Another year older…whether it’s made me any wiser is debatable. The only downside to my birthday has been a hideous chest/head cold which after nearly two weeks is still making me feel miserable (though less miserable than I was a few days ago). I can’t wait for my head to clear so I can get back to work finishing Dancing the Maypole (AKA hitting my head against the proverbial brick wall). I’ve written (and deleted) the next chapter from four different characters’ perspectives. At least I know everything that’s going on…whether I need to or not. Maybe the characters are punishing me for getting impatient with them. I probably want to be done with this book more than is good for my characters (or my mental well being). My sanity aside, I did have a lovely birthday (without cake and ice cream – that’s how healthy my diet is. The closest I come to a treat is a carrot, but I have visibly lost weight which makes me feel good). On my birthday, after being stuck indoors for a few days, I wrapped up like a mummy and went for a walk in the snow with my camera. Of course, the camera battery ran out (because that’s what happens when you find yourself in a magical landscape demanding to be photographed). Thankfully I eventually remembered my phone has a camera so I was able to capture a few lovely shots I would otherwise have missed. These are some of my favorites…





Glad to hear about your birthday any updates?
@Levita Ayala
Hello Levita,
I’ve been progressing like a snail (I’ve had a stupid cold or colds for about three weeks now). Most days my brain has been too foggy to write, but I’ve gone back and edited Dancing the Maypole from the beginning and I’m happy with the story so far. It’s at 123,000 words. I’m on chapter 45 (version five). This will probably be the last chapter followed by two shortish epilogues (depending on what the story wants to do – there may be another chapter). This last week I decided to stop torturing myself (as I was just sitting here getting more and more frustrated with myself) so I left my story and just read for fun. So I finished Robinson Crusoe and then read Fanny Hurst’s Great Laughter. The week off has really helped. I’m feeling better mentally and I’m exited to get back into my stories. I’m So hoping to finish soon soon soon!