Enjoying a winter day

It is now mid January and the winter rains have soaked the hills and enlarged the streams. The rivers are swollen but still in their beds and the sun is a memory, a distant dream. The grass in the yard could use a good mowing but it has been much too wet with the winter rains blowing. The evergreen redwoods look fresh and new while deciduous trees can be seen clear through with their barren branches dripping with silvery orbs falling on earth that can no longer absorb. The storms keep arriving from the north and the south as warm air meets cold air with thunderous shouts.

The Dog and the Cat are curled up on the rug content to be dry with an occasional scratch, pat and hug. And Max, the dog, will gently stir if the cat gets too loud with it's contented purr. I can tell they are dreaming by the soft sounds they make, their companionship is a comfort as each breath they take reminds me that I am not sitting alone as the winter rains fall and the cold winds are blown.

I look Through the window to the garden outside as I dream of spring flowers and long mountain drives. I smile as I think of bright daffodils springing up and adorning the fields and the hills. I remember August with it's overpowering heat and a small mountain stream where I dangled my feet in the cool clear water that refreshed me so that I wished I could linger and not have to go. I see birds belly up to grab seeds from the feeder I snuggle up in a robe and turn up the heater. A pair of squirrels are gathering up walnuts that fell from the tree, oblivious to the winds, the rain, or me.

The dishes need washing and the floor needs a mop but on this winters day I would much rather flop into a chair, turn the music down low, and contentedly look out the window as the winter winds blow. Who cares if I still have not made up the bed when I can sit at the computer and just lift my head to view the world through windows of glass and be thankful that it is still too wet to mow that silly old grass!

And when my dear husband asks what I did today, I'll tell him the truth, I watched nature play. And if he wants a hot meal tonight I'll order a pizza and serve it by candle light so he won't notice the dishes still in the sink and I can sit here enjoying this winters day contented to simply let the hours drift away.

This message was edited Jan 14, 2004 2:20 AM

Oh how lovely you write. How relaxing. Winter is my only time to relax, so I apreciate how nice it is to just enjoy winter. That was a lovely entry, Thanks, Miggy

That is lovely!Sounds like a good Winter's day!

Yawning like a stretched out cat as I wake up :~) I got a bit too relaxed! But it has been a gloriously mellow kind of day and I am enjoying it immensely. Glad you were here to share it with me.

That was yesterdays entry into my journal. I have kept one for many years and it is fun to write in it. This is todays entry ... I promise it will be the last I plague you with. But I am curious if anyone else out there has this compunction to write things down?

1-13-2004

After spending yesterday in reverie I woke up this morning feeling great, I washed up all those dishes, every spoon and plate. I mowed that silly grass down post haste, not one minute did I waste as I proceeded to prune the bushes back and then not wanting to be slack I cleaned the filter for the pond. I mopped the floors and cleaned the tub then told my Darling 'Listen Bub' Your going to take me out to eat and then for a special treat you are taking me to see my Mom and Dad, that's the way it will be and aren't you glad!'

We loaded the laundry into the van, for by now I'd hatched a plan. I would drop it off at the Fluff and fold where every sock would be neatly rolled and pick it up on our way home miraculously clean of garden loam. We went to pay a bill or three then went shopping at the Grocery and once we arrived back at the house I even helped the Spouse haul everything back inside put it all away before I sighed and said "It's been a very busy day, now lets relax and some scrabble play.

Now, I love the game, but he does not and with eyes like daggers he shot me a look that said loud and clear "I love you, but there's no way my Dear that I am playing scrabble tonight, so shut the door and douse the light" And moments later I could hear him snore so I doused the light and shut the door and to the computer I went to play .... I'll make him play scrabble another day.

This message was edited Jan 14, 2004 2:19 AM

I started a journal, but didn't stick to it. Maybe I should give it another go. Thanks for the inspiration!

ohh I have never been to this forum-----you have a wonderful rythm with words-----cheryl

If you want some sun, I'll trade you some for some rain. It hasn't rained for almost two weeks here. I will probably have to run the sprinkers, at least in some areas this weekend.

