writing | Cathy C. Hall Writes

Okay, yes, it’s January. It’s supposed to be cold. And furthermore, I know there are plenty of folks dealing with FEET of snow outside their windows, whereas here, I’m just stepping out into twenty degree weather with teeth chattering. (It actually did snow a few weeks ago–BRRRR!) But I just feel like it may be colder than it usually is Down South this year.

Plus, as you’ve probably surmised, I’m a bit of a wuss when it comes to being cold. I always think of that Robert Frost poem, Fire and Ice, when I’m freezing, because frankly, ice, freezing, and cold temperatures would mean the end of the world to me. As Youngest Junior Hall said after kicking a basketball into his father’s company car rear window, “Just kill me now!”

Anyway, for your reading pleasure, FIRE AND ICE by Robert Frost

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To know that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

And whilst we’re on the subject of weather, high winds and LOTS of rain brought a surprise to my neck of the woods. (Literally.) You can read all about it in Thoughts About Woods and Writing over at The Muffin.

Fortunately, the house is still standing and I’m still writing. In fact, I have my space heater going full blast, I’m munching on Hot Tamales and I’m getting ready for Nonfiction Fest that starts in just a few days. I think you’ll love it, no matter what you write (and I give you a couple good reasons why over at The Muffin in Best Kept Secrets.)

So I hope you’re nice and toasty wherever you are, and healthy and happily writing. And just to cheer you up, I’ve written a little poem of my own, which I call, Solving the Cold Dilemma (by Cathy C. Hall):

If you’re cold and have no heat,

Find some Hot Tamales and eat.

But honestly, a fire is even better,

And maybe a warm and cozy sweater.

♥ Cathy and Libs

TheMuffinHeader Um…it’s August. AUGUST, y’all.

When last we met, it was June and I was walking my way to better. Which I’m still doing. What I’m not doing is writing.

I think my feelings about writing can best be summed up in the song, Sing! from the musical, A Chorus Line. Except where the character says “sing” please insert “write.” (Because ironically, I can sing.)

Lest you surmise that I’ve become a complete slug, I have been doing things.

I’ve done lots and lots of thinking. Mostly on the back deck, whilst taking in some vitamin D and slurping on a frozen concoction. You can read what I’ve been thinking about in “New Thinking About Old Goals”over at the Muffin.

I’ve been reading lots and lots, too. I’ve read the complete series of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith and I’ve learned SO much about Botswana! But I’ve learned other interesting stuff, too, reading sites like Bored Panda. And of course, I’ve read my email, at least the personal ones. And that’s been interesting and informative, too. (You can see for yourself in “What a Writer Wants from a Professional Critique,” also over at the Muffin.)

And painting! Holy Bright White, so much painting! It’s been kind of inspirational, actually, and you can see what I mean at “Writing Tips, Compliments of the Kitchen Painting Project.” Yep, it’s at the Muffin, too.

Last but not least, I’ve been getting ready for Oldest Junior Hall’s wedding. Which has been challenging in the middle of a pandemic but there you have it; one must make the best of things, so we had a Zoom Bridal Shower. And I don’t mean to gloat, but I sort of outdid myself, making a slideshow for the happy couple. So fine, I guess that is gloating, and you can read all about the splendiferous slideshow in “Storybook Story” over at the Muffin.

Um…I suppose you could say technically, I have been writing.

Never mind.