Things of Beauty: March - April
Having my elbow-length hair chopped up to my chin (I love it SO much!); my interview with Emma; going to the movie theater for the first time, and also “Cinderella” (which was everything a fairy-tale should be and more); going to HorseFest with my brother; feeling like Marianne with my truly terrible cold; my birthday; new growing things; cantering, cantering and CANTERING!
Reading
My reading these past eight weeks went very sweetly indeed as I read six novels. As of now, however, only three of them have been from my Spring TBR List, as I just haven’t felt like reading the others. I also got some especially great nonfiction books from the library, too, so altogether I have been a very happy bookworm.
Writing
They Searched Who Laughed has been going through a bit of a difficult growing period of late (the difficulty is mostly, of course, of my responsibility), however Clarkson and Elise being the totally lovely people they are have been super patient and I am now having the stirrings of Great and Lovely Ideas. But what is also SUPER exciting is that my “Western Dream Story” about Wes (formerly known as José) and Lina (who, by the way, are my most adorable couple to date) has been growing at an absolutely headlong pace which leaves me trembling with excitement to catch up!
Other Creative Pursuits
I watched several absolutely terrific movies including (but not limited to): Ivanhoe (1982), His Private Secretary (1935) and The Lawless Breed (1953)—all of which equals several dazzling, inspirational afternoons. Oh, and dreaming: many, many wonderful fresh spring green days of dreams.
Outdoors
The daffodils have burned golden and vanished. The redbuds, too. (Have you ever happened to see a grey wood full of redbud tree blossoms, perfectly awash with their purple smoke? Talk about brimming loveliness.) The grass has been growing with mad abandon and now all the leaf trees are covered with their little nibs of green blossoms.
Cooking
My three stints of late: Glowing Green Smoothies, mint drinks, and “Bulletproof” Tea. Especially the tea.
Discoveries
Guy McLean.
He was… absolutely amazing! Always keeping his hands still as he worked—and completely subtle with his every action—the connection he had with his horses was absolutely mesmerizing.
The Buccaneers
Classic 50’s BBC TV in the style of The Adventures of Robin Hood, but with a 1700’s piratical twist… I will say no more.
Finally, Wes and Lina (again). True, I have known of them and their story for several years, but it is only recently that I have truly begun to know them as people. (Well, Wes in particular. Lina I have more or less understood from the beginning). I love them more every day and my fingers are perfectly jittery to record their story!
What were your favorite delights in March and April?
Oh, you watched Ivanhoe!!! I've been yearning to see it for years, but I can't find a copy anywhere. It seems to have dropped off the face of the earth. I've heard really good things about it!
ReplyDeleteHmm, my favorite delights of March and April....Well, watching the Horatio Hornblower series again! That's one of the highlights of my year. ;-P Making my story collages, picking violets, going to see Celtic Woman in concert, some very good books, and my cowboy hat are some of the things that have made me smile. :-)
~Emma
DeleteEmma,
Violets are so very lovely! Both white and purple grow down in our valley. The purple (which grow on the lawn part) are all gone now, but the white, which grow on the banks of the creek, are still blooming away! Which is your favorite color of violets? I love the richness of the dark purple, but the white has an elegance about it, too!
Sounds like lots of fun stuff be happenin' in your life of late! I love spring flowers. They're long passed her in the south though unfortunately and I've also celebrated my birthday in the past two months. ^ ^ Happy writing!
ReplyDeletestoritorigrace.blogspot.com
Victoria,
DeleteThank you! Spring is such a lovely and exciting season. :)
And Happy Birthday! ;)
I can't wait to see Cinderella! I hope to see it in theaters, but I know I'll still enjoy it even if I must wait for it to come out on DVD. :)
ReplyDeleteOh, your writing progress sounds SO exciting! I'm a bit envious....my story has hit a hard, dry spot. Even though some "big" scenes are about to take place I just feel stuck. I think the problem is partly due to the fact that I lost touch with my main character. I don't know what would help "fix" it, but I'm hoping she will iron herself out as I write more.
And thank you so much for your email!! I'm working on a reply and will send it off to you VERY soon! :)
Natalie,
DeleteI was actually planning on waiting to see "Cinderella" till it came out on DVD, but we happened to get free theater tickets after our viewing of "Beyond the Mask"! And as my brother and Heidi and I walked out of the theater holding them, we looked at each other with but one thought.... CINDERELLA!!! And I'm SO glad we did!!! I hope you can see it soon, 'cuz I guarantee you will love it!!
I can completely understand your writer-ly difficulties! Characters have a way of being at times very reserved, and I have several times told Arwen when I am having trouble with them (especially in connection with Clarkson), that if I could but lay down perfectly still with no other thinking to do and my eyes tight, I know I could find him! Mayhap you should try it and tell me if it works for you. :)
And thank you so much for your email!
Oh! That's SUCH a fun story of how you got to see Cinderella! :D I am waiting in so much anticipation to see it! :)
DeleteI might just try that sometime....thank you for the tip! I was thinking of my character today, and had some thoughts pop into mind that might help "find" her...if you know what I mean. ;)
I certainly won't be giving up on this story, but I do hope my "fire" for it comes back soon!
Your welcome! Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Natalie,
DeleteOh, I am so happy that you have been getting ideas! And I know what you mean about the whole fire thing. Sometimes you have to keep plugging away and thinking about it even when you seem to have no thoughts pertaining to said story in your head!
Yes!! :D That's exactly right. I just love it when your story flows easily on the paper. Unlike one day when it took me about 10 minutes to write one sentence. :/ haha
DeleteNatalie,
DeleteI know! That feeling can, or should I say is, so discouraging! Especially because a lot of times after those ten minutes you have to delete that one sentence! But not all the time of course, sometimes it is a humdinger sentence and you decide to keep it. :) BTW: I love having writer friends who can understand all there is to being an author. ;)
Eowyn,
DeleteThanks so much for the sympathy! Yes, I absolutely love having writer friends who can understand the pain. :) It so fun to talk about our stories!