tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1937486198334226812024-03-14T02:52:59.792-07:00Northern Visions -- Life In a Northern TownA little of this and a little of that... life along the shores of The Great Lake, MichiganAnnie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-87906036940431419662022-04-28T06:20:00.000-07:002022-04-28T06:20:23.161-07:00The Process vs The Practical.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQwm0eefrIQJKsllpXIaUA5hHi_VwrwpF-RtYNmzxeuncKG62z90iHpD3tRVC43vZqZXpRI77FeSudcJZxizza1zXtls1-w4_Ya9xVUmNean3H0VugTWracJRgK36WVFpuzPYoAqR3wDox_-j889cT1V38glefG0ZSfRypIO_HplpuGZcjXTzLFF6Bg/s900/the-book-of-magic-eugene-james%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="900" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQwm0eefrIQJKsllpXIaUA5hHi_VwrwpF-RtYNmzxeuncKG62z90iHpD3tRVC43vZqZXpRI77FeSudcJZxizza1zXtls1-w4_Ya9xVUmNean3H0VugTWracJRgK36WVFpuzPYoAqR3wDox_-j889cT1V38glefG0ZSfRypIO_HplpuGZcjXTzLFF6Bg/s320/the-book-of-magic-eugene-james%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div> The month of March had me out of commission; I spent 3/4 of it in downstate Michigan helping my mother to recover from some back surgery, hence the lag in blog posts. I had considered posting but I was really too tired to put more than a few sentences together so decided to hold off- I'm sure none of you wanted to read that!<p></p><p> And now it's almost May and, I have to say, this has been one hella disjointed winter! I was in New Orleans for about 6 weeks just into the new year, then to my mother's, then a week with my brother at his new place in South Carolina. I flew home from there, with Jack going back to New Orleans for some work. Throughout it all, I managed to finish the manuscript of Book 3 in the Faerie Tale Chronicles series and will begin editing on Monday. </p><p> Regarding the writing; it's a struggle between my head and my heart every day. Every. Day. I had never ever planned on being an author and had never written fiction. That being said, there are these stories that I feel compelled to write down; they are already there, just waiting for me to get the words out. That process is personal, amazing, and almost spiritual; these characters that speak and have lives that they want other people to know about. The physical books make the ethereal material, so says my heart. </p><p> My head, however, says things like How much is this costing? Can you recoup the money? Where are these books going? Is anyone but you interested in these stories? Perhaps it'd be best to just keep them as digital ebooks which are essentially free and you won't be using family resources for this ego-trip. You must promote these to sell these but don't promote too much or you'll look pathetic. </p><p> I try to walk the line between head and heart by simply writing and enjoying the process but there are the downtimes when it's a battle between the two and I have to just walk away and wait for the storm to calm down. This is one of those times... it gets better and I doubt that I'm not the only creative human that battles the process vs the practical but sometimes it seems like it.</p><p> Anyway, Book 3 is almost a physical reality and the restaurant will be starting up again in about 3 weeks for the summer season which means I will be running so fast that none of those internal debates will matter for a bit. :-) The hyper-focus of the summer months is almost a respite from the internal monologues of the off-season! </p><p> And Spring is really almost here- so says the calendar! Ha! The temperature hasn't yet received that memo and it's been COLD, like midwinter cold! Last night was in the low 20s but the sun is out this morning so at least it's bright. I'm going to my daughter's for dinner this evening and out with some friends tomorrow night in a concentrated effort to get out of my cave mentality - obviously too much time in my own head isn't a good thing for me! <br />Spring is always a slightly dangerous time; it's a liminal space within the Wheel of the Year. And while the overriding cultural idea is that it's all about new beginnings and rebirth it has also shown itself to be a time of clearing away and removal of what no longer serves... Summer? Summer is full-on abundance and activity and energy and I welcome it every year. </p><p><br /></p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-54040741021576532512022-02-05T06:56:00.001-08:002022-02-05T07:17:57.742-08:00Never Underestimate the Power of Paint<p> We recently moved apartments here in New Orleans. While I was absolutely in love with our little second-floor walk-up with its front and back balconies 'little' was the operative word and it became very apparent that my goal of spending the majority of the winter months down here would be dashed if I didn't find a larger place. </p><p> So about two weeks into our stay I set my intentions on a larger apartment that would be in our price range, and in our neighborhood. A tall order, indeed, but Spirit listens and not only did I find us everything listed above but located almost directly across the street from where we were!</p><p> So the new place is easily twice the space of the old with a living room, two bedrooms, a full bathroom, laundry room, dining room, eat-in kitchen, and a small space between us and the neighbor's house (actually, our landlords) that we can use as a dog-run freeing us up from the 'must do' chore of 3 times a day walks with the dogs. </p><p> The previous tenants had lived here a long time and the apartment was a little rough but it had great bones and checked every box -plus some- so we applied and spent a nervous bunch of days waiting to hear if we would be approved. It was a real nail-biter of a week! Approval finally came and we set to work scrubbing and patching and repairing. </p><p>Here's what we started with- the living room was painted a golden yellow, the first bedroom through the pocket doors a very dark red, the second bedroom a blinding blue. By the time we got to the dining room and kitchen the walls were decked in brilliant lemon yellow. The bathroom finished off the colorful pinwheel with lime green walls!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6YuTR7VaaMciG7qf5uk86yu_s2TXajbEwR_L8VSHtAN--zqdFDvbfTBnHOz9JrNXdx1qUgpIPwqMvHNVb6PNGQTWE6pwkHHMt9hOPNv1gssQKJzIAxBEdBNZekyjNuiJpxiJ8YgyNwHQDWsyHstHhbDFEffEazYLzIvqOgjxTCDT9EWvGBxYPO3cthQ=s427" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6YuTR7VaaMciG7qf5uk86yu_s2TXajbEwR_L8VSHtAN--zqdFDvbfTBnHOz9JrNXdx1qUgpIPwqMvHNVb6PNGQTWE6pwkHHMt9hOPNv1gssQKJzIAxBEdBNZekyjNuiJpxiJ8YgyNwHQDWsyHstHhbDFEffEazYLzIvqOgjxTCDT9EWvGBxYPO3cthQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoT67khVJnM8hYYr9puAV4yVy9tVYOqwZ94slLXeVSm57nBl9mYTyV1G0TaxE-tHekFxLUFjhD0DEICkR9GcLAH7ipaFgoiIA_1LI9tofAuJ1d3UBetn3aDLN_VoUcap2jrIiJVW8VJbrB9X_kE9IlS0EuAamVjdpbxuCdIpirWqGRQEG7mM994psV4Q=s427" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoT67khVJnM8hYYr9puAV4yVy9tVYOqwZ94slLXeVSm57nBl9mYTyV1G0TaxE-tHekFxLUFjhD0DEICkR9GcLAH7ipaFgoiIA_1LI9tofAuJ1d3UBetn3aDLN_VoUcap2jrIiJVW8VJbrB9X_kE9IlS0EuAamVjdpbxuCdIpirWqGRQEG7mM994psV4Q=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhicZJEKo_2rafEiJtcPmYOiSGhlm63tNBk8CVLd0wzfcasQZ6azetOhT4doVdLWNnr-ROjxBAhN1LJrDultudaZAKF4D07rglgg-oUf-QQ2Li-a4SGoPAOvXZyYhFTEFQWavBPyGgz0khOuv5X7LRUo6_bKQg4_tWSW_nmISKiakPsooQA5iolGw5k3g=s427" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhicZJEKo_2rafEiJtcPmYOiSGhlm63tNBk8CVLd0wzfcasQZ6azetOhT4doVdLWNnr-ROjxBAhN1LJrDultudaZAKF4D07rglgg-oUf-QQ2Li-a4SGoPAOvXZyYhFTEFQWavBPyGgz0khOuv5X7LRUo6_bKQg4_tWSW_nmISKiakPsooQA5iolGw5k3g=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEe_M1FjWaF-pwenzlPoYM2ALsI1eQ2IhUAZzkPT_mCm6x041Q2tCe741GZlL2gu0bAkPMCV7IaEFKHQ0iC5KbWbVz6hRY5m8ZHT0B3YtB6II7SIYfMSj29dqLjLgY0C4r5TcWaklo8YuaIOerUZNqE_FyK0yFLtI5IVkzId5HTx11P1bQHKkWBTXIvQ=s427" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEe_M1FjWaF-pwenzlPoYM2ALsI1eQ2IhUAZzkPT_mCm6x041Q2tCe741GZlL2gu0bAkPMCV7IaEFKHQ0iC5KbWbVz6hRY5m8ZHT0B3YtB6II7SIYfMSj29dqLjLgY0C4r5TcWaklo8YuaIOerUZNqE_FyK0yFLtI5IVkzId5HTx11P1bQHKkWBTXIvQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJwzNQqph2uSbqd-TOT-ARYoh5juSSEkxMtgWNBjdVC11DQA1R6bgFA715I1gdiUuha6zTxy2LufN6feQVDli2doaFlyT5nhRDyChrKZ9kWdAHoGWXVg3kfe06XgxZ0ENrlLHiz4zCzwrdK7_czF-xEQ8QZcec1ug8F6jaid4mCccqTUGZTaArdMWH_g=s427" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJwzNQqph2uSbqd-TOT-ARYoh5juSSEkxMtgWNBjdVC11DQA1R6bgFA715I1gdiUuha6zTxy2LufN6feQVDli2doaFlyT5nhRDyChrKZ9kWdAHoGWXVg3kfe06XgxZ0ENrlLHiz4zCzwrdK7_czF-xEQ8QZcec1ug8F6jaid4mCccqTUGZTaArdMWH_g=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">So above you have the basic idea of the layout of the apartment (beyond the dining room is a kitchen and then a laundry room and finally the bathroom at the far end). Most people don't care for the traditional 'train car' layout of the Shotgun cottages and, while they do present challenges- we are always up for a challenge LOL.</span></div><div> Once we had the keys in hand we got to work - the majority of this being done by Jack. Scrubbing, patching, repairing, and painting everything that didn't move out of the way. The gorgeous hardware on the massive pocket doors was freed from decades of paint and we uncovered the blocked-up fireplaces to see what was there. Two still had the pretty iron inserts intact so we left them open.</div><div> Once the painting was completed we moved in and began to make it a home--</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqzqQeCuiRmdq3fLq2EnFaZ3cqe6HWauPVwZdXNnGAV-VqcOlDk7OhlRyJLmOvw7alPAniSZeBmBrt_y96fRrI-BIgKLftpfVwQ55pt7czvaBcT2AayG0IBtmUnjnA7WXCPawT2POx_8t47w0cnxnxKR5qvMYAideK7n6nc2I5NBXbXeqVRTtxmHjscA=s427" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqzqQeCuiRmdq3fLq2EnFaZ3cqe6HWauPVwZdXNnGAV-VqcOlDk7OhlRyJLmOvw7alPAniSZeBmBrt_y96fRrI-BIgKLftpfVwQ55pt7czvaBcT2AayG0IBtmUnjnA7WXCPawT2POx_8t47w0cnxnxKR5qvMYAideK7n6nc2I5NBXbXeqVRTtxmHjscA=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron insert with original paint</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjehkcSEXiagTVVAN03eXpUr2zG9HwyoCLwpTGzSP9yU0auk_5mvlwzmuvdybJtqFxKvwDJX6IDchELo36XMbX4ROzq7xcFOiRgt66_DMVpg-yXMYR8kE64D27w5ayF2ubZabrGYe4o5IT7yyiKCqL3gTqq8SLOxSQukwsrGUCajKYGFZMEUFjZipkng=s320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjehkcSEXiagTVVAN03eXpUr2zG9HwyoCLwpTGzSP9yU0auk_5mvlwzmuvdybJtqFxKvwDJX6IDchELo36XMbX4ROzq7xcFOiRgt66_DMVpg-yXMYR8kE64D27w5ayF2ubZabrGYe4o5IT7yyiKCqL3gTqq8SLOxSQukwsrGUCajKYGFZMEUFjZipkng" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cleaned up pocket door hardware</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLAKi4VlpkDCeRxgxfxFT1x3VN9TkOYgW7qsOQbOu-Fy2XvPAp6LRp10z2Dc0Sg_cfuDdfHGS10zwq1ke0HCualaEB5KLmyPhUKg7heb12i8KPwzq6dFeuNTSercjasDN3xa_TRAkrbqTqS0lZ_MwoUOq1OP22m3gYW_PyjFL9VzG3I1NWGQQg86ocaQ=s853" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLAKi4VlpkDCeRxgxfxFT1x3VN9TkOYgW7qsOQbOu-Fy2XvPAp6LRp10z2Dc0Sg_cfuDdfHGS10zwq1ke0HCualaEB5KLmyPhUKg7heb12i8KPwzq6dFeuNTSercjasDN3xa_TRAkrbqTqS0lZ_MwoUOq1OP22m3gYW_PyjFL9VzG3I1NWGQQg86ocaQ=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">living room</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIFIKW7LYlQuFxYP6MkUuCL2xJMicdCD6q8f95ofhn3-CjBS62qjsaQLrMzbAEWeeKdCbtGzfk9oVa9srWOc2ahuNI1fEu8IBDF0hMxC63-lS0iBI-rk1GIJ0-AQWATVkY5rLWfn5F_9aZcmgutwaVVyBWn69rYhST_UoswoBajHGL5F_7oWWYdSOcyg=s853" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIFIKW7LYlQuFxYP6MkUuCL2xJMicdCD6q8f95ofhn3-CjBS62qjsaQLrMzbAEWeeKdCbtGzfk9oVa9srWOc2ahuNI1fEu8IBDF0hMxC63-lS0iBI-rk1GIJ0-AQWATVkY5rLWfn5F_9aZcmgutwaVVyBWn69rYhST_UoswoBajHGL5F_7oWWYdSOcyg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">living room with opened fireplace</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkCbFeFWa5vmAM-p2MaWU1HNY5QK-U20rDq8GOVPtUYefGK0e9MPt32U3IpZoxyoC7hOsJwFoHYb2C9YAI1DS6pBoeziVqxh81tny3r9AXHLxWngX9B1oT1d0w8K8ev5oTsbu6wv_yGEK1W_wSTXHZHgdVs4ebHjSu9jNjqqDCZpOPIEJ-82ZDojUE6g=s853" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkCbFeFWa5vmAM-p2MaWU1HNY5QK-U20rDq8GOVPtUYefGK0e9MPt32U3IpZoxyoC7hOsJwFoHYb2C9YAI1DS6pBoeziVqxh81tny3r9AXHLxWngX9B1oT1d0w8K8ev5oTsbu6wv_yGEK1W_wSTXHZHgdVs4ebHjSu9jNjqqDCZpOPIEJ-82ZDojUE6g=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">decorated mantle in the second bedroom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6cLlorYkbEfwNDVh_-Ab53_ISA1rqckAmM6v5LA57y4cwGCQVe2NxvVarLltHDyM2hXuriy1lv9dSBrXn0SO0T-ITj57jZnnqufj_Xst6-lDIR8GtOvCC8rr7b43E4owLLpP4CrS9i0SXidLKEYTEEY_1qFY8tbH9pNrl_spVyFwBu-ETIf6iwdlUbg=s640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6cLlorYkbEfwNDVh_-Ab53_ISA1rqckAmM6v5LA57y4cwGCQVe2NxvVarLltHDyM2hXuriy1lv9dSBrXn0SO0T-ITj57jZnnqufj_Xst6-lDIR8GtOvCC8rr7b43E4owLLpP4CrS9i0SXidLKEYTEEY_1qFY8tbH9pNrl_spVyFwBu-ETIf6iwdlUbg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">decorated mantle in the first bedroom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH4TPcT450ZMOYA0JUqeNJD3sPUObM6n4KREaxuk8wEMnNo6ZPBUjbfwP1PgQTFYsZ5ooYKVSUU7x8VrojhIfH8bErRv_0XqsLsHdq50RrRjChURWsilZ6stksjbtS8GDkrOvmg_IBEg_dIpxtbHhijruLZZlpsWPUGbXA2gZ5pRanZPD_Bpu8t3VGcg=s853" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjH4TPcT450ZMOYA0JUqeNJD3sPUObM6n4KREaxuk8wEMnNo6ZPBUjbfwP1PgQTFYsZ5ooYKVSUU7x8VrojhIfH8bErRv_0XqsLsHdq50RrRjChURWsilZ6stksjbtS8GDkrOvmg_IBEg_dIpxtbHhijruLZZlpsWPUGbXA2gZ5pRanZPD_Bpu8t3VGcg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining Room coming along.