mainly sunny, hot, temps 29
Beautiful day...sunny, hot and humid - though clouding over a bit now. thunder storms forecast.
My brother, Dog, dropped by for a short visit. Just overnight. always such fun having him here. And I think, given Lucy's unexpected loss, that added a layer of gratitude. That I could still hug my brother. And laugh with him and tell him things few others would be interested in. And see him and Michael kid each other, and be so comfortable together.
We called back and forth to Regina, where our other brother, Rob and his wife Audi live. We're trying to arrange the annual family reunion for Thanksgiving. We think we'll rent a home in or around Niagara-on-the-lake. Beautiful community in Ontario, close to Niagara Falls.
I want to sincerely thank all of you for your support of Lucy. I know how much she, and her family, have appreciated it. And I appreciate it too. thank you.
Sorry for the blog silence. Feeling a little overwhelmed right now. With the editing, and the need to keep up a certain pace so that I'll be finished before I go on tour. And all sorts of great things happening, but each demanding time and attention. Teresa Chris, my agent, has just sold the books to be translated into Greek, Taiwan (Chinese), Portuguese (bringing the total to 20 languages)- but most of these countries need complex tax forms filled out and stamped by Canadian tax authorities and sent on.
That takes time. And who really likes paperwork???
So many things have come as a surprise in having a writing career. Most very, very good. The magnificent friends I've made...the people I've met. You. And the excitement that never diminishes in having a manuscript accepted....and then, that magical day of holding it in my hands. Wow.
but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Right now, as I seem to race toward the fall tour, I want to finish the book. And not just finish - but make it as wonderful as I can. So I find I need to stop and go back, and go over, and add, and adjust....then move forward. And it always takes far more time than I expect. I had a thought today about how to make a scene better about 20 pages earlier....so tomorrow I'll go back and redo it. sort of like ripping the knitting out. Painful - but if you want a creation you're proud of, that will forever be associated with you - then it is necessary.
Michael and I stayed in Montreal after James Hoblyn's funeral - figuring getting over the bridges on a friday afternoon would not be pleasant. So we over-nighted at the apartment, woke up at 5:15am - drove to Sutton (bridges a dream) - and met Gary and Cheryl for breakfast at Le Cafetier.
Susan's at the guest cottage, so we went over there for dinner Saturday and she came over here for drinks and a swim yesterday before doug arrived.
The Knowlton literary festival, called WordFest is this coming weekend...I'll tell you more about it in the next post - I hope.
sort of a scattered post - but lots to catch up on.
Showing posts with label Doug. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Doug. Show all posts
Monday, 11 July 2011
Sunday, 5 September 2010
The Brutal Telling - paperback!
Mostly cloudy, cold, temps 15
I wanted to make sure I told you that THE BRUTAL TELLING is now out in trade paperback. It's a fabulous cover and great package. Hope you like it too! And if you could tell others about it now being available in paperback, that would be wonderful. I'm assuming most of you have already read it in hardcover, either through your library or buying it. Or listening to the wonderful audio version. So thank you!
Had a wonderful dinner last night with Doug. He was here when we returned from the meeting - and already boiling water for the fresh corn. Simple, lovely meal of broccoli and potatoes and corn, and barbequed steak. Then to bed to read. Up in time for breakfast with Cheryl, while Doug and Michael ate at another table.
Then off to visit Cheryl and Gary's new home, under construction. It's in the forest, and so beautiful. What a dream. I'd love for Michael and me to build our own home. Wouldn't that be fun. A small place. No more trophy homes. And Cheryl and Gary's home is just wonderful.
Then - home! To sit quietly in front of the fire with a cafe au lait and reading Michael's manuscript. Did I tell you what the bugger did? Remember when we were in BC at the festival a few weeks ago and Michael had given me his finished manuscript...I sat on the dock and read it, making notes. Loving it. Well, when we got home and I gave it back he looked at it and blushed.
'what is it?' I asked.
'hee, hee,' he replied. Michael very rarely giggles. It is almost never a good sign.
'Go on,' I said.
'Well, it's a funny thing.' (which was a guarantee it wasn't going to be all that funny), 'but I gave you the wrong version. That was an old one.'
I then said a few things...
And now I'm reading the 'real' manuscript. And if it isn't, I don't want to know. But the thing is, as much as I adored the draft I read, this one really is even better. I'm very, very happy for him!
So we're both sitting by the fire, reading. I made chicken noodle soup and fresh tomato sandwiches for lunch. Eaten by the fire. Doug brought his dog - Buttercup, the Hound from Hell. Who drank most of the pond then threw it back up. So we've been going for long walks with BC and Trudy.
Lovely day. Breakfast tomorrow with Joan. As you know, it's my meal of choice. Not sure what's for dinner tonight. We have baguette and cheese - by the fire - and perhaps a pasta and pesto.
Speak tomorrow. Happy Labour Day long weekend.
I wanted to make sure I told you that THE BRUTAL TELLING is now out in trade paperback. It's a fabulous cover and great package. Hope you like it too! And if you could tell others about it now being available in paperback, that would be wonderful. I'm assuming most of you have already read it in hardcover, either through your library or buying it. Or listening to the wonderful audio version. So thank you!
