Hello, Everyone!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, whether it was spending time with loved ones, family and friends, or helping those in need, or traveling, or just some downtime to regroup, finish projects and prepare for the Christmas holiday. I always look forward to this four day weekend. Starting the holiday weekend by spending a day cooking and eating with my sisters, brother and their families gives me the energy I need to tackle the to do list I’ve planned for the weekend – clean the house, if the weather’s nice, work in the garden and pull the spent flowers I didn’t have the heart to remove when they were still blooming during our lovely fall, do some internet shopping for Christmas and a December birthday, my days of mall shopping are over, and write.
I know writing should be first on my list, but it’s so hard for me to focus on writing when I see things around the house that need to be done. When I write, I start off slow, trying to regain the cadence I had developed during my last writing session. It’s like running – start out slow so as not to damage cold muscles – my brain is cold when I start writing. Then my pace picks up, and I write until my brain is too tired to contribute anymore creativity.
Most writers I know write in the morning. If they have day jobs, they write when their minds are fresh. My mind is sludge in the morning. I have to start my day doing things that doesn’t require much brain power. I can mechanically run on the treadmill or ride an exercise bike while I listen to a writer’s podcast. Then I get ready for work – something else I don’t have to think about, which shows by the way my hairstyle might turnout for that day. When I get home from work, it’s a relief not to have to think about the office building and vendors, budgets and clogged sinks. I’m ready to dip into the world of make believe.
This week started off with my husband having cataract surgery. I remember my parents had the surgery, but what the procedure involved never occurred to me. I had no idea what a cataract was. I thought it was something that was removed from the patient’s eye and then life went on. I was surprised to learn that the procedure meant my husband wouldn’t have to wear glasses anymore. My husband has worn glasses since he was five years old. He couldn’t imagine not wearing them. Today, he drove without wearing glasses. He went to the store and bought a pair of nonprescription sunglasses. I’m stunned that a simple surgery could be a lifestyle change.
I wear glasses – or I’m supposed to. I’ve never liked the feel of them. I hate reading with them. I’m a big fan of ereaders because I can adjust the font size. I’m looking forward to the day when I won’t need glasses. According to the eye doctor, that won’t be in the near future.
I hope you’ve had a chance to buy the Crystal Creek boxed set. I’m so excited I could offer this set. I love the cover and it’s exciting to see three book spines in one collection. I hope you like the books.
I wish you all a happy and safe week as you prepare for the holidays, spend time with loved ones and wind down the year with family and friends.
Love,
Laura
picture:sonomacounty.ca.gov
