Hallowe'en, America, and the local cubs.
The saga of The America begins, NYC Midnight looms, and baby bears.
Where the Chips Lie.
A great first line. Duality, a favourite of mine. A lion, a witch, and a wardrobe awaiting their time to shine. Hallowe’en was a chilly night here in Squamish, BC. So we called it after a single lap around our little street up in the University Highlands, and settled in to hand out the candy. We met all sorts of ghouls and goblins and wonder women, even a pickle! A very cute pickle I might add. Also a donation request as a trick or treat option, which was a first for me. I’m pretty sure those kids took a donation AND some candy but that’s fine, we have far too many sugary leftovers for this overweight dad-bod father! Why do you think I went as a wardrobe?
The Smiling Bandit
We’re not sure how or why this behaviour started but we are definitely promoting it. Proud of his teeth? This is not a flash in the pan facial expression, he holds this face until you acknowledge it. Either with something similar or a giggle. It’s hilarious and count yourself lucky if you get a glimpse. He was doing it tonight after bath time and we were both cackling with laughter.
Cubs
We’ve taught Declan some animal noises, cow’s go “moooooo,” cat’s go “mee-ow,” and bears go “grrrrr.” So I was on a walk with Declan and came across a mama bear.
If you go to the 0:22 mark, Declan unprovoked, growls at the bears! A prouder moment I couldn’t have had. We continued on our way, and while some neighbourhood kids were having a freak out behind us, the family of bears did the same as us—taking note and then moving right along.
The America
I’m sure everyone is over talking about a Trump-led America. So let’s fictionalize it, make it about a post–Trump authoritarian named Cook, and how he finished the wall and retreated his nation behind it, slamming the door shut on the outside world. Then what? Those are the events preceding The Sequence, where a United States became The America. I have written a sort of anthology on the subject, a collection of short stories detailing the events of my character’s journeys as they egressed the country they had called home during a time of oppression and hate. Some of these characters you have met, some you have yet to.
I am sticking as closely as I can to this self-made deadline of Dec 31 for the submittable manuscript of False Ignition. Today I met with local author, Amber Cowie (The Off Season, Last One Alive) and we have agreed to push each other to this mutually agreed upon deadline, writing sprints, coffee meetups, and general urging-on. I look forward to her input.
Carrying On While Keeping On
It’s important to remember, as I was recently reminded by my friend and former colleague, Blake Lawson, to continue to enjoy life while doing the hard work of raising a family.
There’s a lot of great people and friends in this photo from the annual gala at the Terminal City Club in Vancouver, a fun night that served as a reminder how important these people have been in my life, and how important they will be in our family’s future.
Rear View Mirror
I’ve got to write this 250 word micro-fiction piece over the next few days for a NYC Midnight contest that starts tonight at 9pm PST. It’s going to be a tricky 24 hours as we have a shindig to attend tomorrow night that we can’t miss. So there may be an early wake up tomorrow morning in order to crank out some words. Wish me luck!
Hasta Pronto!
You can do this, keep on plugging away ❤️
I wrote an outline and some good content last night. Then I had a dream that was emotionally powerful and fits within the parameters. Drama. Slowing. Bargain. Let’s see.