Spring Cleaning?

Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas from Pexels

Spring is definitely on the way, even if it is taking its sweet time. Soon, our thoughts will turn to spring cleaning (won't they?). Here are the top 5 things I want to clear out:

1. Putin, Trump, O'Connell, Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Fox News, and a long list of politicians on both sides of the aisle. I think we've all had enough and need some fresh faces who aren't destructive.

2. Winter. I'm so done. Bring back sunshine and flowers, and not shivering my freckles off when I traipse through subzero temps and/or snow on my way to the Y to swim.

3. Use of the word "unprecedented." I may have mentioned this before, but after 3 years in the pandemic, nothing seems unprecedented anymore.

4. Clutter. I'm cleaning out books I don't want, papers I don't need, and clothes I won't wear. And old stuff in the medicine cabinet.

5. Any show or mention of the Duggars, the Kardashians, Snooki, OJ Simpson, Antonio Brown, Caitlyn Jenner, Melania, (Kan)Ye, and all the other media hogs. Let's clean out the TV listing also, there are a lot of shows that I'm so tired of because they've been overrated, overdone, redone, or bad from the start. We all have a bunch on our hit list, so you don't need me to list mine; and we probably agree on a good number of them.

Now, back to work. I'm cleaning out my email, making notes for my MFA final project, thinking about a new romance series for after graduation, and cleaning off my desk. 

Remember: 53 days until spring, 109 until I open my pool. 

Char

Stepping Back

 It's all overwhelming - things going on in the world when most are beyond our control, things we've got to or want to or need to do, and simple exhaustion from it all. So this week, no rants, no advice, no trying to motivate or cheer. Sometimes we need to just...be. So here's greenery, stillness, nature, and the quiet hush and promise of a spring day. 

Remember to take care of YOU. 

Wishing you moments of peace, clarity, and confidence.

Char

Springing out in Spring

 

 Photo by Taryn Elliott from Pexels

When I was a kid, every spring my father would cite one of his favorite poems:

Spring is sprung, 

the grass is rizz,

I wonder where the flowers is.

Absolutely awful poetry, but Dad wasn't one for flowery prose. He was more of a non-fiction type and I think he gleefully recited this poem to irk my grandmother, who for many years, was the only person to have earned an almost perfect score on the New York State Regents English exam. (She was told that no one could get a perfect score, so they witheld a point just because.) You did NOT want to play Scrabble with this woman. Even as an author with a college degree in English (okay, yes, I graduated with Honors and also have a degree in Journalism), I refused that challenge. But reciting this terrible, grammatically incorrect, and almost grating bit of poetry every spring is a ritual. 

And now that that's done, it's time to do other spring things:

House: 

1. Clean and refresh my gardens

2. Wash house windows

3. Gather stuff for the garage/yard sale

4. Plant veggies and flowers

5. Think about and plan a vacation/family visit (now that we'll all be vaccinated. Safety first!)

And it probably annoys some people, but I have a list for my writing. (I love lists- I'm so much more productive):

1. Weed through my manuscripts. Some for total overhauling, some for putting back in the draw for another time, and some for sending out on submission.

2. Clear out my office. I'm getting rid of clutter- old draft copies of pubbed novels, like the Sirenz and Blonde OPS books. They're published and now out of print (but ebooks are still available!), and it's been a few years so I don't have to worry about someone falsely claiming that the work is theirs. Also, I move my plants outdoors for a bit of fresh air. Oh yes, and I get rid of books that no longer bring me joy.

3. Plan and make notes for the novel I write over summer. I like to write on my patio or poolside. (This is a different novel than the annual #NaNoWriMo project.)

4. Look at my calendar for book events, like the Collingswood Book Festival. As events and places start to open up, I'm anxious to get out and talk to PEOPLE again. I'm so done with virtual events (which while they sound like a nice idea, aren't really well attended and even after all the work you put in to make a good presentation, sales don't happen).  

5. Review what my writing focus is going to be: writing new novels, revising existing novels, or subbing out novels.

Spring, with the sunshine and warmth, flowers and greenery, gives me such energy. I feel a pressing need to bike for miles and hike new paths. Mostly, I want to Get Things Done. Summer, with its lazy and hazy days of high temps tends to make me a bit languid by noon. I want to swim in my pool, have friends over for a cool drink, and lounge by the firepit.

