Last month when I wrote An Uncommon Winter, I had no idea that February would charge in and dump a 20-year record snowfall on us. Clearly, February has lost its mind, or at least its bearings.
One of our ornamental trees fell over and couldn’t get up. Many branches waved their final adieu, and at least one of the neighbourhood boat houses is out of business.
On the plus side, the extreme weather gave me all the excuse I needed to stay home and spend some quality time indoors, writing by the fire. I’m well into the next book in the Gift Legacy series, as yet untitled, which will continue on from Penance, and I’m continuing to make notes on the new project, Witness.
Being in creative mode is nirvana for me. I carry a notebook around like a security blanket in case an idea pops up when I’m away from the laptop. I can’t believe I am still surprised when the story goes off script and a new plot twist finds its way onto the page. Love it!
If you had snow this February, I hope you were better equipped for it than we were! Hang in there, spring is just around the corner. Until next time …
Christy B says
I hear you! What’s with the snow again.. I’m glad it’s almost gone today and it’s raining now so cross our fingers for the white stuff to be washed away by morning 🙂 I want warmer weather!
Inese Poga Art plus Life says
It was no pleasure, although, we were equipped quite well. What can be more terrible than shoveling snow when there are so many other things to do?
JP McLean says
It looks like your temperatures are much warmer than ours right now. I’m anxiously awaiting balmy days.
Sally Rae says
So sorry to see your ‘focal point tree’ has fallen and can’t get up! Change is difficult for some of us. At least you found a positive activity to keep you busy through the storm…. writing by the fire! Sounds divine!
JP McLean says
Yes, the yard will look different without it. Thankfully, that’s all we lost.
Diana Stevan (@DianaStevan) says
My globe cedar is “kaput”. Fell over and won’t get up no matter how much I coaxed it yesterday. Still, I am impressed by how well most of the plants have managed. A few lost and broken branches here and there, but otherwise, okay. And yes, “when the weather outside is frightful”, we writers can get a lot done. Now spring in the garden beckons. What’s a writer to do? 🙂
JP McLean says
Happily, the snowdrops and aconites survived and the white and yellow blooms are cheerful. Sorry about your cedar 🙁 Gardening and writing – is there any better combo?
denmaniacs4 says
Trees snapped, one, in our lower field, a wild plum tree toppled down. Branches hither and you…more yon then hither, it appears…yawn. Nature can tire one. I suspect I haven’t been as productive as you, Jo-Anne. Nice branch-snappy post.
JP McLean says
I doubt that! You’re the most productive writer I know. Sorry to hear about your plum. The boathouse was a shocker – absolutely flattened.
Desert Dweller says
That fallen ornamental tree is heartbreak! You’re right though, cold weather is more conducive to writing. Sounds like you’re taking full advantage!
JP McLean says
We’ll miss that tree. It was a focal point. Oh well. I’ve been told change is good.