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.