Obligatory End of Year Reflections...

To my Dear Readers,

I hope you all had a fulfilling Christmas holiday. I also hope that you achieved at least some of the at least some of your wishes and projects for 2013. I hope all of you the best for 2014 and wish you all peace within yourself, the courage to try something new and the confidence to keep doing your best.

This year has been a big one for my writing. Most importantly, I have stopped talking about my manuscript/novel and finally started writing it!

So now for the obligatory reflection on 2013. I realised that I have achieved a lot this year:

• started writing again
• completed 20 (mostly speculative fiction) short stories (over 9 months) – my favourites were Day of the Dirigible, The Feline Principle and Mum’s Theory on Cats.
• sent 15  short stories into competitions (still waiting on announcements for 5 of them
• got short listed on An Eye for Detail
• got up the nerve to visit a writing group
• joined a different (newly formed) speculative Fiction writing group (called Spec Fic Chic).
• set up webpage for Spec Fic Chic
• started a fantasy novel (chapter 1, some history and basic plot completed)
• put fantasy novel on hold as got sidetracked by
• started a steampunk novel manuscript. Am very enthused.
• Completed 2 chapters and am starting a 3rd on said steampunk manuscript. I am determined to finish before the end of 2014.
• attended my very first writing conference – well part of one – Salisbury Writers Festival, where I caught up with some friends I have not seen for years! (also attended part of one in Gawler). I am saving up to attend one next year.
• joined SA Writers Centre  (katdb)
• joined Australian Writer’s Marketplace (AWM)
• regularly attended AWM’s writing races. The next one is on 15th January.
• created pages for my writing  on Facebook- Karen Carlisle Creations and Twitter- (@kjcarlisle)  to communicate with readers and other authors.
• relaunched my blog Off the Artboard – for my writing, art and photography (with a little costuming thrown in)
• created a website – Karen Carlisle/Off the Artboard  dedicated to my writing, art and photography. This is where the blog now originates and mirrored on the blog site.
• reglularly writing on blog
• joined Redbubble (katdb), Zazzle (katdb42) and flirted with Cafe press
• put up tshirt, art and calenders for sale on Redbubble
• Put up art for sale on my website
• Created ‘Octoarm’ jewelry and bookmarks – available for sale!
• created a range of mugs available at Zazzle (The Question is only available off my website/ Rare Notion/ in person)
• planted a new vegetable garden
• got back in to my photography
• was commissioned to do a ‘Stargate’ photoshoot and photoshoot at ‘Parish Hill Wines.’
  


• was commissioned (and sold) a logo for Bullina China Shop
• was commissioned for artwork for a book on period fencing (now awaiting publication)

• costumes: Victoria and Otto (Brian Kessinger’s creation), Donna Noble (Doctor Who), Minerva Mayflower (Hudson Hawk),
• tidied a 2 foot pile off my desk and cleared it for use.
• lots of internet research
• returned to work after 5 months leave and sorting out work-related stress.
• tried to learn how to use an overlocker!

For all of the above, I just can’t wait for 2013 to end. It has been a physical and emotional rollercoaster ride for me. I am hoping 2014 is more of an even ride.  I can do without unexpected journeys right now.

My biggest goal for the upcoming year is to finish my manuscript and then tackle the in and outs of learning (and hopefully experiencing) the process of submitting it. It is a long road but I have to start it some time.

Now that will be an adventure.

Obligatory End of Year Reflections...

Testing

Posted from my phone. Can I cope.with this technology?

We shall see

Testing

Revision Marathon - ending the year with a bang.

After more than a week of procrastination, I decided enough was enough.  Thursday was ‘editing day’. Chapter 2 was not going to defeat me. Nothing would get in my way!

Everyone has a different process for writing. At the moment, this is what works for me:

• finishing a chapter (first) draft,
• self-editing for obvious holes/ spelling/ grammar,
• having it proof-read (with suggestions/ critique) and
• then tackling another edit  - to fill out plot holes/ characters/ not-so-obvious mistakes. This also allows me to write down important points/ threads to be followed up on and gives me added ideas for following chapters.

I am itching to get onto chapter 3 but was determined to finish off edits on the 2nd chapter before jumping into the next installment of the characters’ story. However, I did have some points that needed sorting out in this chapter before moving on, including some important family history (not necessarily on the page as yet) for our heroine, which defines her major motive. Rather important stuff really.

