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A big CONGRATULATIONS to Goddesses Lori Austin (Lori Handeland) and Sabrina Jeffries for being named as RITA finalists for their historical romances BEAUTY AND THE BOUNTY HUNTER and A LADY NEVER SURRENDERS!
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My summer is half over. At the end of August my day job starts again so mid July marks the crest of summer for me. From now on, I am rolling down the mountain.
That makes this time bittersweet. I am still enjoying summer’s freedom and weather (well, with the heat wave, maybe not the weather so much). But I am already tasting the end.
I am also calculating what I did out of what I planned to do. That can be discouraging. Did I plant the garden that seemed so possible last February? No, I didn’t. (It was that heat wave’s fault, I’ve decided). Did I take all the short trips to regional places I clipped articles about in November? Not all of them. Not even many of them. Did I take a really nice vacation? Yes, I did, but technically I did it before summer started.
Did I write the “just for me” book that I thought I would have time for? Don’t ask.
You may be thinking that I haven’t done anything so far this summer. That would not be true. In its own way it has been pretty productive.
I raised a puppy, for one thing. Mr. Darcy is doing quite well, thank you. I take credit for that. He took up a lot of time that I had not anticipated spending that way, but I don’t mind.
I managed to never go grocery shopping. I am very proud of this achievement. I sent the men folk instead. I will have to break down and do it myself soon, though, because they are at best stop gap shoppers.
I watched enough episodes of House Hunters International that I could probably work as an international real estate consultant.
I finished the book from hell. It happens sometimes, and writers just write through it, but it has a way of taking over one’s life.
It doesn’t look like much when I write it out like this. I guess I better get busy, huh? I have about 6 weeks to check off some of those other things I had planned to do. When you are on the far side of summer, the looming fall days make the days left even more precious.
How have you spent your summer so far? Have you done the things you planned?
What do you have on your list for the far side of summer?
74 Comments on “The Far Side of Summer”
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What I had planned for summer…well, I was already prepared for summer classes, so that’s what I’m doing for summer. Taking classes. I also drove my mom to her appointment, and there will be other times in which I will drive her to future appointments.
As for the rest of the summer…summer classes. And reading some books.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 6:35 am.
Summer sounds a lot like my non-summers—classes and such. It is good of you to take care of your mom.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:11 am.
It’s not summer here. I have spent most of this winter sick with a stupid cold, then chest infection and now what appears to be another cold. I have found a man who is good for me and we are planning on making a family and getting our own place at the end of September. I am back at uni after a couple of weeks break and yesterday we learned that Acheron doesn’t appreciate being dosed with worming paste. Being sick was not my idea of a great plan for winter but sheesh, I can’t wait for warmer weather.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 6:51 am.
Wow, good news about the new sig other in your life. That is so cool, and it is wonderful that it is serious. Be careful with those chest colds. Here they are turning into pneumonia more often in young people than in the past, it seems to me.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:13 am.
I have spent my summer mostly getting ready for my big move to Scotland this Tuesday
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 6:56 am.
Congrats! And good luck
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 6:58 am.
Thanks
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 3:06 pm.
Wow! Where has all of this time gone? I remember earlier posts about the move and here it is!!
Best of luck with the move and the first exciting weeks of the new place!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:12 am.
Thank you kez. Seems like yesterday I was getting married
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 3:32 pm.
Now THAT is something to plan for and to fill days with! Have a smooth trip and transition! Be sure to tell us all about it!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:14 am.
Thank you
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 3:36 pm.
I have stayed home this summer and slowly knocked items off my to do list. Far side of summer?? Probably more of the same. Congrats on finishing the book from hell!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:03 am.
I should have written a to do list. Maybe I would have been more dutiful and getting some of it done.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:15 am.
Nope. Nada. Nothing. Work’s been so busy all I seem to do is worry because I’m behind all the time. Vacation in 2 weeks though…I’m so looking forward to it!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:47 am.
Where are you going for vacation? Are you a beach person?
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:16 am.
I could so do the beach. It calls to my inner beach bunny. I could wear some cute flip flops. But being one shade past transparent, I get one day in the sun and 6 recovering with solarcane.
I’m planning on camping, where there are no phones. Not one. And no one can call me. Asking me computer questions. Complaining about why should they pay to have me work on their program because they are sure it’s a fast fix…..
