November 30, 2020

I have been working for the past two weeks on incorporating the changes sent by my publisher into my book manuscript. Almost there. I finish tonight but hold it for one last read-through in the morning.

November 29, 2020

A 1000-piece puzzle, a birthday present from my daughter may prove to be the perfect pandemic activity. Border done, I nearly complete my first butterfly (of 31), and feel a small dash of joy each time a piece fits. I am not a natural or good at puzzles, but in these seeming endless days at home, holding focus seems more important than skill.

November 28, 2020

The muted colors of late autumn, as the brilliance of blooming flowers and changing leaves fades to neutral, and the focus turns to texture.

November 27, 2020

I have always thought that Thanksgiving is the most sensible holiday– great food, no presents to wrap, and a long weekend to recover. Let the left-over feast begin!

November 26, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving! A highlight for me is this Zoom call across 9 time zones– California to France, New Hampshire to Florida– seeing my siblings, and all the cousins and the offspring of those who have sprung off already. It fits in nicely between our fabulous traditional dinner– always my favorite of the year– and dessert. Just us two celebrating here, but with so many warm wishes, so much conversation and laughter across the ether.

week 631 ~ clipping branches

clipping branches
and raking leaves
take no chances
clipping branches
time advances
as we all grieve
clipping branches
and raking leaves

November 25, 2020

This week’s outdoor accomplishment. Despite what the bags read, I am far from an expert gardener. But living across the street from a giant oak tree presents a problem that needs to be resolved. And it’s nice sometimes to have a simple problem with a satisfying and clearly defined solution.

November 24, 2020

Raking leaves, hunkering down at home.

November 23, 2020

Thinking of escape. But things outside our bubble worsen, and we are told to expect a long, dark winter. Still millions of people take off to share turkey and coronavirus with their distant relatives for the Thanksgiving holiday. Why aren’t we prudent, or at least less dumb? Meanwhile, for my son in France the situation improves, due to government-enforced restrictions that we would never accept here. Land of the free, home of the worst national response to the pandemic in nearly the entire world.

November 22, 2020

Back to editing, and waiting to get some new pages to review. I feel a part of things evolving, a good place to be.