The edits have also included some additional writing. I needed more oomph in my characters. ‘Ramp up the sexual tension’, it was suggested. After all the Victorians may have seemed prudish in public, constrained by etiquette, but they still had the same desires… (I am still not entirely sure if the two main characters will actually hit it off, let alone give into any desires. Flirtations may happen but this is not chick lit or erotica)

Another snippet from chapter 2:
“The sunlight, from the window behind him, danced across the surface of his tea as he lifted the cup to his lips. Was that a glint in his eye or merely the reflected morning sun?”(copyrighted Karen Carlisle 2013)

I now have some conflict between major characters and some (hopefully) tantalising clues to expand upon later. Chapter 2 is now running around 3100 words, with only two scenes done and three to go. (two small and one major). Total writing/editing time yesterday: 8.5 hours. I dragged myself off to bed after midnight and woke, feeling like I have a hangover. Today I am rewarding myself with a large cup of tea and then we are off  to view The Hobbit for the first time.

Argh! That moment when I realise that I just have to write a short story relating the major events leading to the heroines motive…
and then when I realise that when  I finish the entire story’s manuscript, I will have to do the editing thing all over again!

The bang? Hmmm…. I have plans for chapter 3. Let me just say that there will be this demolition expert….

Editing Marathon - ending the year with a bang.

Boxing Day Lethargy

All week I have been using the  ’It is almost Christmas. I deserve a break‘ excuse for my procrastination. No editing has been done.  Now it is the Boxing Day public holiday here. I slept in. A lot. I was planning on writing this last night. It did not happen. My brain was too foggy and the apathy, of too much good food, had taken over.

I feel like I have been floundering for words – any words – for my manuscript or this blog. My brain is still on holiday while I am trying to sort through an enormous bowl of spaghetti that just keeps slipping though my gasp, only to entangle itself again.

With my caffeine levels bottomed out, I am trying out my new mug (a gift from my dear husband). There is also chocolate cake and dark chocolate-coated cocoa beans, courtesy of Haighs. 

I should be getting back to editing… but today is Boxing Day. I am off to visit some friends… Maybe tomorrow.

Boxing Day Lethargy

And now for our Christmas Viewing...

The ad blared: “Welcome to Christmas television entertainment.” 

This is really the silly season. I finally get some time to sit down to catch up on our favourite television shows, grab the remote and sit dumbfounded in front of the idiot box and begin to realise why it is called that. All of my shows have gone on ‘hiatus’ (one of the annoying realities of having shows fast tracked from the US/UK.) It took me a few days to find where Bones had wandered off to. Quite by accident, I found it loitering around another day and a new time. If I had not chanced on a station ad, I would not have known. I wonder it will be repeats. I must be an idiot to hope otherwise. At least I can rely on my books, as I can schedule them as I please.

Castle has disappeared from the airwaves altogether. It usually it televised after Bones. Nope – nowhere on the show listings. Doctor Who has been all timey whimey (not in a good way) with the split seasons then, after finally resembling something like the traditional series timing we expect in Australia, we now have to wait for the Christmas special. Argh, Withdrawl symptoms! Only three sleeps to go. Phew.

I have been enjoying Sleepy Hollow; yet again I have to learn to wait patiently through the US hiatus. Ditto for Big Bang Theory – though channel 9 can never schedule it at the same time on any given night or even the same night on different weeks. It is a bit like playing roulette. I think I will just wait for the DVD, as it gets very time consuming to troll through every night’s scheduling to find a new episode.

Thank goodness for Aunty (ABC) who have been playing new Miss Marple and Miss Fischer Mysteries. Sad news there are rumours that there could be problems with financing a new season (and possibly ABC itself). This is disappointing, as it is one of the few locally made shows that are not reality tv or soapies. The ABC have been doing us proud for quality tv.

Save the ABC!

In view of the lacklustre performance of the television stations, I have been slowly stockpiling ‘Christmas movies’ for our Christmas holiday viewing. There are the classics such as It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol, more recent movies such as Love Actually, The Holiday and Hogfather. (Well, anything with a set during Christmas or with a vaguely Christmassy theme makes the list.) Maybe Die Hard may even get a look in. Almost every television series has a Christmas episode. So far I have found some for Black Adder, Buffy and Poirot. 

