Thanks to everyone who offered up prayers to my mother for her eye surgery. It went as expected, and she goes back in the morning for the routine follow-up. The trip to Alabama this weekend sweltered except for the early mornings, so we didn't do much. I did visit my favorite girlie shop in the world, Big Apple Boutique in Decatur, and got a little inspiration out of the deal at the same time.
The big writing load this week is CLUES. I promised my editor I'd send it in on Monday, 8/20, so I'm in a bit of a race with myself to see if I can finish. I've been writing at lunch, in the evenings and morning. We'll see if I make it. My "fascination" has shifted again, which always results in a spurt of inspiration for my hero. *eg*
Rachel started school today, and apparently had a glorious time, heat and all. She only needed a little suctioning when she got home, and a lot of cooling off. But her teacher, Michaelann, called and we talked for about 20 minutes about her day. All in all, not a bad Monday.
Time for more writing.
Much of life came to a halt in mid-July. No reasons worth discussing. The trip to ICRS turned into a whirlwind, and I wound up having so little to say that I never followed up here on it. I spent most of the time in meetings or working on stuff that's far from intriguing. I did have an excellent time rooming with two of my favorite folk, Eva Marie Everson and Allison Bottke. Excellent writers both and exceptionally fun to room with.
Summers have become my worst season for more reasons than I can name, the least of which is the disruptive schedule, oppressive heat, deadlines, and a creative slump that feels endless. To top it off, I had to put my main computer in the shop for an infection that had progressed to the point of having to reformat the puppy.
But, when I look around, I have to feel blessed. I have friends who have been through much more this summer - hospital stays, car trouble, job woes, and a slew of annoying illnesses. I've merely been distracted by heat, disruptions, and a minor detour into the 1950s. On the other hand, my mother goes for cataract surgery on Monday, and her eyes have progressed to the point that it's hard for her to read and drive.
So I have much to be grateful for. I'll be going to Alabama this weekend to be with Mother and my brother, a tiny respite. Then...more to come.