ADIOS 2020!

 

Not sorry to see the end of 2020! Vaccines are here so perhaps the end of COVID’s stranglehold on our lives and economies is nearing an end.

Christmas and other holiday times with family and friends to gather have been disrupted and put on hold. But I am grateful to say that my family and friends have been kept safe from the virus. Understandably, though, patience with restrictions is wearing thin. Cracks, often quite large, are showing up with our compliance efforts. I will continue to play nice and abide by best medical advice, but long for the day when I can grocery shop sans mask or no regard for “senior hours”. 

Pam and I still await word from our publisher on the status of Beholden To None,  the third (and last for a while) in our Dorothy Dennehy mystery series. We are anxious to move forward with our next series under development – Grant’s Crossing.  The first book tentatively called Grant’s Crossing – Death on the Alder is now undergoing beta reader testing and final edits. Then begins the process of shopping for a new publisher or taking the plunge and self-publishing.

I’ve been polishing up my short story skills, venturing submissions here and there, and a contest or two. Nothing COVID related either!  Although, never say never.

Baking has become my second most prolific past time, next to writing, this year.  My sister and I have partnered together to produce Christmas fruit cakes and assorted cookies and treats to package and distribute via porch drops to family and friends over the next week or so.

 

                                             

Not everyone's cup of tea, but I love traditional English Christmas Fruitcake!  My sister, Michele, faithfully follows our Mother's recipe every year.

Where would we be these days without video options to keep in touch with family, friends, and for me, the writing community.

Netflix, Prime, Crave, and Acorn TV platforms have kept me entertained. Among shows I had to binge are The Sounds and Queen’s Gambit. Loving Season 3 of Star Trek-Discovery! I'm also watching Castle Rock now, which seems appropriate as evenings are dark and the balcony has gone into hibernation. I’ve  been trying to read more, which helps me, as a writer, become more aware of writing styles, likes and dislikes.

So, I wonder what 2021 will have in store for Jamie Tremain?  For you, I wish health, happiness and an appreciation for all that is still good in this world. Oh, and keep reading, too. Please!

Until next year, this half of Jamie Tremain wishes you a Merry and Blessed Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and all things good for this holiday time of year.

See you in the New Year!

Cheers!

Liz

 

Belated Happy New Year

The Christmas season is now finally over for yours truly.  One last family get together yesterday at my sister’s lovely new home in Oakville.  A chance for this side of the family to gather and exchange gifts and a whole lot of food.  Hor d’ouevres and snackie food to start.  Later followed by a non-traditional holiday meal, it was pure comfort food!  Baked macaroni and cheese, some meatballs and salads.  All so delicious and set out buffet style.  Pies and brownies were among the finishing touches with coffee and eggnog.

Two of the grandchildren brought along their new Furbys.  Made for some interesting conversation among the adults and one of the resident cats didn't quite know what to make of them. A lot of Furbish dialogue between the two toys only made sense to them.  The better discovery of the day was learning my granddaughter appears to be a budding chess player, and she’s not eight years old yet.

Also now coming to an end are the recent shortened work weeks – not sure how I’ll cope with a full week as of tomorrow.  No doubt the traffic volumes will be back to their usual capacity.  The past two weeks have been so enjoyable with very light traffic, but all good things…….

Speaking of good things – unlike Pam I'm thoroughly enjoying a new Tassimo.  Last month I had the good fortune to win one at our work Christmas luncheon.  Experimenting with different styles of coffee and hot chocolates; its only limitation in my opinion is tea.  Nothing beats a good pot of tea made with freshly boiling water and being allowed to steep.  Just can’t duplicate that with an instant coffee machine.  The kitchen table is currently doubling as a T-disc dispensary, with a multitude of different coffees to choose from while the novelty is new.

Another highlight, for me, over the past month was taking in the première of “The Hobbit” with my oldest son.  He and I share a great love for Tolkien’s work, as well as all things Star Trek – the next film coming in May by the way.  It’s become tradition for the two of us to take in new releases at the cinemas whenever possible.