Of course this is yet another way to procrastinate and avoid finishing those edits that I should be doing. Maybe I should use the lack of quality tv to force ahead. I will let you know how I fared, later this week.

Until then relax, find something to keep you content and Merry Christmas.

And now for our Christmas Viewing...

The Lights of Lobethal.

Here in South Australia we have a few Christmas traditions:

• the Christmas pagent – a parade with floats held in November, which brings Santa to town
• The Magic Cave –  This was hosted by a city store, a place to take photos with Santa (see Christmas parade), a cave full of Christmas winter delights and choc-a-block with toys. This was originally in John Martins. When they closed David Jones took over the tradition.
• Brewery Christmas Lights – West End Brewery sets up Christmas lights along the river that runs passed them.
• Lobethal Christmas Lights – it seems that most of Adelaide drives (or walks) through the streets of this small town in the Adelaide Hills. There are food stalls and, this year, there was a ‘live nativity’ with singing.
• There are many Christmas lights displays : here is a map

Why do I love Christmas light displays?
They bring the community together. They give a sense of wonder and joy. They shine a light in the darkness when all other lights could be going out. (rejigged quote intended.) This is not just felt by those who come, from miles around, to view the displays – but also for those who create them. Each year, we do a mini Christmas light display on our house. Being a good greenie, we only use solar lights. I love it when we get cars slowing down outside, to check out the lights.

This year we went to see the Lobethal lights. It is a 40 minute trip to get there. We snake in and out of the streets which are filled with children, grown ups. They crowd to see the live singing. It has a wonderful, warm fuzzy feeling of togetherness.  (they even put on bus tours to the lights – see photo)

 





  

I love Christmas – not for the farcical ‘spending holidays’ (I actually saw a sign on the local shopping centre wishing everyone a ‘Happy Spending Season’. Ugh!) it has become but for what it CAN and should be – a season of joy, thankfulness, caring and giving. I believe in the real meaning of Christmas – a great gift found in a manger. This is not for everyone. That is okay.  I just hope that more people would take the time to think of others and get a taste of that wonderful sense of hope, love and belonging. It is a time of giving – not just presents – but of ourselves, to make someone’ s life (including our’s) just that bit brighter. That is my Christmas wish to you all.

Be at Peace.

The Lights of Lobethal.

We got heat here!

For the past few days I have had an earworm – not a song but a quote, from the movie Fifth Element (complete with the accent):
“Some heat over here, man!”

Not that we need it, but that we really do have some. Does anyone want it? By 9.00am, it was already 30 degrees (Celcius). Last night the news proclaimed that it was the hottest December day in 82 years! Ick. We are in for a hot night and more heat tomorrow.  The mercury pushed 43 degrees by mid afternoon. I was wilting.

Thank goodness the power did not fail. There was a production line in our wee kitchen – with the novelty ice cube trays being filled as fast as we could empty them. (Brains, Han Solo, star trek and skull and cross bones.) Today was the first day, since last summer, that we had the air conditioner running.

It is currently 10.52 pm and the outside temperature is still 32 degrees! About 10 minutes ago, we realised that the air conditioner filters, in the bedroom, have not been cleaned since last summer. Oh, dear. I wonder how long they will take to dry. I really don’t want to have another sleepless night. It plays havoc with my writing.

Somehow, I did manage to write for my allotted four hours. Any writing is better than none. Only a good night’s sleep and clear head will tell me if I will have to do it all over again.  Rewrites can be frustrating at the best of times.

Here’s paragraph from chapter 2, to give you a taste of what I am working on :
“The smell of smoked kippers greeted Tillie as she entered the dining room. The buffet boasted a full range of delights, many of which were her favourites: bacon, fried mushrooms, eggs, toast and jam. Kippers were not high on her list.”
(copyrighted Karen Carlisle)

Art/Photography: There is always time for tea, even in this heat.

Costume: I really should be making some new summer clothes…

Reading/Writing: Chapter 2 edits.


We got heat here!

Sentences and Segues.

This week I have been trying to fight procrastination and face edits and rewrites for Chapter 2 of my steampunk manuscript. Though the edit/rewrite stage is frustrating, and mind-wringing on occasion, it is necessary to polishing the final story. While not my favourite part of the writing process, it does bring a fantastic feeling of accomplishment when it is done and at a ‘ready to be read’ stage. (I have a couple of trustee proof readers who give me great feedback.) Until then, I continue to forge ahead, trying to improve on the first draft (or the vomit phase).

