It feels like summer now, doesn’t it? Canada Day is over and the Calgary Stampede is here. The weather is warm, although not overly so here in western Canada, but there’s been a heatwave happening in Eastern Canada. I feel for those who are suffering through wildfires in the prairies and other areas. Summer isn’t idyllic or perfect, and probably never was. Still, there’s much to appreciate. Our garden harvest is proving fruitful with the giant zucchinis and heads of lettuce. The snow peas are about done, and the tomatoes are still to come.
I always feel energized at this time of year, which is just as well as I’ve been especially busy these past few days. We had a birthday celebration in June, mine was earlier this week, and four more are coming up in August.
My local literary society hosted a 3-day writers’ festival at the end of June. Between giving a workshop and volunteering, it was a busy but fun weekend. We’re now preparing for our annual family vacation on Vancouver Island. The granddaughters are already excited. They’ve got new pink crocs for the beach, which they want to wear everywhere.
I’m also undergoing two cataract surgeries this summer, which will be less than three weeks apart. I can see well enough, but the concern is a growing risk for acute glaucoma. The surgeries should eliminate the problem, so it will be worth the discomfort, all the eyedrops, and about four follow-up appointments. Happily, I can walk to my ophthalmologist’s office and the hospital where the procedures will be performed. I might need a follow-up with my optometrist because the glasses I’m wearing will no longer be of any use. I’m hoping I can get away with ordinary reading glasses, but it will all be done by the end of summer. Yay!
In August, I’ll be facilitating four creative writing workshops on Thursday mornings, which will likely be my last with Port Moody Recreation. The 50-minute drive each way these past two years has become arduous and not fun in poor weather. So, after fifteen years as a casual employee of Port Moody Rec, it’s time to move on. Opportunities are popping up where I now live, and I’m happy to be connecting with more writers in different ways.
I’m still working on those novels, bit by bit, but it’s slow going at the moment. As mentioned in my previous blog, I stopped querying agents back in February. I hadn’t followed up with any of the outstanding queries, so I decided to check QueryTracker for responses. Sure enough, there were three nicely worded rejections offering encouragement, etc. One of the agents asked me to send her any other work I might have, which I don’t. But it’s certainly motivation to keep going. My challenge is finding the time. This autumn should be a bit quieter than usual. Famous last words, right?
Enjoy the month everyone, and I’ll check in with you after vacation 😊
Mystery Deb 