Rafe’s nerves were being rubbed raw by the need to smile and chat and generally appear like he was having a good time. He woke early on the day of his sister’s wedding, determined to work off his tension by swimming several laps in the resort’s largest pool. An open-air stairwell provided a view of his destination. He hesitated at the first landing, arrested by the sight of Sunflower Woman exiting from the corresponding stairwell on the opposite side of the pool. She had a spring in her step that he envied, as if she hadn’t a care in the world. Her colourful loose wrap fluttered as she practically danced on the tiles, pausing at a park bench placed to overlook the ocean. Above her, the rising sun stained the fronds of the palm trees orange. Her dark hair gleamed bronze and copper. She didn’t stand still long. He had noticed she rarely did. Moments later she stepped onto the beach and vanished from view. Even though she had been alone, she hadn’t seemed lonely. He used to feel that way, too, preferring his own company to any other. So why did a solitary swim no longer seem like the solace he needed? What did you think? I’d love to hear your comments! Then hop over to Jenna Da Sie for her flash fiction composition
0 Comments
That being said, our only pets right now are our cocker spaniel/beagle cross, Aspen, and eight goldfish. While the goldfish are fascinating to our grandchildren, I’m attached to them more for their longevity than their personalities, LOL. Aspen is only our second dog, and the only one we raised from a puppy. She loves to go for long walks, enjoys our boat, and howls at every siren she hears. I have to be careful after a writing stint as she likes to lay directly behind my office chair! Writing is a solitary occupation. I think that’s why I like to write in our family room, where I still feel part of the action. Having Aspen nearby is also a comfort. I like her quiet, undemanding presence. Except when the mail carrier comes up the street. Or a squirrel runs by on the fence outside the window. Or a fire truck is heard from the highway. Then all bets are off!! What about you? Do you have pets? Share your stories below. Then hop over to Jill Haymaker. I am fairly certain she has strong views on animals and writing!
3. And even if I did decide to befriend someone – how could I narrow it down? There are so many fascinating people in this world, and so many people in my daily life that I would like to know better. How could I possible choose? What about you? Would you freeze like I did? Or do you know exactly who you would befriend? I wonder if PG Forte has the same trouble. Find out here!
I also do ten to fifteen minutes of yoga most mornings. Since I spend quite a few hours sitting hunched over a laptop each day, a few easy stretches keep my neck and shoulder from stiffening up. The flow of it also helps to settle my mind. For me, having a routine is also important to my self-care. When we had children, I struggled to become more flexible, to not let a break in the line throw me into a dither. I am better at it now, but I do find myself getting tense if I have too many days in a row with unexpected happenings tossed my way. What about you? What do you do for self-care? What keeps you sane, LOL! Let me know below, then hop over to Jill Haymaker to get some of her self-care tips.
I’ve made baskets and scarves and hats, but mostly I make blankets. I buy a lot of my wool at thrift stores which means I am often working with limited quantities, and blankets are the best bet in that situation. I’ve complete several projects I’m quite happy with (and several I’ve ripped out and tried again more than once, LOL!). Here are three of my favourites.
What about you? Do you have a crafty hobby that keeps you entertained? Let me know below, then hop over to PG Forte http://rhymeswithforeplay.blogspot.com/ and see what she gets up to when she’s not writing or reading.
Authors I trust to write a great story and who I will often binge read include Ilona Andrews (the Innkeeper series has made it to my autobuy list, too), T. Kingfisher (her Paladin series), almost anything by KJ Charles, and when Martha Wells drops another Murderbot book, I’ll start saving my pennies (they as so good but a tad pricey for me). I also have several authors friends that I can whole-heartedly recommend. Sara Whitney is a new favourite of mine, Natasha Moore and Karen Booth are solid, and for scorching hot rom-coms, try Mellanie Szereto. The last three write older heroines, too. I’m not going to name a favourite book of 2022. I read and enjoyed so many I wouldn’t be able to decide. But if you have any recommendations I’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment down below! Then hop over to PG Forte and see what her top reads are!
|
