*Well, here I am, posting on a Sunday, which isn’t something I normally do. That is, until now! I’ve been thinking for a while that I wanted to add a day to my posting schedule, so here’s a new feature – Sunday Supper. A quick post (maybe) every Sunday, just talking about what’s going on, what’s on my mind, (sometimes) what’s for dinner, what’s on tap for the week ahead, etc. Hopefully you guys will enjoy it!*
It’s been a lazy day around here, which is probably appropriate, considering that we’ve fallen back an hour and so it’s now getting dark early. I always love this time of year. I know that for lots of people, the extra hours of darkness and the colder weather can be really hard and depressing, but I enjoy slowing down and taking it all in. It feels like the natural order of things. And with the cold comes the cozy, and I like to be cozy.
So does Gatsby.
It’s been chilly for the last week or so, and I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to build our first fire of the season. Today was that day.
And so now I’m sitting here with a cup of Earl Grey tea, typing away by the fire, enjoying the warmth and the yellow lamplight, and pondering what to actually make for supper. I think pasta – easy and quick, and I’ve got some good cheddar cheese and bacon, so I should be able whip up a pretty tasty sauce. As for what next week will bring, well, I’ll think about that tomorrow.
Happy Sunday, y’all, and cheers to a good week to come!
Happy Friday, and I hope you’ve all had a wonderful week so far! I was so excited and honored over the weekend when I saw that The Soul Whispers Blog had nominated me for a Sunshine Blogger Award. I’ve never been nominated before, and it put such a big smile on my face. 😊
So, what is it, and what are the rules? Well, quoting directly from The Soul Whispers Blog (and thank you so much for nominating me!):
The Sunshine Blogger Award “is a peer recognition of the inspiring, creative and motivational work done by bloggers. It is given by bloggers to bloggers who inspire positivity and creativity in the blogging community.”
If you have been nominated:
Thank the blogger who nominated you and link back to their blog.
Answer the 11 questions sent by the person who nominated you.
Nominate 11 bloggers to receive the award and write them 11 new questions.
List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award logo in your post and/or your blog.
So, here are my answers:
What or whom inspires you?
I’m lucky to live in a community full of creative people, and they inspire me every day to try new things and push myself outside of my creative comfort zone. But beyond that, Dolly Parton. She’s life goals. Her constant creativity, her immense talent, her kindness and love for her hometown, her authenticity and her confidence…I just love her. And in terms of writers, Neil Gaiman. I love his style, I admire his flexibility and confidence to work in several different areas, and I just enjoy his storytelling.
What is the last book you read?
Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury. Highly recommend this entertaining, and pretty quick, read. Next on my list is The Heroine with 1001 Faces by Maria Tatar.
What is your favorite spot in your home?
I quite like my comfy writing chair, which sits beside a west-facing window and right next to a cozy fireplace. Perfect for chilly days like today.
Oatmeal chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, or neither?
Yes. Give me all the cookies.
What was an unforgettable vacation?
Iceland was amazing, but Wales was just heartbreakingly beautiful. As long as I live, I don’t think I’ll ever forget how I felt walking around in Snowdonia. It was like living in a fantasy novel. So, so striking and desolate and full and alive all at the same time.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
That’s a tough question. Looking forward, I hope it will be finally finishing one of the many novels I’ve started writing. But for now, I’m really proud of the volunteer work I’ve done, and also proud to have graduated from college (I was one of the first in my family to), and especially proud that I’ve been able to really focus on my writing and creative work in the last several years.
What is your go-to meal?
Spaghetti Carbonara. Simple, fast, filling, and super tasty.
How has a set-back turned into something better?
I worked in Human Resources for many years and made my way up the corporate ladder for a while before losing my interest and my drive. I really fizzled out in my last HR position, and felt like a failure. Then, I took some time to really think about what I wanted and realized that HR was not my path. The problem wasn’t me. It was HR. I left, and I’ve never once looked back, and I’m happier now than I ever was sitting in an office all day.
What is your tool of choice when writing (e.g. journal, notepad, computer)?
I jot ideas down on whatever loose slip of paper happens to be close to me at the time, but I do keep a notebook, as well. When I actually get down to the business of writing, I use my laptop. Oh, and I only use blue ink pens. I don’t know why. It just feels right.
Which do you prefer: a few friends or the more-the-merrier?
Both, actually, depending on the occasion. I love a big, loud party with lots of chatter and music. It’s fun seeing all of my friends together in one place. But I’m also a huge fan of a quiet sit-down with a few people to really spend some time together. Either way, I get a little tired. But it’s worth it.
What brightens your day?
I find joy in lots of different things. My dog and my cat, especially when they want cuddles or when they’re being silly. Time with Graham. A good book, a funny movie. A new tea, or a bite of something sweet. Life’s all about making your own happiness, so I appreciate any little moment that makes me smile.
And here are my nominees (I love all of these blogs, and you should check them out!):
1. What is your favorite time of day to create (be it writing, art, photography, etc.)?
2. If you could meet one person from history, who would it be?
3. Pizza or sushi?
4. What’s one thing you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t done yet?
5. What’s one fear you’ve conquered?
6. Winter or summer?
7. The mountains or the beach?
8. Stealing from The Soul Whispers Blog, what/who inspires you? (It’s a good question, y’all!)
9. If you could go back (or forward!) in time, would you?
10. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
11. Do you collect anything? If so, what?
(And of course, there’s an implied “Why?” in all of these questions. 😉)
This was really fun! And it was exceedingly difficult to choose only eleven bloggers to nominate. So here’s a thought: Should I do a monthly feature where I link to other blogs I read? Is that something y’all would enjoy? If you’ve stuck with me this long, let me know! There are so many wonderful creators in this community, and I’m just constantly inspired by all of you. 😊
What’s left when the leaves have fallen and the grass has gone fallow? Once the air’s grown cold and the night sky’s shifted, once the frost has come and covered the hills and meadows, what’s left to us in this new season of darkness? To rest, to sleep, to build a hearth fire, to watch it snow. To breathe deep and release a sigh out among the coming winter winds. These belong to us, are made for us and left to us by the maiden and the mother and the crone. Just as it begins when new things grow in a world made bright, the old year ends quiet and star light, with a gentle and a loving letting go.
Okay, I know Halloween is over, and I’m totally ready to move on. I’m already thinking about Thanksgiving dinner, and wondering how soon is too soon to put up Christmas decorations. (This weekend’s probably too soon, right?) But first, I just had to share this:
Graham and I have spent thirteen (THIRTEEN!) Halloweens together, and this is the first year we’ve ever carved a pumpkin together. Why? I have no idea why. It just wasn’t something we ever got around to.
I think it’s safe to say we’ll make it a tradition from now on.
A Virginia Writer's Diary 