Celebrate Summer 2013

So much has happened since my last post at the beginning of May. It was just a day before the 2013 NESCBWI conference that I directed and I was so entrenched in the final details. The conference went so smoothly and then suddenly, I was just done. No more planning, or checking and rechecking details. Just quiet exhaustion!

Logan Airport, June 2013

I had planned a vacation with my daughter to London and Paris just because I wanted time with her and because I knew I would need a distraction from the quiet of no longer planning out the conference. I packed for that and off we went.The Flight out of Logan was delayed due to severe thunderstorms but this amazing rainbow heralded the days ahead and we had a flawless flight to Heathrow. We spent several days with in-laws and then stayed in Central London and saw one of our former Cultural Care Au Pairs. It had been 6 years and she was amazed at how "her" Kendra had grown up!

We had a lovely surprise when arriving at the Globe Theater for a tour, we were able to see a full dress rehearsal for the upcoming performance of MACBETH. It was a true gift and I enjoyed it very much.

Paris France, June 2013

We headed over to St. Pancras Train Station and
waited for our train to Paris. I was nervous since I speak no French, but I should have known...I never have a problem communicating!It was so nice to visit family and friends in London and to make a few new ones in Paris. The 10 day trip flew by and I was home again only to to be so very lucky to be able to spend some time spend some time at Lake Champlain with Murray and his lovely companion, Nancy.

Another quick turnaround and I was on my way to Gettysburg, PA for the 4th of July. While sitting in the car, I was finally able to start reading my copy of Chris Eboch's ADVANCED PLOTTING. Get a copy, it is excellent!

Versailles, France June 2013

PA was great. Visited a dear and now (old) friend and her family and introduced them to some new friends from New Hampshire who came with us! Now I am helping my daughter to pack for camp and then I will start plotting the next grand adventure!

Summer 2012 - Prepping for the Next 12 Months

Summer 2012 is already booking up. The family calendar is starting to have fewer and fewer unmarked days. What I want to know is how do I fit it all in?

I have one writer's retreat scheduled and I can't wait. I've started a new YA and have been working on the outline. I'm hoping these three and a half retreat days will consist of writing as much as I can of a new first draft.

Now on to bigger and better things: 2013 NESCBWI Conference. The Call for Proposals for the 2013 NESCBWI Conference, "Word-By-Word: The Art of Craft will go out June 1, 2012. So mark your calendars. With the call going out earlier, the deadline will also be sooner, August 27th, 2012!

Registration Table at the 2012 NESCBWI Conference

We will be looking for all levels of craft workshops, particularly those that are for advanced or master level writers. These Master level classes we are calling studios and will be 180 minutes.

So, please start thinking about what you would like to propose. Also, preferential consideration will go to presenters who have sent in two or more proposals.

Summer Solstice 2012

Celebrating the Summer Solstice

Each year, on the summer solstice I make a wish. For me, it's all about rejuvenating my spirit and finding inner peace. Tonight, my family will have a small bonfire in our backyard fire pit. we'll sit under the stars and talk about what we think the next six months will bring.

About the Summer Solstice Energy You Create

This is a time of completeness and abundance, for nature as well as for you, a time to celebrate all that you have achieved and manifested. The summer solstice invites you to celebrate your individuality and who you are, and to use your positive intent to look forward to all that you still want to become. As the sun’s energy comes to its peak, the active principle ripens all our outer achievements on the inner level too, bringing a transformation of spiritual strength and awareness. In this wholeness, you can recognize and celebrate the death and rebirth of the great cycle of the year.

How You Can Celebrate

This is definitely a time for celebrating and entertaining in style with the whole community. Drama, dance and song are all essential elements to raise the energy, and give everyone a chance to display their own unique talents. Light a huge bonfire and have lots of fireworks – Catherine wheels are especially symbolic. If you can find a fire-eater, even better! Throw aromatic herbs onto the fire (traditionally fennel, lavender, geranium, rue, rosemary and chamomile) and dance through the smoke. The tug of war is traditionally played at this time – all the summer-born people on one side and the winter-borns on the other, to symbolize the battle between summer and winter. Close the evening’s activities with a ceremony of thanks, to the sun, moon, five elements, nature, spirit, ancestors and, of course, each other. Then bless the food and drink and enjoy!

With thanks to Triple Moon at www.semelexerri.co.uk/calendar/celtic-festivals/ and Glennie Kindred for her excellent source book Sacred Celebrations.

Jumping Back In

Six weeks or so since the last blog entry! Summer must have been a success. Actually, yes it was. The entire family was busy having fun in the sun! And sun there was plenty of this year.

Week two of back to school is ending. The leaves are turning. Thor has started doggy day care twice a week and he is loving it. My husband has a new motorcycle, and me, I am revising and getting ready for my school year to start. Some of the kids are already on campus for sports camp training. I have a new office and have been organizing and decorating. This year my office has a window.

Next weekend is my 9^th Writer’s Schmooze hosted by Tamra Wight at her Poland Springs Campground. This year I am tenting it. No cozy trailer for me, I have decided to be brave.  I hope my tent site has electricity so when I wake up from that unknown noise (a raccoon most likely) I can surf the web until I fall to asleep again.

Maybe, just maybe, I should bring Thor!

This is Thor

Countdown to Summer Camp for Mom!

Lately, time is not my friend. 

It refuses to slow down even though I am on summer vacation. Now that the July 4th weekend is gone, I need to have Monday back. I am scurrying to pack both kids for camp. 

I must have this done by Wednesday, even though they don’t leave until Sunday. Why? I have other commitments.

Even though I've tried very hard not to make any commitments for this summer, this one is for work, made last February when it was COLD. 

Off I must go at the crack of dawn on Thursday, then again on Friday. Spend two days of gorgeous summer weather sitting through this seminar.

Is it worth it? Yes it is.

Would I rather be sitting on beach or working in garden? 

Absolutely!

Once I return, I have a day with my kids before they leave for summer camp. I will review their camp bins one last time and make sure each has adequate underwear for two weeks. 

Then I pack for me. I am off to four-day writing retreat on the shores of Lake Champlain.

Summer camp for mom!