September 9 – 11, 2017

So, my bathroom away from home is officially complete with my reversed death star. Hey, I can turn it upside down and call it a life star if I want.

Find center but don’t be μ=(Σ_(ⅈ=X_i)^N)/N—translated is find center, but don’t be mean (laugh).

The measure of center using mean is a great tool, and I enjoy when the play on words makes me smile while I’m doing things other than writing. I shared it with Superhero and grinned at the eye roll that couldn’t belie the spontaneous laugh I got from someone who is accustomed to my quirky sense of humor. I think writing, like any new activity, becomes integrated in all avenues of your life when it is part of your daily routine. I’m reworking my present manuscript. As I mentioned previously, I’m a little concerned it may be choppy with the scene breaks in the first fifty pages, but the pace is what I want right now. So, I’m pressing forward. The goal is to get the plot, character arc, and world building more clearly defined in the first three chapters. So, I’m spending extra time on them. I spoke with my editor this weekend and he agreed with the plan I have to use a scene for double duty. Talking my plan over with him cements it in my mind and keeps us on the same page with the progress.

I wanted to share a picture today of the survivor tree at ground zero in New York. The resilience of a tree speaks to me on many levels. I share it to let you have your own thoughts about it.

My lemon tree is doing well. I breathed a sigh of relief when the canopy regrew after its first root trim. I don’t mind trying new things, but I worry when others are involved and at risk because I’m a novice. I am my most careful self at these times. How much do you trim, how wet do you keep the roots,  what soil concentration is best on replant, how much stress to the root system is acceptable to give the limited amount of soil the freedom it needs for oxygen, water, and nutrients? I don’t always get it right, but this time I’m pleased with the success. Not only did the canopy regrow, but she’s flowering and bearing fruit again.