Monday 25 July 2016

What's Happening?

Yup... haven't been here for a while, but it doesn't mean I haven't been busy. I created art, wrote words, took pictures, got a job at a local Canadian home and hardware franchise, and have been trying my best to continue my role as a Domestic Diva.

It's been a hot, humid (can you say humid when it hasn't rained much?) summer, and the good part is I've only had to mow the lawn a few times. The job at the local store caused me to lose ten pounds, mostly due to standing for hours at a time and lifting gallons of paint and motor oil from one side of the counter to the other. There are benefits to retail, folks!

Last week I went with a friend to attend a local live talk show, and managed to get my picture taken with Marci Ien and Cynthia Loyst, as well as Donna, who got me into the show at late notice. Maybe someday, I'll be a guest! Today, one of the hosts read my tweet live on the air. My tiny moment of fame...



During the spring, I completed three large oil paintings with the hope of being accepted into a high profile art show and sale this autumn in Kleinburg. Alas, I didn't make the cut, but they seemed very positive with their rejection. Yes... I know rejection very well, so I took it in stride and I'll keep painting.

I did manage to profit from a couple of commissions, and I thank the lovely writer friends who gave me the opportunity to capture the spirits of their dogs and horse. You can see the recent additions on my sidebar.

The writing part of my journey is giving me pause. Since my enforced semi-retirement, I completed a novel and started another. The completed novel had a few "close but no cigar" moments, an experience which can be both inspiring and devastating. I'll take a little from column A and column B.

I have set it aside for a bit to spruce up my hockey romantic suspense that had enjoyed a seven-year stint in the e-publishing world. Maybe I can find it another home, and then I can hitch up my Big Girl pants and continue with the new book.

Patience. Patience. Work. Patience. Hope.

Did I tell you about the fox and the cat? It happened a year ago this week. I still have the scars, as the cat nestles beside me, oblivious to the nightmare that we caused. But that's a post for another time.