A Del Norte County February

Battery Point Lighthouse

 February in a lot of places is snowier than here, but lately I've been talking to people in the southern hemisphere about the summer they are experiencing right now.  Here we have had gloriously sunny days and heavy downpour and the predominant theme is water, everywhere.  I love living close to the Pacific, and in February here, that means crabbing season is going on, the grey whales are sometimes visible from the sea cliffs, the water is cold and anything but peaceful.

Driftwood Mermaid

Some Writer's are offering free copies of their books in a giveaway that run through St. Patrick's Day,and two copies of my novel, in paperback, are among the prizes that you can register to win at

http://writersparty.com/contests/

 

For Valentine's day, I got Roses and bookmarks with my books pictured on them

This is the way I've been spending my spare time

 I love being a writer, even though I still have to pay the bills with teaching.  But I have been making about the same as one half day of teaching, from my books this month :)  and I got to go in to visit a 5th grade class as a visiting author..The kids were much more impressed than they are when they meet me as a substitute teacher.  It was a lot of fun to see how many of the kids already think of themselves as writers.

Pear Blossoms

 Of course, being a writer, means that you also are a reader.  I love the fact that February has long periods when it is too cold and stormy to do much beside curl up with a good book.  Well that is my excuse now, granted, in August I will be at the river, and before swimming, I will claim that the hot perfect weather makes it mandatory to curl up on the beach with a good book.

Lately I found a sweet, Nanny McPhee type novel that has had me laughing in delight as the Ninja Librarian tries to tame a town filled with wild and outrageous characters.

 I am almost done with the Ninja Librarian, and I should get back to work writing on my Oregon Trail Novel, but that darn kindle has a massive list of free books and my bedroom has stacks of Paper books and reading one called of those is calling me too.

Sea Lions at the harbor

The fruit trees are beginning to bloom here.

Yes, the blooming has begun, can the sneezing be far behind?

 Have a beautiful time, whatever the season is like where you live.  Remember, when you look at the whole world, with its topsy turkey seasons, it is giving us a clue what we need in our lives too.  Balance, a little reading, a little writing, a big hug, a few tears, indoors, outdoors, work and play.  Through it all, remember this is your life, live it with a smile.

We are where the robins winter

My yard and the beaches are filled with birds which winter in Del Norte County where the mild winter and winter berries and the slugs and earthworms which thrive in our rain, are a winter banquet.