Hmmm, more and more writing!! Yippie!! Time to carve out chunks of time to writing than the 5 minute snippets. How exciting!

The last story had a few road blocks. So I took the plunge and used my delete key. Why is that such a charged thing to do? Aaaah, feels better though. I feel the flow again. More excitement!!

The delete key CAN be our friend if we let it. :o)

My local writing group started ticking along after the summer "holiday". Sadly, I missed a good month or two while the rest of life was flying.

Happy Holidays All!

Ah Monday! I'm pretty stoked about how Aaron and Savannah's story is going. I love it when I'm writing and the characters get more and more like friends instead of words on a page.

The writer's group I belong to is having an editor event in a month. Geez, it's coming up fast!! Anyone who wants to check out a workshop with Chris Roerden, check out Alberta Romance Writer's Association!!

Now, for the TO-DO list!!

Happy Day All!

Pacific Northwest Holiday

We just got back from an incredible holiday to the Pacific Northwest of the U.S.! Wow, gorgeous. Camping, hiking, playing on the coast, visiting family, tons-O seafood. Yup, even with a broken arm it was a great trip. Special thanks to my husband for all the work and to my little one for being *for the most part* easy-going with momma's casted arm!

Tuesday night, soccer game, rec soccer game, the other team's goalie beats me to the ball and kicks it. Sadly the palm of my hand got in the way. Ow. My radius and ulna - busted. Really big ouch.

I'm learning how to type one-handed. Makes my writing . . . different. But I'm getting the hang of it.

Still excited Claiming Love will be out in print in a Wings anthology. Stay tuned!

We went to the Calgary Stampede today. Ohmygoodness . . . on so many levels. Grumpy moods do not improve with rather ridiculous traffic en route to Stampede and even crazier pedestrian traffic inside the grounds. BUUUUUT, big events are always good places for inspiration. And hey, all that traffic I just grumped about I can use as conflict in a story line. See? Silver lining to everything.

Now, onto the weekend. I need to get writing back on the forefront pronto! Hmmm, maybe a hike in the mountains, AND writing!!!!

And patiently waiting the print run for the Wings Series (i.e. Claiming Love!!!!!)

Happy weekend everyone!

Wow, it's been awhile. Lots to catch up on. I went to Spruce Meadows for the opening tournament of the season. Two thumbs up. AND it was super cool to see one of my favorite musical artists ever - Mr. Bruce Springsteen, and wife, supporting their daughter who was competing.

Camping in the mountains . . . only once this season so far, but it was awesome, and memorable. We hiked up a trail, something with Old Goat something in the name of it. No trail marker, just the trail head across from campsite 16. Great directions. They worked, though. Lots of snow higher up still and we had one jolly 'ol time bombing down that stretch of snow, surfing on our boots.

Catch up more later!

Rec Soccer

Tonight I played my first outdoor soccer game of the season. It started two weeks ago, but house guests and a snow cancellation made tonight my first game. It's a local rec league. Good friends, good games, and a wonderful physical compliment to all the brain work the rest of the day. Ya hoo! Next round of house guests are here. Happy night Everyone!

Happy Mother's Day!

Hey Friends.

A very Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers past, present and future, too, by the way.

Yesterday was Mother's Day, and my husband surprised me by taking me golfing for the first time. I've been wanting to go for years. It was awesome.

A very big thank you to Mother Nature for the turn of the weather to more golfer friendly!!

Our rounds of house guests are nearly done. The plan is to get back onto a productive writing schedule!! Guests are fun, but I usually slack on the writing then.

Happy Night!

Today we went to Kananaskis. What a gorgeous day in the mountains. . . frolicking in the water, soaking up the sun, and checking out the wildlife- two moose, a herd of rams, and one really stunning hawk.

Ahh, the outdoors. Thank you.

Happy Weekend everyone.

Hills, I'm still learning to embrace them.

Today was the second week I rode into work one day. I figure it is for the best if I ease into the biking season. My husband and I used to bike into work year round, everyday, snow and all. I could blame it on the other side of town the trails get shoveled more, but nah, that's not it. I just have to get back into that mentality.

So for all of you biking/walking commuters out there, well done. Good job! May I get to be one of you again.

Happy Thursday all!

Hey friends. Aaron's story is coming along quite nicely. Aaron, from Claiming Love, informed me awhile ago he wanted his story told. Enter Savannah. Savannah's character is letting me know who she is, too. It's funny how you can start in a direction for a character and then he or she will let you know if that is the way of it or not. Savannah and Aaron certainly have continued the tradition. And I thank them very much! Characters can be so rich, so full of life if we let them be.

So can we, if we allow ourselves to be.

Thank you Keely.

May the world have an amazing day.

I just started reading the book Last Child in the Woods. I type this as my 21 month old is doing laps around the first floor. I know it's freezing rain outside now, but she could have used some outdoor time today for sure!

So far the book has hit on exactly what the outdoors does for me. It is my sanctuary, my friend, my perspective - it is essential to me, grounds me, and lifts me up. When I haven't had my outdoor time, I feel it in every area of my life.

We just got back from a trip to Oregon. I feel the waves of the ocean, still. Thank god. It's hard not to.

Have fun, go play outside.

Oregon Coast

We just got back from a road trip to Oregon. Road tripping with the family (could have been sketchy, we have a toddler), was awesome!

