quick check-in

My traveling, free-spirit of the land lifestyle will be over shortly and I'll return home, and be consistent again in posting. For the moment, though, I am still on the wind, and part of the echoes. I'm 'caching', as it were, for the writing to come. And I have good news to share, when I have time to properly write it out, about a story I wrote that was accepted! More to come on that when I'm settled home again and can be long-winded and gush about it!

grey and pensive

It's a grey and pensive day out there, raining and gloomy. The sound of rain pattering on the roof is quite audible and makes me want to hide inside. I've got coffee brewing in the kitchen, and I'm working on starting a fire in the fireplace, though. Which means today is the perfect day for working on a ghost story!!

weird little town

Sorry to have been MIA for a bit. I was staying with a friend and things just got busy, and I haven't even cracked open my laptop in about 7 days. WOW. I didn't think I could go that long, but apparently, when you're busy enough, it can happen. But I am traveling again, and had the weirdest little experience. I stopped off in a tiny little town, which seems to be just a few stores on a main corner. And honestly, it was a little bit Twilight Zone. Everyone barely acknowledged me, even when I was right there, unless it was to be somewhat rude in their ignoring me. A guy pulled in at the gas station in front of me (ignoring my having been waiting to pull in), a woman pushed through the doors to the gas station mart, glaring at me as if I was the one in her way (I'd been there first and actually held the door for her), and a few other odds and ends. Just really busy people, breezing through their day, but it was bizarre. I was in a good mood, so it didn't sour me, but I did find it odd. And I wonder how I can turn it into a story. It seems like it could be some kind of a fairytale. Why are the people in this town like this? And if I hadn't gotten out of town before sunset, would it have been dangerous? I do like when something triggers this atmosphere of wondering, because when my hindbrain finally pulls it altogether, I usually end up with a very nice, creepy, spooky tale.

ice outside

There's ice outside on the porch to my lonely eyrie. It's quiet here, and still. The countertops are cold, the floor soaks up the heat from my feet, and the air is cool. I can hear the sounds of the house, and it seems the house is the most talkative between us. I get to return to my own little busy home today, and I will be quiet glad of it! It may be worn and threadbare, but it is cozy and solid, and there are nothing of the whispers of empty woods.

ice outside

There's ice outside on the porch to my lonely eyrie. It's quiet here, and still. The countertops are cold, the floor soaks up the heat from my feet, and the air is cool. I can hear the sounds of the house, and it seems the house is the most talkative between us. I get to return to my own little busy home today, and I will be quiet glad of it! It may be worn and threadbare, but it is cozy and solid, and there are nothing of the whispers of empty woods.

raining at the lonely eyrie

And now it is raining here at the lonely eyrie! Honestly, it couldn't be more picturesque than this. (Other than if there was a hearth and fire, which there isn't. There would be in my fantasy home.) I'm chilled, and wearing a knit cap and wool socks. I think I like fantasy soooo much better than reality. I need a hot cup of tea. But I am working on some editing. Go, editing!!

housesitting

I used to think it would be so lovely to live far away, maybe in the mountains, maybe in the woods, or on a lonesome cliff near the sea. These images are used all the time in stories and movies, fairy-tales and make-believe. I'd sweep my porch and bake some bread (idyllic much? why yes!) and cuddle with my kitties, and read in the late afternoons, drinking hot chocolate. I'd stoke the fire in the evening, and close the windows against the dark. There'd be a lovely little garden, and perhaps a stream would cut through the property, gurgling to me, and telling secrets as it passed. But, maybe not so much. I've got the lonely eyrie house for the weekend (wood floors, granite countertops, custom ironwork on the staircase and all) and while it is very pleasant, I miss the bustle of my own small home. Perhaps it is only because this place is not mine, with things that are mine in it. Or perhaps it is that I am not build for the solitary life. The quiet here, it is so exacting. It makes me think of horror stories. And with Halloween just past, and the world starting to slumber for the winter, I think it is a perfect time to let this atmosphere foment in my brain.

in search of a better beef stew

My mom made me a very lovely beef stew, and it was quite tasty. But she's very traditional with her beef stew. Meat, potatoes, onions, carrots. Beef stew gravy. I'm not super in love with potatoes in stew. Nor carrots, though I like those moderately better. I realize that readers are now viewing this with horror. Potatoes are the bedrock foundation of dinner! And I love a good baked potato. But I'm just 'meh' about them when they are in stews and soups. I know that I could just leave them out, or substitute turnips or parsnips, etc. But I want something that is a hearty, delicious beef stew that isn't about substitutions. That is a beef stew standing all on its own merits. Does anyone have a good beef stew recipe that is a bit on the different side?