The Journal of Michael Merriam

careswen and ilona_andrews sat me down (insomuch as you can sit someone down online) and talked a little sense into me concerning some of the writing stuff that has been bothering me. They are wise, and I am bright enough not to argue with such smart people. Especially when they are right.

I hung a seed bell outside for the squirrels. The squirrels pretty much ignored it, but the chipmunk made serious inroads on it, and Finnegan the Cottontail Rabbit is standing on his hind legs and nibbling on it right now. I love watching the wildlife.

It's been a pretty lazy day today, but I still managed some writing work. I'm getting to the middle of this novel and starting to feel it. I'm just kind of slogging through this part, trying to get to the ending I've already mostly written. But I shall persevere and muddle through the middle.

Rija's Tale

Six days ago my wife and I lit the fireplace as seven inches of snow fell in Hopkins, MN, mostly sideways at that, because of the stiff wind.

Today I put on my shorts, t-shirt, and sandals, and cleaned the patio.

Dudes.


Animals The Reverend Selena Has Seen Through The Patio Screen Door Today and NOT EATEN:

Multiple Grey Squirrels
An Eastern Chipmunk
A Cottontail Rabbit (probably an Eastern Cottontail)
Numorous: Phoebes, Chickadees, Grosbeaks, Sparrows, Crows
One each: Cardinal, Raven, Red-Winged Black Bird
A pair of: Canadian Geese, Mallards
And the biggest Rock Dove (aka Pigeon) I've ever seen.

Sitting on the patio on a lovely day?
Good idea.

Writing on the current work-in-progress while sitting on the patio on a lovely day?
Great idea.

Enjoying a cup of coffee while writing on the current work-in-progress while sitting on the patio on a lovely day?
Grand idea!

Snacking on peanuts while enjoying a cup of coffee while writing on the current work-in-progress while sitting on the patio on a lovely day?

Maybe not the best idea ever, considering the squirrels and chipmunks and their complete and utter lack of concern about the human, but it was entertaining. This little bugger of a gray squirrel climbed up on the table, walked right up to me, and snatched dry roasted peanuts from my bowl. Meanwhile, one of the chipmunks sat near my feet and stared up at me, obviously wanting me to share.

I was a good workshop member today and did two reviews. I enjoyed both stories, which always makes it a little easier to do a crit.

No new words today. I did a little pre-writing and a lot of thinking about the story. I plan to start the actual draft on Monday. Of course, now that I've said that in public, I'm sure the story will mug me tomorrow.

Wildlife adventures: Walter, our very nearly tame squirrel, walked up to me today and put his little paws on my pants legs and look up at me with big, adorable eyes. "Peanut?" he seemed to say. I carry them in my pocket for just such an occasion. He very solemnly took it from my hand and then vanished in a flash of grey tail.

We've had geese lately. Lots and lots of geese. As I was crossing Landmark Trail to get to the mailbox, something spooked them and they took off from the ridge they were on. I looked up to find about two dozen frantic, honking, low-flying Christmas dinners coming right for me. I ducked, they climbed. No one was hurt.

I had a phone interview with the Guthrie Theater for a position in their marketing department. We shall see if anything comes of it.