As Pam mentioned ‘Jamie Tremain’ plans a get together later this month on a Saturday to brainstorm ideas for book number three.  We are excited to start something fresh.  At the same time Body Perfect will be set loose now upon publishers and/or agents in the hopes of finding the right connection for us.  I've been using my excel skills to create spreadsheets for keeping track of resources, potential agents, our favourite authors and other useful information to store all in one place.  Keeping it revised and current is now much easier than hunting for a multitude of different files.  A fresh start for 2013.

Hoping that all of your fresh start resolutions are manageable and that 2013 brings you all good things and success in your endeavours.

Cheers!

Liz

Flurries

A gloomy overcast Sunday afternoon finds a scattering of flurries softly making their way earthward.  Temperatures have begun to take up permanent residence in the zero neighbourhood and Christmas lights are becoming more prevalent.  Yes, I think winter is approaching.  Can it only be another month until Christmas?   The answer brings harbingers of panic….decorating to do, gift lists to compile and cards to write.  My to-do list grows in direct proportion to the time remaining.

September and October have flown by.  No doubt my three-times a week visits to a chiropractor at the end of the work day and trying to maintain a walking schedule the other two week nights have something to do with that.

Pam and I have also decided to enter the CWC Debut DaggerCompetition with Body Perfect and have been polishing and working on the dreaded synopsis, so this weekend there's been a flurry of activity to work on that.  We have until Feb 2 2013 to submit our entry, but certainly would like to have it sent across the pond long before that date.

Keeping Jamie Tremain to our self-imposed December 1 deadline seems to have worked, because I think we're ready to start with query letters and/or submissions.  Lots of lessons have been learned this past year, but by no means do we feel we know it all.  I doubt anyone ever does.  Writing seems to be a never ending progression of skill and experience – and we never underestimate the wealth of advice so easily found on-line or in our circle of acquaintances.

The next few weeks brings a flurry of seasonal gatherings and other events (I have my sleep clinic date set for December 17) so my written list of upcoming dates to remember sitting on the desk before me will be invaluable to keep me on track.  But when I stop and think that the reason I'm involved in so many events means I'm very blessed to have a loving family and strong circle of friends – how can I really complain?  For that is where true wealth lies, not in possessions or a pay cheque.

As the flurries – whether snow or activities -  continue I wish you a happy and productive week.

Cheers!

Liz

Countdown

One month till Christmas – yikes!  Put that panic button away!

Amidst 9 – 5 work, household chores and writing (most favourite on that list) comes the realization of how the days are closing in on the big event. 

Decorations are up at work and thanks to special elves on my own team who always come over and decorate my little corner spot, I came in Monday morning to see the first signs of Christmas on the floor.  That was the first reality check.  Since then there have been several this week.  Our work place is glad to support the Salvation Army in their gift and food gathering efforts for the Christmas and holiday season and so plans are now underway to surpass last year’s generosity.  Pam and I had a great day with others last year, helping out at the gift distribution centre sorting donations and marvelling at the generosity of kind-hearted souls who give so much to those less fortunate. Rumour has it that Pam has been called upon to lend a helping a hand and it will be great to see her at work again - she has a heart and flair for these activities, as well as a very 'motivating' attitude!

At home, I made a head start several weeks ago and ordered some special customized gifts for most of the adults on my list; they arrived safely last week and so I am able to cross off a huge chunk of names and breathe a little easier.  All that remains are presents for the grandchildren and one or two other gifts.

Today, though, is “Deck the Halls” day.  Plans are to get the tree up and all the surrounding decorations and then hopefully be able to sit back and enjoy them for the rest of the month!  However there is one four-footed curiosity driven creature living here who might not allow for much relaxing.  Last year, while he was still a kitten, Winston was found nestled fast asleep on one of the tree’s boughs mid way up it!  Being a little heavier this year might not be so good for the tree – which will come out of its box later today and not from a parking lot.

Pam and I plan to meet again this Thursday for one last writing get together before Christmas.  We are both very excited about where this newest adventure is going with Paul and Dorothy; new characters are on the scene and they will all have to dress very warmly!  As well, meeting Pam will officially start Christmas gift giving for me as I have had her gift for several weeks now, just waiting to be wrapped and presented.