Had a wonderful dinner last night with Doug. He was here when we returned from the meeting - and already boiling water for the fresh corn. Simple, lovely meal of broccoli and potatoes and corn, and barbequed steak. Then to bed to read. Up in time for breakfast with Cheryl, while Doug and Michael ate at another table.
Then off to visit Cheryl and Gary's new home, under construction. It's in the forest, and so beautiful. What a dream. I'd love for Michael and me to build our own home. Wouldn't that be fun. A small place. No more trophy homes. And Cheryl and Gary's home is just wonderful.
Then - home! To sit quietly in front of the fire with a cafe au lait and reading Michael's manuscript. Did I tell you what the bugger did? Remember when we were in BC at the festival a few weeks ago and Michael had given me his finished manuscript...I sat on the dock and read it, making notes. Loving it. Well, when we got home and I gave it back he looked at it and blushed.
'what is it?' I asked.
'hee, hee,' he replied. Michael very rarely giggles. It is almost never a good sign.
'Go on,' I said.
'Well, it's a funny thing.' (which was a guarantee it wasn't going to be all that funny), 'but I gave you the wrong version. That was an old one.'
I then said a few things...
And now I'm reading the 'real' manuscript. And if it isn't, I don't want to know. But the thing is, as much as I adored the draft I read, this one really is even better. I'm very, very happy for him!
So we're both sitting by the fire, reading. I made chicken noodle soup and fresh tomato sandwiches for lunch. Eaten by the fire. Doug brought his dog - Buttercup, the Hound from Hell. Who drank most of the pond then threw it back up. So we've been going for long walks with BC and Trudy.
Lovely day. Breakfast tomorrow with Joan. As you know, it's my meal of choice. Not sure what's for dinner tonight. We have baguette and cheese - by the fire - and perhaps a pasta and pesto.
Speak tomorrow. Happy Labour Day long weekend.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
A Vowel Movement
flurries, mild, temps minus 2
Still have not been outside. I'm goin' for the record, ma.
Laughed over your comments about the US vs Canadian/UK versions. Totally agree about titles. I think/hope that has stopped. Not my first choice either. To be fair to the publishers, it's not their first choice, but they genuinely believe they're dealing with different sensibilities - and what attracts in the UK might not attract in the US. They really are doing their best. But I agree, it's annoying.
And in terms of what you're missing...I can guarantee you aren't missing much...except of course the final chapter of The Brutal Telling. We kept that out of the US version.
Kidding...
You are only missing a few 'u's but you get a bunch of quotation marks in exchange. But I'll be happy to tell my US editor there is a ground swell of support for keeping the Canadian/UK spellings etc.
We're having a lovely day here, basically just getting caught up with Doug and him with us. Planning the next family reunion. We realized after our mother died there was a danger we'd drift apart...that her home and seeing her was the focal point for most of our lives. So we decided we needed to make a pledge to get together once a year, and rotate it among us. last year it was our turn and everyone came for Thanksgiving. Next year it's our brother Rob's turn. he and audi just moved to Regina where he'd the new deputy minister of Transportation for the province. We're very proud of him. I remember when he was in his early 20's and had just moved out to Alberta...he'd send hundreds of photos home of roads he was building...honestly, they all looked like dirt roads through forest, but we looked at them all and exclaimed over them.
What was obvious was his absolute passion for transportation, and road building specifically. A passion that has stayed with him all his life.
Back to the reunion...since we've been doing these reunions for many years now we think we might adjust the concept and go somewhere else...and we think maybe it'll be Arizona in october. But it's early days yet. Tried to phone Rob earlier today so we could speak with him but there was no answer. Will try later.
Such fun having Doug visiting. He needs to get back to Toronto tomorrow and we need to be at a doctor's appointment for Michael's eye in Montreal - so we've decided to get up reeeeeally early and drive in...miss the runsh hour traffic. Will leave here at 5am.
Going to order pizza from Knowlton and watch the Canada/US hockey game tonight. Doug's kids and Mary are actually there!!!
Be well - will try to blog tomorrow.
Still have not been outside. I'm goin' for the record, ma.
Laughed over your comments about the US vs Canadian/UK versions. Totally agree about titles. I think/hope that has stopped. Not my first choice either. To be fair to the publishers, it's not their first choice, but they genuinely believe they're dealing with different sensibilities - and what attracts in the UK might not attract in the US. They really are doing their best. But I agree, it's annoying.
And in terms of what you're missing...I can guarantee you aren't missing much...except of course the final chapter of The Brutal Telling. We kept that out of the US version.
Kidding...
You are only missing a few 'u's but you get a bunch of quotation marks in exchange. But I'll be happy to tell my US editor there is a ground swell of support for keeping the Canadian/UK spellings etc.
We're having a lovely day here, basically just getting caught up with Doug and him with us. Planning the next family reunion. We realized after our mother died there was a danger we'd drift apart...that her home and seeing her was the focal point for most of our lives. So we decided we needed to make a pledge to get together once a year, and rotate it among us. last year it was our turn and everyone came for Thanksgiving. Next year it's our brother Rob's turn. he and audi just moved to Regina where he'd the new deputy minister of Transportation for the province. We're very proud of him. I remember when he was in his early 20's and had just moved out to Alberta...he'd send hundreds of photos home of roads he was building...honestly, they all looked like dirt roads through forest, but we looked at them all and exclaimed over them.