So, I'm going to ride the wave of energy for as long as it lasts, although with this pandemic, now that we're approaching 'normal' again, I don't want to be distracted by all the things I can do once more, like going to a restaurant with friends/family or a theater. 

Hoping spring brings you all kinds of good things, good people, good vibes, good energy, good intentions.

Char

Clearing Out and Cleaning Up

 This time of year is special to me- 

Here's one reason why; flowers are blooming and they cheer me up after a hard, dreary winter. Spring is here and it means warmer weather and getting outside. It means, especially this year, of being with people (socially distanced, of course). It means a new start. Honestly, I think we should celebrate New Year's on the first day of Spring. Who thinks of doing anything in the middle of winter except hunkering down?

Because of flowers, warm weather, and longer days of sunshine, I'm energized. Sometimes I feel like a solar panel; in the dark I'm listless. When the sun hits, I'm all full of energy and raring to go into action. Unfortunately I can't work in my gardens because the fallen leaves are still protecting precious insects and small animals. (Once it stays above 50 degrees F, they can be cleared.) It's too soon to open the pool and outdoor bar. But there is plenty more I can do. 

1- I replaced the curtain rods in my dining room because I took down the heavy valances. More light filters through and the room feels bigger and brighter. That should make my plants grow like monsters too. 

2- I spent four hours at my church cleaning the grounds, mulching gardens, and planting pansies. We will have outdoor services from Easter on, until hopefully by September the church can be opened. Meeting fellow members and working (socially distanced, of course) gave my spirit such a lift. The hardest part of the epidemic has been the isolation. I got to catch up with church members while I got my hands into the soil and the church looked so welcoming. 

3- I bought a monitor for my laptop. I don't use a pc because I don't want to juggle and transfer stuff between two computers. The problem is my laptop, when it sits on my desk, is too low for comfortable viewing. The screen isn't high enough and my neck gets a crick after a few hours. Plus, the keyboard is not at an optimal level either. I'm tall with long arms and it's like being in a cramped airplane seat. Most things are meant for the average, shorter person. This monitor can be adjusted by heighth and angle of tilt. And yes, the larger screen is easier on the eyes. The new keyboard makes it so I don't have to have my laptop right next to me, causing cricks because I'm turned partway, trying to type and view the screen.  

4- 

I've been decluttering slowly. Last year I had a yard sale but didn't get everything sold and I've put more on the 'For Sale' pile. In the meantime, I'm listing things on Facebook's Marketplace and Neighborhood pages. It takes at least a month or longer to make a sale, but every sale means more free space in my basement or garage, and more money for the kids. (Most of the stuff I sell are their toys and sports equipment or old twin bedroom sets, so I'm dividing the money between them.) And in case you're interested, the above Christmas Poinsettia and Ribbons set has complete service for 12, with extras like a gravy boat, two salt/pepper sets, 2 extra dessert plates, 8 juice glasses, 11 cocktail glasses, all perfect condition, $75.

5- I've been throwing away old versions of manuscripts. Since some of my published books are out of print, there's no sense keeping the previous copies. Almost everything is stored on my computer and extra hard drive, and I have the bound books, so I don't need the paper copies. (I kept them in case there was ever a claim by someone that I stole their work- I could show a clear chain of creation.) Into the recycle pile and I have another clear shelf.

6- I've made a list of all my unpubbed manuscripts and am slowly going through either marking for revision, total overhaul, or to be set aside until a better time while I rethink it. I will send the revised manuscripts out on revision. And if I decide to, I can always Indie publish within a month. Either way, I'm not letting them gather dust any longer. I put a lot of hard work in them and it's time for the words to work for me.

7- My husband and I plan to eventually downsize, so I'm making (another) list of things that need to be done to get top dollar for our house. As each child moves out on their own, I'm painting the rooms and refinishing the floors. (Plus, since they're taking their stuff with them, more space!) I'm simplifying the gardens and addressing jobs like spackling a bumpy wall. It's not so overwhelming when you tackle one task at a time rather than thinking about all the jobs to be done. And, I like the satisfaction of crossing something off my list. 

Looking at all the things I want to accomplish seems a bit daunting, but I'm only looking at one or two at a time. Today, my blog is done (on time...!). Next, I'm finishing typing in the final revisions on a requested R&R (revise and resubmit for non-authors) so it's ready to go April 1st. Later I'll hike about 3 miles. Maybe I'll vacuum the family room too. So while I have four things on my list, it's okay if I don't get to the vacuuming until tomorrow. (It's not like we can have visitors....yet.) 

