Hello dear readers! I hope the week is treating you well so far. I’ve been dealing with a strange string of migraines (strange because I went for a month without having any), and so things have been a little all over the place.
But I wanted to give you an update on what the last few weeks have looked like, partly because it helps the organizational side of my brain feel a little more, well, organized. So! Here’s everything that’s been happening recently:
- I finally gave in and decided to learn how to knit socks, something I’ve been putting off for ages because A. Tiny needles, and B. Tiny yarn—I’m a chunky needle/yarn girl at heart. I almost started with double pointed needles, too, but my friend has convinced me to try magic loop. We’ll see how that goes.
- I’m also still knitting a bubblegum pink cardigan for my grandma and a fiery red scarf for myself, though with feeling unwell, knitting has been at a bit of a standstill. I’m hoping to rectify that this weekend.
- A project that’s been talked about for years finally happened: we had a bookshelf built along our stairs! Now, granted, we did have a bookshelf there, but it was made of pressboard and was in two separate pieces—in other words, she was not exactly cohesive. This one is made entirely of 2×10’s, nice and thick so no bowing under the weight of all my books. I just have one more session of staining and then, once it dries, the books can go back on. I am very much looking forward to this.
- Another house project: I’m painting our front door a lovely shade of burgundy, hopefully this weekend as well. Since August, I’ve been going through the house and repainting most of it, and the door is one of the last things to get a fresh coat. Right now, it’s a nice pale shade of blue, but it’s been that way since 2018—time for a change.
- I’ve almost collected all the herbs out of my garden for drying and using over winter. I love gardening, and I love that every year I get a little closer to knowing what I do and don’t want. What I do want: more sunflowers, marigolds, basil, and garlic. But less cucumbers and tomatoes—I just don’t eat as many of them as I think I will.
- I was at the thrift store this morning and found a quilt panel that has a few bay horses on it. My sister is an absolute freak for horses, and both of hers are bay in colouring, so I couldn’t not buy it. We do not need to talk about the pile of sewing projects that are whispering to me from my closet. Really, what I need is a week of nothing but sewing to get through everything. We’ll see when that happens.
- On a whim, I signed up for a short fiction writing course through Simon Fraser University (SFU), where I took my teaching degree. I only took one fiction writing course during my undergrad, and it was geared more toward novels, so I’m wildly excited for this—even more so because a local author is teaching it.
- After much hemming and hawing, I’ve also decided to apply for SFU’s Writer’s Studio for January. I’ve gone back and forth on this for a long time, but I’m at the point where I need to just do the dang thing, rather than talking about it. Applications are due October 31, but I’m going to see what I learn from this short story course before handing in my application (mid-October, I’m thinking). Wish me luck!
- I’m still writing, and sending my recently finished manuscript to agents, but I slowed down a bit this week (you know, migraines). I’m hoping I’ll feel much better next week and can get back into the swing of things.
- I also adjusted my personal NaNoWriMo-ish challenge, increasing the word count and extending my final draft due date until October 31. This is because of signing up for the short fiction course, but also because I have a feeling my first draft is going to be a bit longer than expected. Either way, I can still begin revisions in November like I originally planned.
Ok that’s all! Hope you’re well ♡
—Catherine
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