explore music, gregorian chants, the effects of music on all of us, and the themes of the books. As well as re-joining Gamache et al.
I can see many of the scenes, and can hardly wait to write them.
I've also, for the most part, managed to clear the social decks - and the promotional decks - so that I have at least six weeks without interruption, to get the first draft started - before events start to close in.
Oh, also wanted to mention that the remarkable Julia Spencer-Fleming did an interview with me for her new blog!! She's joined the fabulous writers at Jungle Red Writers! Her first blog is tomorrow and she asked if we could have a 'conversation' for her first blog....I agreed right away.
If you'd like to read it, feel free to visit Jungle Red Writers tomorrow - or anytime actually! It really is a wonderful group of bloggers. And I loved answering Julia's questions. I'm a little worried that I gave the impression that I don't care that I'm writing traditional mysteries. I hope it doesn't come across as that. I care very deeply - it's just that I have no choice. I write what I love to write. And have no skill to do anything else. No other agenda except trying to do my best.
As always, Julia asked thoughtful and fun questions! So tomorrow, if you have time, pop by Jungle Red Writers.
And don't forget that Julia's new book is finally coming out - in a few weeks. It's called One Was a Soldier. I've read it and it is brilliant!!! Well worth the wait - and when you read it you'll see why it took so long. A beautiful, searching, gorgeous book.
Speak to you tomorrow. I have an interview at 10am with the Ottawa Sun. Turned down an interview on Radio Canada television - in french - since I need to concentrate on the new book. But said I'd happily and gratefully do it in August. In hopes that miracle finally occurs and I become completely fluent in french by then.
Hope you're well. Watching Libya. And watching Christchurch. You're not alone.
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Done!!!!
sunny, brilliant, wonderful day...well, actually, it's cloudy and rainy, but you'd never know it by the mood in here!!!
Yippee! Finally finished the second draft, and I'm pleased with it. Very pleased. A huge re-write, really, more than a draft...but worth it. And my first drafts are really often not all that good. More like sketches. But vital.
But wow, does this ever feel great!!! Yippeee... worked late yesterday after getting home. Sat on the screen porch. Beautiful sunny day - and watched quite a drama unfold in front of me as I wrote.
First the wonderful Wayne showed up. He'd heard rain was in the forecast so he decided to come and cut the grass while he could. Now, we have about 70 acres, though most is forested, of course, but about 3 acres needs cutting, including trails through said woods. So we have this huge great tractor/mower. Up Wayne gets on it and off he goes. At some point I decided to walk Trudy around the pond and I could hear him in there...for a long time.
But I walked on, not really thinking anythung of it, until I look up and Wayne's standing in front of me on the grass. Without the mower.
'It's stuck,' he said. 'In the woods. A soft spot.'
I resisted the temptation to asked, 'Are you sure?'
Instead I asked, 'What should we do?'
He gave me a list of people to call, while he took the hand mower and continued around the house. I called Carl, I called Dwayne. I called Gary. I called Tony. I called Lise. Of course. Who but My Assistant Lise can come to the rescue? I really should have a special ring which I can point to the sky and yell, "Lise! Lise!'
But I used the old fashoined method and telephoned. She, of everyone, was in! And her husband Del was just getting home. By now it was about 5pm. And Tony had arrived with his pick-up truck and chains.
As I spoke to Lise I saw Wayne walking back across the field, with Tony. Like two mud covered dough boys after a battle. A losing battle.
They stopped in front of the porch.
'We're stuck.'
'Both of you?'
'got my truck stuck too,' admitted Tony.
There was a regular traffic jam in our woods.
Del, bless him, said he'd come first thing in the morning with his big truck, two guys and more chains. But Tony had one more idea. Our neighbour Guy.
Ten minutes later I heard a motor...and I think distant trumpets, but perhaps not. There was Guy riding his tractor full speed with Tony hanging on the back. Into the field, past the fruit trees, around the pond they disappeard. Riding to the rescue.
Fifteen minutes later Guy drove by - triumphant. The battle won, the vehicles freed!
All very thrilling!
Almost as thrilling as finishing this draft!!! Yay. Worked all today and just finished....Now, taking 2 weeks off to get caught up on all the other stuff - and perhaps to play! going to cut some peony and delphiniums and make a little thank you arangement for Guy and Nicole.
Lucky us to have such neighbours. And to be free - of the mud, and the muddle!!!
speak to you tomorrow...
Oh - Pat just called...there's been an earthquake...felt not here but in Ottawa and Toronto. Must hurry and check...
Yippee! Finally finished the second draft, and I'm pleased with it. Very pleased. A huge re-write, really, more than a draft...but worth it. And my first drafts are really often not all that good. More like sketches. But vital.
But wow, does this ever feel great!!! Yippeee... worked late yesterday after getting home. Sat on the screen porch. Beautiful sunny day - and watched quite a drama unfold in front of me as I wrote.
