I still have pepper plants flowering in the garden as I write. Who knew the combination of the pergola and garden shed would serve as a sweet spot where frost in the valley didn’t touch my babies? I’ve been raking leaves and taking care of things in preparation for winter. With temperatures so high, it’s hard to imagine the cold to come.

So, it kind of sucks that an arbitrary decision by a guy I used to know affected my life as much as it did. It was like being thrust into a horror film without signing a contract. Whatev…We’re here now. He’s dead; I’m living. Lately, I’ve had the weirdest vivid dreams…

Beyond that, I’ve been reading so much… The beginning of three different novels in progress in preparation for a tryout for an amazing novel critique group, stories for r.kv.r.y., the latest Oliver Sacks book. I’ve also gotten back to submitting my work. It’s weird being a writer. Tomorrow, I’ll be checking into doing something insane: taking a zip-line ride across the creek. I have no idea why I’m choosing to do it other than I can and the experience might end up in a story. Why else do I live on?

I have the vaguest sense of the story I want to write this year for NaNo. I hope the end comes to me soon. Once I have the end, I know I can finish the novel. I’m also looking into using Schrivner this year. Index cards do not work for me. Ah well, I love the problems I have. I want to get more stories sent out before November first. Rejections don’t seem as important when I’m working on a novel–possibly because I don’t have time to dwell on them. So, I’m off to look up guidelines and submit. Thanks for reading! I hope to have good news to share soon.

In the meantime, I’d appreciate your support in this: Bards and Sages, which published “Cosmas, Reporting for Duty” in the October Issue is running a contest for best story of the year. If you could, vote for me here: Reader’s Choice Thank you!

I love you all. I am required to say that since I may dive to my death soon. Hugs! I’ll try to hold on.

(These are just my creekside reflections. Your experiences may vary.)