What was obvious was his absolute passion for transportation, and road building specifically. A passion that has stayed with him all his life.
Back to the reunion...since we've been doing these reunions for many years now we think we might adjust the concept and go somewhere else...and we think maybe it'll be Arizona in october. But it's early days yet. Tried to phone Rob earlier today so we could speak with him but there was no answer. Will try later.
Such fun having Doug visiting. He needs to get back to Toronto tomorrow and we need to be at a doctor's appointment for Michael's eye in Montreal - so we've decided to get up reeeeeally early and drive in...miss the runsh hour traffic. Will leave here at 5am.
Going to order pizza from Knowlton and watch the Canada/US hockey game tonight. Doug's kids and Mary are actually there!!!
Be well - will try to blog tomorrow.
Saturday, 20 February 2010
'Honour' "Honor"
overcast, light snow, mild, temps about freezing
I have no idea what it's like out - haven't been beyond the threshold, expect to yell at Tony as his snow-blower roared. Wanted him to come in and have a coffee. Besides that, I've barely been off the sofa. Great day.
My brother Doug arrived from Toronto with the whirlwind that is his dog, Buttercup. The Hound from Hell. Actually, BC is joyous, with a tail like a thick whip - that goes constantly. She also levitates. She managed, when our backs were turned to eat a package of hot cross buns, some bread and a pita. Carbing up. Does not bode well.
Having Doug here is such fun - we laugh until no sound comes out. over lunch I thought Michael would be permanently red he was laughing so hard...at Doug's description of traveling with our mother.
Nancy came by this morning to fix Doug;s computer, which he brought from Toronto for her...we only trust her, and she was fab - fixing it in an hour or so.
Doug went off visiting, Michael watched the Olympics and I spent most of the day going over the copy edited version of BURY YOUR DEAD. Quite daunting at first...a huge pile of pages, covered in red. But then I realized most of the red ink was to Americanize the manuscript. I write dialogue using just one quotation mark, '. but in the States they use two, ". and, of course, there's the spelling. Draughts, drafts. Honour, honor. It's extremely interesting to see the differences, but as I said, disconcerting to see all that red ink.
But there were also extremely interesting issues of time and dates and other things that demanded attention...and some references that needed further research. I like this part of the process...especially this year when it happens when I'm not yet writing the next book. I find it very difficult to write one book in the morning and edit another in the afternoon. Besides the always present issue of being way too lazy to want to work that hard.
We're having a relaxed dinner at home tonight...cheese, pate and baguette - carrots and celery, hummus and tatziki by the fire...then probably off to watch a bit of the Olympics. I've lost a little track of what's happening. Big game tomorrow night - Canada vs the US at hockey! Mary and the kids are there. Doug keeps getting texts from his oldest son, Brian, to say how much fun they're having at the Olympics. They saw Robinson get the gold in skeleton yesterday, and heard a live band and just got back from skiing themselves at Whistler. Sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
Did I mention I stayed on the couch all day? And....loving it.
Thank you too for all your beautiful comments after yesterday's post. I really, really appreciate it. Your support means so much to me.
Speak to you tomorrow!
I have no idea what it's like out - haven't been beyond the threshold, expect to yell at Tony as his snow-blower roared. Wanted him to come in and have a coffee. Besides that, I've barely been off the sofa. Great day.
My brother Doug arrived from Toronto with the whirlwind that is his dog, Buttercup. The Hound from Hell. Actually, BC is joyous, with a tail like a thick whip - that goes constantly. She also levitates. She managed, when our backs were turned to eat a package of hot cross buns, some bread and a pita. Carbing up. Does not bode well.
Having Doug here is such fun - we laugh until no sound comes out. over lunch I thought Michael would be permanently red he was laughing so hard...at Doug's description of traveling with our mother.
Nancy came by this morning to fix Doug;s computer, which he brought from Toronto for her...we only trust her, and she was fab - fixing it in an hour or so.
Doug went off visiting, Michael watched the Olympics and I spent most of the day going over the copy edited version of BURY YOUR DEAD. Quite daunting at first...a huge pile of pages, covered in red. But then I realized most of the red ink was to Americanize the manuscript. I write dialogue using just one quotation mark, '. but in the States they use two, ". and, of course, there's the spelling. Draughts, drafts. Honour, honor. It's extremely interesting to see the differences, but as I said, disconcerting to see all that red ink.
But there were also extremely interesting issues of time and dates and other things that demanded attention...and some references that needed further research. I like this part of the process...especially this year when it happens when I'm not yet writing the next book. I find it very difficult to write one book in the morning and edit another in the afternoon. Besides the always present issue of being way too lazy to want to work that hard.
We're having a relaxed dinner at home tonight...cheese, pate and baguette - carrots and celery, hummus and tatziki by the fire...then probably off to watch a bit of the Olympics. I've lost a little track of what's happening. Big game tomorrow night - Canada vs the US at hockey! Mary and the kids are there. Doug keeps getting texts from his oldest son, Brian, to say how much fun they're having at the Olympics. They saw Robinson get the gold in skeleton yesterday, and heard a live band and just got back from skiing themselves at Whistler. Sounds like the trip of a lifetime.
Did I mention I stayed on the couch all day? And....loving it.