Migy, I used to get bored with my Journal and forget it for long periods of time. But that was when it was basically a list. And read like this...

1-13-2004
Did the house work and yard work today then ran errands and visited the folks and played on the computer.

Even I was bored with that! I wrote better stuff in Grammar School Through High School!Now my entries range from a story telling form to rhymes and sketches. They have become a daily view into my life and my view of the world.

Thanks playsndirt, the challenge when I decide to write using as much rhyme as possible is one of the ways I exercise my little used brain.

Kelli, No Thanks! We lived in Southern Cal. for many years and I missed these rainy gray days. Now I sit and enjoy them whenever I can :~)

Oh mercy me, 'tis delight and de best reading the words full of such zest! I ain't befuddled nor am I confused (I easily follow de words of Z'muse)! 'Tis a wonder of wonders to look and to hear cool words from a book, a journal, quite clear! Yep, ain't nuttin' like it, tis a joy to behold and I hope I continue to read more words of gold!

ô¿ô ;>)


(PS...glad you are feeling much better!)

This message was edited Jan 14, 2004 6:59 PM

Hi Shoe! Thank you. I am indeed feeling a great deal better. Now there is a journal out there I would love to peruse that was written and kept by a Horseshoe type muse. I'll bet your journal is a sight to behold full of wit and humor as each entry unfolds. You have a style or "voice"if you please that is always is entertaining to me.

Oh my goodness, alas and alack, I have to admit I'm such a sadsack. My words are often in the dark, nocturnal, and I must confess I don't keep a journal! However, should my pea-brain works ever come to fruition to write a small book is my "one day" mission.

And this from the Wise Man who often advises that we set things in writing and not hoard our stories and enterprises!
But a journal is perfect for writing them down to refer to later and not have to frown or scratch your noggin trying to remember that great story you told last May or November. you can use it later as notes for that jewel in your crown of a little book (Which I would certainly buy)

And keep in mind that a journal can be electronic in form and not paper and ink which is considered the norm. Just remember to back it up on a disk and that way you won't be running the risk of losing your entries to some silly computer glitch that can make a body nervously twitch.

And "eyes" will buy the first edition of both!!!

"eyes"

I doubt my journal will ever make a good book but figure that 200 years from now my Great Great Great Grandkids might get a chuckle or two laughing at that weird ancestor of theirs.

But Shoe's stories have a definite marketability and I would love to read a book written by him.

Sheesh!
Emptying my head for a second...they rhyming words make me dizzy!

Maybe I do have a journal and didn't know it then! I have a couple files of "Stories" "Potential stories" "Articles" and such. Reckon that stuff is my journal(s)?

I've checked into what it takes to publish a book, folks. It's expensive. My only hope is to figger out Word better and set up my own book one day. Heck, I'm leaning more towards individual pamphlets right now, with a short story in each! Urge me ever onward!

For your first effort you might find it cost effective to do a Book on CD rather than print. Another option would be to offer it as a Story tellers CD and actually record yourself telling the tales. That gives the customer the option of reading or listening. Books on tape type things are very popular with commuters and travelers as well as those who have problems with vision.

Create a "Book Cover" CD label and case inserts and you are ready to sell them. You can then burn copies as orders arrive without having to have a store house full of investment. After you have had some success under your belt it will be easier to convince a publishing company to buy your work than if it is submitted cold.

You should also submit short stories to magazines where it is a bit simpler to get your foot in the door.

Heheheh...I actually have a CD that is out and about in semi-circulation. Those folks that I've sent it to to preview and critique seem to like it.
A CD is much more to my liking, many of the stories/tales require my accent to pull it off properly! (I record them on the computer but recently bought a digital recording system that I'm learning to use. Yay!)