First there is editing. Sometimes it is akin to pulling teeth – without anaesthetic.  During this year I have gradually found it less painful to cull words, phrases or sentences. (Though I still sometimes regress into a indecisive mess. ) Sometimes I get too attached to a phrase or sentence (or I just like the way it sounds). Even though I adore it, it may not fit the story line or the character –  or just does not make sense.  Sigh.

Intellectually, I know that I should probably not get too attached to my first drafts but must steel myself to making that editorial cut.  Ah, but I have a cheat!

I have One box to hoard them all, and in my weakness, find them. Well, actually it is two A4 sized cardboard boxes of a lovely lilac shade. I have a plethora of handwritten notes, excerpts and ideas filed away for future revisitations.

For writing in electronic form, I have a file marked ‘Ideas and Inspirations’. I also make use of the snapshot feature of my Scrivener programme – ensuring that I have a retrievable copy of my first (and following) drafts… just in case.

Rewrites are still a learning process. I am learning about points of view, restructuring of sentences and improving the sentence order for segues.  I am also learning that economy of words does not equate to holding back on information. I am allowed to make things more obvious, slow down the pace and elaborate more on the character, in a more Victorian writing style. (which I took as a compliment as I prefer this style for my steampunk!) Not quite permission to waffle though.

I should really go and do some more rewriting… Maybe after another cup of tea?

Sentences and Segues.

Beginnings and Endings

2014 Steampunk/Garden Calenders & Mini Gallery Update.

And now for something new for 2014!

If you are still looking for something to buy for Christmas – why not buy something useful. It will be with you for the entire year! I have created a Steampunk Calender for 2014, full of my original photography.

If Steampunk is not your cup of tea, I also have a new calender of orginal photos of my garden during 2013 – In the Garden. Just pop over to Red Bubble and take a look!

With beginnings, there are also endings.
Unfortunately Bullina China Shop is ceasing trade on Christmas Eve. These are tough times we live in. For the past year, I have had various photographic works showing in a mini-gallery there. I thank Skye for her support and enthusiasm for my work.

If you live in Adelaide, pop in for some great deals on china wear and crystal – at North Park Shopping Centre. (I have got a lot of my tea cups there.)

Copies of most of the photographs are available at my Red Bubble Store. Some are limited prints available from the artist (that is me!) only. Details can be found at my website.

Beginnings and Endings

Unlucky for Some.

Friday 13th. Unlucky for some, not for me. I had read (and observed) so many anecdotes about so called Black Fridays and the horrible things that could possibly befall me or my friends. I have read dissertations that blame the day’s misfortunes on self-fulfilling prophesies. You think you will have bad things happen today therefore they happen. As a result,  many years ago I adopted ’13′ as my lucky number. Yes, I chose it.  On purpose. Ever since, I have had exceptionally brilliant and joyous days on Friday the 13th. Today is Friday the 13th and it will be a wonderful day!

Today I woke to glorious sunshine, a deliciously cool breeze and the birds singing outside my window.  I was excited. It was writers’ group week again. Due to Christmas festivities, we were meeting a week early. Bonus! I look forward to the meetings; it has been too long since the last one.

This month, I offered the second chapter of my book for consideration and critique. It was gratifying to be told that the story is engaging and there are some points that are loved. (So the tale is not a waste of my time. Phew!)

I still have a long way to go with character development and motives but I now have a list of notes to consider then rewrite chapter 2. This has got my quite enthused for writing chapter 3, which has been lagging the past two weeks due to either procrastination or writers’ block.

I can’t wait til next month. I love these gals! I get so much feedback and constructive help. I feel like a learner – that I should wear a great big yellow sign emblazoned with a capital ‘L’.

Oh, and another reason for today being a wonderful day? My husband had a job interview and made it to the ‘second round’ … wish him luck!

Unlucky for Some.

Welcome to my Migraine - Free Writing Exercise.

More Free Writing exercises: 10 minutes.
Subject: How I feel  (just as I start having a migraine).
Twist: write in present tense (not my favourite)

In the depths of my stomach, something stirs.  At first a constant throbbing, then the feeling of weightlessness; my internal organs defy gravity, slowly turn in space then fall with a decisive jolt. All the while I resist the urge to relieve it of its contents.