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We went with a soft Dove Gray with Gloss White trim throughout to freshen it up and make future repairs easier. We used art and furnishings to provide the pops of color rather than wall paint. <div> There are still little things here and there that I want to do but for now, it's completed and comfortable, and ready for extended stays by us and additional family members. And of course, our son lives here all the time so he's thrilled to have a space that he's not run out of when other people are in residence! </div><div><br /></div><div> We head back to Michigan in a few days, I'll be sad to leave here but Spring is fast approaching, and with it my very busy season. </div><div><br /></div><div>~Annie<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p><p> </p></div></div>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-26873059729334863272022-01-20T09:14:00.002-08:002022-01-20T09:14:59.830-08:00Wherever you go, there you are <p> Good Morning~</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVSBF_8ex7TMJ52rc3OK3QZVsqtIldWUdh1Gf9MA8yCuHQaWm7HY0_I3HfhdncB1xM3CWQO-4hruqfjWY3fke9EMkDe5UdUeFPs-pTf6CwtJhK-k3Xc5ZwJH9uCFRq_rxEjo2_ko-pCVisQkGzW-1pgrFsGXn4W_EW650oMiEsjTV8Vec6NHIXMt3sqA=s1800" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgVSBF_8ex7TMJ52rc3OK3QZVsqtIldWUdh1Gf9MA8yCuHQaWm7HY0_I3HfhdncB1xM3CWQO-4hruqfjWY3fke9EMkDe5UdUeFPs-pTf6CwtJhK-k3Xc5ZwJH9uCFRq_rxEjo2_ko-pCVisQkGzW-1pgrFsGXn4W_EW650oMiEsjTV8Vec6NHIXMt3sqA=s320" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Live Oak in Armstrong Park<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table> I'm still in New Orleans and it's been lovely so far; Jack has had a TON of work and I've gotten some painting and writing done. Could we do it, there's enough work to take us straight through until April- and he may come back down -but I need to head back north before then to my mother's in southern Michigan to help her after some surgery that she has scheduled. Next year I plan on being down here for the majority of the winter; there's work enough to stay and we have a place to hang our hats.</p><p> All of that being said, it's still the time of year when I start looking to summer and filling in the calendar with rental info, festival dates, opening times for the restaurant, and posting for applicants. Opening day for the restaurant is May 20th this season and the apartment will be available for summer rentals shortly before that. I still need to reevaluate menu items and prices but it's a little early for that. If I'm short-handed this year in the kitchen (meaning, just me in there) then I will need to cut items from the menu. I hate to do it, but I need to be able to get the food out... Sometimes being practical supersedes creativity. </p><p> There's not a ton to update; my days are pretty low-key. I write or paint, walk the dogs, walk to the market, play with my potted plants on the balconies. We've had dinner a few times with friends but we're pretty much 'home bodies' wherever home currently is. Yesterday we walked to the outlet mall and then through the French Quarter because it was nice and warm and today had rain (accurately) forecasted. </p><p> Today it is raining as promised. I'm going to vacuum and straighten up the apartment and then figure out dinner. <br /></p><p> Book 3 is coming along slowly; this story needs a bit more in the 'crafting' of the tale and is more complicated than the first two. At first, I was panicking that it wasn't going as quickly but I've settled into its own peculiar pace for now. It's going to be wonderful when it's done and available to readers this fall :-) </p><p> That's all for now; be good to yourselves~</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-6683756930091696242022-01-05T08:04:00.002-08:002022-01-05T09:03:29.825-08:00The Drive To Create <p> <br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Good Morning out there-</p><p> We've arrived at the New Orleans apartment after an uneventful drive down (the best kind of drive, really) last week. It's taken about that long to get settled in and work into a routine and I think everyone is feeling a bit more relaxed now. Part of the routine is dog-walking. Unlike in rural Northern Michigan, there is no fenced-in back yard here in the Treme where we can open the back door and let the dogs out on demand. Now we get up early in the morning and take them out on a walk first thing. Sometimes they go back again after they've eaten. Then mid-afternoon and again just before bed at night. Having large dogs in the city is not at all convenient and if I were to live here full time would not have gotten two! The dogs seem to be enjoying their new surroundings though, so there's that. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl1P0iiXxanmzfpF73r180Hy-z3nI-0XgTvsDO9MkaZHkffwKEl1UXUErR3332iTqcr-vk6IV9Tv6Fd_ldCjFwkEr4yOlBneuE2Tm72tHR97ytKUYOkXdT_bO4wbGUeBMHPG2emnlkwVJAc7smSk-1u2N5PrCsuANlTyP7FZF2zue4Demy2QhLanD9mg=s960" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgl1P0iiXxanmzfpF73r180Hy-z3nI-0XgTvsDO9MkaZHkffwKEl1UXUErR3332iTqcr-vk6IV9Tv6Fd_ldCjFwkEr4yOlBneuE2Tm72tHR97ytKUYOkXdT_bO4wbGUeBMHPG2emnlkwVJAc7smSk-1u2N5PrCsuANlTyP7FZF2zue4Demy2QhLanD9mg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p> I'm beginning day two of painting a mural for the front balcony- I expect to be done today which is good; I'm normally a start and finish in one go kind of painter but this is on a much larger scale than I normally work with, so multiple days it is! </p><p> My husband has begun one of the jobs scheduled for our time here adding to a more normal routine rather than a 'vacation' vibe that prevailed in the first few days of our arrival. </p><p> I have not settled in enough to start work again on Book 3 but I will... I need to figure out when to write, morning or evening. Up north I write in the morning but I haven't felt that groove here so I'm going to feel out the evenings and see if that's a time that works for me. I'm a picky writer- I need to 'feel it' and so far I haven't. Probably a couple of things: first is the move and settle in time along with a time change that always throws me out of wack. Secondly- as much as I hate to admit it- has been the lukewarm reception of Book 2 thus far. I try to remind myself that I create because the process is fulfilling but reception does count and so far it's been fairly blah. Hopefully, that will change once the holidays are past us but if not I need to just buckle down and keep writing... I'm proud of the first two books and believe that book 3 will be amazing... </p><p> But for today the creative outlet is paint. As soon as I straighten up the kitchen and put a quiche in the oven then I'll get back to work on that project... </p><p> I Hope everyone had a lovely and magical Holiday season <3 </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-34704002314014572382021-12-23T05:02:00.001-08:002021-12-23T05:02:56.840-08:00Holiday Season Go-time<p> Well, no matter how I try to keep the winter holidays simple it's really my own mindset that complicates it, and it struck again yesterday when I had to have a stern talking to with myself.</p><p> I woke exhausted having had nightmares for most of the previous night and started right off spinning into a 'all of the things must be done right now!' frame of mind which makes me and everyone around me crazy. Lists help me with this by framing the day, prioritizing because, really- not everything ever has to be done in one day- or at all! So a reasonable list, an unreasonable amount of coffee and I was feeling better which made for a better day for me and the people around me. </p><p> So, what is the craziness that has me spinning? In my defense, it really is * a lot * but it's not as bad as I can make it: We've moved the Christmas celebrations up a day due to family work schedules, my husband is working 12 hour days to finish a big job (today is the deadline), the sump pumps went out and need to be repaired before we leave for New Orleans early on the 26th. The house needs to be de-holidayed before we leave as well because we'll be gone for the month. But one step at a time and one foot in front of the other and the<i> must-dos</i> get done and I still have a nice holiday too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQQErqC10PARrQFCRWGaJADczrTf1q627cihXEJdFOHuVBLm5bAp4L9X7tfLg8TAUikD9QiMrow0oJCdJfdG-eUPwqTJLUzmgm6JBwqZBYtR0OSgJFpqmymI4haywG1Bc2F9Vm2xVlsiITkeJyUKEp57RrcjOKE1D6BumtVhuapaVZbQ6AMv51FogIgw=s2048" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="2048" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQQErqC10PARrQFCRWGaJADczrTf1q627cihXEJdFOHuVBLm5bAp4L9X7tfLg8TAUikD9QiMrow0oJCdJfdG-eUPwqTJLUzmgm6JBwqZBYtR0OSgJFpqmymI4haywG1Bc2F9Vm2xVlsiITkeJyUKEp57RrcjOKE1D6BumtVhuapaVZbQ6AMv51FogIgw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> The highlight of the holiday, so far, was the craft day that we had with the Grandkids a couple of days ago. We made glittered snowflake ornaments, beaded necklaces for the other Grandmas, decorated cookies, and watched Christmas shows. It was such a great afternoon! Days like THAT are the<i> must-dos</i>. </p><p> The next post will probably be from New Orleans where, once I'm in and settled, work will resume on Book 3 of The Faerie Tale Chronicles and paintings will be created. A month in the warmth and vibrancy and seeing our son will be lovely. </p><p> Until then- have a wonderful Holiday Season in whatever way you celebrate and be good to yourself. </p><p>~Annie</p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-12786312653189774512021-12-19T09:38:00.000-08:002021-12-19T09:38:08.108-08:00"What Greater Gift Than the Love of a Cat"<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNdMeTMIQWhL8wCuhl38x8jy8kyBfmb-uB2LTDHPrCkzlNN2jF9wEQNXzrs70RSdvJORNJZFthgEyRen2fKxKsTXrcrortLq4HmElFhLpyMZ8MejC6JjYiAtF4QJ9O6S46HRf8l12KBOa0LPk9ZqZGLM_Czhp_6iYMVawO_WXiBiGRw0C4dBCBJjcDOg=s828" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNdMeTMIQWhL8wCuhl38x8jy8kyBfmb-uB2LTDHPrCkzlNN2jF9wEQNXzrs70RSdvJORNJZFthgEyRen2fKxKsTXrcrortLq4HmElFhLpyMZ8MejC6JjYiAtF4QJ9O6S46HRf8l12KBOa0LPk9ZqZGLM_Czhp_6iYMVawO_WXiBiGRw0C4dBCBJjcDOg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Charles Dickens wrote that and again: This author seemed to touch deeper truths with all of his works and words. </p><p> I said goodbye to my Tilly-cat at 11:10 am on December 17th. I've mourned the loss of many pets over the years but this time it has cut so deep that I'm sure I will bleed loneliness and heartache for many years to come. I physically hurt and keep walking into my studio to say hello to her but, of course, there's no answer. I feel her presence though, so I still talk to her like I did before she physically left. </p><p> I miss my Shadow, my Confidant, my Friend so very much and I wish I could have been more selfish and kept her with me a little while longer. She was ready to shed her illness-wracked body though,<br /> and I owed it to her to do what she wanted and what was best for her. A dear friend says, "There is no good end to a good pet." I think she and Mr. Dickens would have gotten along well. