I want to write like that!

My apologies for a late post.  I am very aware that I have shifted into full summer mode.  It's like I'm on "island time" (minus the island).  I wake an hour later than I should.  My family eats dinner way later than in the cooler, darker months.  And, now on Thursday, here's Wednesday's post.  In less than two weeks, school will resume and with it, mornings that must begin much, much earlier.   There will be the inevitable shift of our mental time zones.  No more island time and no more kids literally climbing on me as I attempt to write anything from this blog to a simple e-mail.  And, forget about that next novel!  The outline is patiently sitting on my desk waiting for September.

Next week, my blog and I and, oh yeah, the three kids and the husband are off for a little rest and relaxation.  I hope to return ready to face another school year and even more ready to take advantage of a quiet house by focusing on writing.  When I do go to climb the mountain that is the first draft of novel #2, I'll be sure to keep in mind these thoughts posted by Daily Literary Quote on my Google home page this morning.  It has me saying, "I want to write like that!"

"All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened and after you are finished reading one you will feel that all that happened to you and afterwards it all belongs to you: the good and the bad, the ecstasy, the remorse and sorrow, the people and the places and how the weather was.  If you can get so that you can give that to people, then you are a writer."  Ernest Hemingway

See ya in two weeks!

Lucky 13

Lucky 13?  You may be asking.  Isn't it unlucky?  Well, I certainly hope not!

The number 13 has bounced around my family in the form of addresses, birthdays, times of birth and even as the Route # next to my last place of employment.  This past Monday has marked my 13th wedding anniversary ... so it darn well better be lucky.

So, no, I do not suffer from Triskaidekaphobia.  Although, it is fun to say.  On a quick Internet search, I discovered that I need not fear this number.  For as many examples of bad luck associated with 13, there were equally as many fortunate beliefs.  The problem humanity seems to have with the number dates all the way back to ancient times.  As the lunar cycles were counted in relation to the solar calendar, there were supposed to be 12.  But it wasn't exact.  Every four years, there would be a 13th full moon.   In biblical times, Jesus plus the 12 apostles at the last supper equals 13.  It has been said Judas who betrayed Jesus was the 13th to arrive.  In modern times, the number 13 has been worn on the uniforms and jerseys of an impressive group including Wilt Chamberlain, Dan Marino and Alex Rodriguez.  Taylor Swift born on December 13th often is seen wearing the number on her hand in concerts.  There's no doubt this number has a certain mystique about it.  After all, the age of 13 officially, for better or worse, begins the teenage years.

So, is 13 lucky or unlucky?  Like everything else in life, it's all a matter of perspective.  Having a choice in the matter, I'll bet on the side of lucky.

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Three Sisters Garden

Every year we plant a vegetable garden in our backyard.  Everyone, even the kids, gets involved in its care from planting it in Mid-May through picking the produce in the summer months.  This year's yield has been less than stellar.  Blame it on the weather.  Blame it on all of us being more on the go than ever before.  But, for whatever reason, the result has been disappointing. 

On the drive home from my daughter's preschool themed dance class (see what I mean about being "on-the-go"), I noticed a garden worth envying.  At this house, the corn stood tall and impressive as opposed to our shriveled brown versions.  There were pumpkins vined at the corn's base.  Our pumpkin seeds had remained in the packet.  It had reminded me of a type of garden I had once learned about while teaching Pre-K:  a Three Sisters Garden.

What is it? You ask.  A three sisters garden is an ancient method of gardening I believe (but don't hold me to it) used by the Native Americans.  While the three sisters are not all that unusual - corn, squash and beans, the way these three plants work together is amazing.  Corn is the tall sister and the support system for the beans, the third sister, to vine up and around.  The bean plant in turn binds the three sisters together while keeping the soil fertile.  Squash, the second sister, covers and protects the ground, maintaining much needed moisture. 

In my garden, the corn stands off on its own.  Five yards away, we have sugar snap peas and two rows of zucchini squash.  All the plants were growing just fine until the stress of the extreme heat took its toll.  Next year, I'd like to try a three sisters garden and see if it indeed works as I have read.  I can't help thinking that my garden as compared to the three sisters garden are somehow a metaphor for life.  Something about the support of others helping with the stresses of life. 

If you'd like to learn more about growing a Three Sisters Garden, check out this site:
 http://faq.gardenweb.com/faq/lists/teach/2003045238014436.html

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