However, I want to be sure everything is also on paper and will offer them either separate or as a set. It sounds like you are thinking like me, or vice-versa!

As for magazines and such...there is such a backlog of submissions to mags these days the last response I rec'd was "it may be seven months before we can properly reponds" (their generic email). SO...best thing for me it to start writing (MORE) and get my own ducks in a row, eh?

In the meantime, I've got DG as an outlet!! Yee-haww!

And a DG store where you should be offering your friends a chance to purchase your first CD you Rapscallion Ringmaster of riveting tales !

Edited to add

By the way, your written "accent" comes across in our stories in written form very well. So that the reader does get the effect nicely.



This message was edited Jan 16, 2004 10:49 AM

HAH! I've been called many things, but that one takes the cake!! (Rapscallion?? Hey, you calling me "onion breath"!?)

I don't think I could sell them thru the DG store. Besides, dave is being VERY patient with me while I fiddle with one of his SCIF stores. One o' these days!

Why not? The stores are set up to let people sell original items and your CD's would definately qualify as original. The only concern world be getting them copyright protected first. And on that small scale we could even expect our covers to be signed by the author!

RAPSCALLION = rascal, rogue, rowdy, scalawag, scamp, scoundrel, sneak, stinker, wrongdoer ... one who is guilty of subterfuge aka "pulling my leg" A cross between an Rascal and a Scamp. And I do believe your photo is next to the definition as an example ! As for the onion breath... only when they are available fresh from the garden ;~}

I just got around to reading this thread. Nice imagery, Zany, and readable rhyme with a nice tempo to boot. :)

I journal, but it's in the form of my blog -- http://blog.gardenwife.com I love reading peoples' blogs, for the observations of the most every day things can really be riveting when well written.

HAH! I'm beginning to like being called that word! (By the way, I don't pull people's legs...I push them! Much more fun!)

Re-reading your above post I confess, I thought you wanted me to sell them thru THE DG STORE, not one of the Scifs. Sorry. (It's me mind, ya know!)

As for copyright, that is easily done. Now as for autographed copies? Hehehe...my handwriting is similar to chicken footprints in the snow. Many chickens. Running everywhere!

And now, lest others think this is the Zany/Shoe thread (and getting bored by being left out) perhaps we can change the topic back to Enjoying a Winter Day in the hopes that others can get a word in (edgewise?)! As for me...

Here I sit, tired. I quit. The chopping of wood has made me weary. My woodstove is a'heatin' and my heart still beatin', and the heat has removed some of the dreary! 'Tis still cold outside, yet in the shoffice 'tis great! The cracklin' wood in the fire is a song! My bare feet breath, my fingers tease (the keyboard) and my words are NOT spelt wrong! ô¿ô

Hi GW. Thanks for your kind words. I do enjoy your blog and even started one after my first visit and then forgot to follow up and use it. I tend to return to my paper and pen and lately the word processing program and burn it to CD. You are right though that it is interesting to read other peoples views of common things and be reminded not to take simple things for granted.

But I am always intrigued by this need to put things into words. I know you feel it from seeing your Blog and Shoe feels it and expresses it with his stories. But what is it that makes compels us to this ? And why aren't more people affected by it? Is it an inheireted trait or a learned one?

Shoe, I can almost smell that fire and feel the heat on the bare skin of outstretched feet as the toes wriggle in delight at the warmth. And The song of the fire with it's percussion section crackling out a tempo that invites one to rest and relax. I do believe your shoffice must be a retreat full of comforts without frills where bare feet are welcome and fancy things would be glaringly out of place. A wonderful place to reflect after a hard job like wood chopping.

You started a blog? Oh, man, send me the link -- and start posting to it! :)

When you see something, do you not just see it, but turn a phrase in your head about it? I write because I love sharing things with people and hearing their stories back in return.