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPQx9qyUATWjgw-yjxkzRgToTV8wZEUEZ4kUgNL_GwpoYn9V0LmnDaL87qughBtiJT3ZZKwfFxpGs-CHsi6USihUc29JAL1K7CC_o-VQIBffDZz6JMTYEeVp0krk4giN4IjmtTgpa8suxDIJcfu1ZSx3UuLoRjoPfDja0NGc_WgY4_RAvjSYHGC7qBUw=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPQx9qyUATWjgw-yjxkzRgToTV8wZEUEZ4kUgNL_GwpoYn9V0LmnDaL87qughBtiJT3ZZKwfFxpGs-CHsi6USihUc29JAL1K7CC_o-VQIBffDZz6JMTYEeVp0krk4giN4IjmtTgpa8suxDIJcfu1ZSx3UuLoRjoPfDja0NGc_WgY4_RAvjSYHGC7qBUw=s320" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p> So, be joyous and pain-free now, my Tilly-cat; Queen of my studio, catcher (and sharer) of mice, and fierce holder of my heart. Go if you must, stay if you will - Hail and Fare Well. </p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-2928188976503455462021-12-13T05:48:00.000-08:002021-12-13T05:48:40.759-08:00Of Cats, and Ornaments, and Bougainvillea Vines. <p> </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1Ye9QvydB0/YbdOylB_OqI/AAAAAAAAKz0/vOVlaJ2bNmQ34BWUpzRxoVHlT4MvnZVrQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1280/tilly%2Band%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--1Ye9QvydB0/YbdOylB_OqI/AAAAAAAAKz0/vOVlaJ2bNmQ34BWUpzRxoVHlT4MvnZVrQCNcBGAsYHQ/w144-h256/tilly%2Band%2Btree.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><p> 12 days until Christmas and 11 days until our family celebrates (we're doing it all on the 24th this year due to health care workers' schedules.)</p><p> Yesterday my daughter and granddaughter stopped by for a visit and while my daughter was communing with our cat who is ill, my granddaughter and I discussed each and every ornament on the Christmas Tree. Over the years I had become pretty ho-hum about them; I mean, I knew and appreciated the histories and significances of them but the wonder and joy had certainly diminished over the past thirty some odd years! (It seems very strange to write that- I can't possibly be that old!). Leave it to a five-year-old to remind me that the rag-tag bunch of baubles and bits are magical - I am grateful to her. :-)</p><p> After they left I tackled a very large canvas that Jack had sketched a New Orleans building on for me. He's wonderful at drawing and perspective and I am - <i>challenged - </i>LOL! My wonky way of looking at things comes in handy for landscapes but not so much for windows and balconies and I'm blessed with someone who will take my pictures and transfer them to canvas for me to paint. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0ql75OW59E/YbdOYHEzVXI/AAAAAAAAKzo/myhMZKsnOL8VTE6WVxd_KVb4ziRYs1I4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s2048/court%2Bof%2B2%2Bsisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t0ql75OW59E/YbdOYHEzVXI/AAAAAAAAKzo/myhMZKsnOL8VTE6WVxd_KVb4ziRYs1I4gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/court%2Bof%2B2%2Bsisters.jpg" width="219" /></a></div> I completely ignored the housework, the laundry, dinner, and the floors in favor of painting as this will be the last time I get to do this before Christmas. And it was a lovely afternoon and evening. I spent about 8 hours with the canvas and paints and visited with my cat, Tilly. She and I talked about when she first came to me- a pregnant and scared foster who claimed me as her own and stayed even as her kittens found other homes. As I painted the building's trim and blocked in windows Tilly watched it all from her perch on the tall wooden stool. She chirped back at me as I added depth and highlights, doors and flagstones. By the time I had gotten to bougainvillea vines and hanging ferns she was fast asleep. I will cherish that day and the next few that I have with her. She will be with me in spirit this Christmas and all year round in my studio. <p></p><p> Dickens knew a deeper truth when he penned A Christmas Carol. Aside from the social commentary, there is a spiritual depth to this time of year; ghosts do wander and spirits do visit. The ghosts of friends <i>Past</i>, the spirits of animals companions <i>Present</i>, and the wonder of the holidays <i>To Come</i> ushered in by the youngest of us. <br /></p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-25679382484795838342021-12-09T06:08:00.001-08:002021-12-09T06:08:42.306-08:00Re<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rn3gYtoy1wE/YbINhQuLJrI/AAAAAAAAKzg/GsFUazErKuwwwb1HX1X4KYn2Bi1sBICHACNcBGAsYHQ/s640/journey%2Bstone%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="452" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rn3gYtoy1wE/YbINhQuLJrI/AAAAAAAAKzg/GsFUazErKuwwwb1HX1X4KYn2Bi1sBICHACNcBGAsYHQ/w226-h320/journey%2Bstone%2Bcover.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hardcopy Cover - The Journey Stone: A Charlevoix Faerie Tale</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I have come to the end, the fruition, of a very long episode of writing, editing, re-writing, formatting, re-formatting, ordering, and re-ordering for <u><b>Book 2 of The Faerie Tale Chronicles, The Journey Stone: A Charlevoix Faerie Tale</b></u>. After numerous delays and many sleepless nights, the paperback is now available for sale from retailers worldwide and the copies of hardback and paperbacks due for signatures will be delivered to my house beginning tomorrow. What a long, frustrating journey this one has been! I've learned a lot, though. Lessons that will - hopefully- make the production of Book 3 smoother and faster. </p><p>Both editions can be purchased directly through me <a href="http://www.annierussell.net" target="_blank">HERE</a></p><p> During all of this REdoing in its various forms the actual writing of Book 3 had been put on hiatus but today I will begin anew; this novel is about 1/3 of the way through its first draft and I've very excited about it! I would like to stay on track for finishing the manuscript by the end of February (it has become a sort of tradition for these novels but we shall see. Like wine, a good novel shall not be done before its time lol. This story is a bit more convoluted and involved in so far as time periods, historical research, etc so there's a bit more to unpack in the crafting of it but it's been so much fun so far! All things going (somewhat) to plan, <u><b>Book 3- The Mirror Dance: A French Quarter Faerie Tale</b></u> will be available for purchase at this time next year. *Fingers Crossed*</p><p><br /></p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-76801779152698079692021-11-23T06:16:00.000-08:002021-11-23T06:16:47.102-08:00Tuesday Morning -<p> Good Morning,</p><p> Today is all about Thanksgiving prep; the turkey needs to be brined, cake prepped (we're celebrating my daughter and granddaughter's birthdays after dinner on Thursday) and supplies assembled. It's not going to be an overly complicated affair- I even bought cute disposable plates to use instead of the china this year! But I do like to figure out what can be done a few days ahead of time if need be. </p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmVAY4zy6Rc/YZz3GAeXG4I/AAAAAAAAKyw/McbwtG4U07M1H92_rGrjQAXc_cseDSMQACLcBGAsYHQ/s1727/cemetary%2Bpainting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1727" data-original-width="1140" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmVAY4zy6Rc/YZz3GAeXG4I/AAAAAAAAKyw/McbwtG4U07M1H92_rGrjQAXc_cseDSMQACLcBGAsYHQ/w264-h400/cemetary%2Bpainting.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: courier;">'By The Light Of The Moon' -<br />original art by Annie Russell</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p> I also need to get my cat to the vet for bloodwork- the Dr. suspects that she has cancer and I guess this is to get a baseline of what's happening. She's young - only about 9- so this is very surprising and disturbing news. Tilly is most definitely MY cat- she has little use for anyone else unless they are on board to feed her and clean her litter box. I'm holding out (unrealistic, I know) hope that this is all a severe bout of IBS but I guess I'll know more next week. </p><p> I went down to New Orleans to visit my son last week and catch up with friends there, it was such a nice time; I thoroughly enjoyed it. If I could finagle a way to leave Northern Michigan January 1-April1 every year for Nola I sure would do it. It's as expensive there, though, as it is here so it may be a while before I can manage that. For now, we'll bunk with our son; we'll go back down for January for the month and my husband will do some work while we're there. I, hopefully, will be editing Book 3 in the Faerie Tale Chronicles. *fingers crossed* </p><p> This brings us to the books; UGH. Getting Book 2 out has been a monumental pain in the rear. Its been edited and ready for formatting since the beginning of September with a release date of this month. Enter Hurricane Ida, printing snafus, distributor issues with 'supply chains', and on and on and I'm now set to get the<i> second</i> set of proofs next week. If the Publishing Gods are smiling they will be right this time and I can order the books that have been pre-ordered from customers and get them out in December. This is SO frustrating- I am not a 'late is ok' kind of person so weeks after the public release date is making me tear my hair out and has effectively killed any desire to work on Book 3 (which is about a third of the way completed for its first draft.) And this is why being traditionally published rather than being an Indie Author/Publisher is easier- traditionally published authors can just write and re-write, the other stuff is handled by someone else- or a bunch of someone else's. I have queried SO MANY agents with absolutely NO reply (not even a rejection) so, for now, the publishing houses aren't in my cards. If any of you reading this have an in with an agent please please please help a tired author out and get ahold of me.