It’ll be fabulous!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:29 pm.
Yep, it was pointed out to me last week that we’re on the downhill slide. This summer hasn’t turned out how I envisioned it to be. DH worked an out-of-town job starting in late May, and was finished in June. I went out with him and helped drive the company van back, sans kids. Mom called and wanted to take a long weekend trip to the mountains. So, 4 solid days of laundry later, we were basking in cool mountain breezes. Daughter the Fish took to swim team, and consistently won ribbons–even after she broke her arm. What I have left: Get Daughter’s cast off. Daughter has her annual eye exam in early August. School supply shopping. Clothes shopping (school has changed dress code). And more pool time. I haven’t spent nearly enough time at the pool with the kids. That pretty much sums up my summer.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:47 am.
Oh, and I forgot, we still have the county fair to go. How could I forget the fair???
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:51 am.
Was that road trip any fun, sans kids? We have been baking here for a month, so your mountain trip sounds yummy to me. We finally had a decent amount of rain yesterday for the first time all summer, and I was cheering because it is almost impossible to water enough when there is a drought.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:19 am.
It was great. A nice time to reconnect with one another.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 3:30 pm.
Wow, she won ribbons even after she broke her arm? That’s impressive! Now she can legitimately brag that she could beat the others with one hand tied behind her back! (But she probably shouldn’t.)
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 1:41 pm.
I was impressed as well. And yeah, bragging is kind of frowned upon
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 3:32 pm.
I’m rewriting the book from hell in the rewrites from hell. Yep. Sometimes they happen.
I had planned to spend more time reading on our patio, but then we had the heat wave drought. I have sat outside with the puppy watching him play in his pool. That’s fun.
The far side of summer for me will be a trip to our State Fair, the zoo, two weddings and dragging youngest son five hours north to college. Hopefully it won’t be 100 degrees when we move him back into his second floor, no air conditioning apt as it was when we moved him out.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:04 am.
Yeah, this heat wave had taken a lot of fun out of summer. I think it is interesting that so many goddesses go to the state fair. I’m not sure I even know where ours is. I assume we have one is PA (?)
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:22 am.
Madeline, I am intrigued…can you share what your book “just for me” is about? Also, I bet the “book from hell” will be fantastic…can you tell us about it?
My summer is going well. I am looking forward to my best friend visiting from VA and our family trip to Disney World in less than one month. We too have a puppy and she does take up alot of time, but like you, we think she’s worth it.
I hope the rest of your summer goes according to your plan…and kudos to the no grocery shopping thing!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:06 am.
The just for me is a mainstream set in Renaissance Florence in the early 1400s. The book from hell is my next book in the current series—I got off track early and kept writing and found myself wayyyyyyyyyyyyy off track, then swimming through mud—-so lots of rewriting. I should know better. It shouldn’t happen. But it does sometimes.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:24 am.
Madeline I work at a university as well. Your summer schedule must differ from ours as my summer runs from middle of May to middle of August. I only have three more weeks of summer!
We did plant a large garden this year. We have been toting water twice a week to keep it alive. The deer have eaten all of the beans and peas. The cucumbers are very prolific as always and the squash/watermelon are coming on strong. We have about 40 pumpkin plants and hope for a plentiful crop as I love decorating for autumn.
Besides the garden we have done a fair amount of driving from Ohio to wherever and back again. New York City, Florida and Wisconsin have all been summer trips. With end of fiscal year and start of 2012/2013 I am done road tripping for a while.
Enjoy the end of summer now that the book is done! Congrats on getting through those first biting/jumping months with a puppy too.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:10 am.
We get out early in May, so in reality I am way past mid point. But we don’t start classes again this year until the 27th. I have duties before that, but it is too depressing to think about that because if I do, like you I will be even closer to the end. Basically, I am lying to myself
It is good to be reminded that all puppies bite and jump, lol. bless their little hearts
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:27 am.
Instill have summer vacation to look forward to, thankfully.
It’s been work travel for me – 2 big trips in June, a big trip right now – to which I’m adding Anaheim next week so yay! Then 2 more trips out west before August is over – the last is all mine, no work!
Yes, my summer has gotten away from me and our 4 heat waves so far have made it unpleasant. It can only get better.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:24 am.
