Today is the last day of school and when my boys come through the door at 3:30 everything's going to change around here. I have a great office. It's roomy, inviting, etc., but it has no door. It's just.... part of the basement, and every sound in the house (even one of my cats horking up hairballs on the main floor) travels down here.
My editor already sent me her editorial revisions letter for The Silver Compass (isn't she fast?!) and now I'm back at work again, adding chapters, fully dramatizing those that are weak, nuking unnecessary backstory, etc. Of course, this is a big part of the process, so I knew it was coming, but something else is coming, too -- permanent summer house guests who have the worst time wrapping their brains around the word "quiet".
Yesterday, while acting as a parent volunteer for my son's year-end field trip to a mini-theme park (a commitment I'd made weeks ago) I watched four 8 year olds run from ride to ride, getting sugared up on cotton candy, and as they did, I scribbled notes every chance I got. At one point, beaming, my son gave me kiss to thank me for coming (melt) and then he whispered, "Know what, Mom? I'm counting the hours until school's out.""Me, too," I whispered back.
20 comments:
So I'm reading this and I'm going, "Who's staying at Holly's?"
Duh.
I get it.
SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER!!!
SCHOOLS OUT FOREVER!! (only seems like it)
I guess the old Alice Cooper song still fits!
Just think of the inspiration.
Holly, consider yourself very fortunate to have had the entire month of June with the boys in school. In some states schools are "out" in May and, by mid-June, everyone is on vacation.
You will find those quiet moments and -- as Pat suggested -- some great inspiration that emanates from love.
Holly?
Two words: Summer.Camps.
That ride sure looks inviting!
I wouldn't mind giving it a good whirl myself.
Oh Holly. I know! I am so happy that my kids only have one more day and then we have freedom!!!! However. I know I'm not going to get much done, writing wise.
I hoped to get my book ready to query by the end of June and I'm not there. More work is needed. At least I don't have real deadlines to meet...and I won't send it anywhere until it's ready.
At least mine are old enough that they don't need me to tell them what to do next. This summer in any case will be a real learning curve for how to get stuff done and have fun at the same time!
Wow. School gets out late for you! When do they start? I'm guessing the end of Septemer?
Cute little guys.
Love their hats.
Enjoy 'em while they're young.
Soon they'll be begging for your car keys and you'll be begging them to spend an evening at home with you. *sigh* How I miss my two girls now that they're in college.
ORION -- Oh, Pat, you and your boat and those softly lapping ocean waves! You've no idea what LOUD sounds like until you have to separate two boys mid-argument *LOL*
Larramie -- How are things at your end these days? Yes, I do feel fortunate. I wouldn't give up time with my boys for anything. Those 'quiet moments' will need to be found late late at night, though :)
Wordman17 -- *thumbs up*
They're each registered for two summer camps and I leave for Maui August 21st, so it's really not so bad, other than that I've got to make some serious revisions before I leave (eek)
Heidi -- Always wonderful to hear from you! I hope the book is going well. It never ends, though, huh? Writing, rewriting, polishing... oh, and obsessing!
Melissa -- Yup, mine go back to school Sept 4th after Canada's labor day weekend. What about where you live? Is it earlier?
Doreen -- Cringe! I don't even want to THINK about them moving out. Matter of fact, I often tell them they can stay as long as they like, although I may regret that years from now.
Can I ask which cousin, btw?
Oh I feeeel your pain and we're like-minded 'cause I just did a post about school being out and, yes, Pat I put Alice Cooper's picture on it LOL. Are we having a share the same brain cell day?
What a dear child. And obviously a well appreciated Mom. No small feat! Enjoy the summer. Mind the bears!
I love your description of your cats horking up hairballs! Perfect. Mine do that a lot. Your boys sound wonderful and there are always the wee small hours of morning when they are asleep for peace and quiet.
So when does school start again?
Here in Texas the kids get out the last week of May and return the last week of August.
Holly - My kids start next year on August 20 and will go until May 30 or so.
My office is the same as yours - in the basement, but no doors to shut people (or cats!) out!
Awww....that's cute. After awhile you won't even notice the cat horking...
:)
My kids don't start school until Sept 4th, but I guess it's all relative, huh? You get out in early June, you go back in August. All that aside, I'm looking forward to a good summer :)
Sweet story, Holly. I don't have any kids yet, but look forward to having about 2 of my own...
Quiet? What's that?? My two kids don't go to school, so every day is like summer vacation. Hmmm. Wonder why I'm not writing?! LOL
I'm on *hold*. Sigh...
We've been out of school since June 1, here. My daughter now refers to my computer as "my habit". LOL!!! It's all about late nights!
Good luck with your summer guests. That ride does look FABULOUS!!! I've got to hit the theme park with my babes this summer...
An idle comment: Every time I read your posts I come away thinking what a lovely "voice" you have.
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