Puppy Cot

From her regular corner of the couch, Izzy Gray stared longingly out the sliding glass door to the backyard. It looked cold and gloomy out there. She liked to go outside from time to time and bask in the heat...when there was heat, that is. Mommy was at the table reading a book, like she usually was. Maybe she should interrupt her and beg for a treat. She wasn't really hungry, just bored.

Suddenly the sun peeked out from behind the clouds illuminating a corner of the concrete patio and her puppy cot. Soon it would be warm. She couldn't wait to jump onto it and stretch out in relaxed bliss.

Izzy jumped off the couch and ran into the kitchen, startling Mommy. "Whoa, pupper! What do you want?" Izzy ran to the glass door and did a little spin. She had learned the "I need to go potty" spin and used it for everything just so her family would let her out. They stopped getting mad at her for that a long time ago. "Okay, okay, out you go." Mommy opened the door and Izzy leaped outside, making a beeline to her puppy cot.

She sat up straight with her face turned up toward the sun. Ahh. Bliss.

Almost as quickly as it had appeared, the sun went back behind the clouds and the dark and cool set in again. Izzy pouted and jumped off her puppy cot and headed back to the house. She paused and sat for a moment, hoping the sun and heat would come back again, but nothing changed. It was lunchtime anyway. She would beg Mommy for some chicken sausage instead. That was pretty blissful, too.

The Squirrel Olympics

***THE TREETOP GAZETTE***

Fluffy Nutbutter was seen running the Sentinal Park obstacle course several times this past week. Those in the know say she is gearing up for The Squirrel Olympics this summer and does not intend to let anyone break her record. We wish her much success!

Photo credit: Paul Myers

Going Coconuts

Recently I've been getting more into beauty care. As we age our skin dries out and loses elasticity, so I figured it was time to take some action.

I bought what I thought were some high quality products that were good for sensitive skin. It said so on the label. That is what happens when you impulse buy. If I had done some research I would've discovered that people with sensitive skin were having trouble with these creams and cleansers. I won't mention the brand because I try not to leave negative reviews. Normal skin people raved about it, so it works for some.

For a long time I have been reading about the benefits of coconut oil. Last year I started using it in cooking. Last week I was urged to try it as a facial cleanser (oil attracts oil and dirt) and moisturizer. As usual, some people raved about it while some claimed it made their skin erupt with acne. I've never had an allergic reaction to coconut, nor have I ever been acne prone, just an occasional zit now and then. There are all sorts of different recipes online, some with mixed oils and added natural fragrances. I prefer simplicity and decided to just use it alone.

I am happy to report that so far so good. True it's only been a few days, but I've been happy with the results. I will report back in a couple weeks and let you know if I have any bad reaction.

Have you tried coconut oil for anything other than cooking? What was your experience?

Natural Mood Enhancer

On my way to work this morning I was feeling grumbly. I'm not a morning person and I don't like driving in traffic, probably like most people.

I take back roads whenever possible just so I can feel a little more peaceful.

While driving through a quiet neighborhood I was struck by how bright green the grass and trees all looked. Immediately my mood lightened.

I thought about how many times I've told myself to look at a tree whenever I feel down. It really does help. I guess it's true what they say about being in nature. It's like a doctor's prescription.

Although I'm not, nor ever have been, a "nature girl", I do appreciate the flowers and trees...even if it is from a distance.

Obsessing Over The Craft

Every time I start obsessing about the actual CRAFT of writing I freak out. Although I've taken some writing classes here and there over the years I've never officially learned how to write a novel.

Some writers swear you have to outline everything or you would be lost. I have never been good at outlines. They seem to take me longer than the actual writing!

Today I went to a writers panel and stood up to ask, basically "How do you write your books?"

The first author to respond said that everyone has a different way of doing it. You need to find what works for you. Some can organize thoughts and outline the entire story, while others write a sentence down, get ideas from that and just keep going until the first draft is done. I was so relieved to hear that. I fall into that latter camp.

On this blog you will probably hear me repeat myself over and over. That is because I cannot seem to get the simplest ideas to sink in. Hopefully I will "get it" sooner rather than later.

If you are a new writer, I highly recommend talking to other authors for advice. That is the best education, learning from people who are actually doing it.

So don't obsess over the little things. Do what works for you.

And above all, HAVE FUN!

Name Changer

It turns out there is another author named Holly Gray.

When I started this blog the other Holly hadn't published anything, so she didn't come up in my search. No, it wasn't until after I bought the domain name and started this blog that her book came out and now I'm stuck with a domain name I won't be able to use once I start publishing.

I will also have to change the name of this blog and my facebook page.

Grrr.

Good thing I don't have a huge following. I will let you know of the change before it happens.

Tick-Tock

I stared at the blank white space on my screen. What was I going to write about? Had all my ideas run dry? I had barely gotten started on my new career. It couldn't just end like this. I had plans, dreams. I was finally going to become a novelist!

Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.

I glanced up at the clock on the wall and watched the progression of the secondhand for a while. The clicking sound droning out the passing of time lulled me into a hypnotic trance. I shook my head and brought my attention back to my laptop.

"Just start typing," I told myself. "Okay," I replied and wiggled my fingers on the keyboard.

akhgahghnb jbqnvcmbojqaa jajnbsirejnb m, kgqbqoka-034gjn 

"Huh. Well, it was worth a try."

Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock.

My eyes started drooping. I turned off my laptop and glared at the clock. I really needed to buy something quieter.

Vacation, part 2

A year and a half ago, my mother-in-law gave us some money for our anniversary, with the express wishes that we take a vacation, but we hadn't been able to use it. My husband has a hard time planning for trips because of his crazy schedule. When he found himself between books last month he said, "Let's do it!" A friend told us about Sycamore Mineral Springs Resort in San Luis Obispo. She said it was a very relaxing place, with a spa and private hot tubs. That sounded perfect.

Mick called them and found out about a special deal they were having, which made it affordable. The gift money paid for everything!

We made a reservation in advance for a massage, since they tend to fill up quick. I reserved time for the evening of our arrival so I would be relaxed for the entire weekend. The massage came with a 30 minute soak in one of the private mineral springs hot tubs at the spa. My husband got to join me. That was nice. I think 30 minutes must be the body's natural shut off time because we were both ready to get out right before our time was up (the same thing happened when we used the one on our room's balcony). The massage was great!

The resort is very spread out. It was originally built in the 1800s and they just kept adding on new buildings. We booked a suite in the newest wing, which was across the bridge in a secluded forested area. Thankfully they have door-to-door service via golf carts. Anywhere you are you just ask and one will be brought to you. That was nice. If it had been summer I wouldn't have minded walking.

In the morning we took a free Hatha Yoga class. The Yoga Dome is at the top of a steep hill. Walking in the freezing air with my asthma wasn't ideal, but I made it! The teacher was very easy to follow.

We had a coupon for buy one get one half off at the restaurant, which really helped. I have a hard time paying big money for food. It's food, not jewelry! But when our meals arrived I changed my tune. Our dishes were a work of art! I don't think I've ever felt the need to photograph food before, but here ya go.

The only downside of the trip was the fact that it was the middle of winter. Even on golf carts I was shivering. I would go back during a warmer time of year.

Vacation

Sorry I have not written for a few days, but I was away and then I had a hard time getting back into it. I had planned to do some writing while on vacation, but it never happened. I have never been good with discipline. It's like a new year resolution. It goes well for a bit and then I'm back to the old bad habits.

Let's see if I can start over. That is all one can do anyway. Start over or give up. I have no plans to give up. Go, me!

In tomorrow's post I will tell you all about my vacation.