ISN'T IT ABOUT...TIME?

Earlier this week I noticed that two of the stoplights on my morning commute had been retimed, possibly adjusting to the different traffic pattern that comes with school starting.

It occurred to me, as I sat there, panicking and trying to figure out how I was going to make up the 2.8 minutes I'd lost, that I might be a little too busy for my own good at the moment. :/

THE 96TH HOUR

My best moments are 48 and 96 hours after I've finished a story. Not 48 to 96 hours, but rather at 48 and 96 hours. Not on the dot, which is usually around 1 a.m., but close.

Immediately after finishing a story - drafting, redrafting, editing, receiving critiques, fixing according to critiques, then taking a deep breath and hitting send - I'm wiped. Like, draped boneless across a piece of furniture, chirping intermittently to myself.

24 hours later, I'm functional but a bit sad - finishing a story always leaves me in a bit of a funk. And then, around hour 48, while picking up the pieces of my life that have gotten dusty and/or moldered while I was working, ideas start creeping into my brain.

They look around, measure the windows for treatments and pick their rooms. They invite guests. They make themselves comfortable.

They are rarely new. Most stories I've at least glimpsed before I begin writing. A moment with a character here, a dramatic scene there. Some are already half told, in need of continuation, climax or resolution.

Then begins the outline. This is a frantic period characterized by aching hands and giddy insomnia. Then, around the 96th hour, I begin to write.

It is, I think, hour 96. Again.

ALASKA TIME: HIKING, GOLD PANNING, TAXIDERMY

Yesterday was my employer's summer picnic. Going outside this summer has been a dicey proposition since the weather has been less than agreeable. The day turned out just fine. The food and company were great and since we were in Alaska, it was of course beautiful.

 On the trail at Crow Creek Mine

Scouting hiding sites in case the ring wraiths came along.

Collecting my GOLD. Actually it was more like gold.

This taxidermied lynx head is So Happy To See You!!!!!!!!!!!!