The End of Summer Vacation

 The end of August brings a few last hurrahs; swimming on the more rare hot days, planning the last summer BBQ/party for Labor Day, enjoying the final theatrical production of crickets and fireflies. Soon to come, if not already, there are chilly nights, back-to-school and work routines, and gearing down to indoor living. 

Those changes are happening in our house. Two sons return to college in the next few days, we're planning when to close the pool, and fall cleaning will soon commence. The biggest change for me will be that I will work for one year and nine months on one novel. No #NaNoWriMo this year. That one novel will be the project for my MFA- my Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (emphasis on speculative writing- Science Fiction and Fantasy- with a minor emphasis on Romance). It's long been a dream of mine to get my Master's and with the chaos, uncertainty, and upheaval in the publishing sector (like many other sectors), I feel this is the time. My boys are pretty much independent and my husband retired, so this is 'me' time. I'll still be doing my blog, although I can't promise a better regularity. It may even get worse... I've cleaned out my office and files, set up new files for coursework, and have resigned from several groups, one being my critique group. It feels strange to pull back from them, but I know the demands of school will make me glad I did withdraw. 

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

I will make one final book event appearance, at the beloved Collingswood Book Festival on October 2, 2021 (info https://www.collingswoodbookfestival.com/ ). It will be great to see old friends, make some new ones, talk writing, sign books, and generally have fun. I hope to see you there.

So, wish me luck, and I wish you all luck in your upcoming endeavors, and don't be afraid to send chocolate for those hard days to come.

Char

The Laws of Property

 I took Labor Day Monday off, and this post is a day late. With this pandemic, the days run into sameness- I can't appear at book festivals, go to music practice, attend church, meet up with friends at a restaurant- one day blends into the next. Plus, I tend to be a little inconsistent with my blogs. (My readers should really call me out on this so I know that someone's reading out there.... hello?)

Anyway, years ago I came across this poem and thought it highly appropriate. I'll tell you why at the end.

A Child's Property Laws

Photo by Pragyan Bezbaruah from Pexels

1. If I like it, it's mine.
2. If it's in my hand, it's mine.
3. If I can take it from you, it's mine.
4. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.
5. If it's mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
6. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.
7.  If it looks just like mine, it is mine.
8. If I saw it first, it's mine.
9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.
10. If it's broken, it's yours!

The credit listed is "Developed by James O'Quinn" so thank you, James.

Here's why I think this poem is timely: It sounds like the adults in governments, businesses, all around us. I don't think we've learned to share. 

From children we expect this behavior, they are following a survival instinct. As adults, we should have learned that the more we share, the better, happier, safer, and nicer our trible becomes.

Go share something today.

Char

How Am I Supposed to Have a Happy Labor Day?

Happy Labor Day!

Or restful.

Or lazy.

Or fun.

Or whatever. 

I'm taking the day off. I have to deal with the end of summer. I'm not ready for fall and dying flowers, cold days, less sunlight, and closing my pool.

I need to sulk. 

Photo courtesy of Flora Westbrook, Pexels. 

Char

Happy Labor Day!

Because the Federal government declared this a holiday from labor, I am being a good citizen and observing the law.

I wish you all a day of rest (since tomorrow is the start of no-more-vacation/summer). If you have to work, I wish you a day of nice people, easy tasks, and tomorrow off! Sitting poolside,

Char

Resting From Your Labors

And I'll be doing just that- once I put up this post, make the bed, clean the cat box, get food for the college son, and work out what's for dinner.

Wishing you all a relaxing, labor-free day because when i return next Monday, it's Back to Work!

Char

Crazy Days of Summer...

are done.

On this rainy Labor Day holiday, I'm doing this:

When I'd rather be doing this:

Hope you're enjoying the last day before we get back into the yearly routine.

Because tomorrow it's back to working your a*$ off...

Char