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catherineldfBack from an exciting trip to teach at the Novel in Progress: Speculative Fiction Edition in West Band, Wisconsin. I had originally thought that I was going to be able to send Jana to stay with a friend in Utah, but between her health issues, her friend's health issues and the state of flying, it was pretty obvious that it wasn't going to work out. Then I had hoped to hire a PCA, but that, it seems, will be a longer and more elaborate process than I had hoped. So in order to go to Wisconsin for four days, two spent traveling and two teaching, I organized a network of 9 friends and an organization, plus some assistance from our neighbors. People picked her up every day and took her out and checked on her. The backyard bluejay discovered our security camera which led to some entertaining staredowns. And it went well: she had a good time, the cats got tended too and I confirmed that I have awesome friends. Next up, I'll be talking to Pathfinder Care Management about longer term plans, etc.
The travel part consisted of leaving early to go stay in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, at the Fargo Mansion B&B, where I stayed last year. It continues to be a delight, from its weird, haunted turret with its missing bannister to its ancient kitty looking for scritches to its haunted photos, knick knacks and antiques and its charming innkeepers. I got to roam around town, check out the new since last year bookstore, have a good dinner and meet nice people at the inn. It was almost like a vacation, which I haven't had since a single day last year. The workshops themselves were pretty fun; they were down an instructor so I picked up additional teaching, which was fun but grueling. I did get to walk the labyrinth, which was soothing and meditative and have some great conversations. On the way back, I got to stop off to see more friends and have an excellent lunch with them. Rural Wisconsin is scary rightwing and if you have any spare change to throw at organizations trying to turn things around, like Movement Labs or Wiscon Dems, consider sharing. But otherwise, good trip all around, and lacking in last year's gruesome storms.
Mostly tired today and trying to get caught up. We may have some very good news about a Queen of Swords Press title in the future, but it's not in a place to be talked about yet. And I recognized that I am very, very behind on everything, will not be caught up in a reasonable timeframe and that we cannot open to submissions this year. I'll be following up on some invites so and working on the anthology I've been wanting to do so I think it will work out, if not the way I tried to plan for it. And I'm tabling at two different farmer's markets with art sections this week, which should be interesting. Chicon 8/Worldcon is a go; I am bringing Jana and we're going by train. Looking forward to seeing people and roaming around the big city once again, for the first time in many years.
The travel part consisted of leaving early to go stay in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, at the Fargo Mansion B&B, where I stayed last year. It continues to be a delight, from its weird, haunted turret with its missing bannister to its ancient kitty looking for scritches to its haunted photos, knick knacks and antiques and its charming innkeepers. I got to roam around town, check out the new since last year bookstore, have a good dinner and meet nice people at the inn. It was almost like a vacation, which I haven't had since a single day last year. The workshops themselves were pretty fun; they were down an instructor so I picked up additional teaching, which was fun but grueling. I did get to walk the labyrinth, which was soothing and meditative and have some great conversations. On the way back, I got to stop off to see more friends and have an excellent lunch with them. Rural Wisconsin is scary rightwing and if you have any spare change to throw at organizations trying to turn things around, like Movement Labs or Wiscon Dems, consider sharing. But otherwise, good trip all around, and lacking in last year's gruesome storms.
Mostly tired today and trying to get caught up. We may have some very good news about a Queen of Swords Press title in the future, but it's not in a place to be talked about yet. And I recognized that I am very, very behind on everything, will not be caught up in a reasonable timeframe and that we cannot open to submissions this year. I'll be following up on some invites so and working on the anthology I've been wanting to do so I think it will work out, if not the way I tried to plan for it. And I'm tabling at two different farmer's markets with art sections this week, which should be interesting. Chicon 8/Worldcon is a go; I am bringing Jana and we're going by train. Looking forward to seeing people and roaming around the big city once again, for the first time in many years.