Summer Report

SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 BY SUSAN J

Things I have not finished this summer:

-The novel I swore up and down I would finish. I made excellent progress, but in the end, the last third (the ending, if you will) remained elusive. New goal: ASAP. Novels can be uncooperative and there are times when research slows things down to a dead stop. Tempted as I was to just leave 20 page blanks where the researched bits should have been, I decided to take my time and get it right. Sigh.

-The podcast about middle age on which I have been working. It’s coming along, but more slowly than anticipated. Have tossed two initial attempts but feel like I’m on the right track now. Remain fascinated by topic and am working on interviews. New goal: November/December/when I’m no longer middle-aged?

Things I have finished this summer:

-First middle grade novel. Will say more soon, I hope.

-Big time romance with cheese and crackers. Rice crackers and cheese are keeping me alive lately. Why do they have to be so good?

-First two week silent meditation retreat at Hollyhock on Cortes. There I learned a lot and also got to see that my relationship with mealtimes is one of deep focus and unwavering passion. Also learned that I have a few emotional issues (to put it mildly), am unused to boredom, and am not enlightened, though I think I came close a couple of times for two or three breaths.

-Took NUMEROUS seconds off my admittedly slow 5 and 8 km running pace, thanks to running clinic with Gillian Goerzen‘s Super You.

-A couple of smaller projects about which I’m quite excited. Will discuss when/if they come to fruition.

-Lots of books.

-Many good times with family and friends and funny dogs.

-A vast number of tiny tomatoes because I found two spots on our deck with adequate sun.

Do any writers who teach hit all their goals over the summer? I don’t, and so am forced to take solace in cheese and crackers and very small tomatoes.

P.S. I was going to post a photo of cheese and crackers, but there are none left.

P.P.S. These tomatoes are the size of multivitamins and therefore extra charming and satisfying.

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