I put coffee on to brew before I started writing this morning and my nose tells me it awaits , the first of many today no doubt!  Whatever you find yourself doing this week, if its Christmas related I hope its enjoyable for you.  With this time of year comes a lot of frazzled nerves as well and those who work in bustling retail are no less prone to it...perhaps more so because they have to deal with the public all day long.  We consumers at least can come home when we want and escape the fray.  So try and keep a kind word and patient spirit as the order of the day for those who are in need.

Let the countdown begin!

Cheers -

Liz

Christmas Thoughts

Well, we are but two weeks away from the big day and the momentum to get everything done is growing.

Kudos to the Leons Furniture company, for actually saying “Merry Christmas Canada” in its advertising. Its almost like a breath of fresh air to hear a major retail company utter those words which too often are seen as politically incorrect.  And another bright spot was the Eaton Centre in Toronto allowing the Salvation Army kettle stands to rings those wonderful bells once again.  They had been silent for several years because the sound was annoying!   Really -  guess it must have been drowning out the electronic bells of cash registers. 

Thursday morning saw me arrive at our local WalMart store for 8:30, Christmas shopping list in hand.  Ninety minutes later I was able to leave knowing that more than two thirds of my list was crossed off!  And no, I wasn’t playing hooky from work, but had the foresight to take Thursday and yesterday as my last remaining vacation days.  The goal was shopping (including groceries) and to get some baking done.  Two tick marks on my ‘to do’ list are now gratefully in place. Of course the wrapping is yet to be done, but that’s another story.  One or two more gifts are still required and hopefully those will be taken care of before Friday.

A white Christmas may materialize this year as well.  We have a light dusting on the ground right now, with more forecast over the next twenty four hours.  I haven’t checked the long range details yet to see if the temperatures will cooperate and let whatever snow falls over the next few days stay with us. 

Yesterday I glanced out the window in the kitchen and was tickled to see a living Christmas card.  It was lightly snowing, and the fence had a slight covering of snow. Perched atop it was a grey squirrel, industriously working to remove a candy cane from its wrapper.  He made short work of the cellophane and was soon nibbling at the candy.  A great picture, if only my camera had been handy.

Mall parking lots are crammed to their outer edges and must-have items are fast disappearing from retailer’s shelves. Stress levels rise as we remember yet another gift that hadn’t been thought about, or another social invitation is extended with obligations to attend.  Every year we seem to fall into the familiar routine of rush rush, spend spend, and arrive at Christmas Day exhausted – physically and monetarily!   And believe me, I’m no different than anyone else.  Our lives seem to go by at a dizzying pace as it is, and that just seems intensified at this time of year.

However, no advice will be given, because its all been heard before.  And do I pay attention to it?  You probably know the answer to that one!

I’ve promised myself tomorrow to spend some time with Body Perfect, because some momentum needs to be built for its completion.  Amid all the seasonal activities, I can’t lose sight of that!

Cheers!

Liz

CHRISTMAS EVE

It’s here!  Christmas is tomorrow!   All the hustle and bustle can, hopefully, come to a close this day.  It will be fun to see the excitement and laughter of the grandchildren as they delight in the innocence of it all.  Oh, to be a little one again and not get caught up in the commercial, competitive side of things.

Pam is enjoying a much needed week’s vacation and what a perfect time of year to not have to worry about work!  Although more than one manager has been heard to say this week, “I wish Pam were here; I need such and such”.

Like Pam I have been struggling to find time and motivation for serious writing; job hunting (unsuccessful to date); lack of sleep, and long days take their toll.  Early in the New Year, I should be no longer in the temporary management role I’ve had since January and I relish the thought of just having a daily routine of worrying only about me where work is concerned.  Even better would be the chance I can go back to a schedule of hours more suited to my early rising nature.

Still all complaints aside, there is much to be grateful for; a healthy family; wonderful trustworthy and loyal friends; a steady job and a roof over my head in the best country in the world.  These are the blessings which tend to be overshadowed at times by our negativity.  Not that I’m making a New Year’s Resolution, but it wouldn’t hurt to be more positive over the things I have, than the things I don’t.

