Summer came … and left. And for the first time in years I found myself with time on my hands. Time to enjoy visits with family and friends; time to paddle; time to dawdle in the garden, take photos, read; time to spend at The Shack dabbling in the realm of writing essays; and time doing a whole lot of nuttin’. Not that things stopped happening in my life–in fact, it’s been a full summer. But it’s been a summer with lots of space to breathe. I simply decided to put less on my plate. Much less.
One of the things I removed from my plate was fretting about my next post here. For some inexplicable reason, I felt I “ought” or “should” be doing regular posts. In fact, this will be my last post.
THANK YOU to everyone who’s taken the time to read my ramblings, and to comment. Would love to keep connected via email or FB if we aren’t already.
Meanwhile, I am transitioning from writing for mags and newspapers to getting some essays published in lit journals. Gigantic change (and challenge) for me. I studied with Darryl Whetter for the past three years and have a decent body of work ready to start submitting. Sent one of to Prairie Fire today. Have some in the wings for Geist, Fiddlehead, TNQ, River Teeth (Beautiful Things) and Room. Wish me luck!
ps I took the photo you see here last night–before Hurricane Fiona. Weirdest and most wondrous sky.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Thanks Carol. Can’t wait for our canoe trip!
You will transition beautifully Sandra.
Change is always therapeutic.
Such peace in that photo before the storm
Change is also scary but I’m getting over the jitters. haha. Seriously. It’s all good.
Will miss your posts, Sandra. Always read them with a sense of wonder at what you have accomplished, and continue to accomplish, at your age, no less! You have been one of my idols for goodness knows how long, and a person I have envied for your adventurous spirit and keen mind. Wishing you well in your latest endeavours and look forward to seeing more of your adventures via Facebook, or wherever. Cheers to you, Sandra!
Ahhh Linda. We’ll keep connected via FB. Better yet, come visit me in Canaan sometime and we’ll watch the river go by with a cuppa in hand!
Best of luck to you, Sandra. Love the photo. Thanks for everything. Sally Erskine Doucette
Ahhh. Sweet of you to drop in Sally. Hope our paths cross again!
Certainly do not want to lose contact with you.Please keep me notified about new articles/essays as they are published.
For sure we will keep connected Gay! You are on my email!
Hats off to you Sandra! Doing what brings us joy, fills up our hearts and opens us to the wonder around us. I will miss your missives as they always inspire me. Yet, I know that we will connect in other ways.
Blessings my friend.
Thanks Shelley!
Sandra, I wish you wouldn’t feel the need to shut down posting here entirely. I always enjoy reading your musings and observations whenever they appear, and I’m not on FB. Even once or twice a year it would be nice to hear what you’re doing and thinking. You’ve also built up a wonderful archive, and I hope it remains accessible. Anyway, I wish you all the best in your next ventures and adventures.
Bob
The page will always be here so … who knows Bob? And yes, the archive will always be here. Appreciate your kind words!
Love vicariously travelling on your many journeys and look forward to this next adventure. Enjoy it!
One of my favourite memories this past summer is “beaching” with you Sheila! Now time to think of making kibby. heheh.
Ahhh you’re learning to simplify and reduce! Something I share with you. This week alone is full of deadlines for stories I said is out off and focus on my book. Arggg stop! I can’t wait to read the essays. It’s a good transition to make and that will showcase your amazing writing— long form is a better venue for you!
Onward and upward my friend. Ox. Melanie
Oh Ma Belle .. STOP! is exactly what we need to do. At least you’ve figured that out now and not waiting until you are 77. Your book needs to be on front burner. Yes!
Did not spell check last message! You get the idea! Melanie
haha. I may let go of spell check too. Can be a pain in the butt and time suck. Unless I’m revising for publication of course. Some of our goofs are quite funny. xxo
Best of luck in your new journey!
Thank you John. Stopped by a couple of times but didn’t catch you home. Maybe next time!
Thank you for what you have shared in these blogs. Feels right that you focus on what has become very important at this point. You are right, FB can keep the link alive. Have fun writing your essays.
Apprecaite you popping into view Charlotte! And, yes, we’ll keep connected via FB.