Thank you too for all your beautiful comments after yesterday's post. I really, really appreciate it. Your support means so much to me.
Speak to you tomorrow!
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
brilliant, sunny day, temps 10
Didn't wake up to this! In fact, when Doug and I took Trudy around the pond for her morning walk it was dreadful. Driving rain, cold, almost sleet...all the way around all you heard was Doug and me begging, 'Pee!! Pooooop!' finally, Trudy did the deed and we skiddadled back home.
Rob and Audi were stuffing the turkey and Michael was making coffee. Wonderful. Now the turkey's in the oven, the gibblets are boiling on the stove, potatoes all ready to be boiled and mashed. Pumpkin pie in the fridge and the cream ready to whip. A fire laid in the hearth.
And the sun has come out.
And we are surrounded by family. How lucky we are. Such an amazing feeling to have my two tall, sturdy brothers here. As we walked around the pond yesterday morning, just the three of us, I had the oddest feeling. Not sure I can even describe it. Gratitude, but also something that feel so right. Primal, almost. It surprised me, and almost hurt it was so intense. Joy, yes, but even more than that.
We miss the rest of the family, those who couldn't make it, and those who are no longer with us. But those who were meant to be here made it.
Heading out early tomorrow for Burlington, Vermont. Rob needs to buy some dress shoes. He's getting the Award of Distinction from the Canadian Transportation Association in Vancouver next Sunday. He has everything, except the shoes. So Burlington it is, then we stay the night at an airport hotel, and Rob and Audi fly out to New orleans for a vacation and I head to Houston. Will be speaking at Murder by the Book - a fabulous bookstore in Houston, on Wednesday.
Taking the MacBook. If you don't hear from me, you'll know I haven't figured out how to work it.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Didn't wake up to this! In fact, when Doug and I took Trudy around the pond for her morning walk it was dreadful. Driving rain, cold, almost sleet...all the way around all you heard was Doug and me begging, 'Pee!! Pooooop!' finally, Trudy did the deed and we skiddadled back home.
Rob and Audi were stuffing the turkey and Michael was making coffee. Wonderful. Now the turkey's in the oven, the gibblets are boiling on the stove, potatoes all ready to be boiled and mashed. Pumpkin pie in the fridge and the cream ready to whip. A fire laid in the hearth.
And the sun has come out.
And we are surrounded by family. How lucky we are. Such an amazing feeling to have my two tall, sturdy brothers here. As we walked around the pond yesterday morning, just the three of us, I had the oddest feeling. Not sure I can even describe it. Gratitude, but also something that feel so right. Primal, almost. It surprised me, and almost hurt it was so intense. Joy, yes, but even more than that.
We miss the rest of the family, those who couldn't make it, and those who are no longer with us. But those who were meant to be here made it.
Heading out early tomorrow for Burlington, Vermont. Rob needs to buy some dress shoes. He's getting the Award of Distinction from the Canadian Transportation Association in Vancouver next Sunday. He has everything, except the shoes. So Burlington it is, then we stay the night at an airport hotel, and Rob and Audi fly out to New orleans for a vacation and I head to Houston. Will be speaking at Murder by the Book - a fabulous bookstore in Houston, on Wednesday.
Taking the MacBook. If you don't hear from me, you'll know I haven't figured out how to work it.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Friday, 26 December 2008
It's Doug's fault...
overcast, cool, temps minus 5
Lovely, restful day. Boiled up the turkey bones last night and finished the job this morning so that by noon the aroma of home-made turkey soup filled the home. I think that's about my favorite holiday thing - the smells of cooking. Especially coming in from outside - all cold. And smelling homemade soup.
We had that for lunch, sitting by the fire.
Jim and Sharon came by after noon to say goodbye. And drop off the bed linen and towels. So we have a big load in, ready for our next guests to arrive tomorrow. Though, while Sharon and Jim can hardly be considered guests, our next set definitely aren't.
It's my brother Doug, his oldest son Brian (13) and his best friend Theo. They'll be staying at the guest cottage until the kids get bored and want to go home, which might be a day or a week or more. The kids love to ski and are looking forward to it, but unfortunately after all our snowstorms it's supposed to rain tomorrow and Sunday! Yech.
It's a wonderful practice - watching my stress level rise depending on the weather. And then needing to remind myself that a) I didn't cause it. b) it's not my fault (always crucial) c) it's actually Doug's fault d) worry will change nothing e) it's still Doug's fault
Don't you find Boxing Day just the most restful? No visitors? No place to go. Just puttering. And in this case finishing the revision of THE BRUTAL TELLING. The last 20 pages are always the most challenging (it's Doug's fault) because it's the explanation...which apparently should make sense.
So I'll re-read tomorrow what I did today and see if it's an improvement.
and if you read THE BRUTAL TELLING and hate the end, what do you need to remember?
Everybody together...it's Doug's fault.
Off for breakfast with Joan tomorrow, then food shopping...God knows what we'll have for dinner. For now I'm headed to a bubble bath.
Lovely, restful day. Boiled up the turkey bones last night and finished the job this morning so that by noon the aroma of home-made turkey soup filled the home. I think that's about my favorite holiday thing - the smells of cooking. Especially coming in from outside - all cold. And smelling homemade soup.
We had that for lunch, sitting by the fire.
