Sometimes a project seems like a really good idea in your head. Then the reality turns out a little different. After last year’s ball, I came to the conclusion that I really needed another ball gown. Not needed as in “I really want another dress.’ but needed as in (1) Whoever thought trains on a dress were a good idea was wrong. Very, very wrong. (2) Floor length skirts are totally the wrong length for … Continue reading →
So, yeah, it’s no surprise writers see the world just a little differently than normal people. Sometimes its just in six word stories. Recently, I had the privilege to travel to Huntington Beach, California for the Annual General Meeting for the Jane Austen Society of North America (trying saying that five times fast…) Since I love all things beachy and tropical, it’s hard to think of a more appealing setting for a conference. So many … Continue reading →
Sometimes you wake up and really do find everything has changed. In case you missed part 1 or 2: Rising Waters, part 1 Risings Waters Part 2 Writers are told to avoid clichés. Clichés like: When she awoke that morning everything had changed and nothing would ever be the same again. In general, that’s good advice. Except when that’s exactly what happens. Monday morning was a little different. The rain had let up just a … Continue reading →
Hurricane Harvey settling in as a most unusual and unwelcome guest. In case you missed part 1: Rising Waters, part 1 For those of you not familiar with tropical weather, like hurricanes, let me give you a quick primer. These unwelcome guests tend to crash the party in a fairly predictable way., considerate creatures that they are. The weather typically comes in band after band of wind and rain, increasing in intensity as you get … Continue reading →
One thing about natural disasters, they are very ill-mannered guests. They show up to your place uninvited, sometimes with other unexpected guests in tow. They overstay their welcome, leave everything a mess–and all that is after they have shown up at the worst possible time. As we were coping with all Harvey brought our way, in the moments I had two extra brain cells to rub together (which I confess were few and far between) … Continue reading →