This Weather

Snow, so much snow. And cold, too much cold.

I'm dreaming of spring. No, I'm begging spring to come rescue me, from this same ol' same ol', these winter doldrums I can't shake.

But what does that mean, spring?

For me, it's green grass on our sloping yard, budding flowers in the galvanized buckets out front. Shouts from my girls as they play on the jungle gym in our yard, look for the bunny who used to live under the wood pile. Hiking up the back field to the water tower, dog along for the journey, or down the hill to the cove, where fish swim and slide, give us a show. Capri pants, my favorite denim ones. Cute canvas slip-ons or, if really warmish, flip flops, my favorite. The sun through the window panes, open to the air, for some fresh in the house. A picnic on our deck, maybe sandwiches and "Daddy chips," and then watching our girls run with the dog. Settling in at evening, lungs alive, body warmed, day productive.

It's energy, warmth, life, renewal.

What's spring for you?

I Have A Secret (Shhh)

Cleanliness comes in fits and spurts at our house. And as much as I strive for balance between my writing and "homemaking," some areas, inevitably, fall a little behind now and then. Witness our family room, just this afternoon:



Polly Pockets have taken over, though they're not quite hostile. Pillows and blankets abound. The wooden blocks beckon us to trample them with bare, sensitive feet, and clothes and dishes claim spots that aren't rightfully theirs.

It's been worse, trust me. But after a couple weeks (or more, I shudder to admit) filled with trips out of town, devotion to my WIP, and frantic (but enjoyable!) work on editing jobs, I haven't had the time or desire to keep things nice and tidy. (In case you're wondering, Hubby's got too many of his own things going on to be much help. The bum.) Plus, ongoing winter weather has put my energy in the dumps... which means I feel like doing diddly-squat around the house. Oh, springtime, don't you hear my call?

Step into my office, won't you?



See the mound? That's my pile of things. Okay, it's two, maybe three, piles of things. I've got paperwork, statements, writing magazines, scrapbooking supplies, a hymnal, two Angelina Ballerina VHSs, and who-knows-what else. I know it appears as though I'm really disorganized. Or lazy. Or both. And I do have my moments, but it's not that bad. Really.

And I'm going to prove it to myself right now. Slowly, I'm going to back away from the computer. I'll sneak up on the rooms in question: living room... office... spare room... kitchen... laundry ro-- aw, heck. Top to bottom! I'm doin' it.

Here I go.

*I'm gone. Really.*