A Summer Break

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Yesterday I sat in the backyard with my fam-jam and a few neighbors shooting the breeze. I got a bit sunburned, but I have to say, it was worth every glorious second of blessed UV deliciousness.

To an average citizen of earth, sitting so leisurely in the backyard might not seem like a big deal. BUT I live in Canada. Not just in Canada, but on “Spud Island” where summer lasts all of 10 minutes IF you’re lucky. Falls and springs are cool. Summer is nothing like where I grew up in Manitoba, where daylight seems to last forever and it’s hot enough to make you yearn for winter. Okay, maybe not quite, ’cause winters in Manitoba are designed by the DEVIL to make you wonder why you live where your face HURTS after spending 30 GODFORSAKEN seconds running like a screaming banshee from your car to work.

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Me and the fam-jam enjoying summer (minus my two brilliant/funny/crazy-cool stepdaughters). And, yes, to answer your question, the older boys ARE making fart noises in this picture. 

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So. *coughs*

Back to yesterday.

The hellions were playing with water balloons on my neighbor’s trampoline–because our trampoline is somehow “way less bouncy” than theirs. Soaking wet, they stopped their sky-high belly flops, turned the grown-ups and said, “Do you know there are only FOUR weeks of school left until summer vacation?”

My heart began to thud in my chest. My palms broke out in a cold sweat. Sweet Fat Friday, my self-imposed deadline is almost up.

I turned to my husband. “Wow. I should be working on my book. I only have a month if I want to finish before school’s out.”

“Isn’t that what you said last year?” He rubbed my shoulder, teasing. “Let’s just enjoy the sunshine while we can.”

So . . . I did. I sat in the backyard, watched the hellions play outside and soaked up every goddamned UV ray I could before trotting off to work. EVEN THOUGH my husband was right. I said the exact same thing last year, about the VERY SAME book.

But I am going to do it this time.

The plan is to finish this round of edits in four weeks and then let the manuscripts rest for summer break. While it’s resting, I’m going to rock out the first draft of book two. AND, I am also going to enjoy my family, as per my very smart hubbie’s request. Meaning, we will camp, waterslide, swim, hit the beach, and PLAY until there is simply no summer left.

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Prince Edward Island (in summer) is one of the best places in the world to be.

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So today, I’m making some decisions to ensure I actually meet this deadline.

I’m taking a summer vacation from the blog.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of my loyal #SSC participants, blog followers, and general Scribble on Cocktail Napkins cheerleaders. I still plan on checking in every few weeks with general progress reports and musings, because, hey, I’ve grown kind of fond of you and I’m not exactly falling off the planet.

• You can still find new episodes of our webshow, “Writers Off Task with Friends” on You Tube every week.
• The Sunday Scribble Challenge will rev up again in September. You will receive your regular notice to participate.
• Life as we know it WILL carry on.

So, from my family to yours, happy freaking summer!!!

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