All of your travel sounds very glamorous, but I know that work travel is—work! I am so sorry that I won’t be in Anaheim to see you!!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:28 am.
Me too. I was hoping we’d have our annual gabfest/snark fest. BTW, I recently dreamed that I moved to Pittsburgh. Go figure.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:43 am.
We took our kids to Disney World at the beginning of July. A trip we had been planning for 2 years. The kids had a great time, even if the heat made it very uncomfortable at times. That is really the only exciting thing I have done all summer. My oldest daughter is leaving today for a 2 week stay with her Grandparents, so I will be the entertainment for the 3 year old. I am sure there will be lots of crafts and fort building in my future.
I have been meaning to paint my bedroom for about 6 years now, and finally bought the paint, so hopefully I will get that done before summer is over. I have also been training my 5 month old lab, and it is a slow process. We are currently in her ‘dig up the backyard’ stage. I have tried everything I can think of to stop her, but nothing seems to work. I am kind of hoping she just grows out of it.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:38 am.
Disney is so special for kids. I’ll bet they remember that vacation forever. And paint that bedroom! You will have such a feeling of accomplishment.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:30 am.
It has been a crazy weather summer here. Plus we had the fire. But I’ve been gardening anyway, and slogging through the first half of a book, one sentence and then another. Thinking about buying a new car.
We are taking our big vacation in January, to New Zealand, so not traveling this summer. Much.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 8:48 am.
I am so jealous that you are going to New Zealand. I have been wanting to visit for about 10 years. Not an easy trip, though. I got a Honda CR-V and really like it. I bought it because I wanted all wheel drive for the snow, then last winter we had no snow. I doubt I’ll be so lucky this winter.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:32 am.
I’d love to go to New Zealand if only I could do it without spending that many hours on a plane!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 1:42 pm.
Madeline, I had gotten my puppy last summer, and they do take up a lot of time. But so worth it to train them right. Good luck with Mr. Darcy!
I just got back from Wildwood Crest at the Jersey Shore. It was so relaxing to just sit on the beach and read. My only complaint was it went to quick. I will be back down there in Cape May next month for a weekend visit. We also have some day trips planned before summer ends.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 9:21 am.
When I “beach” it has been the Jersy Shore, so I know the towns you are talking about. That whole area is really nice in summer, and very restful. The weekend in Cape May should be refreshing and a great way to round out the summer.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:34 am.
You did great! Training a puppy? Writing the book from hell? Catching up on House Hunters Intl (and doesn’t it just kill you when the shopper wants “a real Vietnamese experience” and then says, “This is the kitchen? I can’t cook in this kitchen.”). How do realtors avoid murdering someone once a week?
I need to . . . watch more House Hunters Intl. Maybe I can pick up some tips on patience and forbearance.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 9:39 am.
I keep watching these people buying into third world economies and the places are half a million for two bedrooms. Where the heck does the native population live? I’m with you—why move to these places and live in a U.S. styled place in a compound full of U.S. people? I think the realtors are getting kick backs from those developers above and beyond their normal fees. But that is another blog,
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:38 am.
You know, I was thinking the same thing. The prices are so high! Do that many people really want a ruin on one acre in Tuscany? A two bedroom apartment in Saigon? A smallish home on the Yucatan Peninsula? I would think those places would go for less than what they’re asking.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 12:30 pm.
So far I have not done all that much. I’ve spent as much time writing as I am able, but with two young sons taking up my time, I haven’t gotten much done but for when my mom babysits.
As for having plans, some of those have fallen through. But my cousins and I have decided that we’re all getting together in August. We’ll see if that happens!
My list consists of doing more writing. If I can find time!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:49 am.
A mom of young children always has a hard time finding time to write. You just do what you can do, right? I wrote my first book during naps my son took. It took a while to finish it!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 11:21 am.
That’s mostly when I find the time to write, as well. My youngest naps, but my 3 year old doesn’t. Though, my mom has agreed to take the boys off my hands on Mondays, so now I’ll have at least 1 full day per week that I’m able to do some writing. Yay!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 12:22 pm.