First the wonderful Wayne showed up. He'd heard rain was in the forecast so he decided to come and cut the grass while he could. Now, we have about 70 acres, though most is forested, of course, but about 3 acres needs cutting, including trails through said woods. So we have this huge great tractor/mower. Up Wayne gets on it and off he goes. At some point I decided to walk Trudy around the pond and I could hear him in there...for a long time.
But I walked on, not really thinking anythung of it, until I look up and Wayne's standing in front of me on the grass. Without the mower.
'It's stuck,' he said. 'In the woods. A soft spot.'
I resisted the temptation to asked, 'Are you sure?'
Instead I asked, 'What should we do?'
He gave me a list of people to call, while he took the hand mower and continued around the house. I called Carl, I called Dwayne. I called Gary. I called Tony. I called Lise. Of course. Who but My Assistant Lise can come to the rescue? I really should have a special ring which I can point to the sky and yell, "Lise! Lise!'
But I used the old fashoined method and telephoned. She, of everyone, was in! And her husband Del was just getting home. By now it was about 5pm. And Tony had arrived with his pick-up truck and chains.
As I spoke to Lise I saw Wayne walking back across the field, with Tony. Like two mud covered dough boys after a battle. A losing battle.
They stopped in front of the porch.
'We're stuck.'
'Both of you?'
'got my truck stuck too,' admitted Tony.
There was a regular traffic jam in our woods.
Del, bless him, said he'd come first thing in the morning with his big truck, two guys and more chains. But Tony had one more idea. Our neighbour Guy.
Ten minutes later I heard a motor...and I think distant trumpets, but perhaps not. There was Guy riding his tractor full speed with Tony hanging on the back. Into the field, past the fruit trees, around the pond they disappeard. Riding to the rescue.
Fifteen minutes later Guy drove by - triumphant. The battle won, the vehicles freed!
All very thrilling!
Almost as thrilling as finishing this draft!!! Yay. Worked all today and just finished....Now, taking 2 weeks off to get caught up on all the other stuff - and perhaps to play! going to cut some peony and delphiniums and make a little thank you arangement for Guy and Nicole.
Lucky us to have such neighbours. And to be free - of the mud, and the muddle!!!
speak to you tomorrow...
Oh - Pat just called...there's been an earthquake...felt not here but in Ottawa and Toronto. Must hurry and check...
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Haiti
partly cloudy, calm, cold, temps minus 10
Poor Haiti. Dear Lord.
Here is a list, from the Canadian Press, of reputable aid organizations currently seeking cash donations for relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti. Donations can be made at the web pages or by calling the appropriate phone numbers.
Canadian Red Cross (hoping to raise at least $2 million): www.redcross.ca/helpnow, or call toll free 1-800-418-1111, visit any Red Cross office.
Humanitarian Coalition (consists of CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Quebec and Save the Children Canada): www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca.
Plan Canada: https://planCanada.ca/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pidid
Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmy.ca, or call 1-800-725-2769.
Rogers Wireless and Bell Mobility customers can make $5 donations by texting the word "haiti" to 45678.
Donations can be mailed to Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P4. Donations can also be dropped off at local Salvation Army units. Specify "Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund."
Unicef Canada: https://secure.unicef.ca/portal/SmartDefault.aspx?at0&CID
United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto: http://www.ujadonations.com/haiti or call 416-631-5705.
World Vision Canada: https://www.worldvision.ca/give-a-gift/Pages/EarthquakeinHaiti.aspx
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has also compiled a guide designed to help the public avoid scams and ensure their donations are of maximum value:
http://www.international.gc.ca/humanitarian-humanitaire/Canadians-he lp-aide-canadien.aspx
I know there are many, many organizations in your area too...
Poor Haiti. Dear Lord.
Here is a list, from the Canadian Press, of reputable aid organizations currently seeking cash donations for relief efforts in earthquake-ravaged Haiti. Donations can be made at the web pages or by calling the appropriate phone numbers.
Canadian Red Cross (hoping to raise at least $2 million): www.redcross.ca/helpnow, or call toll free 1-800-418-1111, visit any Red Cross office.
Humanitarian Coalition (consists of CARE Canada, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam-Quebec and Save the Children Canada): www.thehumanitariancoalition.ca.
Plan Canada: https://planCanada.ca/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pidid
Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmy.ca, or call 1-800-725-2769.
Rogers Wireless and Bell Mobility customers can make $5 donations by texting the word "haiti" to 45678.
Donations can be mailed to Army Territorial Headquarters, Canada and Bermuda, 2 Overlea Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M4H 1P4. Donations can also be dropped off at local Salvation Army units. Specify "Haiti Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund."
Unicef Canada: https://secure.unicef.ca/portal/SmartDefault.aspx?at0&CID
United Jewish Appeal of Greater Toronto: http://www.ujadonations.com/haiti or call 416-631-5705.
World Vision Canada: https://www.worldvision.ca/give-a-gift/Pages/EarthquakeinHaiti.aspx
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has also compiled a guide designed to help the public avoid scams and ensure their donations are of maximum value:
http://www.international.gc.ca/humanitarian-humanitaire/Canadians-he lp-aide-canadien.aspx
I know there are many, many organizations in your area too...
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