Remember that wall I painted orange for my birthday a year and a half ago?
It's not orange anymore. I covered it with chalkboard paint and it became an integral part of Thanksgiving dinner this year. I envision it holding all kinds of messages and lists and sayings over the years. I think I've got it just right now.
Look closely and you'll find a gratitude list in photographs and even in words, high above the window... love that addition. Thank you, Jim.
Those who eat. Those who clean up. Those who appreciate. Thank you, my baker.
I know it's almost December and we'll be racing headfirst into the holidays, I know I have one more trip this year, to two elementary schools in East Tennessee next week, but I am still going to try to write every day in December. Okay, maybe not Christmas Day, we'll see how it goes.
For the first time in ten years, I plan to be home more than away next year -- home almost all year long. I've been planning and scheming for this year, and I think finally I can swing it.
I'm grateful for this coming year of writing -- a writing intensive. I want to get a head start on that year in December. So on December 1, I will tiptoe back into my novel. I'll write about that process, here.
I'm also going to use December to set up next year's writing year. I'll chronicle that here, too. I don't exactly know how it will work, but I have ideas. I may never have another year like this one to write and write and write in, and I want to use it wisely. I have lots and lots... and lots... of ideas, and stories I want to write.
I also have lots of living I want to do. Lots of learning to love Atlanta. Lots of exploring with my sweetheart, lots of staying put and venturing forth. Lots of family time. Lots of memories to make. Lots of becoming. Lots of letting go.
I feel rawther pregnant with possibility. ha!
So I'm nesting now. Getting ready. And very grateful. For everything. In advance. Yep, everything. All the messy glory. Come on in, I say... let the year of possibility begin.
hope the novel you are working on is the second book in the 60's trilogy. i keep checking to see if it's out--can't wait to see what your characters are doing that mirrored what i did in those days! (playing the spinning song on the piano--and the only song i remember to this day!)
ReplyDeleteYep, it is! Thanks. Here's to Spinning Song. :>
ReplyDeleteHi Deborah. I don't know if you will find this comment after so many months, but I am wondering if you still love your blackboard wall, and if blackboard paint works as well as a real blackboard. I just reorganized my office and I cleared a wall for the purpose of plotting out my stories and making visual story maps. What do you think, real chalkboard or chalkboard paint?
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance for your help. And for giving me the inspiration!
P.S. My son says they are making whiteboard paint now too. Decisions, decisions.
Hi Deborah. I don't know if you will find this post after so many months, but I am wondering if you still love your blackboard wall, and if it works as well as a real blackboard. I just reorganized my office and I've cleared an entire wall for the purpose of plotting out my stories and making visual story maps. What do you think, blackboard or blackboard paint?
ReplyDeleteThanks in advance for your advice. And thanks also for the inspiration.
Hey, Danette! I love my blackboard wall. Be sure to follow directions. Three coats of paint, and wait 3 days after the last coat, for it to cure. We use it all the time. I love the idea of plotting out stories! One thing: I erase with a damp cloth and then just wait for it to dry before I use it again. It's cleaner and there is less chalk dust. Erasers don't work well and leave that old chalkboard white space, so a damp cloth does better. Good luck! xoxo
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