Hope you're feeling the renewed energy and motivation to do things that need or you want to get done-

Char

Silver Linings and Such

Photo courtesy Pexels

 

2020 sucked for almost everyone. Some had it worse for any number of reasons. Now, as the end is near for this pandemic, I want to focus on positive things. I'm basically an upbeat and optimistic person, which is probably why I don't like angsty books or stupid drama over inconsequential things. Here is a short list of good things I found (not in any order of importance) to be happy about:

1.  We welcomed my grand niece, Savannah Rose, into the world. Such a cutie!

2.  The vaccine was created in record time and in several months, I hope to be vaccinated and enjoying simple pleasures like a movie and hugs again.

3.  My husband retired which means we can travel (maybe I can get him to finish putting up the molding around the house too).

4.  My eldest son achieved Honors in Rutgers School of Engineering. 

5.  My nephew graduated high school and is doing well in college.

6.  My middle son is back in college with a determination to succeed that thrills me.

7.  My youngest is working in the pharmaceutical field with a bright future and recently got a promotion and raise. 

8.  None of my family suffered illness or death due to Covid-19. 

9.  The trees are budding and spring is only days away.

10. I'm revising a manuscript for an interested publisher.

I could make a longer list of things that have gone wrong, but what's the point? There will always be challenges and I prefer to look ahead with hope. 

Wishing you more good things-

Char

It's Happened!

This!

The daffodils started opening in time for Easter Sunday!

The happy faces make me, well, ecstatic. It means winter is gone, spring is here, and it's a countdown to great weather, outdoor concerts, opening my pool, working in my garden and more daylight hours.

And here are the beginnings of my hyacinths!

Because spring and summer energize me, after I finish my blog, I will skip editing for a while to go outside and make some vitamin D, pick up sticks around the yard, exercise the kid and the cats, and let my spirits soar.

You can't write about life if you don't experience it.

Wishing you all spring happiness!

Char

A Little Battered Up, But We're Both Springing Back!

The daffys are coming!!

The first buds on my daffodils are popping up!

It's been a hard winter for them; lots of snow, ice, subzero temperatures. I despaired at times that I'd ever see them. But here they are! Especially on a cloudy, looks like rain day, these make me sooo happy.

Last week, I felt like the daffodils buries in the cold ground. I had the worst case of the flu imaginable. Every joint hurt, I couldn't move off the couch for a whole week. Then I got the head and chest congestion, cough. Total misery.

On Tuesday, I started feeling a little better. Still stiff and sore, still congestion, but just a bit more 'awake.' I dragged my butt to do a few things around the house, took a nap, then dragged myself out to bell practice. I was dead by 9:30 pm.

But today I woke up feeling even a little bit more normal. Too sore to go to yoga, but I'm thinking a little swim to loosen up the joints. (I never knew what total body pain felt like-I will be more empathetic when people tell me how much their arthritis and similar diseases hurt.)

And then I saw the daffys. While it's still going to be tiring and painful, we'll both persevere and in a few weeks, we will be blossoming and joyful.

Wishing you all a burst of energy and inspiration!

Char

These Things Happen

The Daffodil Watch has been suspended until:

1. It stops snowing every other day
2. I can move enough snow to get to my daffodil beds
3. When I go outside I don't have to worry about frostbite within 2 minutes

In the meantime (like until Wednesday when it's going to be 50 and I'll be out washing my car), I leave you with a picture of last year's glory:

And a little reminder from my friend and neighbor, Jeannie, to all of us:

Whether rejections, crises, upsets, disappointments--keep moving on.

Char

Some Things Just Can't Be Stopped...

Some things, once set in motion, are unstoppable. Nothing you do or say will deter either the person or the action.

It's like that with the hubs and his weedwhacker. The man is a menace to all things green. Take my clematis vine, which is supposed to wrap around my mailbox post. It should look something like this:

But it doesn't; it's been chopped down. Whacked. Annihilated.

Yes, I've put netting, a metal stake, and mulch around the plant so it's OBVIOUS something's there.

No matter, he still mutilates it. (Don't ask me how many butterfly bushes he's murdered.) In revenge, I wrote a scene about a character's dad who tortures his landscape--yeah, that's the hubs. Now his cruelty to my clematis is immortalized.