Jim and Sharon came by after noon to say goodbye. And drop off the bed linen and towels. So we have a big load in, ready for our next guests to arrive tomorrow. Though, while Sharon and Jim can hardly be considered guests, our next set definitely aren't.
It's my brother Doug, his oldest son Brian (13) and his best friend Theo. They'll be staying at the guest cottage until the kids get bored and want to go home, which might be a day or a week or more. The kids love to ski and are looking forward to it, but unfortunately after all our snowstorms it's supposed to rain tomorrow and Sunday! Yech.
It's a wonderful practice - watching my stress level rise depending on the weather. And then needing to remind myself that a) I didn't cause it. b) it's not my fault (always crucial) c) it's actually Doug's fault d) worry will change nothing e) it's still Doug's fault
Don't you find Boxing Day just the most restful? No visitors? No place to go. Just puttering. And in this case finishing the revision of THE BRUTAL TELLING. The last 20 pages are always the most challenging (it's Doug's fault) because it's the explanation...which apparently should make sense.
So I'll re-read tomorrow what I did today and see if it's an improvement.
and if you read THE BRUTAL TELLING and hate the end, what do you need to remember?
Everybody together...it's Doug's fault.
Off for breakfast with Joan tomorrow, then food shopping...God knows what we'll have for dinner. For now I'm headed to a bubble bath.
Monday, 22 December 2008
Maggie's great! Yay!
snow, blowing snow, temps minus 9
Just heard from the Vet...Maggie sailed through the operation and is doing really well!! Oh, what a relief.
Thank you for all your thoughts.
And, we get to pick her up in a couple of hours and bring her (or, as my brother says, most of her) home! We're both thrilled and leery. We know for sure she'll be far more comfortable and happy at home. But will we kill her? This will clearly demand good sense and judgement - from the woman who just recently tried to flush a whole pot roast down the toilet.
Doug, my brother, wrote this morning wishing us luck and saying he and his dog Buttercup said prayers for Maggie before breakfast - though he wasn't sure if BC's prayers weren't for him to friggin hurry up and put down the food bowl.
Can't quite believe that they amputate a leg in the morning and she'll be home in time for dinner. But more than anything, we're relieved.
We set the alarm for 6:30 this morning. It was still dark, but Trudy was all excited. I looked outside and could see a dark figure outside, against the snow. It was Tony. He'd come up to dig us out from all the snow that fell overnight, so we could get Maggie to the vet for her 8am appointment.
Imagine doing that? He was out of bed before we were on a blizzardy morning, shoveling.
I'll tell you, even by country standards Pat and Tony are remarkable. Angels, really. We try to keep up with them in terms of kindnesses, but we're so far behind even Tony couldn't dig us out.
We got to the vets in time, going very slowly along the snow-clogged, white-out roads. Michael took a picture of Maggie outside the vets, just in case. And we were fine until we had to say goodbye and they led her away. As soon as the door closed I started to cry. Happily it wasn't my normal slobber - but neither could I pretend I had something in my eye. Except a bit of grief.
Anyway, now we all get to heal.
Did loads of wrapping today, and will make hard sauce and cranberry sauce tomorrow, then the sweet potato casserole the next day.
This is a celebration. Be well, and will report in tomorrow.
Just heard from the Vet...Maggie sailed through the operation and is doing really well!! Oh, what a relief.
Thank you for all your thoughts.
And, we get to pick her up in a couple of hours and bring her (or, as my brother says, most of her) home! We're both thrilled and leery. We know for sure she'll be far more comfortable and happy at home. But will we kill her? This will clearly demand good sense and judgement - from the woman who just recently tried to flush a whole pot roast down the toilet.
Doug, my brother, wrote this morning wishing us luck and saying he and his dog Buttercup said prayers for Maggie before breakfast - though he wasn't sure if BC's prayers weren't for him to friggin hurry up and put down the food bowl.
Can't quite believe that they amputate a leg in the morning and she'll be home in time for dinner. But more than anything, we're relieved.
We set the alarm for 6:30 this morning. It was still dark, but Trudy was all excited. I looked outside and could see a dark figure outside, against the snow. It was Tony. He'd come up to dig us out from all the snow that fell overnight, so we could get Maggie to the vet for her 8am appointment.
Imagine doing that? He was out of bed before we were on a blizzardy morning, shoveling.
I'll tell you, even by country standards Pat and Tony are remarkable. Angels, really. We try to keep up with them in terms of kindnesses, but we're so far behind even Tony couldn't dig us out.
We got to the vets in time, going very slowly along the snow-clogged, white-out roads. Michael took a picture of Maggie outside the vets, just in case. And we were fine until we had to say goodbye and they led her away. As soon as the door closed I started to cry. Happily it wasn't my normal slobber - but neither could I pretend I had something in my eye. Except a bit of grief.
Anyway, now we all get to heal.
Did loads of wrapping today, and will make hard sauce and cranberry sauce tomorrow, then the sweet potato casserole the next day.
This is a celebration. Be well, and will report in tomorrow.
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Election Day in Canada
overcast, warm, temps 23
Unseasonably mild. Even warm, but the wind has been picking up all afternoon and now I see black/blue clouds heading this way. A storm, I expect.