I am not sure I can even find it now! I had it in my favorites but lost the link when I had to re install my system. I had forgotten all about it until your post above!
I'll have to see if I can search it out again and maybe use it this time.

I usually "hear" words in my head when I look about at people or objects and feel compelled to write them down. I usually ddo not really expect anyone else to be interested in what I write and rarely show it to anyone for that reason but still I keep writing.

http://zanymuse.blogspot.com/

Wow! I can't believe it was so easy to find it! Google is amazing.

This message was edited Jan 18, 2004 10:07 AM

I am looking forward to viewing that thread, Zany. I delight in reading what you and Shoe write. It is amazing what delightful thoughts and ideas pop out from your heads and jump onto the screen for us to behold. It is truly a delight for me to read just abuot anything that you two guys write. Keep it up as I feel sure that many others enjoy it as much as I do. I think both of you need to make a CD of your "mental ramblings" availabe in the DG stores. (The preceeding description is for Shoe. I am "pushing his leg") Shoe, I must tell that I would love to have a vocal CD of your stories and "carryins ons"

Oh to be one of the ones that the gods have so gifted,
To share thoughts with others and see spirits lifted.
My gift from the gods are threads such as these,
To read, and enjoy others thoughts, as long as I please!

Thanks for the wonderful word-pictures.
Pati

Ahah! We hooked another one! Come on in, keep talking/sharing Pati!

GW and Zany, I'll just have to visit ya'lls blogs (altho I saw where you can start one at Zany's site for free!). Keeping up with all the DG stuff is just fine for me (right now). Plus what bit of writing I'm doing on the side.

Elena, Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. I am glad that my ramblings are enjoyed for sometimes I fear they might leave one annoyed. And I quite agree with you, delighting in the Sories of our friend Horseshoe.

Pati! your secret is now out. We have another poet about!

Zany,Have you ever thought of joining in on the Kentuckey round-up? There's always room for great story telling. That would be great! I'm sure everyone would enjoy your humor in person as much as we do on Dave's. Sorry Pati didn't mean to leave you out, you can come too.

Love and enjoy all storytelling and beautiful words, wish I had that kind of talent. MRS. GRC

Mrs GRC, Bobbie, I have thought a lot about the round-ups and what fun it would be to see each of you in person and be able to see that tall good lookin twin Brother of mine and meet you his lovely wife. But being broke and unable to afford the trip is compounded by lack of time off from work and needing to stay close to home because my parents are in failing health. Life is so complicated that a trip of that nature is but a distant dream that tickles and twitches in the recesses of my mind, the elusive brass ring on the carousell of life. But someday.... In the meantime I always look forward to seeing the pictures and reading about the gatherings.

We do so wish it could be possible for you to come to KY but I feel sure that you will be with us in spirit at the Roundup if not in person.

Looks like one year we'll all just have to wagon-train it on out to Ca for a roundup in Z'muse's town. Wonder if Fortuna could/would ever get over us!

I think a California road trip would be a blast. It'd be the DGonic Convergence.

Zany - you can get a commenting system set up for free, too. Hint, hint.... ;)

"Lord Have Mercy", I think I will fly if that is ok with everyone. I will just meet you all there, ok?

Ellen, you're arms must be stronger than mine. I'd never make it. (surely you're not talking 'bout no aeroplane, are you?)

I'll drive, might even zigzag a bit on the way. I ain't proud. Go west, then north, then northwest, maybe southwest...if you see me going SouthNorth tho pull me over...I might be lost.

You can caravan out west like the settlers of old but come ove the pass when it isn't icy or cold. For it would surely spoil my delight if you were all stranded in a Donner Party type phlight.

Kim, I tried to add a comment area but haven't had any luck so far. Must be brain dead because I thought I followed the directions... but that is what happens when I think too much! But I will try again soon as I rest up. Between work and the hospital visits with Dad and trying to keep my head above water I don't seem to be able to think clearly enough to make it work right now.