What's Up Wednesday- November 20th- The Return of the Bewilderbeast


The Return of the Bewilderbeast 


What's Up Wednesday is a weekly meme geared toward readers and writers, allowing us to touch base with blog friends and let them know what's up.  Should you wish to join, check out Jaime's or Erin's lovely blogs and sign up with the link widget at the bottom of the post.

WHAT I'M READING

Besides a little light reading on the plane, I've also been reading THE RAVEN BOYS aloud to Boy Chris before bed. It helps us both relax, which is invaluable for insomniacs, and it is gratifying to know that he falls asleep during good books and not just mine. *grin*

WHAT I'M WRITING

I'm very glad that I didn't officially commit to doing Nano this year because it would have been an horrendous flop. What with flying out to the frozen hinterland, and all of the emotional upheaval that went with it, I didn't get a lot of writing done. But I did get a few chapters written. And more amazing than that, my extremely rather critical editor of a mother read the first couple of chapters of my Nano book and actually loved it. That. Never. Happens. It gives me a little hope for this manuscript.

WHAT ELSE I'VE BEEN UP TO

Besides flying to the frozen hinterland, and everything that went with it... I'm not going to belabor the topic any more because I've already poured my shredded heart out on this blog. But I will say, that although my father would have hated having to wear a tie to his own funeral (my mother absolutely refused to bury him in his fishing hat), he would have loved the spot where he was laid to rest. It's on the side of a mountain, surrounded by tall trees, with the scent of pine and cottonwoods. It overlooks an apple orchard, so he will have blossoms in the spring, green leaves in the summer and the tang of apples in the fall. You can see forever from that spot, clear to the horizon where the mountains float in shades of purple in the distance. It's perfect.

Leaving "home" to come "home" felt wonderful and strange. I have two homes now. Two places that make my heart tug in a strange fashion. Two places where the scents and the quality of light leave me breathless.

I've been diving back into the hustle and bustle of this home. Catching up on "work". Kayaking my arms off. Yesterday, however, I helped Boy Chris with one of his jobs. Every month he is tasked with surveying 33 miles of the Wild and Scenic Myakka River and cataloging all the birds, alligators and other wildlife. (Hey, it's a dirty job but someone's got to do it.) So we launched his whaler in the misty half-light yesterday morning and spent 12 hours on this glorious river. I posted a picture at the top. I think you can see why this "home" takes my breath away.


WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW
This gorgeous bundle came from my YA Buccaneers crew.
Best. Pirates. Ever. xo

I did not realize when I started this writing journey, how many amazing, wonderful, beautiful people I would meet along the way. I did not realize that some of these people, though we have never even met in person, would become some of my best friends, my almost daily confidants. I did not realize how much their support and their ability to make me laugh would sustain me through the tough patches. I am truly humbled by their generosity and so very grateful for their friendship. I think you writer types are some of my very favorite animals. And for me, that's the best compliment I can give. Thank you. Again and again.


19 comments:

  1. This: "gratifying to know that he falls asleep during good books and not just mine" Ha! I have similar experiences with my husband and daughter. :) And HOW COOL that your mom likes your NaNo story. I don't think I could even bear to let my mom read my current one. Too much cursing so I'm sure she'd hate it.

    And I must partake in the Buccaneers thank you spirit next week! SO much to be thankful for! Have a great week!

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    1. Haha! I'm glad I'm not the only one. Of course, if I wanted him to stay awake, I should probably read to him Before midnight. :)

      And I'm with you, I'm not letting my mother near my "Naked Boy" story. Nope. Not even close. This one is historical fiction though, so it was pretty safe. ;)

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  2. The burial site sounds gorgeous, and just right. How sweet.

    Here's where I admit I can't read Maggie Stiefvater. I tried. I got through Shiver, barely, and vowed never to read something so slow or poorly paced again. But everyone was raving about Raven Boys, so I picked it up. 53 pages in, I had to put it down. I was reminded of Shiver. Big Time. Maybe that says something terrible about me--if I can't seem to enjoy a best selling author, or maybe it's just that tastes are different, eh?

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    1. You know, I wasn't big on Shiver either, but the Raven Boys I quite liked. But you said it, tastes are so very different. I've had books recommended to me as "must reads" that I threw across the room after the first chapter. (Well, not literally threw...but the sentiment was there.)

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  3. I think it's fantastic that you're reading THE RAVEN BOYS aloud to Boy Chris. I might have to try that with my hubby sometime! And awesome that your mom loves your story. That's definitely a good thing and a good sign. :-)

    The way you've described where your father was buried, Kris, is simply beautiful. I can actually picture how it might look and smell. My thoughts are with you right now, and a huge, huge hug as well.

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    1. Reading aloud as a family is one of the things we all picked up from my Dad. Also, the Reader gets their back scratched. That's an important rule. (Foot rubs may be substituted as well.) Readers choice.

      And thanks for the digital hug. xo

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  4. So sorry to hear about your father, Kris. Your description of the spot where he was buried is incredible. It sounds like a beautiful spot he would have loved. Hope your week of settling back into life goes smoothly. Enjoy your kayaking, and those gorgeous flowers. <3

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    1. Thank you. And yes, I stood on the spot and thought, "He would love this place". It kind of made everything right with the world.

      Hope you have a great week too Katy!

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  5. I'm so sorry for your loss! I know that meaningless platatudes isn't what you want to hear right now, but I'm still sorry. From the little bit you've said, it's clear that you had a warm loving relationship with your father. Even if he's physically gone, love can never die. You will carry him in your heart forever.

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    1. Thanks Kate. That's very sweet of you to say. And you're right about carrying someone in your heart forever. You really do.

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  6. Your comment about Boy Chris and falling asleep while you read to him = priceless. I love you and that Boy, LOVE.

    I'm also thrilled to hear your Mom's reaction to your MS. No matter how tough a critic, I know she's proud of you and your writing -- even if she's not always sure how to express it. And even though she may not have a fondness for Naked Boy like I do. That's okay, he's mine anyway. :)

    Sending hugs to one of my all-time favorite people in the world. xoxo

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    1. BTW, that picture of the river is gorgeous. What an amazing area you live in to be able to be outside in November, kayaking down a river. It was 26 degrees last night. So NOT #Hoodieweather :)

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    2. I was completely floored that my Mom loved the first few chapters. I can wait to get this one done. But you're right, Naked Boy is yours. (He said so)

      And that's it, I'm sending you some warmer weather STAT! I can't have one of my favorite people freezing to death. Not gonna let that happen. :)

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  7. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm so glad you've got such great support from friends and family.

    Sending lots of hugs your way :)

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    1. Thanks, that is so kind of you. And I never fully understood how amazing this online community is until just this month. Writers are amazing. (Full stop) :)

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  8. My mom keeps asking to read my books and I have yet to let her because I'm not sure how she'd react to a few of the scenes. Might as well keep her in ignorance as long as I can ;)

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  9. That picture doesn't even look real, it's so amazing, like a place someone can only dream up.

    Apple trees and mountains sounds like the perfect spot.

    My husband HATES when I read out loud to him. So of course I always do it :)

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  10. I'm sorry for your loss, but that spot on the mountain sounds absolutely glorious. I think anyone would love a spot like that. Hope you have an easy week getting settled back into your second home, which looks equally amazing.

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  11. I love your description of where you father was buried. It sounds beautiful. I also love that you spend so much of your life outdoors in beautiful settings. That photo is so pretty. :)

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