Words Written: DFL synopsis plus words on DFL Chapter 10; reading AgentObscura’s blog; notes on new novel; words and revision on ALNM Chapters 1 and 2.

Things have been up and down and back up again, and I’ve found myself pondering what to write about and what not to, and the purpose of this journal. It started out—long before I put it online—as a writing journal. But it’s merged into a “and what’s been going on in my life” journal over the years as well. With my writer’s website soon to go live, which includes a link to this, I’ve been mulling over whether it should go back to being solely about writing. I’m not sure I have a definitive answer yet.

In the meantime, here’s a brief update of what’s been going on:

Last Friday, we went (with Morgana and Brian, Brian’s parents, and Thomasina) to a night tour of The Adamson House, a gorgeous 1929 Spanish Colonial Revival house in Malibu. The family started Malibu Potteries, so every room is filled with stunning tilework. There’s a Persian carpet in a hallway that’s made out of tiles—including the fringed edges. Morgana and I got all silly in the boy’s bathroom, identifying the different sailing ship tiles (Spanish galleon! Viking longboat!). We all agreed that we have to go back and do a daytime tour.

I was rather maudlin on Saturday, largely because it didn’t feel like Christmas and dammit, I wanted it to. With Ken away, and both of us being sick, we simply hadn’t had the time or energy to decorate. We’d gotten all the overseas presents mailed well in time, but for some reason the rest of the gifts had fallen by the wayside, and the dining room table was covered with them—some wrapped, some not—along with the much-scribbled-upon list. Despite my gloominess, I did get some writing done on DFL. Then Ken and I watched Tomb Raider, which was just wonderful. My kind of movie: action, a little humor, and lots of pretty people. And then we made brownies.

Xmas Day found us doing lots of traveling about, first to Ken’s brother’s for brunch and present-opening amongst three small boisterous boys; then to (deep breath) Ken’s father’s third wife’s son’s house. (After we left, I said, “Um, you know, I don’t think I actually ever learned our host and hostess’s names…”) I’d somehow miscalculated and thus wasn’t prepared for the driving (or in our case, riding, because we took the motorcycle) time involved in all of this, so that was pretty much our whole day. It was lots of fun, though. I miss seeing his brother and sister-in-law and the kids, particularly.

We’d agreed not to get presents for each other, because we’ve bought several house-type things recently: the stereo receiver, the knives, my camera, etc. (there was something else, but damned if I can remember now). But we were blessed with friends and family who were generous and creative in their gift-giving. Steve & Joelle (the aforementioned brother and sister-in-law) gave us a popcorn bowl, popcorn, candy, and the DVD of Love Actually. Ken’s mom gave me, among other things, the pack of 24 Sharpies plus 1 extra (!!!) because she’d seen me go all squealy over them in Staples the last time we went. (She also gave me the softest, fuzziest purple socks ever.) My parents gave us money to get these bowls from Williams Sonoma, which I’ve coveted ever since I first fondled Meg’s. (Meg’s set of bowls, you filthy-minded people, you. Wait, even that sounds bad…) And also two of the David Winter cottages, which I adore. Melusine gave us a gorgeous hand-stitched ornament, because she is wonderfully talented. My sister Donna and I (and husbands on both sides) gave each other Apples to Apples, which meant we didn’t have to ship or wrap them.

I had a headache on Monday, and slept ‘til after noon, egads. I did go for a walk, which helped, and in the evening we watched The Doors and some various comedy, and relaxed in the hot tub.

I have no memory of Tuesday, nor any proof that it occurred.

Wednesday we popped up to The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks (where I’ve never stopped to count whether there are, in fact, a thousand oaks) to pick up the above-mentioned bowls, and also the midnight-blue version of the Incredible Cleavage-Baring, Towel-Acquiring Top. Then we went to Costco, which was somewhat less exciting.

We headed out again on Thursday to pick up the custom waist cincher I commissioned at GWW and thence to the specialty bra shop (for the obvious). As with several days this week, I buckled down and did work stuff. In the evening I helped at the local SCA newsletter Lick-n-Stick, after which we had the usual healing circle.

Today I had real energy again, finally. I wrapped lots of packages and Ken and I walked to the Post Office; we dropped stuff off at Goodwill and went grocery shopping; we did laundry and general house clean-up; and I got through a lot of work. Morgana and Brian came over for supper (salad, ravioli, cheese sauce, fresh parmesan) and movie ( Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life) and general hanging out. The only thing I haven’t yet done is write, alas. So I suppose I should be off. (Not that I’m not already a bit off…)

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What Have I Done Today to Make My Writing Dream Come True? writing, researching
Currently Reading: The Sound of Angels, Lisa Silverthorne
Lately Listened To: VH-1 Classics Headline Act about Cheap Trick
Recently Watched: Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Doors, Bill Engvall standup concert, Tomb Raider: Cradle of Life