</p><p> So that's where I'm at right now, kind of spinning my wheels. The winter holidays are basically here and I need to get my head in that game ASAP so I can enjoy the time and have faith that everything else will work out fine. </p><p>~Annie</p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-49841681039007186472021-10-31T07:26:00.004-07:002021-10-31T07:26:37.675-07:00Happy Halloween <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6pStCmirss/YX6nYt2ArXI/AAAAAAAAKx0/G0ixkkrPMpQbj1ryA_RXn8-2TKuGV5UbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1260/why-do-we-celebrate-that-halloween-traditions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="840" data-original-width="1260" height="325" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w6pStCmirss/YX6nYt2ArXI/AAAAAAAAKx0/G0ixkkrPMpQbj1ryA_RXn8-2TKuGV5UbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w607-h325/why-do-we-celebrate-that-halloween-traditions.jpg" width="607" /></a></div><br /><p>Look at this- semi-regular blog posts! It's a Halloween Miracle! </p><p> Halloween morning dawned cold and clear but -as per usual- it's supposed to turn gusty and rainy later on for the Trick or Treaters. Jack and I will be helping to bundle up our Grand-Littles later this evening ahead of their being escorted throughout their neighborhood by their mom and dad. They're young yet so it will be a quick version of the event. </p><p> I dearly miss Halloweens of my childhood and then again of my children's childhood. Halloweens of my high school and college years must have been fairly uneventful because I don't wax nostalgic for those. I feel like I've spent the last dozen years or so trying to find new secular traditions that will echo those earlier ones but not with much luck. This season is also a highly spiritual one for me that has waxed and waned in practice over the years. Some years I am very elaborate and involved in the spiritual end of <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/samhain" target="_blank">Samhain</a> (click that to read about the holy day) and some years I am exceptionally basic in my observances. Strangely enough, the ebb and flow of that doesn't bother me as much as the loss of the secular events. </p><p> Today- on this Halloween- I am going to work on Book 3's manuscript and put dinner into the crockpot for later on. At the end of the day, I'll light a candle for Halloween's past and those that will be. Later in the week - at the appropriate astrological timing, I'll light more candles; these will bless and honor the Ancestors and Mighty Dead- those of my heart, those of my blood, and those both known and unknown to me. </p><p>'Tis the season... </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-9089828747248191352021-10-25T09:04:00.002-07:002021-10-25T09:04:35.501-07:00Monday and a little further along the road to Hell...<p> I was feeling very virtuous telling Alexa to set an alarm for 6am as I turned off the light last night and climbed into bed. I needed to get up early to finish readying the apartment for the winter-long tenants set to arrive at 10am that morning. Ahhh... those 'good intentions' strike again! I must have ordered it to stop when it went off but I have no recollection of having done so. But when I awoke refreshed and rested my feeling of contentment vanished upon looking at my watch- it was 8am!! Gah!!!</p><p> And so was set the morning pace; I threw clothes on, made coffee, fed the dogs and cat, and paid the Nola electric bill by 8:15. By 8: 45 I had gulped 2 cups of magic bean juice, brushed my teeth, and pulled shoes on. By 9:55 I mopped my way out of the apartment and locked the door-- Sheesh! Thank goodness I had done a bunch of cleaning and removing of decor the day before or I would never have managed it this morning. The young couple staying until May will arrive at some point today and I'm very grateful for this arrangement. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SyMF8bFA93E/YXbTwxDwDFI/AAAAAAAAKxo/H-V3VCXhd7sBbw57JG0ew7-i9A_Plx6twCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SyMF8bFA93E/YXbTwxDwDFI/AAAAAAAAKxo/H-V3VCXhd7sBbw57JG0ew7-i9A_Plx6twCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Having run around like a crazy woman I slowed down a little and cleaned up the kitchen from yesterday and mixed up some bread dough. It's chilly in here so it's taking the dough forever to rise and I'm really hoping I didn't mess up the yeast bloom.. ugh. If I did, I did- there's nothing to do for it but to begin again, which I probably won't do today. My goal- should the dough rise- is to bake a round loaf in my large dutch oven and decorate it by scoring it. The Instagram account <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bakethisbread/" target="_blank">HERE</a> is my inspiration... I love to bake bread and rarely get to do it in the summer at work due to the combined craziness of schedule and lack of climate control, therefore I do most of my yeast baking in the fall and winter.<p></p><p> While I wait (impatiently) to see if the dough will rise I'm going to finish going through the hardback edition proof that came in the mail over the weekend. The paperback edition had some issues - par for the course- that the formatter is working on now and my hope is that the hardback will be able to be revised along the same lines with no issues dedicated to it alone. I'm anxious to get Book 2 completed and out the door to readers so that I can do some major word crunching on Book 3. My goal is to get that manuscript to the editor as soon as March so that it can be sent to the formatter earlier and avoid dumping crazy deadlines on the formatter. (Road. Hell. Intentions. Are you seeing a pattern yet? hahaha!)</p><p>So that's my Monday morning. It's noon now and I'm off to begin proofing the hardback of Book 2... have a good day everyone</p><p>~Annie</p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-85161972122473094222021-10-22T06:19:00.000-07:002021-10-22T06:19:05.631-07:00Promises Promises <p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duNYU2K5c_4/YXK5SEu93HI/AAAAAAAAKxg/oiln8c9tGhUqXaR5i72bzGg1xSKIpVftgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/fall%2Broad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="343" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-duNYU2K5c_4/YXK5SEu93HI/AAAAAAAAKxg/oiln8c9tGhUqXaR5i72bzGg1xSKIpVftgCLcBGAsYHQ/w532-h343/fall%2Broad.jpg" width="532" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> Try as I might I can't seem to make this blog a regular thing- intentions and the road to hell and all that...<p></p><p>I'll try to do better this year because, truly, writing and jotting assorted trivial day-to-day things here helps prime me for writing in larger chunks- like books lol. </p><p> So what's happened this year? Welll--- pandemic, POTUS turnover, summer craziness, and the like. </p><p> Pandemic - the initial Covid 19 virus has mutated and split off just like all the horror movies warned us against but we (as in humanity) seemed to think it wouldn't really happen. It did and now- vaccinated or not, we have 'variants' that are running rampant through the world with the most prevalent at this time being the Delta variant. There are others but this is the one that is most destructive and deadly right now. </p><p>And speaking of vaccines, we have them and they are amazingly effective but because so many people REFUSED TO GET THEM the virus mutated. The vaccines became political and it's been our downfall. </p><p>Summer - socially, it seems as if most of the world has pretty much given up on stringent safety measures and is just hoping for the best. As is usual for me, I'm stuck somewhere in the middle. I miss my friends who all seem to be going out and doing things but I am still a little afraid to go into huge crowds - and I'm not invited, so I guess for now I just hang out at home. (I think it's the alcohol thing again: I haven't drunk alcohol for so long that I sometimes forget that it's an issue..) The summer crowds this year, despite being maskless and basically wide-open safety-wise, were particularly brutal to restaurant and service industry people- I have no idea why. We saw several jaw-dropping behaviors and around the country, other workers reported the same. This leads us to...</p><p>Worker shortages. All kinds of people moaning about lazy service workers that won't get off the dole and go to work. Most of the complainers are 1.) business owners not wanting to pay enough for their employees to eat and pay rent (rather than one or the other) or retirees who don't have a dog in the game but feel somehow qualified to critique and judge. There's also the issue of over 6000 people dead from Covid but we don't hear about that very often.</p><p>Given all of that, it was another insanely busy summer and I'm happy for the rest. </p><p>Well, our version of rest, anyway lol. We just finished (yesterday!) putting down the new hardwood flooring in the upstairs. We did the downstairs 2 years ago so we have now completed that project- it only took 13 years hahaha! Last winter we converted the garage into a 1 bedroom apartment that is used for rental income and that has gone very well. There are a few after-summer repairs to be made but that project is also done and it was rented all summer, so we're FINALLY getting house stuff taken care of that we've been whittling away at; it feels good. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2dtrUP_uTX0/YXK4jGPnx2I/AAAAAAAAKxY/bCQbQkyBblAb5iMz2cimMdvMVj7Da9lhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/journey%2Bstone%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="452" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2dtrUP_uTX0/YXK4jGPnx2I/AAAAAAAAKxY/bCQbQkyBblAb5iMz2cimMdvMVj7Da9lhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w169-h239/journey%2Bstone%2Bcover.jpg" width="169" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Book 2 in the Faerie Tale Chronicles</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p>Work stuff for winter can now start since the flooring project is done. I got the paperback proof for Book 2 (<a href="https://annierussell.net/the-journey-stone" target="_blank">The Journey Stone: A Charlevoix Faerie Tale</a>) in the mail yesterday and went through it, marking missed typos, formatting issues, and cover color corrections that need to be done. That will be taken care of this week and a (hopefully final) proof sent back to me for approval. If all goes well it will be available for worldwide purchase within the month. The link above is for pre-orders and the live kindle edition. Today the hardback edition proof is due in so lather, rinse, repeat that process. As usual, the hardbacks are not available for wide release but are collector items available only through me. Once all of that is taken care of I can go back to work on Book 3 which I'm about a third of the way through with Book 4 partially mapped out, whew! All of that needs to be done but you know what? I think I want to paint today lol! I haven't painted in a year and I so miss moving color around on a canvas. I might just disappear into that today...</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Well, there we go- basically caught up. Like I said, I will try my hardest to be more productive on this blog, its good for me and I need the writing schedule, to be sure! Feel free to drop a 'hello' in the comments! </p><p>~Annie</p><p><br /></p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-56505005947666635702020-11-02T04:46:00.000-08:002020-11-02T04:46:03.781-08:00Dogs Have Their Own Clock<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q4ff7_NDyc/X5_-syM_pLI/AAAAAAAAKpQ/uMQdoUPphMw2Rg49NhHQRsNHH1divbPvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s806/paperback.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="461" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q4ff7_NDyc/X5_-syM_pLI/AAAAAAAAKpQ/uMQdoUPphMw2Rg49NhHQRsNHH1divbPvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/paperback.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paperback Edition Cover Featuring My Original Artwork</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The sun is just now rising and I've consumed half a pot of coffee already. Those of you who know me even in passing know that I am not a 'oohhh! look at the sunrise!' kind of person but daylight savings time dictates to humans that we move the clock back an hour. Dogs? They don't care and don't follow those rules. Because dogs are smarter than humans most days. That being said, my two Beasties had me up at ten minutes to six this morning. Ugh. But the positive in that is that I will get my spin bike work out done earlier than usual and have more time to get some projects done that have been lagging.