Between gaining a day last month and losing an hour over the weekend, I have time on my mind, even more so than usual.
I personally detest the time change. Though I can understand how it might appeal to those with 9-to-5s, as an early riser and one whose work hours are roughly 7am to 3pm, the switch to Daylight Saving Time means driving to work in the dark just when my morning commute was finally lightening up, and being constantly tricked into thinking it’s earlier in the evening than it actually is, which contributes to the exhaustion already induced by the time change itself.
Add to my own personal dislike of DST the fact that it induces more car crashes, more deer-car collisions, and a host of other maladies, and I have to say, I fail to see how its benefits outweigh its pitfalls. Still and all, we do it. Every. Single. Year. Whether or not I approve or understand why. So here’s an article about how to prepare and an episode of LifeKit about how to reset after the (ridiculous) time change. Maybe the tips will help next year.
On a far less whiny note, enjoy this episode of LifeKit about how to make the most of your time, and this meditation on time from Meditative Story, from which comes the subhead of this issue.
What I’m Working On
My Debut Novel: An Expected End
This week, I’ve got a book club dinner with The Bookshelf, Irvington and next week, an after-hours reading and signing at Book People. You’re invited, and so are all your friends!
In addition, an episode of the 5 Minutes of Peace podcast about An Expected End will drop March 28.
Finally, thanks to a heads-up from fellow writer Joyce A. Miller, I’m looking into potentially participating in the first-ever Ashland Author’s Faire, a possible new addition to the Ashland Book Festival.
My Next Novel: Goodbye For Now
In another synchronicity, the latest episode of the Teacher Career Coach podcast, which I listen to now and again, is titled “Goodbye For Now,” and just popped up on my feed a week and a half ago.
(I still have yet to make any notable progress on the actual manuscript for Goodbye For Now. )
Outdoor Writing
Last week, my husband, The Littles, and I hiked The Channels for an article I’ve been working on for Cooperative Living’s “Explore More” column. It won’t be out until a fall issue, but I’ve written the first draft and sent it in, along with my photos, a couple of which appear below. The experience was enchanting, and I’m still savoring the memories.
Last week, I received a proof of my “Explore More” article about Paddle Quest to look over. Look for it in next month’s Cooperative Living.
Volunteering
This evening I’ll be on a Zoom call with my fellow Virginia Outdoor Writers Association Board of Director members. I’m also gathering material to prepare the Spring newsletter for Bay Quarter Shores.
What I’m Reading
I’m almost done reading the last chapter of Katherine May’s Enchantment, so should finish it and the Epilogue this week. Then, there are several friends I want to share it with.
On deck is Christopher L. Tyner’s Paths of Pioneer Christian Scientists ahead of a lecture I plan to attend this weekend.
Links to My Latest
“Preserving the Heads of State: Abandoned presidential statues have a bright future in Williamsburg” appears in the “Explore More” column of the January/February 2024 issue of Cooperative Living Magazine.
Archie and The Littles
Soda and Nacho enjoy some local trails on a particularly warm day late last month.
Archie and The Littles share the couch on a recent Saturday afternoon.
A friend and fellow writer took the below photo of Archie last week, when she came over and met him for the first time.
What I Saw Outside
Rock formations at The Channels Natural Area Preserve
Cascade Falls, where we stopped and hiked the day before our Channels hike
A waterfall on the way to Cascade Falls
Backyard blooms in the rain
Literary Calendar
MARCH
March 14, 2024 | 6:00pm-8:00pm | The Bookshelf, Irvington Book Club Dinner and Discussion
Join me for a literary dinner discussing my debut novel, An Expected End, with the members of The Bookshelf, Irvington’s Book Club! If you’re interested in participating in this in-person event, be sure to RSVP and register in advance.
March 23, 2024 | 7:00pm-9:00pm | Book People
Join me for a reading from and signing of my debut novel, An Expected End. A 10- to 15-minute reading from the book will be followed by an audience Q&A session prior to the signing. Bring a friend and support a local bookstore! Find details here.
I look forward to your presentation in Irvington. Watch out for deer on the way! ;