My ears decide that they want to participate. Any slight movement results in the inner ear canal swishing. I hear a rush of fluid then the nausea returns –  a wave slowly encompassing my entire body.

Not to be outdone, my tongue conspires to betray me – my favourite food takes on the most peculiar of tastes. Strange phantom smells parade through my consciousness. My husband is slowly getting more frustrated as I ask him, yet again, to check for smoke, ‘that strange rubber smell’ or dead ‘somethings’.

Rounding off the senses, are vision and touch. They all clamour to be part of a discordant symphony. Light is now painful and the all too familiar (but beautiful) electric blue spots invade my peripheral vision. With it comes a most excruciating headache. This is an not unfamiliar migraine. The pain cuts into my head, accompanied by swollen sinuses, both working in unison to try to split my head open – ever so slowly. (at least that would relieve the pressure!)

Fortunately touch is less effected by this onslaught of hay-wired senses.  My tongue, now feeling thick and clumsy, finds everything difficult to pronounce. My brain searches for the appropriate word, and fails. Tea is either too hot or too cold, even when it is just right.

If I lean too heavily on my forearms, my tendons complain and the muscles ache.  My fingers still can feels and they, at least, will respond to my commands to write – as long as it does not involve changing posture.

Welcome to my migraine.

Art/Photography: Made some jewelry for a friend. (similar set available for sale on request. $30 + postage)

Costume: Preview pics from the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special and an interesting costume.

Reading/Writing: currently trying to stave off procrastination and finish Chapter 3.

Welcome to my Migraine - Free Writing Exercise.

Lamentations and Reflections

I have given it a few days to sink in. Nelson Mandela died. I cried.

Almost daily we hear of the passing of personalities or influential people. In these days of social media the news spreads fast. When I hear a familiar name, I get sad. Sometimes I am shocked. I don’t always cry. This time I did.

As a child of 70s and 80s, I remember first hearing about South Africa when the protests and boycotts involving the cricket and rugby. I was in primary school and did not really understand what the fuss was all about. All I knew was that the news was full of pictures of what I thought were armies of police at sports events.

I remember in 1990 when Nelson Mandela was released from prison. Only the year before the Berlin Wall had been torn down. These were miraculous things that I thought I would never see in my lifetime. They changed the way we think. They changed the world. They gave me hope in my fellow human beings.

That is the big picture. Look more closely and it is the changes, at a personal level, that are even more inspiring. History (if it is not rewritten) documents that Nelson Mandela went to prison, convicted for treason.  In his fight to stop anti-apartheid, he felt he had to use armed resistance.

During his time in prison, this man learnt to forgive. He learned peace. We have heard the stories of him teaching both fellow prisoners and his prison guards, to read. We have witnessed his work for a united South Africa. For me, the most inspiring part of his life was the fact that this man chose peace over violence, love over hate. As a result he made so much more of a profound statement. He did not only bring a country and its divided peoples together, he allowed this message to reach the entire world.

When we remember Nelson Mandela, let us not gloss over his past. Let it not be expunged from history. Let it serve as an example of how any person can change their attitude towards their fellow humans. Let him be our example. Let us attempt the same metamorphosis. Then the world would be a better place.

Lamentations and Reflections

Costume Capers - The Mayflowers

Last night we attended a friend’s birthday party. The theme was the ’90s’. I had so many ideas but no time or spare money to do it justice. My Babylon 5 costumes no longer fit so I looked through the cupboards to find what materials I had.  Lots of purple linen. Hmmm… an excuse to make a fun costume. I just needed some bits for the hat.

I did not have time to recreate the desired costume accurately, so I decided to cheat. I used a retro pattern 1609 by Simplicity – actually a 60s dress but had the correct shape for the basic dress. I adjusted the neckline to echo the ‘V’ in the orginal movie costume. I will be able to wear  the dress again. (that is the cheat).

Earrings: tacky gold and large. I used some 1990s plastic buttons (3cm diameter) and hotglued them to an earring base.

Creative Milinery: All I needed to purchase was some wire and some plastic tubing (as a cheat as I did not have time to do major gluing or sewing of ribbon around the wire). Saved, yet again, by my trusty hot glue gun! (more waxing lyrical In Praise of the Hot Glue Gun.)

In the flesh:  ”Bunny, ball ball.” Hello Darwin and Minerva Mayflower! (in 30 deg C!)