</p><p>The month of October flew past- as it does. Pandemic or not, it was busy and full of autumn projects and work. The restaurant is closed for the season but the household stuff that gets put off through the summer looms come mid-Septemeber and October is my 'catch up' month. It's not exciting and I won't bore the few of you that read this but it's always satisfying to put the house to rights after so many months of using it only as a place to sleep. Halloween was not very satisfying this year. In fact, I think this was one of the saddest Halloweens I've ever been through. My heart broke to see how many families went above and beyond to provide a fun holiday for their kids while at the same time trying to keep them and everyone else safe. I want holidays to go back to 'normal' but it seems as if that may be a few years from now and maybe the old way will never come back and we'll need to establish a new normal. Day by day my feelings and thoughts vacillate on this. While it was summer and I was hyper-focused on work I kept my vision and worries to a very small point of consciousness- my restaurant, my employees, my customers. All safety precautions outlined by the Health Department and basically the same scenario day after day for 9 weeks or so. That's not to say that it wasn't stressful- it absolutely was but there was a focus that I don't have now and my worrying is allowed free reign. </p><p> And now it's November. Today my shipment of paperbacks for my book is arriving with world-wide distribution happening on the 6th. The limited-edition hardback was approved and most have been sent out about a week ago. My next endeavor is how to approach independent booksellers in my area and in New Orleans about carrying the paperback edition- ditto for libraries. I've been researching the accepted ways to approach both entities but I haven't yet decided on how exactly I will go about it. There are 4 bookstores and 1 library I would like to ideally have the title in but I really need to take the time to sit down and figure it all out. If any of you have knowledge or contacts in this marketing area please shoot me a message :-)</p><p> Book 2 is about midway completed and Book 3 is sketched out. That may conclude that series, I'm not entirely sure just yet. My goal is a book a year for a minimum of 3 years...</p><p>Once the winter holiday season is done I also have some painting projects I would like to do- painting with words is wonderful but my soul also needs color and movement to stay whole. There are some children's chairs awaiting scenery and two canvases that keep calling to me. </p><p> Right now, though, I'm going to feed the Beasties, change into work out clothes and hop onto my bike.</p><p>Take Care, Stay Safe, Wear Your Masks, and Vote Blue</p><p>~Annie </p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-56183002452912657672020-09-30T15:54:00.000-07:002020-09-30T15:54:04.834-07:00Once Upon A Time...<p> Yesterday I finished closing down the restaurant for the remainder of the year. We've been closed for business for a couple of weeks but we needed to catch up on a bunch of things here at the house so we concentrated on those chores then yesterday finished up the fall closing. I'm happy to close the door on the Summer of 2020; may it rest in peace.</p><p> We've been busy and productive here at casa de Russell; garage cleaned out, storage shed built, yard cleaned up for the fall, and taxes done. Today Jack returned to work at his place of employment after taking a few days off for the chores listed above and I had time to get back to work on Book 2 of the Ashlynne Barrow series. It was wonderful to dive back into writing and I tackled quite a bit of story line before going out for a walk. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRc5fOTCEOE/X3UKV6CoC9I/AAAAAAAAKoQ/osiu055cFRQVkzgRuxSIECTx009U-Kc5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/book%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LRc5fOTCEOE/X3UKV6CoC9I/AAAAAAAAKoQ/osiu055cFRQVkzgRuxSIECTx009U-Kc5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/book%2Bcover.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kindle Edition Cover of The Changeling: A New Orleans Faerie Tale- available <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HV7ZQ37?pf_rd_r=63WPAYCY5QMSKVWAZHEV&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" target="_blank">here</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p> Book 2 being written means, of course that Book 1 is completed and I couldn't be happier. 2 cases of the special edition Hardbacks are being printed as I type and should be arriving here in a couple of weeks. The finishing touches are being put on the cover and interior front pages (title page, copywrite page, etc.) of the paperback and then that will be proofed, approved and ready for distribution. Its been a loooonnnggg haul and an emotional roller coaster. The learning curve was steeper than I had expected regarding the technical aspects of formatting and cover design and I am forever grateful to my son for taking on the mantel of that work and doing it so beautifully. Emotionally, this story originated from a devastating loss. I began writing as a way to process that episode so, while the story is fantastical its birth was traumatic. Many of the scarier elements within the story are true-to-my-life and have been adapted to fit the narrative making the entire story and process quite cathartic. And like any good Hero's Journey tale my helpers came along as I needed them and just in the nick of time; <b>M </b>and <b>K</b> to encourage and lovingly critique after I received a devastating report from another author that had me ready to quit before I had even half finished. <b>M.</b> gently continued on in the proof reading while <b>K </b>reminded me that some people act from a place of their own ego and to let that kind of thing go. The loss of a loved employee from the restaurant brought to me <b>E</b>- not only an amazing employee but a young woman finishing her degree in literature and beginning work as an editor. <b>E</b> generously agreed to take on my book for the final editing with a ridiculously tight schedule for its completion along with the killer long hours at the restaurant and she did both so well I began to question whether a real life Fae had come into my everyday world. The individual sales of the limited edition hardback were higher in volume than I ever could have predicted and I can't wait to hear what my Readers think of the story, of Ashlynne and of course, of Morag. The Kindle edition has been out for a little over a week with over 100 units snapped up already; I'm anxiously awaiting the amazon reviews. <b><i>If you have a kindle version please, please, please leave an amazon review- they are more important to authors than gold. </i></b></p><p>To purchase your kindle edition go <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HV7ZQ37?pf_rd_r=63WPAYCY5QMSKVWAZHEV&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee" target="_blank">HERE</a> To purchase a signed author hardback or paperback go<a href="www.annierussell.net" target="_blank"> here</a></p><p> So, Book 2. More fantasy born from real-life BS. In fact, much of this book is 'ripped from the headlines' of my life but if I told it as non-fiction no one would believe it except for those who lived it with me and most of those people have melted back into the forest from whence they came. The book will be dark - ish with amazing imagery painted for you in glorious words and phrases. There will be more original art as well - just like in Book 1 - and a special edition Hardback for purchase through the website. Oh- and Book 2 is taking place in Charlevoix... I can't wait to take you back into my world..</p><p>The rains are continuing outside the window and its already getting dark. The winds are whipping the tree limbs making the fall leaves fly.. its a perfect night to read a Faerie Tale ~ </p><p>Until Next Time-</p><p>Be Safe & Wear Your Masks</p><p>Annie</p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-92010728406095451352020-09-17T04:51:00.000-07:002020-09-17T04:51:36.292-07:00To The Island and other assorted news...<p> </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu4uMgT_1qs/X2NM7w7MdRI/AAAAAAAAKng/IpMxUpJo0HcxLZweXQms4_evHByjsiOAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s570/chippewa-hotel-annie-russell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="570" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wu4uMgT_1qs/X2NM7w7MdRI/AAAAAAAAKng/IpMxUpJo0HcxLZweXQms4_evHByjsiOAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/chippewa-hotel-annie-russell.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chippewa Hotel by Annie Russell-<br />Original in private collection. Prints available on Fine Art America</td></tr></tbody></table><br />We're headed to Mackinac Island today for an afternoon of hiking. I wasn't sure if we'd be able to get over there this year due to the virus but it seems as if there have been no known outbreaks recently so we're going to give it a go with masks and hand sanitizer in tow. Its going to be a chilly day and I hope everyone on the ferry is masked or we'll have to go up-top and that will be mighty cold! All of that aside, I'm looking forward to going- its such a special place with amazing energy; the Fae are very active in the interior of the island. I am hoping to schedule a solitary trip back before the snows fly...</p><p> And I will be driving my new-to-me car up there; a 2013 BMW x5 crossover. I've never had a car with so many bells and whistles! Its very fun and gives me the room I've been needing (250 pounds of potatoes and all kinds of additional boxes and bags for the restaurant) but it means selling the sedan which I have absolutely adored over the last few years. I've never been much of a car enthusiast but I have become an avowed BMW fan with the last two cars! This is unfortunate for my budget but doable since brand new cars aren't my thing. I can get the car I like several years old and within my monthly allotment. Jack's thrilled because from here on out he doesn't have to schedule his one day off in the summer around my supply run and he won't be getting calls begging him to leave work to go gather up a dresser or other 'treasure' that someone set out to the road that is obviously not going to fit into a small 4 door car lol! </p><p> Beginning next week I need to get back to work- the beach needs to be shut down in earnest for the season and the stock put away in Persephone's Folly ahead of its Fall re-opening. There are mums to plant there as well that will look so nice. Pumpkins and cornstalks will finish that off.. the front of the building is fairly non-descript so sprucing it up is essential. Jack and I are beginning the garage clean-out this week as well - it all must go or fit into the storage shed so that once zoning gives us the OK we can begin getting the attached apartment built. I am beyond excited about this! It will provide a place for visiting family and friends to stay as well as provide rental income. I am determined, once we get the OK to do the project, that it be done and listed for rent by April. Jack doesn't say much but I get a definite 'simmer down, woman' vibe from him about my deadline... 😂</p><p> Today's writing was simply to write- I really must get to work on Book 2 of the Ashlynne Barrow series -gathering assorted notes and snippets together and begin hashing out the longer arc of things- but everyone is home right now and there are a million family irons in the fire so its not conducive to that kind of work. I would love a small desk that could be put into my work room but I haven't found one that I like and that is affordable. Right now my writing space is in the dining room which is central to the whole house, so Book 2 will continue to simmer and bubble away in jotted down notes and the back of my head readying itself for its incarnation as soon as the house is quiet again...