Great day - relaxing. Heard from Sherise, the UK editor. THE MURDER STONE was reviewed in The Guardian newspaper this past weekend. here's the excerpt she sent:
'The red herrings are expertly deployed, and the solution is ingenious and unexpected’.
So that's very nice.
Had breakfast in Cowansville, dropped Michael back home so he could work on his book while I went into the loft/office to fill the car with stuff to bring home. Then to the post office - had tons of books to mail out - internationally. The went to a local cafe with the manuscript of book 5 and a red pen and went over some sections that needed a little more fine-tuning.
Heard from my brother Doug last night. He'd spent the weekend reading the manuscript and called to say it was the best yet. I know him enough to know he's very kind, but he also knows it's no kindness to not be honest at this stage. So I choose to believe him.
What an amazing thing Doug did for me. Imagine spending the whole weekend reading this manuscript because he knew I'd be worried. Like me, he's a slow reader, so it's work. I'm just so lucky to have a brother like him. Especially since I spent most of our childhood telling everyone he was adopted, and wishing he was dead. I think it was mutual. As is our love for each other now.
I'm very relieved. I'm so close to this book it's very, very hard to know if it's any good. I think it is...but then sometimes.....
So I had a cafe au lait, a raisin scone and made some changes. Then came home. Tony was bringing wood in for the winter, Gary was working on the downstairs bathroom, Michael was writing. So I unloaded the car (with Michael's help) and came upstairs to put the changes into the computer.
Then sent it off to Bob to be printed out. Will mail it to Teresa, my agent, by Friday.
Dear God. This is a terrifying part of the process. But it's also quite freeing. It is, literally, out of my hands.
This is Federal election day in Canada. We have a Conservative government - with a strong Liberal and NDP (social-democrats) opposition, and a Green party that's gaining strength. Here in Quebec there's a separatist party that has been extremely strong for many elections called the Bloc Quebecois.
We voted in an advanced poll a couple of weeks ago. As I drove past the Canadian Legion Hall in Sutton I saw the cars and the long, long line-up. So happy to have already cast a vote. Won't tell you for whom, but perhaps you can guess.
Will make a pizza for dinner and watch the poll results.
Talk to you tomorrow...be well.
Unseasonably mild. Even warm, but the wind has been picking up all afternoon and now I see black/blue clouds heading this way. A storm, I expect.
Great day - relaxing. Heard from Sherise, the UK editor. THE MURDER STONE was reviewed in The Guardian newspaper this past weekend. here's the excerpt she sent:
'The red herrings are expertly deployed, and the solution is ingenious and unexpected’.
So that's very nice.
Had breakfast in Cowansville, dropped Michael back home so he could work on his book while I went into the loft/office to fill the car with stuff to bring home. Then to the post office - had tons of books to mail out - internationally. The went to a local cafe with the manuscript of book 5 and a red pen and went over some sections that needed a little more fine-tuning.
Heard from my brother Doug last night. He'd spent the weekend reading the manuscript and called to say it was the best yet. I know him enough to know he's very kind, but he also knows it's no kindness to not be honest at this stage. So I choose to believe him.
What an amazing thing Doug did for me. Imagine spending the whole weekend reading this manuscript because he knew I'd be worried. Like me, he's a slow reader, so it's work. I'm just so lucky to have a brother like him. Especially since I spent most of our childhood telling everyone he was adopted, and wishing he was dead. I think it was mutual. As is our love for each other now.
I'm very relieved. I'm so close to this book it's very, very hard to know if it's any good. I think it is...but then sometimes.....
So I had a cafe au lait, a raisin scone and made some changes. Then came home. Tony was bringing wood in for the winter, Gary was working on the downstairs bathroom, Michael was writing. So I unloaded the car (with Michael's help) and came upstairs to put the changes into the computer.
Then sent it off to Bob to be printed out. Will mail it to Teresa, my agent, by Friday.
Dear God. This is a terrifying part of the process. But it's also quite freeing. It is, literally, out of my hands.
This is Federal election day in Canada. We have a Conservative government - with a strong Liberal and NDP (social-democrats) opposition, and a Green party that's gaining strength. Here in Quebec there's a separatist party that has been extremely strong for many elections called the Bloc Quebecois.
We voted in an advanced poll a couple of weeks ago. As I drove past the Canadian Legion Hall in Sutton I saw the cars and the long, long line-up. So happy to have already cast a vote. Won't tell you for whom, but perhaps you can guess.
Will make a pizza for dinner and watch the poll results.
Talk to you tomorrow...be well.
Thursday, 26 June 2008
But do they eat each other?
mainly sunny, warm, temps 26
One more day. Until the kids come. Doug, my brother, wrote from Toronto with a list of callisthenics we can do, to build up muscle mass before they descend. And take us down with them. Of course, it's far too late for that and we must now rely on cunning, and bribery.
Doug, his kids Rozy (who is just turning 12) and Charlie (10) are coming. His oldest, Brian (13) is at camp. Each of the kids is bringing a friend. Spencer for Charlie and Elan for Rozy. Doug is bringing his imaginary friend.
We have lists everywhere - of food, of activities, of hiding places.
Ice cream, candies, hard boiled eggs, cheese, orange and grape crush and root beer. And that's just for Doug. Actually, he's a vegetarian and doesn't eat eggs or mushrooms either. But, he does eat Caramilk bars.
