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Hump Day, Right?


Lost track of the days. Partly because it was the Long Weekend but Rob is on holiday and I measure time by his schedule or Dee’s schedule in the summer because the familiar road markers of my schedule are on hiatus.

There is really nothing to blog about today. Some might argue that I rarely write about anything of import, so why would today be any different? But it’s very true of today. It’s just Wednesday. I will take Dee to swim lessons and then skipping camp and be home in time to make lunch and help Rob pour cement for the sidewalks around the side of the house and retaining wall out back by the drive.

On the writing front, I tossed around Eubie ideas because I promised a bit of flash for Friday and because I think Eubie has a novel in him. A short one. Angst driven urban fantasy with a dollop of social commentary. It’s a shame I don’t have the time to knock that one  off because one of my favorite agent blogs is open to submissions again – but I have memoir and Sundogged. The latter took a wild turn and I have to redirect it. I still think I will have it done before school starts. At this point I am aiming for done and will work on polish in the fall. 

Rob read the four chapters of memoir I pounded out last week.

“It’s compelling,” was his quick and dirty assessment. I think that’s good. He did go on to clarify later that he thought I’d done a decent job of the writing. He wouldn’t tell me that if he didn’t think so regardless of how awesome a wife I am because he is a Virgo and a precisionist when it comes to the written word.

I’m going to polish it over the next couple of weeks and then perhaps let someone other than Rob read it. I am leery to lend it out, but I need to know if it is “compelling” to someone who doesn’t sleep with me, and I could use the extra beta readers. I think most writers have a number one reader, but I’m betting also they have second and third opinions as well.

Conversations about Life After Death … and Sex


We went without the new air-conditioner the other night as the weather has swung hard toward fall. With the a/c and the fans off, we can hear the house creaking and groaning again. The upstairs is far less prone to otherworldly knocking and since Rob and the girls took Shelley’s ashes for scattering in Kananaskis last month, the house has had a psychically empty feel to it.

“How do you want me to haunt you?” Rob asked as he crawled into bed and I nestled into the crook of his arm, my head resting on his shoulder.

“Nothing scary,” I said. “You know I wouldn’t appreciate being scared.”

“No knocking and rattling?”

“You’ll have to think of something else,” I told him. “Something I would appreciate.”

“How about cuddling then?” he said.

“Oh, I would like that. Ghostly cuddles would not be scary.”*

“Cuddles it is then,” he agreed.

“But I am wondering,” I said, “if you are dead and on the other side, what would Shelley have to say about you coming back here to cuddle me?”

“Buzz-kill,” he muttered.

Only we could have a rational conversation like this.

* I realize that it’s a matter of opinion.

When All is Said and Done – Monday’s Meme


Today’s meme is via Rob’s blog. It is a “liberated” idea that is being freed all over the social media at present.

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title. It’s harder than you think.

YOUR ARTIST: ABBA

Are you male or female: I am Just a Girl

Describe yourself: Super Trouper

How do you feel about yourself: I Am An A

Describe where you currently live: Waterloo

The first thing you think of when you wake up: If It Wasn’t for the Nights

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Tropical Loveland

Your favorite form of transportation: Another Town, Another Train

What is the weather like where you are at: Summer Night City

Your best friend is: Like An Angel Passing Through My Room

Your favorite color is: Put on the White Sombrero

If your life were a TV show, what would it be called: My Love, My Life

What is life to you: Dream World

What is the best advice you have to give: Move On

If you could change your name, what would it be: Nina, Pretty Ballerina

Your favorite food is: Honey, Honey

How I would like to die: Burning My Bridges

My soul’s present condition: Free As a Bumblebee

What are you going to post this as: When All is Said and Done

Now it is your turn— or not. List a few in the comments or link back at your convenience.