It’s been an uncommon winter here on Denman Island. The ground froze for 6+ weeks, which is an unusual state of cold we normally count in days, not weeks. (No need to roll your eyeballs—we know we’re spoiled—we barely reach the “damn it’s cold” threshold for Canadians.)
In addition to the frozen ponds and gardens, we woke day and again to find fluffy white stuff, more commonly referred to as snow. Unheard of . . . especially when it sticks around for more than a day. (Your eyeballs are going to stick up there!)
I Can’t Complain
I didn’t get outside much in November. The November 15 release of Betrayal (now Lover Betrayed) kept me busy. As always happens with a new release, I was plagued with promotion should’ve/could’ve/would’ves. Not to mention the inconvenient fact that I also have a life.
That “life” took me back to Ontario to spend a rare and snowy Christmas with my family. Despite my earlier whinging, I love a white Christmas. There’s something magical about crisp, white snow at Christmastime. And it may just be my ego, but I think Ontario went out of its way to emphasize the white this year. It brings me back to my childhood. I can count on one finger how many white Christmases I’ve experienced since moving to the coast (not that finger – gheesh!). The coast has many wonderful attributes, which I tout to no end in the Gift Legacy books, but a white Christmas isn’t one of them.
I’m now back on Denman Island
The snow has melted away and the frost has departed. Spring bulbs are poking through the earth, the honeysuckle bush is blooming, and I find myself in the refreshing position of writing something new. This is one of the sweetest spots for writers. It wakes me in the middle of the night and pulls me out of bed early in the morning. And it doesn’t wait for the coffee to brew or a good internet connection.
It demands my attention, and I’m beyond happy to oblige. In addition to developing my next series (the Dark Dreams novels), I’m writing the next chapter in Emelynn’s story. This is what it looks like when I’m organizing my ideas. Do you have thoughts about characters or storylines you’d like to see on one of those stickies? Now is the perfect time to tell me. Leave a comment, or contact me on any of my social media sites.
I’ve not always lived in such a temperate climate, so I’m aware of how wimpy I’ve become, but no matter where I live, spring is a welcome season. So good to see you here, Inese, and glad to see you painting.
That’s an interesting way to start a story.
We had a mild winter so far, but it’s been fairly cold for a few days now. I hate cold since it paralyzes my blood circulation and sensations. Well, I don’t mind warm winters. Blooming sounds just right.https://inesepogalifeschool.com/
Ah snow. As you know, we’ve suffered along with you. This winter has been cold in Vancouver Island. Brutal, I say, and yet I agree with you, we are very spoiled. Though it’s been feigning cold, it still beats ice storms, fires and floods. And yes, spring is on its way.
Nice to read about your memories and that you’re back writing!
It’s so nice to be able to work outdoors again. Gives me time to dream up the next scene.
This writer is a “bewitching” writer, just as someone else pointed out. I love your ‘Winter’ story – it brings back a lot of memories of my childhood. It seems there were no ‘green’ Christmasses in the ‘olden days’. How come? Do we forget or has the climate changed – all over the world? Winnipeg, my home for 21 years, was known as the Canadian Siberia. Well, it isn’t anymore! People would move away as soon as they had a chance, now, a lot of people are moving TO Winnipeg because it offers a lot of opportunities and jobs. But, it is short of housing, it’s difficult to buy a home, and you have to offer more than the asking price if you find one for sale. Things change. To live on Denman Island or any of the others along this coast is close to living in paradise. For a ‘White Christmas’ you may have to go on a trip… just like you did. And it seems you are happy to have had it, but also happy and full of energy to come home. Another ‘Emily’ book, eh? That girl seems so ‘alive’ to me. Can’t wait!
I love your enthusiasm, Giselle. Emelynn’s next adventure is tumbling onto the page. Can’t wait to share it with you.