My summer has been pretty much like the rest of the year. I have dialysis three times/week which takes up twelve hours total, then I spend a good portion of the time babysitting or watching baseball. Or babysitting and watching baseball. I’m trying to teach 4yo Leia about the game and she seems really interested. I’m a pro-active sitter, so we do lots of activities together. One special thing we do is going to the beauty shop. She loves getting her hair shampooed. We do have our share of arguments, especially about bedtime. Even though it’s summer, bedtime is important as she’s in summer school.
There is one special activity planned: A trip to Yankee Stadium, complete with dinner and limo transportation. My BFF is connected to an organization that is providing the trip.
I do have a trip to my hometown planned for October. I’ve reconnected with my high school steady through Facebook and we’ve made lots of plans. We talk all the time on the phone, but I’m nervous about our reunion. I’m looking forward to seeing brothers and sisters I haven’t seen in years.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 11:45 am.
You sound like a really neat babysitter. If you promise to take me to get my hair washed, you can babysit me
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 1:35 pm.
Anytime, Madeline!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 4:21 pm.
So with my dh working on a movie that comes out at the end of September, we really haven’t done anything this summer. Both kids did summer school – my 8 yo dd did it at home since there was some conflict with the middle and elementary schools release time. She liked it at home because it’s just an hour of math, reading and reading comprehension, and grammar. Then, she’s been learning how to ride her bike without training wheels for recess. She’s pretty good at it. We’ve, also, been to some pool parties, movies, and kids recreation centers. I’ve been taking an online jewelry class on making boho earrings that I’m loving, but need to find more time on the computer to finish it before the class ends August 15th. As a family we attended the Beach Boys 50th anniversary at the Hollywood Bowl, and I went to an alternative rock concert with some friends. Now, that we’re having regular sun, it looks like we’re FINALLY getting some tomatoes, pumpkins, and green onions. I’m still hoping that we’ll get some watermelon. There’s the baby bird that we took to a rescue when it and the nest fell out of our climbing rose when it was being trimmed.
As for the rest of the summer, I’ll be in Anaheim next Wednesday. The following Monday I’m going to a concert with my dh. Then, my ds will be attending Boy Scout camp on Catalina Island the first week in August. My dd will be attending all day art camp that week, too. I think it’s going to be my favorite week of the summer!! I’m going to paint my ds’ room while he’s at camp. I need to find some big bookcases for his room, too, and get rid of the stuff that he’s outgrown. I’ll be working on finishing my earring class, too. Then, 2 days after my ds gets back from camp, we’re heading to Montana to visit my family sans dh. We’ll be there for a week with the plan of visiting the sapphire mines and ghost town in western Montana. While we’re there, we’ll be celebrating my mom’s birthday. The kids will get to hang out with their cousins – better for my dd as there are 4 girl cousins close to her age, while my ds has only one whose 2 years younger and not so mature. I get to be with 3 of my sisters, one of whom is one of my best friends, and my older brother. There’s my favorite vintage clothing store to visit. When we get home it’ll be school clothing shopping, and school starts the 28th. We’re back to having 2 schools.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 12:40 pm.
Wow, you are busy! Kids do that, but even so you have been a dynamo. Montana will be neat to visit. I’ve been there once, years ago, and did the ghost town route, and also got to Yellowstone.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 1:38 pm.
It’s funny because it feels like we haven’t done much this summer until I started listing it. And we went to Shakespeare by the Sea – Two Gentlemen of Verona. I think my dh complained more than the kids about it. However, IMO it’s important to expose our kids to this kind of culture, especially since it’s free. I grew up going to Shakespeare in the Park in Montana and loved it. While the kids might not appreciate it, now, I think they will when they are older.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 2:32 pm.
My father always took us to the Shakespeare in the park performances in D.C. I also think just the exposure is important. He did a lot of cultural things like that which I really did not understand at the time, but in the end I have spent my life in the culture industries, so to speak.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 3:31 pm.
I have been making progress with Geezer on going through boxes, getting rid of stuff (Crap) and making more concrete plans for getting out of tiny town.
I am in SoCal at the moment having a fabulous time seeing friends and visiting old haunts. I think by the end of this one, I will need a week or so to recover.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 12:57 pm.
I should be spending time getting rid of crap. I have a closet that has become horrible. Where does it all come from?
Enjoy SOCal. Sounds like you are living it up.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 1:39 pm.
elfa closet systems. Container store. I have never been so in love.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:26 pm.