So, lacking the proverbial crystal ball Pam mentioned, Jamie Tremain will continue to think positive and strive to make 2010 a year of success in one way or another.  I echo Pam’s thanks to those of you who are faithful followers – you are more appreciated than you will ever know!

And now its time to wish everyone the very best of Christmas joy and blessings. May you enjoy time spent with family and friends and never take the blessings in life for granted.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!

Cheers!

Liz

First day of Winter

It is the first day of winter and four days away from Christmas. The snow that started this morning just drifted slowly and came to nothing. Just like my writing lately. I feel as if I am drifting along and then nothing. No rewrites, revisions or editing or anything new for that matter. My time with Liz at work has been limited to a fast coffee and the occasional lunch so plotting and having our editorial meetings have come to a standstill.

My other excuse for not writing is that I did not back up my work for the last three months and appear to have lost it into cyber space. Needless to say I am very frustrated with this turn of events and need Liz to come for a visit to try and sort me out. I have been trying to restore things tonight but no luck. Thankfully Liz always backs up everything and can send me what I need. I did get one query letter sent out last week but need to be more consistent and send them on a more regular basis.

I am on vacation this week until the 28th and I am decompressing from a busy couple of months at work. I feel as if I am doing everything in slow motion and if things are not done ,well, thats just too bad. I still have most of my shopping to do and will get started tomorrow. I know, the stores will be busy and the parking lots full but I am not in a hurry.

Christmas Eve is to be spent at friends for a wonderful dinner ( She is a fabulous cook) and Christmas day will just be my husband and son for dinner. Christmas day without a baby in the house will seem strange but we will all get together soon.

What does 2010 have in store for Jamie Tremain? I wish I had a crystal ball and could see an agent in the horizon. Staying positive and not giving up with our writing is the plan. I don't want to set a time to finish but our hopes are to get "Body Perfect" finished by the Spring. When we are up and running again in the New Year Liz will have our Web site going.

For those of you that follow our blog thanks for the support. Please feel free to make a comment any time.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and health and happiness for the New Year.
Talk soon,

Slainte,
Pam

December First

And of course there is snow on the car this morning; as I write the soft white stuff is gently blanketing the ground with its first winter coat.  Probably won’t last long, but still a foretaste of what is sure to become more abundant!

We received another (very kindly written) rejection note yesterday, but we remain undaunted.  We knew this could be a long process and are not in any way about to give up.  More queries will soon be hitting cyberspace and eventually we will find the right connection.

The Christmas season is upon us – many activities both at work and home are beginning to fill the calendar and so I fear writing, will once again, be taking a back seat.  I mentioned to Pam yesterday that I have taken a week off in February with the thoughts of mild hibernation and devoted writing time.

I enjoyed the company of two of my grandchildren over the weekend – Makenna who is four, and her brother who turned two in August.  It was a sleepover and I had fun with them. Makenna is quite dramatic and creative; her imagination is a wonderful thing to see in process.  During the night she awoke from a nightmare and made her way to my bed; later in the morning she complained, “I don’t like nightmares, Nana.  They are very scary and I’m just a little kid.” This said with arms crossed and bright blue eyes as wide as they could go. 

Max had awoken earlier, wanting mummy and daddy, and so I brought him in to sleep with me.  Why do little ones insist on sleeping sideways?  When Makenna joined us, I found myself sandwiched between the two, soon to be joined by my black fluffy cat, Nitro.  He decided it would be quite fine to sleep spread out over all three of us.  Maybe not so bad, until a hot flash came on with a vengeance!

It was good to be around little ones for a few hours and just observe them, and of course unrequested hugs and kisses were quite welcome too   J

Well, I see the clock ticking towards departure time for work, and I must make some allowance for sloppy road conditions this morning.

Christmas Shopping is on the agenda, again, for this evening.  Oh, and I am working on setting up a website for us; its still in progress, but next blog I will let you have its location and you can check it out.

Enjoy your day – Cheers!

Liz

A Quick P.S.

Happy Boxing Day!

For the very first time I actually went to a large department store on Boxing Day...however not an experience I'd be in a rush to repeat!

