A storm that wasn't dramatic so much as persistent rose up from behind the Olympic Mountains a few days ago and buffeted Seattle with its winds and rain and knocked over the two shopping carts. Their contents now lay, sodden, across the sidewalk. No one seems to care.
*****
I am tired of hearing my bloggy voice and have been having a hard time hitting that green COMPOSE button lately. What more can I say about being a stay-at-home mom who simultaneously adores her children but would like them to move out? It's the same old see-saw. Marriage, too. Up and down and sometimes round and round. So, if I'm posting more photos and fiction than usual, please know I'm looking for my voice, trying to figure out where to take this site next.
*****
I have made the monumental and expensive decision to hire an independent editor for my manuscript. I believe I've found a good one, an honest one, a thoughtful one, and I'm excited to learn what she says about the flaws in my narrative. I hope I'm up to the task of fixing them.
On the writing front, I'm also polishing up a short story I've been working on for a few months now, have passed it to a friend to critique (anyone else want a shot?) and like it quite a bit. Soon I will send it out, releasing it to anonymous slush piles and waiting for bites.
*****
Re: Knitting. I gravitate toward the yarny looping and weaving the colder it gets. It's one of the most meditative things I do. And, though partaking makes me feel about 82, it's lovely. Fruit Bat, more than anyone, is interested, asking if he can help, watching intently as the needles slip and click, often proclaiming, "Mom, you're good! You're a GOOD knitter." In reality, I'm mediocre. But I like it. And I like that he likes it.
Good luck with the new editor! I know we all want to see your manuscript published. That being said... don't give up on finishing Greener Grass. It seems only a few entries away from being done -- am I right? Your faithful followers need to know how the saga ends!
Posted by: Laura in the Chi | November 19, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Yep. You and I, we're in the same place, all right. ;)
Posted by: slouchy | November 19, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Another person looking for the greener grass closure... I would love to get a sneak peak into your short story.
I knit and crochet too - learnt it from my grandma :)need to get back to it... also need more hours in a day!
Posted by: Parul | November 19, 2009 at 01:44 PM
I love the fiction you knit.
--
Studley: "My mom knit me a sweater. But then it died."
Posted by: Susan (Trout Towers) | November 19, 2009 at 05:13 PM
I applaud you for taking the big step of getting and editor. While I am sure it must be exciting to move onto the next step of your WIP it also has to be a bit nerve wracking. I know I would be chewing my nails down wondering and worrying about what he/she was going to say and how bad it was going to be. My confidence meter usually hovers at about zero or below. heheh.
This weather has been taking a toll on my attitude lately as well. It's such a bummer to have to turn all the lights on at three in the afternoon because it's just to dark to see anymore. bleh.
Oh well, at least it hasn't snowed...yet.
I'm sorry to hear about the shopping carts. They kind of stood for something somehow.
Posted by: LeSan | November 19, 2009 at 10:15 PM
sometimes it's best to be still ... maybe that is what your voice (or lack thereof) is saying. I would love to see your ms.
Posted by: Vanessa McGrady | November 20, 2009 at 09:14 AM
I wish just one of my boys would say something like that about a hobby of mine... *sigh*
Congratulations on taking a further step toward getting published!
Posted by: kcinnova | November 20, 2009 at 10:14 AM
Yes, more Greener Grass coming soon. Promise.
Posted by: All Adither | November 20, 2009 at 04:38 PM
I would like a peek at your new short story :)
Posted by: Crista | November 20, 2009 at 05:37 PM
I would also love to see your new short story.
I really like that little passage about Fruit Bat. So earnest, he is.
Posted by: Stacy | November 20, 2009 at 10:07 PM
Hi Angie! I awarded you the Best Blog Award. I didn't do all the tagging stuff I just wanted to share your blog with others because I enjoy it so much. I said a little bit about your blog and then included your link. Your's is one of the blogs I most look forward to reading and I am always excited when you put up a new post. Just consider this a friendly shout out and my high opinion of your writing.
Posted by: LeSan | November 23, 2009 at 01:40 PM
Angie,
I found you when I was proofreading a manuscript and suddenly needed a break. On a whim I clicked Stumble and there you were. I've enjoyed reading your posts and I have to say I especially love that you've taken the leap of faith in hiring an independent editor!
Hopefully you've discovered we're not all like the frightful stereotype! All my best with your ms. No matter what, don't give up.
Posted by: steph | December 05, 2009 at 05:56 PM
Interesting: I don't know why the Feedjit thingy says I'm from Hamilton. I used to live there about 9 years ago, but no longer!
Posted by: steph | December 05, 2009 at 05:58 PM