We're watching the forecast, as though that helps. We waited anxiously to see what movie the local theatre, the Princess in Cowansville, would be playing while the kids were here. Praying for Kungfu Panda.
It's Sex and the City.
Never liked Sex and the City, and even less now.
They arrive tomorrow (Friday) mid-afternoon. 24 more hours. I think we need to just hunker down and pray for daylight.
One more day. Until the kids come. Doug, my brother, wrote from Toronto with a list of callisthenics we can do, to build up muscle mass before they descend. And take us down with them. Of course, it's far too late for that and we must now rely on cunning, and bribery.
Doug, his kids Rozy (who is just turning 12) and Charlie (10) are coming. His oldest, Brian (13) is at camp. Each of the kids is bringing a friend. Spencer for Charlie and Elan for Rozy. Doug is bringing his imaginary friend.
We have lists everywhere - of food, of activities, of hiding places.
Ice cream, candies, hard boiled eggs, cheese, orange and grape crush and root beer. And that's just for Doug. Actually, he's a vegetarian and doesn't eat eggs or mushrooms either. But, he does eat Caramilk bars.
We're watching the forecast, as though that helps. We waited anxiously to see what movie the local theatre, the Princess in Cowansville, would be playing while the kids were here. Praying for Kungfu Panda.
It's Sex and the City.
Never liked Sex and the City, and even less now.
They arrive tomorrow (Friday) mid-afternoon. 24 more hours. I think we need to just hunker down and pray for daylight.
Friday, 23 May 2008
Do you have a dream?
mixed, cloudy, rainy, sunny, temps 10
Another mixed weather day - would go from beautiful and sunny to a cloud burst in no time.
I think I'm one day away from finishing book 5, which I've called THE BRUTAL TELLING. We'll see what it ends up being called in the stores! But now it's just pouring out of me as we drive to the finish. Wrote 2 chapters today. quite exhausting, but thrilling. Last chapter still to go...tying up. I always love that, but the trick is to do it with some elegance. Happily there's always the re-writes and the editing and the polishing to get it right.
Then had a quick lunch with Michael, and out the door to Sutton and coffee with Joan at the Tintoretto. It was Rhonda's last day there. she's managed the tea room for 4 years - but is now leaving to concentrate on her own business of restoring antique furniture. Very exciting for her - but sad for those of us who loved her even more than the food.
Joan runs the local yoga and meditation centre, and quietly counsels people on the side and she was telling me she's recently spoken to two people and asked each, 'Do you have a dream?' I thought, what a great question. then Joan said she was walking down rue Principale and got to talking to a middle aged woman and asked her, 'do you have a dream'. And I looked across the table at this lovely, lovely woman and thought - you lovely woman. Imagine talking to people about the things they dream of doing, or being. Awakening in them that one thing they'd regret not trying.
Then, after Joan left, I zipped across to Richford for gas (forgot passport but they let me through anyway) - then met another friend, this time at the Cafe Internationale, for a cafe au lait. This was Janet, who teaches voice at Stratford in Ontario and Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburg - she also specializes in the Alexander Method of voice. Very interesting woman. I had a chance to ask her, 'do you have a dream', and we talked about that for 2 hours! Isn't life amazing?
Last night I gave the after dinner speech to a local club called Le Cercle. 60 people at the Auberge West Brome, including our neighbor Serge and a bunch of people I knew. But far more I didn't know. Frankly I wasn't really looking forward to it. A roomful of strangers...etc. Not scary, but stressful. But they were SO warm and welcoming. Especially the man who's the founder of the ground...Claude Grondin and his wife Lucille. It went well - but it's hard to fail when people are so kind.
My brother Doug arrived tonight from Toronto - about a 6 hour drive. We didn't know really when he'd come so we just had a loose dinner of baguette, cheese and hummus. Doug's a vetegarian - but fortunately he adores Caramilk bars - so we got him a HUGE one and put it by his bed. Doug spent a year with him and the asparagus I talk about is thanks to him!
Must go. Tired. But happy. Nice feeling to have 2 men I love under one roof.
Another mixed weather day - would go from beautiful and sunny to a cloud burst in no time.
I think I'm one day away from finishing book 5, which I've called THE BRUTAL TELLING. We'll see what it ends up being called in the stores! But now it's just pouring out of me as we drive to the finish. Wrote 2 chapters today. quite exhausting, but thrilling. Last chapter still to go...tying up. I always love that, but the trick is to do it with some elegance. Happily there's always the re-writes and the editing and the polishing to get it right.
Then had a quick lunch with Michael, and out the door to Sutton and coffee with Joan at the Tintoretto. It was Rhonda's last day there. she's managed the tea room for 4 years - but is now leaving to concentrate on her own business of restoring antique furniture. Very exciting for her - but sad for those of us who loved her even more than the food.
Joan runs the local yoga and meditation centre, and quietly counsels people on the side and she was telling me she's recently spoken to two people and asked each, 'Do you have a dream?' I thought, what a great question. then Joan said she was walking down rue Principale and got to talking to a middle aged woman and asked her, 'do you have a dream'. And I looked across the table at this lovely, lovely woman and thought - you lovely woman. Imagine talking to people about the things they dream of doing, or being. Awakening in them that one thing they'd regret not trying.
