Under the Pear Tree

I have not been blogging very often.

I have, however, been busy doing other things. For one, I'm almost done the book I've been writing. This is very exciting and more than a little terrifying. What do I do with a completed manuscript? My writers group insists I send it away, and I mostly agree with them.

I've looked at agents. I found one in Canada that I think I'll send it to. She seems like a kindred spirit and someone who may be interested in my book. But should I send it to more? My friend Carol Anne Shaw is very wise in these types of matters. She told me if I fancy this one agent, I should try her first but put "Exclusive Submission" somewhere in the pitch.

Someone asked me if I will use a pseudonym, a question to which I did not have an answer. I changed my Facebook name when I became a teacher and I am particularly fond of my alias (which by the way does not keep students from finding and "friending" me) and have considered using that as my writers name.

I guess I should finish the book before I start making these kinds of decisions.

One day I will write a blog post about what my book is actually about. Probably after I write a synopsis.

My current favourite spot to write is in my orchard in front of my house. It isn't a large orchard, but has a few trees for me to sit under. I bring my dog, who happily munches away on deer poop. I type furiously (or not so furiously, dependent on the day) on my laptop. Sometimes Chewie (the dog) escapes into the neighbours yard and I have to run after him. But other than that there are few interruptions. He is currently digging a hole. I hope he finds treasure.

Summer has also been a time for visits. I've had lots of them already. This afternoon I pick up my good friend and she will stay for two weeks before heading off on an adventure to China, where she is teaching for a year.

Carol Anne Shaw--the wise author woman I mentioned earlier--has hired me to write a Teachers Guide for each of her novels "Hannah and the Spindle Whorl" and "Hannah and the Salish Sea". This is very exciting for me, as I love her books and revel in the task of helping a friend using my teacher skills.

James and I leave for New York, New York in approximately one month. We have started a blog, which I may or may not have already mentioned. It is called "The Hot Dog Blog", it only has two entries at this moment, but considering our trip is fast approaching, it will indeed have more soon.

That is all for now, I have work to do, you know.

The Happenings

What is this? I have a blog? Oh. I must have forgotten. That is why I haven't posted in so long. Silly me.

If I was to sum my life up in one word it would be this: busy. I'm busy with work, I'm busy with my social life and I'm busy with my hobbies. However, my body--which knows me best--has decided it is going to hit me with a summer cold to slow me down. I left work early today to come and rest my weary bones. I still have to go to rehearsal tonight, but oh well.

Right! I'm in a play! I got cast in a local theatre group's production of "Twelfth Night" in which I play Viola. It has been a huge commitment, but a lot of fun. I also play James' sister, which has been ammunition for many incest jokes during the last couple of months. Will these jokes get old? I'm not so sure they will.

Work is great, I'm currently teaching preschool. I have learned a lot in the last couple of weeks, one being that kids really do say the darndest things. I had a little girl say to me that she was "IN love with her Dad" to which I said "I love my Dad too", she replied "NO, I'm IN love with him." I smiled and gave her a thumbs up....

There have been lots of weddings this year. I suppose I am now at the age where many of my friends and family will be getting married. I like weddings. Free food and love, what more could you ask for?

I wish I could see some of my friends more. I would really like the opportunity to sit down and watch a chick flick with some of my ladies. Perhaps when the play is over?