I’m slipping back into retreat this morning as my mind shifts back to writer mode. But the green beans I spied in the garden yesterday—when I watered for the first time after a soggy week—nag me. I’m pretty good at filtering out distractions in favour of writing time. But those beans. Dang.
First it was strawberries, then raspberries. I made jam and tucked plump red packages in the freezer; we feasted on handfuls of the sweet spring fruit. My favourites came next: blueberries. We tossed them on cereal and fresh-from-the-garden salad. I stowed some in the freezer for later. Best of all: fresh, handful after handful, staining
Oh, hello. Remember me? Just popping in to say good morning. I’ve been on writing retreat this week. It’s been delicious to pull back and focus on the work. I’m getting clarity with Presences of Absences as I continue to weave the tapestry of a story about learning to listen. It’s hard, satisfying work and it makes
I’m joining in with a group of writers for Five Minute Friday where we’re given a prompt (this week it’s WILLING) and write for five minutes about it. I’m sitting in bed reading. The door leading from our bedroom to the deck is open. Cool fresh morning air fills the room and birdsong is the first
The day starts one way and ends another. As it winds down we sit in the hot tub talking about important things like clouds and the garden and some other less important things too. I watch the daisies dance in the breeze. It’s getting dark by the time we come in the house and I’m startled
And . . . it’s raining. It’s a strange summer that’s unfolding. I spend time organizing my manuscript, my writing paraphernalia, and recipes because I’m setting intentions in the kitchen too. I’m letting the book rest for a few days, anticipating an opportunity for concentrated focus time soon, and the opportunity to putter at home
Summer’s back. I printed out the fourth draft of Presences of Absences, bought new colourful highlighters, flags, and post-it notes, and am heading into a different season of writing and editing away from the computer. Perfect timing. Because it’s time to sit on the deck and watch the finches, and on the grass in front of