Then, after Joan left, I zipped across to Richford for gas (forgot passport but they let me through anyway) - then met another friend, this time at the Cafe Internationale, for a cafe au lait. This was Janet, who teaches voice at Stratford in Ontario and Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburg - she also specializes in the Alexander Method of voice. Very interesting woman. I had a chance to ask her, 'do you have a dream', and we talked about that for 2 hours! Isn't life amazing?
Last night I gave the after dinner speech to a local club called Le Cercle. 60 people at the Auberge West Brome, including our neighbor Serge and a bunch of people I knew. But far more I didn't know. Frankly I wasn't really looking forward to it. A roomful of strangers...etc. Not scary, but stressful. But they were SO warm and welcoming. Especially the man who's the founder of the ground...Claude Grondin and his wife Lucille. It went well - but it's hard to fail when people are so kind.
My brother Doug arrived tonight from Toronto - about a 6 hour drive. We didn't know really when he'd come so we just had a loose dinner of baguette, cheese and hummus. Doug's a vetegarian - but fortunately he adores Caramilk bars - so we got him a HUGE one and put it by his bed. Doug spent a year with him and the asparagus I talk about is thanks to him!
Must go. Tired. But happy. Nice feeling to have 2 men I love under one roof.
Thursday, 13 December 2007
Deer and Dogs and Doug, oh my.
Sunny, brilliant, crisp day, minus 20
When I let Maggie and Trudy out this morning I noticed two things simultaneously. The car was frozen and a huge, magnificent deer was in mid-air, leaping over the stone fence from our gardens to the driveway. In what looked like slow-motion it then leapt into the field then into the forest. It seemed to float. Maggie and Trudy noticed this at about the same instant and immediately took off after the poor thing, with me, slippered and sliding, in pajama's through the brittle snow, screaming after them. Ah, the peace and tranquility of the country.
Happily for all of us our Golden Retrievers are scaredy cats. Twenty feet into the forest and they were running back to Mommy who was looking like Dorothy Hamill gone bad. We all slinked back to the house, except the deer.
We love deer. Many gardeners don't, since deer eat many of the flowers and are considered pests by some. But we could watch them all day, and figure they were here first. If they want to eat the roses, that's OK. For the most part they stay in the field by the pond, but sometimes they come closer to the house. My brother Doug once rescued a baby deer who'd somehow fallen into our pool and couldn't seem to get out. Doug instinctively scooped it up and placed it kicking on the grass. They both stood stunned, then it took off. I wonder if this was the same deer. Looking for Doug. Close - it found dogs instead.
We have mice in the house, and deer in the field, carpenters in the bedroom, and black-capped chickadees, blue jays and woodpeckers at the feeders. The place is a riot.
Off to mail more Christmas cards. Each year I swear I'll stop, and each year I seem to send more.
Great news yesterday - the UK editor read the fourth book and called to say she thinks it's the best Gamache mystery so far! Can't tell you what a relief that is. My mind plays so many tricks on me as soon as the manuscript's out of my hands. I become convinced it's something the deer leaves behind. So that was thrilling news. Still waiting to hear from the NY editor, whose opinion is equally important - but I feel I can at least begin to exhale. No title decided on for the fourth book, but I'll let you know as soon as we have one. It's set, of course, in the summer. Fun reading it at minus 20.
Off to the village (real, not fictional). Speak to you later. Stay warm.
When I let Maggie and Trudy out this morning I noticed two things simultaneously. The car was frozen and a huge, magnificent deer was in mid-air, leaping over the stone fence from our gardens to the driveway. In what looked like slow-motion it then leapt into the field then into the forest. It seemed to float. Maggie and Trudy noticed this at about the same instant and immediately took off after the poor thing, with me, slippered and sliding, in pajama's through the brittle snow, screaming after them. Ah, the peace and tranquility of the country.
Happily for all of us our Golden Retrievers are scaredy cats. Twenty feet into the forest and they were running back to Mommy who was looking like Dorothy Hamill gone bad. We all slinked back to the house, except the deer.
We love deer. Many gardeners don't, since deer eat many of the flowers and are considered pests by some. But we could watch them all day, and figure they were here first. If they want to eat the roses, that's OK. For the most part they stay in the field by the pond, but sometimes they come closer to the house. My brother Doug once rescued a baby deer who'd somehow fallen into our pool and couldn't seem to get out. Doug instinctively scooped it up and placed it kicking on the grass. They both stood stunned, then it took off. I wonder if this was the same deer. Looking for Doug. Close - it found dogs instead.
We have mice in the house, and deer in the field, carpenters in the bedroom, and black-capped chickadees, blue jays and woodpeckers at the feeders. The place is a riot.
Off to mail more Christmas cards. Each year I swear I'll stop, and each year I seem to send more.
Great news yesterday - the UK editor read the fourth book and called to say she thinks it's the best Gamache mystery so far! Can't tell you what a relief that is. My mind plays so many tricks on me as soon as the manuscript's out of my hands. I become convinced it's something the deer leaves behind. So that was thrilling news. Still waiting to hear from the NY editor, whose opinion is equally important - but I feel I can at least begin to exhale. No title decided on for the fourth book, but I'll let you know as soon as we have one. It's set, of course, in the summer. Fun reading it at minus 20.
Off to the village (real, not fictional). Speak to you later. Stay warm.
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