It's come down to me issuing an ultimatum: STAY AWAY FROM THE MAILBOX. If my clematis gets whacked one more time, I fear I will have to visit the nursery and buy the biggest, most expensive replacement so that if he goes near it, he will get sick at the thought of harming one little bud, a single leaf, or even disturbing a piece of mulch because of the $.

Wishing safety for all your plants,

Char

It's That Time...

So the youngest offspring (although he denies it) made the toilet overflow. Yes, it was FULL of all the nasties you could think of- I won't go into detail. And right before church so I was in heels and a skirt. The hubby offered to clean up the mess.

But you know men and bathrooms. So I spent hours, on hands and knees mostly, scrubbing with bleach and other cleaners: floor, walls (yes, it splattered), tub, sinks, woodwork, foot rug, towels, shower curtain. Spring cleaning a little early. Actually way early since there are still pockets of snow on the ground and I have lots of writing, editing, posting and other writerly things to do in between the mommy/wifey/volunteer stuff.

But I was rewarded.

Daffodils! If you've been following my blog for at least a year, you know I get ridiculously excited for these babies to arrive. Seeing them makes me want to clean out all my garden beds, rake the lawn, plants pots of bright hued flowers, and set up my pool. I am a summer/spring gal.

And with these pop ups come loads of energy; I'm going to tackle a number of projects starting today. I will finish editing my NaNoWriMo manuscript Lethal Dose and then finish a review/book blurb I was asked to do. While I wait for editorial revisions on Blonde Ops, I'm putting together a presentation for the New Jersey annual Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators happening in June (when the second son graduates high school!). I have ideas for 2 other manuscripts, but I'm going to work on the two paranormals-Crash and Burn and Splice-I started months ago (even if my agent isn't that crazy about them YET).

To further motivate me, I found these:

Doesn't look like much, but it's my son's daisies. When he was little he loved them, so every year we had daisies. I see them and think of him, and it makes me want to just get things done so I can sit back and appreciate life, gardens, sunshine--and things accomplished.

So go poke around, see what inspires you.

Char

Clean Out Time!

Tomorrow is the first day of spring! (Waits for applause, cheers and whoops of joy to subside...)

Okay, that's the good news.

Now for the bad.

It's time to clean out.

No, I don't mean the sock drawer, although if you can't close it all the way, and you have tons of socks with holes in them, well then it is past time.

I'm talking about that one area of your life/space that has been harboring lethal dustbunnies. (Like under my couch in the basement, along with a few spider bodies.)  For me, it's a constant battle to keep my desktop clear. Partly because my desk is a cute little library table- not meant for much more than a pretty picture frame, a fancy pen and a book; it's not meant for a laptop with external drive, white board, appointment book, mouse & pad, and papers. TONS of papers. Hazards of the trade are little Post-It notes, pens, folders, and magazines that quickly pile up.

While I have a wonderful sized home office and you can be jealous of my space, with three large windows, lots of closet space and four beautiful bookcases, there's a catch. It's my office.

Except...for the winter coats and family office supplies, photos, and memorabilia I have to store in the closets, plus the daybed I have to keep in there for when family comes to stay over, and excess books that don't fit in the bookshelves or the library downstairs. (ok, you can hate me a little.)

That means cleaning out the excess. It's hard to do now since I have Sirenz Back In Fashion swag in boxes and bags, Sirenz signed copies going out to the Romantic Times convention in Chicago next week, books I picked up at PLA that I'd like to read (if I weren't busy on other novels, my crit group stuff, booking signings, and yes, taking care of a family, doing church and volunteer work, and eyeing my meditation garden as the temps climb.).

But too much STUFF clutters up not only my space, decreasing productivity, but my brain; I keep looking at the piles, fretting what I should do with the stuff, debating when I should get rid of the stuff, and figuring out who wants the stuff. It's taking me away from my writing and important things (and the laundry. Although not high on my priority list in life unless it's mine, I must keep the peace and ahead of the deadly pile.)

So what am I going to do? In between loads of laundry (ugh!) and cleaning the bathrooms- all FOUR of them- (double ugh with ick, gross and disgusting thrown in), I'm tackling one thing at a time. Pay this bill, file the paperwork. Make that phone call. Gather up those books to donate. Schedule appointments. Make a list of writer tasks to do. (And stay away from the chocolate swag.)

So, as Adele pines in the background, I'll slowly clean out, clear up, and get down to what's important.

Happy cleaning!

Char