</p><p>Be Safe & Wear Your Masks ~</p><p>Annie</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-88374304053724834632020-09-14T05:05:00.000-07:002020-09-14T05:05:01.462-07:00Goodbye Summer 2020-<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWACFhNIe20/X19bxyQ3G7I/AAAAAAAAKnU/CeNaSdE6lGYf2Rh91TNW02gFkrQRbD8IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s900/charlevoix-michigan-lighthouse-randall-nyhof.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="615" data-original-width="900" height="274" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWACFhNIe20/X19bxyQ3G7I/AAAAAAAAKnU/CeNaSdE6lGYf2Rh91TNW02gFkrQRbD8IQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h274/charlevoix-michigan-lighthouse-randall-nyhof.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>So this is it- the last day of my Summer 2020 season at the beach; I'll have to go back and check but I think this is the 4th time I've written that in an entry. Four years or so of blogging and I think I have maybe a dozen or so followers- that's a little sad LOL. At the same time Its kind of freeing- with so few eyes I can just chatter on about whatever catches my attention... for this morning and the rest of the day it will be all about 'the last time I do ____________ until next year.' The last time I do payroll - down to one employee from 6 a few weeks ago. The last time I put the patio tables out in the morning. The last time I count open the till and turn the open sign on until next year.. etc. , etc., etc. Yeah- I get weirdly sentimental. It is always bittersweet to close for the season. I basically move into the building in May -spending over 90 hours a week working on site- and then BOOM! Its done. But I am so very proud of the job that my crew did this year under incredible stress and previously unknown work conditions. Not only were we busier than we have ever been but we performed at a top-notch level. If any of you are reading this- Bravo! And Hat's Off To You All <3 </p><p> Tomorrow ---the first non-day-off-Tuesday in months --- I take my car into the shop then walk over to Persephone's Folly and get some cleaning done. Its been shuttered since my last blog entry and the spiders have basically set up a condo for themselves. I have some pretty cool stock to organize and put away as well and then the first Reading of the year will be in that afternoon. As far as the bricks and mortar retail its pretty much decided, thank goodness. My lease is up May 1. The shop will be open throughout the fall and winter/early spring Friday-Sunday or by appointment. I will be concentrating on selling down all stock that is not currently available on-line so that come the end of April I can move out and on. I love that shop - my heart sings when I enter and its exactly what I've always wanted --except for customers. There are simply not enough to justify the expense of maintaining it. I know Jack wouldn't say BOO if I chose to keep it open -he's so good about that kind of thing- but its a business and its a business that is not performing well so decisions have to be made based on that and not how cute I think it is... darn it lol.</p><p> Book One in the Ashlynne Barrow series is now available on Kindle <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Changeling-Orleans-Faerie-Ashlynne-Barrow-ebook/dp/B08HV7ZQ37/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+changeling+a+new+orleans+faerie+tale&qid=1600084493&sr=8-1" target="_blank">HERE</a> and is currently free to download. I have some very nice verbal responses regarding the story from people currently reading it which makes me so very happy. The hardback and paperback are due out in Oct/Nov and I can't wait! There is an online book club <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1109866-the-changeling-a-new-orleans-faerie-tale-book-club" target="_blank">HERE</a> - I would love to have more people join so we can chat about all things Nola and Fae come November. I am bummed that the planned Author Meet & Greets and Launch Parties can't happen but I'll figure out something. If any of the handful of you reading this have any ideas for that sort of thing send me a message :-) </p><p>I suppose that's all for now- time to do that last payroll count, feed the dogs and get dressed to do my last Grocery Store Run For The Beach for the season. </p><p>Have a great week everyone. Stay Safe & Wear Your Masks~</p><p>Annie</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-37510068358100396152020-08-23T05:11:00.000-07:002020-08-23T05:11:04.353-07:00hic sunt dracones<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EujzOq5jP-k/X0JcLSsJpnI/AAAAAAAAKmM/0hPXLAyZfwoH-aWY9sWj12R1dbmCyFJ8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s365/Lenox_Globe_Dragons.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="253" data-original-width="365" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EujzOq5jP-k/X0JcLSsJpnI/AAAAAAAAKmM/0hPXLAyZfwoH-aWY9sWj12R1dbmCyFJ8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/Lenox_Globe_Dragons.png" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I feel like I should write but there hasn't been anything amazingly new so I'll just blather on for those of you who read this..</p><p> Today is the last day for Persephone's Folly to be open for the Summer season. After today I will begin to redo the inside, adding some stock, taking away some stock, rearranging displays and just generally sprucing up. I will re-open in October for the Fall and Winter. The next summer is up in the air but my desire is to have it be reverted completely back to an online affair by April of 2021. The lease is up this time next year so its all a little wishy-washy right now with planning...</p><p>I'm chugging through the last few weeks of having the beach open while making plans for the Fall and Winter- its hard for me to have a foot in each space but this is my 'shoulder season' and with no planning I start Fall with a *thud*-I've learned this the hard way lol. So tentative plans continue; the shop (above), converting the garage into an apartment (BIG project that will likely take all Fall and Winter), getting The Changeling published and beginning book 2 in that series. </p><p>Covid issues continue to plaque the US with simple things like not gathering in groups and wearing a mask in public having morphed into political statements. Its atrocious and I would like nothing more than to rent a villa in a warm European country and wait out the pandemic and upcoming election but no country will let us in. Because masks... I really need to do an entire post on the pandemic up to now here in Northern Michigan but that will be a many hours long project - hours I don't have free right now. I began keeping a written journal on March 15th-it will be interesting to go back and read that...I'll share it here later in September.</p><p>2020 continues to be a full ride Crazy Train aside from Covid. There are two- yes two- hurricanes headed to The Gulf at the same time tracked right now to rake the west coast of FL then both hit New Orleans. So far they are lower Cats so that's good but the warm Gulf waters are hurricane batteries so it is very concerning. </p><p>An asteroid is on track to collide with earth in November just before the election. Yeah- an asteroid. Facebook memes have us playing a morbid Bingo game but I think the Jumaji comparison is more on track for this insanity. </p><p>For now, though, I keep my focus on my very small section of the world- the beach in front of my restaurant, my house, my family and my friends. To look for too long at the Bigger Picture is too much. </p><p>Here There Be Dragons</p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-53862948575078392362020-08-10T04:59:00.007-07:002020-08-10T05:05:09.412-07:00Pedal Smarter Not Harder<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0BWbAPGP1I/XzE14ABnRxI/AAAAAAAAKlc/TL19BdMoBN424g4SiDkJ1x-kSlBK206YgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/yellow%2Bbike%2Bto%2Bsubmit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1663" data-original-width="2048" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0BWbAPGP1I/XzE14ABnRxI/AAAAAAAAKlc/TL19BdMoBN424g4SiDkJ1x-kSlBK206YgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h260/yellow%2Bbike%2Bto%2Bsubmit.jpg" title="original work by Annie Russell - 'Mackinac Bike'" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Today is my Friday. By my calendar's count it looks like I might have 4 or 5 more 'Friday's' left in the summer. The hell of July is over and it was lucrative and exhausting and stressful beyond imagination. 7 years ago when I opened the beach as a 'real' restaurant I would have never ever imagined a summer like this one; a year like this one. </p><p> Into August and the numbers drop off quickly; we are currently 25% below this time last month. That's one of the only things 'normal' about this summer- I wondered how it would go and was ready to find that business was going to just keep going and going and going as people worked remotely and kids went back to school virtually. That seems to not be the case and part of me is happy and part of me is sad- again; one more tiny slice of 'normal' there. The end of the season is always bitter-sweet for me. </p><p>Because I know that this gig has an end-date I tend to get antsy about now and begin planning my next gig; this fall I plan on riding my new bike a lot- I want to ride around Fisherman's Island State Park and take it over to Mackinac Island (if its safe to go). I have a book being released in November- my first novel - and 2 more in the works with the plan to release one in November of 2021 and one in November of 2022 (the Gods willing and the creek don't rise). There is one more year of Persephone's Folly being a bricks and mortar entity in Charlevoix and I will be back on the floor there through the winter- probably weekends only and by appointment but of course, that is dependent on Covid rulings. I've learned to pivot quickly with business plans. Painting will be done as well- I miss putting a brush to canvas very much. </p><p>There are a million and one projects that we need to finish in this house this winter too; finish installing the bamboo flooring (downstairs is done, upstairs is next), butcherblock counter tops in the kitchen, finish painting and replacing hollow core interior doors with solid wood. With the sale of the building these projects can be completed this year- I am grateful for that. I'm a Taurus- a homebody. It makes me twitchy to have my space partly done and out of sorts... </p><p> So for now I'm in the betwixt and between mode- beginning to 'slow down' -though this year's slow was the last couple of years busy - and putting plans in place for the fall and winter months. Its an uncomfortable space for me and one I really never get used to...</p><p> Here's to August. Stay Safe and Wear Your Mask~</p><p>Annie</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-31900283334026405852020-07-29T04:41:00.000-07:002020-07-29T04:42:03.325-07:00July Gives Way To August In A Northern Town<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Big News- our building sold. We had planned on keeping it indefinitely but the<br />