(thanks to Emmanuel Photakis for the final photo)

Costume Capers - The Mayflowers

Of Rewrites, Research and Demises.

As mentioned last week (On Writing, Tea and Aching Fingers), I have finished the draft and first rewrite of chapter 2.  A copy has now gone off to my fellow writers in my writers’ group. I have already had some feedback and am now eagerly awaiting more comments and suggestions and have already started final (hopefully) rewrites. 

This week’s plan was to sort out the plot order for chapter 3 and I was planning on starting the rough draft of chapter 3 yesterday. Notice the - was?  Indecision, procrastination and last minute inspiration all colluded to prevent me from these specific plans.

Where should I place a Secret Headquarters? I kept moving it around on the map, not happy with any of the potential addresses. (No doubt I will suffer the same fate for the next HQ.) I grabbed my Boots Poverty map of the 1880s, logged onto Google Maps and a hot cup of tea then prepared to make a final decision so that I could start writing. The ‘research’ lasted all day.

For me, knowing where everything happens is essential. It effects what and how I write. Now that I have a specific setting (and back up settings), I can coherently describe the area, the building and be consistent with travel times and directions. I also know which way our heroes have to flee to avoid (boom, boom, boom) certain death. (sorry to those who are not Labyrinth fans.)

Then there was ‘the procrastination’.  Avoidance will not get my manuscript draft written. Bad Karen!  In my defense I did tinker with the plot outline, arranging it in a more satisfactory order, slot in some hints/clues for a later plot points and devices and came up with some cool steampunky gadgets to play with – all last minute inspirations.

Now I face one of my most difficult decisions; part of the plot requires a certain level of destruction. With destruction, comes the possible demise of some characters. Some authors seem to relish killing off characters, whether they be beloved main character, sidekicks or members of the unnamed citizenry that populate their literary worlds. I am currently wrestling with this issue, as this will provide further conflict and further the plot… but then…

ARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!

Of Rewrites, Research and Demises.

Donna Noble is Saved!

For months ‘Donna’ has been hiding in the cupboard, waiting to be allowed to come out and play. Twice there was been excitement in the air.

First there was Oz Comic Con in March this year. The outfit was complete bar a wig. I had searched for months and finally fund one, on the internet, in my allotted budget range. It was ordered, with over a month to spare. Then I played the waiting game. I should have known better. A word of advice: never rely on a quoted postage time when an item is required for a specific date. It arrived one week late.

Costume plans were hurriedly reassessed and backup costumes were chosen- my Hobbittess and Tia Dalma. Donna remained in the closet.

Now that I finally had a wig, I excitedly planned Donna Noble’s debut for Supanova, last month. One week til ‘showtime’ and I cracked open the costume cupboard to check all was in order. Everything was accounted for. My jeans and blouse had been washed and were almost dry. Accessories: shoes, belt, wig, squishy adipose stress toy and earrings. Tick!

To my utter dismay, I had to forego attending the convention as I was ill with bronchitis. Again Donna was relegated to obscurity and denied attending ‘the ball’ (as it were).

Now, at this point, I was seriously wondering if Donna Noble  was destined to become one of ‘those costumes’ – the ones that doomed to oblivion. I decided to give Donna another chance to come to the party.

Last weekend was the Australian Costumers’ Guild Quiz night. It is our Guild’s annual fundraiser. Everyday my bronchitis improved (though more slowly than I had hoped.) Saturday came and armed with my squishy adipose toy, my camera and my hubby, finally Donna was allowed to shine!

Bonus! Our team came second.

Donna Noble is Saved!

Impromptu Photo Shoot

I am having a ball with my new phone. It has a 20.9M camera! I used to get so frustrated with my old camera.  Often I would find myself thinking That would make a great photo, only to get annoyed that I did not have my SLR with me. I took photos with my old phone (dropped one too many times) with unsatisfactory results. My husband was getting a little annoyed that I kept asking to borrow his phone.

We went to the local shops today and, as usual, I found some ‘art in life’ that I wanted to record. There is a wonderful and beautiful world out there, just ready to discover, if only we would take the time.

my favourite:

The local Haighs chocolate store (locally made chocolate) are readying for Christmas:
 

    

Finally – on the way home and my beautiful old Devon Rex – she is now 20 years old.

Impromptu Photo Shoot