Seasons change in Michigan and the lockdown continues. It's a challenge to write a newsletter when my only trip in a month has been to the store for writing supplies.
They aren't plentiful. In past years I bought notebooks, folders, and copy paper around the time school started when they were on sale. Well, school is another story. I'm glad I'm no longer teaching. My computer skills aren't up to virtual learning.
Now our governor has extended the state of emergency in Michigan until October 27. Does anyone think that'll be the end of it?
Anyway, my little corner of the world is turning gold. As September draws to a close, there's a major nip in the air. Will a hard frost be next on the list? We had a hot summer, and I'm hoping for a warm October.
My latest book is set at the beginning of summer; in my writing, I'm always out of step with the current season.
It isn't easy to stay positive and productive as the world is in a mess. My new Foxglove Corners book, So Long at the Park, is progressing slowly. I have about a hundred and thirty pages written and as usual have given Jennet (and myself) a handful of impossible mysteries to solve. That should keep her busy and my mind active.
My publisher, Wings ePress, gave us the chance to have older, outdated covers redone. I took advantage of the offer and now have a striking new cover for #19, The Silver Sleigh, courtesy of the very talented Trisha Fitzgerald. I'll post it next month.
Of course I keep reading. I recently finished an engrossing traditional Gothic, The Secret of Mowbray Manor, by Jude Bayton, and started Treads in Time by Hannah De Giorgis.
There are hundreds of time travels out there, and I order them as soon as I become aware of them, but Threads of Time is different from many others in that the narrator travels to the distant future. Alternate chapters tell the story of her life in the past--which, to us, is the kind of future we will all be forced to live in one day. I can't wait to get back to it.
Next on my list is Margaret Atwood's The Handmaiden's Tale which I've been meaning to read for some time.
When I'm not reading or writing, I've been thinking lately about where I would like to go, creating a bucket list of sorts. Unfortunately, none of this is possible for me now.
I wish I could revisit places in Europe where I worked and vacationed when I was in my twenties. (Americans are no longer welcome there.). I'd like to visit Harrisville where my great aunt had seventy acres and a log cabin; then I'd drive up to Tahquamenon Falls. I'd need a companion for that. And what would I do with Layla?
I wish I could see Midnight Syndicate's Halloween show at Cedar Point in Ohio instead of playing their albums endless. (That event has been cancelled this year.) I'd also like to see Randy Rainbow live. (His shows are also canceled.)
All impossibilities, but when you're a dreamer and a writer, anything is possible.
Until next time, stay well, happy, and read. And may your own bucket lists be achievable.
Dorothy