emotional stress and physical wear of trying to manage and maintain the short term rental, maintenance on the structure, the retail shop and an extremely busy restaurant was just too much ; success at what cost? So we listed and it sold. I will maintain a retail lease on the one side for another year- not exactly my ideal situation but it got the building sold so there it is. The retail side is a sad and not uncommon scenario of 'you should do (fill in this blank)- soooo many people would love it and it would be just what the community needs/wants!' And guess what? Its been a big fat NOPE. Classes have been great but we can't do those this year and Readings are good but I can do those from home so one more season and turn of The Wheel and Persephone's Folly will once again be an on-line only affair. I'm a little sad since this has been a dream for over 20 years but its not that the dream wasn't fulfilled, more like it was simply short-lived. Onward...<br />
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The restaurant has been successful beyond my wildest dreams and I'm so very grateful and yet so very very tired. We normally close for the season around the second week in September but with schools maybe sorta kinda going back and so many people working remotely I honestly have no idea this year. I just keep cooking and doing my thing...<br />
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I could do a whole 15000 more words on Covid and what its shown to be true in our society but I don't have the time or the mental zippiness to put that all together right now-soon, though. Soon.<br />
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While I have been unable to enjoy much as far as summer activities go this summer, I can tell that its all beginning to wind down; not the amount of people, but the season itself. The colors are deepening once again; pinks and bright blues have given way to dark lavenders, golds, and magentas. I was able to gather about a quart of black raspberries from my bushes ahead of the birds and the colors are amazing. I love the jewel tones of late summer... Soon the leaves will be changing and the next season will arrive. But for now its still summer and I'm still running a mile a minute and its still hot.<br />
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Take care and stay safe and wear your masks~<br />
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Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-55133361870865466932020-07-22T04:39:00.001-07:002020-09-14T06:23:36.030-07:00Any Port....<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwYsAnKNqb4/Xxgk464uVfI/AAAAAAAAKi8/strKnh74Euc1DMtV89Dq5gxGAx7kI0apgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mac%2Bboat.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uwYsAnKNqb4/Xxgk464uVfI/AAAAAAAAKi8/strKnh74Euc1DMtV89Dq5gxGAx7kI0apgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/mac%2Bboat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo by Annie Russell - Mackinac Island, Mi.</td></tr>
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<br />
Good Morning -<br />
I'm trying to get back into a regular posting on this blog so that I'm writing more, thinking more and reacting and moving like an automaton less. July is 6 months long for me and I find that if I don't make myself stop, breathe, think, and write I work, get home, shower, go to bed, work, get home, shower, go to bed. etc. etc. etc. <br />
<br />
There are shifts occurring that leave me feeling discombobulated; we have sold our building and close on that tomorrow. I will remain on the retail side for another year as I transition Persephone's Folly back into on-line only status.<br />
We had an apartment lined up in New Orleans but that idea folded just before signing the lease due to the virus and its effects within the city at this time; safer to stay close to home for now.<br />
I've lost two workers this month and gained another who is going to work out really well. <br />
The changes and uncertainties are obvious in the mundane world but the shifts are happening beyond that as well and that, for me, is like navigating an erratic storm. Sometimes the breeze is gentle and at my back, other times its a gale force wind from in front of me and other times its gusts that pummel me from the sides. This time of physical and economic uncertainty has loosened our collective moorings and change is happening quickly but not smoothly. The ties that kept us at dock, so to speak, began loosening in earnest 4 years ago when we, as a society, let in the storm that is now in charge of our country. For some reason we all decided - on some level or another- that this would be beneficial for us. This is not to say that those of us who did not vote for the current regime wanted chaos, but rather than the undercurrent and desire for change must have been so strong that we have wound up here. I hope we're all strong enough to safely navigate this storm and come out relatively unscathed at the end.<br />
For me the hardest part of this has been the anger- people are SO angry. My usual ways of operating within my community have been changed dramatically. For the most part I no longer interact with the public; I do what I need to do at grocery stores and at work-nod, smile, keep my head down and my emotional shields up, and keep to my own space. There have been far too many emotionally violent encounters this summer and I simply cannot continue to have that kind of energy thrown at me. So for now I interact with people I know personally and keep to myself otherwise. Its a strange way to behave in such a small town and I hope this is not the new normal.<br />
My ramblings are done for the morning; its time for me to get dressed and head into work. I'm very tired and am looking forward to some down-time when the seasons change (and if that's not a broadly worded statement, I don't know what is!).<br />
<br />
Take Care, Stay Safe, Wear Your Masks~<br />
<br />Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-4126157648078959042020-07-16T04:20:00.001-07:002020-07-16T04:20:24.890-07:00Checking in MidSummer 2020<br />
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I read very quickly through my last post of Sept 2019 and laughed and laughed and laughed because-Wow! If I had known then and all that.... Hindsight, you ARE 2020.<br />
<br />
So here's a very very fast update and then I will be back at this on the more regular-<br />
<br />
March 2020 we were in New Orleans when all hell broke loose with a global pandemic. Of course, rumblings had been heard about it but our 'leadership' in the US chose to ignore and deflect which lead us to--<br />
Total lock-down in Michigan from mid March until about early May(ish)--seriously, its all a blur. I did keep a written journal of the early days though and will transcribe here at a later time.<br />
The beach opened with all new pandemic protocols- everyone must wear masks and gloves are now for more than just food-prep. Tables and people need to space at 6-10 feet apart and all employees must check in for work with questions about health, current temperature and whether or not they have traveled. Contactless Ordering and Curbside Pickup are now well known to us all.<br />
All festivals and gatherings have been canceled.<br />
Health Department issues weekly 'numbers' of infected, dead, and recovered.<br />
Masks have become a political issue (seriously...) as the POTUS has declared them not necessary and his kool-aid drinking followers agree. People have been shot, stabbed, and assaulted for asking others to wear masks (which is a state-wide mandate at this point but local police won't enforce so...). I have been banned from two grocery stores for asking that they comply,<br />
Business at the beach has never been busier and I lost 2 employees last week but gained one this week so I'm only half-way down shit's creek at this point.<br />
Tonight I get to go home after 2 weeks at Rosecliff taking care of guests as well as the restaurant and our STR in Charlevoix. I. Am. Exhausted.<br />
Yesterday we were within hours of signing a lease on a 12 month rental in New Orleans so we could go away and work somewhere else for the winter but then got word that the city has shut back down, there are no jobs and locals are hurting big time. This isn't the year though it breaks my heart not only for the health situation but the apartment was perfect and I doubt I'll find it again... So, Home we stay. If safety allows we'll visit...<br />
My family has remained safe and employed though everyone is feeling the pressure and a few of us are beginning to crack a bit. Its def time to slow down as soon as we're able.<br />
Oh- I'm almost done with novel #1 which is due to be released in November and working on novels 2 and 3.<br />
That's all for now- stay safe, mask up, and be kind.<br />
Annie<br />
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<br />Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-72659716367460625762019-11-04T06:21:00.000-08:002019-11-04T06:21:51.597-08:00The Summer of Crazy Is Over..<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTKyDnY-QUQ/XcAxph4PbGI/AAAAAAAAKXY/3OIJE_Sg2RUR8raxN3Rr6kXkG14MUSuggCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/grand%2Bflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="794" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTKyDnY-QUQ/XcAxph4PbGI/AAAAAAAAKXY/3OIJE_Sg2RUR8raxN3Rr6kXkG14MUSuggCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/grand%2Bflowers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Flowers- acrylic on stretched canvas</td></tr>
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<br />
Hello out there-<br />
I'm back now that I have a morning here and there to sit down and collect my thoughts. That certainly wasn't the case from my last post throughout the rest of the summer- holy moly! That slow start I was moaning about back in June kicked into over-drive about a week after that and I never quit running until we closed in September. Summer of 2019 was certainly one for the books: the busiest, most challenging and most financially rewarding of the 6 years that I've had the cafe. That being said we were severely short-handed for the whole season and lost 2 employees just after Venetian. I was, once again, the only cook and I'm afraid that is a gig that I have out-lived. Physically I simply cannot keep that one-woman show going so my focus this coming year is to have at least one more person in the kitchen. <b>(If you know someone please send 'em my way! No- its not too early to secure a summer job!)</b><br />
There is always a trade-off though and when one aspect of my life is going full-tilt-boogie then other areas are put on the back burner out of sheer necessity: Absolutely no painting or artwork was done nor writing on the novel I had so ambitiously begun. My gardens were left to their own devices and I missed out on any social gatherings that happened between June and August. There was absolutely nothing to do about this - the cafe was requiring over 90 hours a week of my time and by the end of August I was a husk of myself. I painted the picture above out of sheer desperation - I absolutely <i>needed</i> to put paint onto a canvas. <br />
Jack and I made a quick trip down to New Orleans the end of September and while it was wonderful to see our People I really wish we had waited until about now- I had not fully recovered physically from the grueling schedule I had kept up for the previous nine weeks and feel like I ghost-walked through that trip. I just wanted to crawl into bed and sleep. (We stayed in the French Quarter this time so that wasn't a possibility on a few levels!)<br />
No matter how crazy the schedule, though, our family all came together to welcome our newest member - William Leblanc Sargent - who was born in Petoskey on July 9. Named for my father who passed away the winter before, I felt the circle closing when I held this tiny little guy for the first time. His Great Grandfather was so present with us all at that moment...<br />