My summer has been mostly writing and trips–the trip to the UK (11 days) and the trip to L.A. for conference (6 days). If those two hadn’t come on the heels of a week-long trip to see my family and 5 days at RT, I would be fine, but a month’s worth of trips and a 6 month house renovation has really hurt my writing schedule, so I’ve been planning catch-up since Christmas. ARGH!! But after conference, I have a month and a half at home, so I’m going to finish the book that I’ve barely started. I am. Definitely. Have to. Otherwise, I’ll still be behind!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 1:24 pm.
I tend to do trips in a row like that. Although one is out of pocket for a long time, I think it is more efficient than,say, one trip a month, considering the prep and recovery that gets built in when you space them out.
Behind? You? I can’t believe that
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 1:41 pm.
Yes, I know. It’s an eternal state.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 5:40 pm.
Just bumming around the house, avoiding this horrendous heatwave… that an cleaning out a storage unit from our 101 year old auntie who recently passed away..
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 1:46 pm.
I have resisted getting a storage unit. I figure it will only encourage me to keep more crap and I already have way too much. I should be cleaning out some of it in the weeks ahead if I pay any attention at all to my list.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 4:40 pm.
The highlight of my summer has already passed: visiting my family and playing with my baby nephew. Now, I’m just back to trying to find a job. *sigh*
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 3:43 pm.
I have always liked family trips/vacations (especially if I can borrow a baby for a while.) Good luck on the job search!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 4:40 pm.
I am STILL writing the book from hell and I fully intended to be finished by now. I made it through the summer cupcake season at Walmart without killing anyone and without eating a single red, white and blue decorated cupcake. Soon it will be time for back to school cupcakes, followed by Labor Day cupcakes, then Halloween cupcakes, Thanksgiving Turkey cupcakes (we do cupcakes in the shape of little turkeys. Usually have to produce around 750 for the local nursing homes for Thanksgiving Dinner!)
I intended to get far more done in my yard than I did. Again! And I intended to finish up my writing studio, but that is NOT going to happen until after RWA Nationals in Anaheim.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 3:46 pm.
Have a good time in Anaheim. Send any good gossip my way!
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 4:41 pm.
Gossip? As in Goddesses behaving badly? You’re on! (Insert Evil Grin here!)
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 11:46 pm.
I really wanted to read the Game of Thrones series as a summer reading project. I still haven’t started. I did read Gone Girl, however. What a fabulous book. Highly recommended!
I also did a lot of renovating. I still am. I think I am going to redo the upstairs bath and then I will be done. Which means that everyone here needs to be sure and buy my books. You want me to have a great guest bath, don’t you??
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 5:06 pm.
Renovations are time sinks, even if you hire people to do it. So your summer has been very productive, it seems to me. I agree everyone should buy your books to help out with that bathroom. They have a way of morphing into spas when getting renovated.
Posted on July 21, 2012 at 10:59 am.
What I have done this summer: worked 3 days a week until auntie went on vacation for 3 weeks, then I worked every day.
Wanted to do: work
Plans for rest of summer: work
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 7:53 pm.
It is good that you will get to do what you want
Posted on July 21, 2012 at 11:00 am.
It’s a pretty boring summer for me. Working and trying to stay cool takes up most of my time. Of course I have to tell everyone it’s too hot to work around the house(swamp cooler just isn’t cutting it lately)so I have to sit in front of a fan and read.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 9:25 pm.
This heat wave has really taken the fun out of summer around here. Lots of people don’t have air conditioning because normal summer heat is manageable without it and lots of homes are too old for central air. The malls have had a lot of traffic as those people go there to cool off.
Rain yesterday has brought in a cool front, so today for the first time in weeks we have the windows open and the air c off. Stay cool!
Posted on July 21, 2012 at 11:03 am.
Well, summer in Texas lasts a long time, weather-wise.
I’ve gotten to take a little time off work and spend with family. We are currently planning my granddaughter’s first birthday next month, so that has been a lot of fun.
Posted on July 20, 2012 at 10:39 pm.
Little ones are so cute at their first birthday parties. Sort of happy but bewildered. Enjoy!
Posted on July 21, 2012 at 11:04 am.
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Posted on September 10, 2012 at 10:12 am.
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Posted on April 6, 2013 at 9:00 am.