Hope your Christmas has been peaceful and healthy.

As promised I've uploaded a more recent photo of Pam and myself taken earlier this month.

My plan is to work on Madelaine tomorrow.. yes Pam, you heard right! As long as the day brings no unexpected interruptions, I plan to be here at my desk, revising. We'll see how that works.

Cheers!
Liz

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to All

Well its nearly upon us once again – Christmas! I always find this time of year to be a time of reflection and remembering. A time to be thankful for abundant blessings and to be more aware of those who are struggling.

Growing up as a child I recall that my father became very melancholy at Christmas time and with a child’s eyes couldn’t understand the sadness, and at times anger, he displayed. Now with the passing of time I begin to see. As adults we too often have lost the innocence of those childhood Christmases, and if they were happy, joyful times with family and traditions, the passing years make us aware that we can never really re-create those times. Over time we lose family members and friends and only have memories to draw upon at times. If we are truly blessed and fortunate, we have created our own traditions with our own family and friends. So while we will always have the past as part of us, we do live in the present and need to make the most of it.

Pam is enjoying a much needed and well deserved small break before Christmas. I wish her and her family all the Best for a Merry Christmas, and for both of us I wish us a great year in 2009 – where we will see “Madelaine” being discovered and much sought after! Hey…if you don’t dream big how do you know it won’t happen?

Mark Twain once said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

We are both anxious to get back in the writing mode and I’m doing my best to get organized so that we can finish up the final draft.

A new photo will be here soon, recently taken at our Christmas lunch held last week at work. We are practicing for book jacket photos don't you know? :-)

So from both Pam and I – Merry Christmas and Slainte (meaning Health or Cheers from Pam’s Scottish background).

Cheers and be safe this Christmas Season!

Liz

Of Tissue and Boxes

And no, its not Christmas presents! Boxes and tissue packing everywhere has been my scenery for the past few days, and while I can see emptied cartons now flattened and awaiting pick up by my daughter for her upcoming move, progress at making order out of chaos seems very slow indeed!

The purchase of a small pantry unit and microve stand will help with kitchen organizing - I hope! I have one last day free from the usual desk job and so must make this one worthwhile. Not one room is yet completely set up which is discouraging. Although yesterday's crowning triumph was to finally hang a curtain rod in the bedroom and remove the taped cardboard - it also meant the window could be opened! Hallelujah - fresh air at last!! I'm a fiend for having a bedroom window open in all weather, with a fan bringing the fresh air in even quicker! The first few nights were sweltering as there is little heat control in this apartment - its either on or off. And when its on it reaches nearly 80 degrees, which is about 10 more than I am comfortable with. So I won't even tell you about the laundry room, where I spent a few hours yesterday! I think the heat is part of the reason I'm lagging in getting organized (well its a good excuse anyway!).

Howerver, I'm very grateful that the computer is up and running, and miracle of miracles, when the internet connection was turned on, it actually worked! Not that I ever had any doubt, LOL!!

Pam has been holding down the fort at work I believe and while I'll be glad to see her and a handful of other friends there when I return tomorrow, its not a place I find much enjoyment in any more. So as the appeal of working drops, the desire to continue writing as a means to escape must increase!

Well there, decision made...I think I shall tackle this new writing room of mine and see if I can get some of the boxes cleared away and unpack my writing notes and manuscripts and get some motivation going!

And as Pam mentioned in her post, the economy is becoming a big worry to so many, so perhaps I should not grumble quite so much about my job, it may not be the best, but the pay is adequate and if I keep in line and stick to the rules, I should be OK. My daughter in law has been laid off from her job in the automotive industry, which will have an impact on her young family, and my other daughter in law's postion as a newly hired nurse may be in jeopardy as well. So this Christmas should be more about family time and not excess, although NOT spending harms the economy as well. It truly is a ripple effect, but balance is needed.

Anyway, for me I'm glad to be "back" and will next send an update when I've got Madelaine open and revising underway.

Wherever you are today, and whatever you find yourself doing, take a moment to count your blessings - and if you have a way to help improve another's situation, don't miss the opportunity.

Cheers!
Liz