For now though, The Wheel has turned yet again and we have entered the Dark Half of The Year. The first snow flurries have dusted the lawn, the hosta leaves have yellowed and the beech tree that shades my balcony has shed its summer foliage. Halloween has come and gone and we are all looking forward to the Winter Holidays.<br />
I'm planning on my winter being one of rejuvenation and creativity. My meditations will be on the seed planted in the darkness that bursts forth in the spring full of life and green and wonder.<br />
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Until Next Time--<br />
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<br />Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-75411075045123362562019-06-06T05:51:00.000-07:002019-06-06T05:51:06.299-07:00A Rough & Rocky Start - or End. Perspective Is Everything I Guess<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gathering Lilacs - available for purchase on the NorthernVisions etsy store</td></tr>
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Good Morning Out There. I'm really never sure who-if anyone- reads this so I pretty much just write for myself; a diary of sorts I guess.<br />
The calendar says June and my friends and family in the South are insisting that they will all melt away to nothingness soon but up here in the North its still cold, damp and generally not at all summer-like. Its killing me financially and emotionally. I really need to see some sunshine and feel some warmth. My beach side business - very very slow about now - demands the same.<br />
I have been saying its a 'rough start' when people ask me how its going but it may be a 'rough end' to a very trying winter. I'm undecided yet as to whether or not flipping that perspective makes it more hopeful.. maybe. By saying that this current time is a rough ending allows for a positive beginning to happen soon. Or maybe its all semantics and means nothing more than cloudy word games. Who knows?<br />
What I DO know is that its not been much in the way of 'rainbows and glitter' - business is slow in starting, finances are taking a hit because of that and the sun seems to have disappeared forever. I'm REALLY tired of wearing wool socks, boots and 3 layers of clothes to the beach to cook. Its all getting really old and I would love to run away.<br />
Instead of physically running away, though, I've mentally checked out. As mentioned in the last post I have started work on an Urban Fantasy novel that I am having a lot of fun with. Ironically, it was born out of a mind-blowingly crazy situation with a friend that I was very close to. What happens when you find out that one of your best friends is LITERALLY not who you knew? Faeries. You change it all into a Faerie story. Yes, I know; my way of dealing and processing is a bit odd but you'll all get a fantastic read out of it all if you're interested... I gave myself a deadline because I work better that way and have listed the Kindle version for pre-order on amazon. The link is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SQ46SM2" target="_blank">HERE</a>. I'm not sure about the cover, that may change... There will be a paperback as well but amazon doesn't support that pre-order format. As I get closer to the Sept 1 release date I may set up pre-orders on my website for Persephone's Folly..<br />
Lest you all (whoever the 6 of you that read this are) think I ignore pressing business issues by diving headlong into another project I have had to sit down and make some tough choices as to where my personal and business resources will be allocated going forward. While difficult to do I'm keeping the visual in my mind of a healthy tree- trimming off the dead branches allows for energy to be concentrated in the trunk and live branches allowing for a stronger and healthier tree. I'm a tree.. I need to cut out the dead, the draining and the dragging down aspects to allow for healthy growth- be that people, situations, businesses, etc.<br />
Re-reading this post I chuckled at my attempts to gather some semblance of a positive mind-set. I really do try but this year has been one of loss; the loss of a friend, the loss of trust, the loss of a parent, the loss of income. Its been a rough year but I'm ready for a smoother beginning-<br />
let it be now...<br />
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<br />Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-40822260587809451592019-05-21T04:30:00.000-07:002019-05-21T04:30:28.821-07:00Beginning Summer 2019 Last week I went to North Carolina's Outer Banks to spend some time with family. It was a fast trip and for the most part enjoyable except for the undercurrent of sadness that my father didn't make it to this gathering. We had some great family dinners and got to catch up with cousins so that was really nice. My brother and I got to spend our birthday together-something that rarely happens. I'm grateful for the trip.<br />
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We rolled into Northern Michigan Sunday night, fell into bed and yesterday- Monday - officially began my summer schedule though it is only 45 degrees. I met with the city about the cafe opening, went to Persephone's Folly to check in, price and display some new products, gathered toiletries for the apartment and cleaned and set up the front of the cafe. Today my focus is the back and the kitchen- everything needs to be scrubbed down and set up so I can shop for supplies tomorrow and begin prepping for opening day on Friday morning. Talk about hitting the ground running! This will be a summer of crazy-busy like no other and I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. Especially starting it off with just me because my husband and usual partner is working doubles at his place.<br />
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One Foot In Front Of The Other --------> Until I Reach September. </div>
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So today I will clean and scrub and set to rights. Tonight I will print out the menu as a shopping guide. Tomorrow I will shop and begin prep. Thursday I will continue and complete prep and we open Friday! Whew! The nice thing is that after a normally busy opening weekend it slows right down for about 10 days so I can get my 'lake legs' under me. I am grateful for that. I have some plans for some fun dinner specials to keep me feeling creative with a regular Friday night special of a Shrimp Boil Dinner that I think will be great... </div>
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In non-restaurant news I have begun writing another book; a novel. Its an Urban Fantasy/Fairy Tale. I'm only 3 chapters in right now but excited at how its beginning to play out. I will be looking for a beta-reader or 2 so if you're interested let me know. If you're an editor type definitely let me know! I'm hoping to plug away at it in my down-time as an escape but we shall see; I don't want to add one more 'Must Do' to my list... </div>
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My painting season is completed but come fall I have a few scenes of the Outer Banks I will be working on; if you're a NC fan stay tuned... </div>
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That's about all for this 'catch up' post; there's tons going on but nothing all that interesting unless you all want a crash-course on how to clean a restaurant's flat-top griddle :-)</div>
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Until Next Time --</div>
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A </div>
Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-193748619833422681.post-39494327439696648742019-05-09T06:56:00.001-07:002019-05-09T06:57:00.308-07:00The Greening<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trillium in Boyne Valley-private collection</td></tr>
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The trees that surround the balcony off of my dining room are starting to leaf- soft splotches of green and gold now fill out the spaces between themselves and their neighbors. Soon I will sit in a veritable tree house when I have my morning coffee on the settee every morning. I live for that space-its why I bought this house, really. I'll have it 'opened' by the end of May- planters filled with bright red geraniums, Boston ferns that had wintered over inside placed on the railing to stretch their feathered arms into the sunlight, and baskets of herbs and edible flowers for summer salads and souffles.<br />
Next door to me the giant Willow Tree has lost its golden yellow tinge and is now showing off tiny chartreuse leaflets that will grow to sway in the summer breezes and dance wildly in the August storms. She's a massive old girl and I pray that the new neighbors see themselves as care-takers of her and don't cut her down. While I know her daughters live just outside the yard into the wetlands, I would hate to lose The Mother Tree.<br />
Normally I spend the middle of this month playing out there and in my flower beds. This year, however- like most of this winter, really - is a little out of whack. Rather than turning over soil and welcoming back my Hostas I'll be in a car headed south. Rather than potting geraniums and rosemary I'll be in Kitty Hawk, NC. My father who passed away the end of January had been saying that he needed to get to his beloved Outer Banks just one more time. "I need to breathe that salt air just one more time', he'd say to me on the phone while being wracked with terrible coughing fits. I would pretend to not notice the 2 minutes of his coughing and wheezing and then say 'We'll see you there in May, Dad! We'll all celebrate our birthday together (my brother and I are twins).' While I said this with a smile and an upbeat tone I knew in my heart that he would not see the Outer Banks again in this life. It breaks my heart that he had absolutely convinced himself that he would.<br />
Even with his passing though, my extended family chose to not cancel the gathering. We'll all go and remember my father as a group and individually. The rest of them will - I'm sure- drink a little too much (I don't drink alcohol for those of you who don't know me personally) and laugh a little too loudly. Somewhere in there my brother and I will wish each other a happy 50th Birthday that will now forever be tied with the trip my father wasn't able to make.<br />
When we return home from this trip ( please don't call it a vacation) I will need to hit the ground running and I am very very grateful for that. I've had too much time to spend in my own head this past winter. I'll have 5 days to open the Cafe for the season including the shopping, food prep, employee schedules and patio set up. I've spent this past week readying the shop to be manned primarily by other workers since I will not be able to be there. As usual I'm still trying to get enough employees but I do have a great core group and if no one else steps up it means that we'll all be hustling for the summer. We've done it before and we'll do it again- I like to see it as 'comrades in arms' lol. The new air b n b rental is doing well and is set up with an excellent cleaner. Aside from checking in and making sure linens are washed and put in there for her to change out that aspect of summer is taken care of. Truth be told I have wound up creating a monster of a summer schedule but at this point I'm just as far in as I would be out so Onward to September! :-)<br />
For those half dozen of you or so who read this you'll probably hear from me again while I'm in North Carolina...<br />
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Happy Spring<br />
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Annie Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16826551221481594644noreply@blogger.com0