Despite sounding like the title of a futuristic, dystopian film, 2010 has been quite lovely so far. And while I'm generally both superstitious and circumspect, and don't like to tempt the gods by being too optimistic, I'm throwing caution to the wind and putting forth this brazenly happy list:
Three Reasons Why I Love 2010 so Far
1. I am literally one day away from finishing the first draft of my first novel. It's been six years (off and on) so this is huge for me. I still have a thorough rewrite on the horizon, but a complete draft feels very significant; it's like having a whole skeleton. Blood and guts to follow...
2. My dolls now have transportation...
...in the form of this most-excellent Penny-Farthingale bike made for by Mr. L.,once again earning his title. It has a little leather seat and real pedals that go all the way around.
3. I'm taking a course called Sexuality in 18th Century British Literature. I've always been interested in the Restoration and court life, and as so many 18th C. writers were connected to the monarchy - and rather pervy - there promises to be some juicy stuff.
I hope all you all lovely holidays. We had a very nice time in Maine, and Mr. L's mom had decorated the house so beautifully. Instead of erecting a traditional Christmas tree, she decorated her Gardenia tree and the whole place felt warm and cheerful.
There were also all kinds of sweet, tiny objects around the house, including these darling animals, which were about the size of a quarter:
We took along our little black friend because of his recent feline asthma diagnosis and he fared very well; he spent the entire eight hour drive quite sitting quite calmly on my lap (each way) but looked up and let out an irate miaow every few minutes just to be sure I knew that he did not approve of the whole situation. I told him I completely understood. We were back in time for new year's eve when we cleaned the whole apartment (I even reorganized my linen closet) and drank champagne, which made it so much more fun than usual (hence an hour of my life devoted to tidy linens!)
Finally, in case I don't already prattle on enough, there's a little interview about me on Paul Grimsley's InToViews website, which you can find here. Now I must return to my latest batch of girls, but first I wish you all health and happiness in the new year!!