Oregon is a beautiful state with a ton of different ecological regions. I had never been, so driving through was a treat. My favorite was the coast (I'm a water kid through and through). Those relentless, pounding waves - they move me, inspire me, every time I see them.

Characters and story ideas were everywhere. We really can draw inspiration from all around us.

This week I have gotten back into my 'regular' schedule, but the glow of our trip remains.

Thank you Oregon for the incredible time!

Spring Equinox

Happy Ostara everyone!

It is the first day of spring. I celebrated by planting house plants. It is gorgeous outside, so a walk or a cup of coffee outside sounds pretty darn good, too.

I've been meaning to decorate for spring the last two weeks. But, meaning to and actually doing are two different things. So, the decorations are in my head for the time being.

The writing keeps going. Snippets at a time more than full blocks of time. But that's ok. It still works and is still fun!

I went to the Calgary Flames game last night with a few co-workers. 4-3 Calgary over San Jose. Thank you work.

Happy Spring Equinox everyone!

Ostara is on Saturday. Welcome Spring!

I haven't written in awhile. My time management skills need honing. But, I have been keeping busy with a local writer's group I joined last fall. The sense of community and knowledge sharing and inspiration and regular workshops/meetings are an incredibly potent mix.

Calgary Flames hockey game tomorrow! Cheers to work functions that include NHL tickets, burgers and beer.

Have an awesome Thursday night everyone!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We spent the day hiking in the mountains. Not enough snow for snowshoeing, so we went hiking instead. As luck would have it, we saw the coyote on the east side of Calgary- nothing in the mountains.

Whoo-hoo! The Olympics are on!! I'm digging them!

Have an awesome day, everyone!

Vancouver 2010

The Winter Olympics start today. Vancouver 2010.

I went to the Atlanta Summer Games in 1996. There is something magical about the Olympics to me. I know the luster has been tarnished over the years, but they still give me hope. I'll watch them on TV everyday. I love sport and I love events that bring people together. Maybe cheesy, and even naive in these times, but that's okay.

Happy Olympics, Happy Valentine's Day, Happy Family Day Weekend.

Adventures of Website Creation

Writing is simmering. I love it when a story is simmering in my brain, when I catch myself thinking about the current book I'm writing throughout my day, plotting, figuring out characters, weaving... It's a good sign for me. That's the sign I've plugged into a story, when it consumes waking moments previously reserved for the grocery list, or diaper bag contents, or replaying whatever happened in my day. Now I'm testing dialogue and story development.

My daughter and I went to the Garden Centre today. I know, it's February only, but I wanted that dose of spring and hope and anticipation that garden centers are so good at providing. I was not disappointed. We have a cheery pot of Narcissus as a souvenir.

My website is still in-the-works. I've hit a few snags to unravel/figure out. This might be a job for Super Brother!

Happy Wednesday Everyone.

Ok, so we are getting back on track after a rather nasty, and blessedly short, stomach flu or something. Nearly back top myself. I celebrated with reading a book. Sounds weird, maybe, but in my world, that is a breath of fresh air.

This is short. Happy Night everyone!

So my Reiki appointment was cancelled, but, the Universe winked anyways in that amazing, Divine Wink sort of way. Vague, I know, but it worked out splendidly!

I'm also learning, first hand, the amazing power of working with rocks and crystals. The earth heals and teaches. I always knew that intuitively (go for a walk outside and you know what I mean), now I'm actually getting it in the physical life. Cool.

My little one had a GREAT nap this am and I got several hundred words written! This is an awesome feat. Yaah!

Happy Monday!

Reiki

I'm going to my first Reiki session today. I've been thinking about checking it out for years. Well, here goes! I don't know what to expect, but I think that is a good thing. Often expectations limit us.

Snow has returned to southern Alberta. The Chinook was long and welcome. Now, time for winter sports. Next weekend snowshoeing and cross country skiing is on the plate. Along with some serious hot tub time.

Good Weekend everyone!

Happy Friday Everyone. Wow, what a week...

So tomorrow I am having lunch with a friend. Such a simple act, but it means the world right now. Family, writing, work, me, all jockey for time. I'm not complaining. I am blessed in a million different ways everyday.

The uncharacteristic fog and chilly temperatures made for a gorgeous crystal display on everything today. I wonder if mascara was inspired by that. Seriously beautiful. My am walk with my four-legged one was a thing of beauty and wonder.

Look around. See the beauty.

Another gorgeous, sunny day in Alberta. We took a field trip to one of my favorite, wee bookstores in the neighborhood, too. I haven't popped in in ages. The owner, who has kids too, hung out w/ my little one while I part shopped, part kept on eye on my beautiful little mischief maker.

I have been working on time management, writing management, life management. The list is long and eventful (wink). I had 10,000 words on my latest work done, only to cut 600 words during an edit. I edit as I go, good or bad, that's what I do. But, the great news is, I'm writing!

Happy Wednesday World,

Sarah

The Chinook Continues

The Chinook Continues. Blessedly, beautiful, balmy weather for the middle of January. I love winter, but I welcome most chinooks. A breath of spring periodically throughout winter. Sure, the wind can blast you, but it is warm.

I love winter sports, but this season I have barely gone out. Hmm, must remedy that now! I still have several months, I guess I shouldn't be too hard on myself - snicker.

Happy Tuesday everyone!