Happiness is a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but which if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. … Nathaniel Hawthorne
July 1 was my third adjusted deadline for my current work in progress, An Appalachian Summer. I did not want to request a third extension so I’ve been doing a lot of staring at my words on my computer screen as I tried to get all the unnecessary words out of the way and just leave in those words that best tell my story. I hope I’ve done that.
I just held my breath and hit send on the manuscript a few minutes ago. That is always a scary send. What if I’ve forgotten something? What if I left in some mistakes along the way? What if? I should save my what ifs for the next book. That is the way I like to start coming up with a new idea. I ask “what if.” And then with the right questions a story comes to mind. I’m hoping I asked the right what if questions back last year when I first began writing this story.
But today it’s sent and now I just have to await word from my editor to see if I did get the story told well enough to make it out to you readers. Now it’s time for a little rest and relaxation. So what better way to relax my eyes after hours of computer staring than to look at some butterflies. So beautiful as they flutter here and there, finding flowers.
What beautiful thing do you like to look at to rest your eyes and sweeten your thoughts?
Comments 24
any flower that i see when i take daisy out!
Author
A wonderful way to rest your eyes, Peggy. Fun that your dog has a flower name too. I hope your flowers are blooming big for you this year.,
I do believe that a rain storm is my soothing event , so long as it is not accompanied by a lot of wind. Thunder and lightening I don’t mind , it is when the wind goes full blast that I get nervous. Was watching a sweet storm last night here in Indiana and got chased inside by a blustery wind.
Author
A rainstorm can be an interesting event. I’d prefer to watch from indoor and not have it pop up while I’m walking about a half mile from the house though, Martha. My aunt used to like to go shopping in the rain. Take her umbrella and walk down the street from store to store. That was way before malls with everything under roof. And I do think thunder and lightning is better observed through a window. 🙂 I have my character out in a storm in the book I just finished. Storms can add a little interest in a story.
Yes, I remember the storm Josie was in. Frightening! Better to be sheltered In that type of storm and not outside!
Congratulations! I know that I am going to love your new book. I love to see and hear water laughing over rocks, gazing at twilight and night sky, and looking into the face of a baby and watching that little diaper waddle.
Author
You are properly anticipating some of the things I let my characters experience in An Appalachian Summer, Sandi. You sort of sound like a poet. 🙂 Guess that’s because you are, right?
Beautiful butterflies…Can’t wait for Appalachian Summer. I’ve spent some summers in the Appalachians of North Carolina. Beautiful mountains…
Author
It will be a while before Appalachian Summer is out there for readers, but I appreciate you adding it to your want to list, Birdie. Glad you enjoyed my butterfly pictures too.
Beautiful pictures! I’m looking forward to reading your next book also. I like resting my eyes on my yard, if it is freshly mowed with my flowers and bushes blooming.
Author
That green grass and trees mixed with a few flowers is a great place to rest our eyes, Connie. The Lord knew what he was doing when He designed this world.
Can’t wait to read the new book. Sounds wonderful as usual! Love you ANN! Your books always give me wonderful things to think about! God bless!,
Author
Thank you, Fran. I hope you are feeling better. And that you’ll find many good books to read this summer.
Congratulations on sending your manuscript in!
Your butterflies are beautiful!
I’m afraid my eyes are perpetually tired.
I do sew some and need to put my books aside to do a few projects. At least it’s a different sort of focus.
Author
Thanks, Paula. My eyes got really tired before I finished editing. I couldn’t decide if my glasses weren’t right or if the print on the monitor had faded. But I finally got almost all of those too many words deleted. Now to wait to see what my editor thinks of the story. I think I’m going to take some time off and read some books that aren’t on a screen.
We live on the water with a western view. The sunsets are amazingly beautiful even though short lived. I love to go out on our deck on the second story and watch them as they disappear. Very relaxing! 😊
Glad you made your deadline! 😊😊
Author
That sounds wonderful, Karen. I love seeing sunsets or sunrises over water. I should have stayed out tonight to see our sunset, but I thought I had too much to do. Isn’t that the way of it? We miss out by hurrying through our days. I saw pictures of the sunset on FB but it would have been better if I’d gone back outside to see for myself.
I’ve been busily sewing, trying to reach shipping deadlines. But I’m all caught up, except for a local order. So now I’m able to enjoy the view of my lake from my sewing room window. And there’s dragonflies galore! But I’ve yet to catch one stay still enough to snap a picture.
I can’t wait to read the new book. It sounds wonderful.
Have a great week, Ann. Summer is finally here. 🙂
What do you sew, Lavon? Do you have a website?
Karen
Hi Karen,
I sell mostly dolls, doll clothing and accessories, doll baskets and infant clothing. My family and friends also keep me busy with projects too. Years ago I made my sister’s wedding gown…not sure if I want to do that again!
I tried leaving a link to my etsy shop, but got kicked off for spam. You can try looking for ButtonsAndBeauxDolls. But you can also find it on fb under Designs by LavonSheree.
Thanks for the inquiry. If you have little girls, look me up! 😉
Hi Lavon, Thank you for replying! I don’t have any little girls; all grandsons, but I have friends with granddaughters. 😊 I’ll do my best to find you.
Karen
Author
Sounds like you’re busy, busy. Karen wants to know if you have a website for your sewing . I looked for you FB but I guess we just talk via my author FB page.
Dragonflies are the worst to try to capture in a picture. Just as you get ready to snap the picture the rascal will zoom away nearly every time. I did capture one picture last year finally. The dragonfly must have been sick. LOL.
Hi Ann,
I responded to Karen’s inquiry. And I sent you a message on facebook. We’re not “friends”, but I’ve been able to follow your page. I love the photos!
A friend of mine actually captured a couple of photos of dragonflies this week. They’re amazing…I’ll share them on FB, since there’s no option for me to post pictures here.
We had a beautiful rainbow today, but I was driving and it was gone before I got home. I just love a summer downpour. The air is so clean and fresh now….a good time to relax on my patio, before sewing up some new kitchen curtains for my mom. 🙂
Author
I usually don’t ask people to friend me, Lavon. I love it when they join the conversation on my Facebook page. I’ll see if I can see those dragonflies. You can share pictures in the comments on my FB page too.
How sweet to make your mom some new kitchen curtains. New curtain always spruce up a place.