Much as I love spending time with you here at “the Blog,” my manuscript is demanding five hundred words from me this morning, and if I don’t prioritize those, there will never be a book. . . (there may well never be a book anyway, but at least I should string the words together and see what happens, right?).
It’s a bit frustrating, because I’ve been mulling a topic I want to discuss with you, but I tell myself to be patient — First the manuscript’s 500 words, then I can get back here to chat about Authenticity. I know! Big topic! Worth creeping up on, perhaps. . .
For today, then, just this quick wave, explanation, and a What I Wore. The navy cashmere sweater is the same model as the one whose felting, pilling, and holes I embroidered over and showed you here. That one was such a staple in my wardrobe that when it got too worn, I bought a replacement. Combined here with a textured white cotton skirt (J. Crew, two years ago — I’m crazy about its comfort), white Arizona Birkenstocks, and a Club Monaco silk scarf I’ve had for a few years.
And now, much as I love your company, I’m going to click “Publish,” and then immediately open my Word file before I try any other procrastinating tricks. Of course I’ll be back before long to read any comments you might leave. . . Have a lovely weekend!
Did I miss something? I never realized that you were writing a book? What is the topic? Is it fiction? Pray do tell!
I've alluded to it before, but obliquely — as a long-form project that I've been trying to find time and discipline to write. It's not fiction, no. Memoir, focused on my relationship with my mother, would be the quickest description. I'll try to say more about it on the blog someday, but I'm still holding it pretty close. Thanks so much for your interest; it's much appreciated.
How disciplined you are. Getting those first words in during the morning gives such a sense of satisfaction throughout the day. Isn't it wonderful that the weather is conducive to breezy cotton skirts with a light sweater? Your look is perfect for our west coast spring/summer.
I don't know that I'm very disciplined — I often accuse myself of laziness, which seems to be an affliction I don't suffer alone! (pace recent comments on a post here).
And oh yes! I love this weather, no longer the need for layers and layers…
Hi Frances, a lovely simple but chic outfit. Good luck with all those words every day!
Thanks, Patricia!
I can't imagine that "lazy" is in your life experience! I realize that I made that statement through the lens of your blog but I so enjoy your take and your activity in life. Whether it is a photo of a wall, saving a beloved piece of clothing, or visiting with the grands, you seem to be fully engaged!
Ironic that you are removing layers of clothing when, today, I needed to add a light rain jacket to my walk in the suburbs of Los Angeles. You look sophisticated! Ready to seriously tackle 500 words. I would still be in my jammies! That's probably why YOU'RE writing a book and I'm not! 🙂
This Sunday is Mothers' Day in the USA. I extend that greeting of appreciation to you as well! Hope your morning was productive!
Charlene H
Ah, thanks for the kind words, Charlene (and Happy Mother's Day to you as well!). I think by objective standards, I'm not lazy, sometimes even the opposite, but some early messages I carry are hard to dislodge and it seems I'm not the only one. . .
And I must quickly clear up the impression that I dressed up to write my words. Like you, I stayed in my jammies for that! 😉 Hope you enjoyed the cooler weather in LA — your climate is so hard for me to imagine.
Yes, "your writing project". A few times you've mentioned it here, and I was wondering if you are writing a book. Great and exciting news to hear. No pressure but can't wait to hold a copy in my grubby little hands (from planting flowers and veggies in the garden). The silk scarf elevates the outfit to another level. Love it! Hubby is treating me to an Elton John's show in Las Vegas tomorrow night, so will be flying toward that way this evening. Good lucky with the 500 words and wishing you many more before the weekend is over. Amelia
What fun to zip off to Las Vegas to see and hear Elton John! Enjoy!
And thanks for your interest in my writing. . . who knows what will ever happen with it, but I'm encouraged (and terrified, to be honest 😉 to think it might have potential readers
Your enthusiasm for life amazes me. I am in a deep trough at present.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I was in one myself last Sunday and into Monday. Relieved to have got out and I hope you find some lifting yourself soon. Take care.
Congratulations Frances! It is great that you are writing the book! I'll be immodest and say that I've suspected the topic and have connected your book with Knausgaard at the beginning of the process
I like your combination,too (and have the same navy EB sweater!)-simply elegant!
Enjoy the weekend
Dottoressa
So interesting — this is the same connection Pater has made. Of course, we're talking very different levels of talent and commitment when we talk about Knausgaard!!
We're cashmere twins! Yay! 😉
I very much like the combination of sweater and skirt – on you and in general. There is a light breeze here today with a bit of sunshine, so I was able to wear my latest Kaffe Fassett designed jacket (large diamonds) to the market. (Market on Saturday morning is where and when the neighbourhood meets, so just the right moment and place to show off a recently finished piece of knitting.) Too cool for skirts, though, but I hope that will change soon. And at the end of my present sewing bout there may be one or two skirts more than before.
Good luck with the 500 words!
I love the sound of that jacket! KF's use of colour and pattern is so gloriously exuberant.
I keep thinking I should begin sewing again, but so far the machine only comes out when my granddaughter wants to try making doll clothes.
Looking forward to your thoughts on Authenticity…I am still editing my mental essay on Laziness (see what you do?). (A brief summary: I could be seen as lazy; I don't consider it a liability, rather a perceived value of one type of activity/output over another.
I like the skirt and sweater. I have worn a skirt bare-legged once this spring and there is promise for the week ahead.
Interested to hear more about your writing project, both process and content, if and when you feel the urge to discuss. Have a good weekend! 🙂
I like the brief summary of your Laziness tract — wise! I believe this at an intellectual or theoretical level, but sometimes find it hard to silence the inner scolds.
I can well imagine that you're ready to spring (ha, pun unintended) into extended bare legs weather. . .
And thank you for your interest in my writing. Not sure how much, or when, but someday I hope I'll chat about it here. . .
Interesting topic for a book. Mother/daughter relationships can fill volumes. You are very brave to tackle such a mine field. It is way to try and understand ourselves though. You look great in a skirt. I actually have not worn one for years…must remedy that.
Ali
Yes, it's not been easy to write, but I do think it's a good way to understand. We'll see where I get with it — have a big pile of words by now. . .
Thanks re the skirt. I often find them easier and more comfortable than pants.
I hooe the words came Frances, so easy to be side tracked … so much to do/think about…
I’ve having a relaxing, reflective day today … and so happy that the sun is shining. My daughter and I spent over three hours driving in torrential rain, coming home from a “girls family get together” ages from 76 to almost 1 🙂
I believe it’s Mothers Day in Canada, have a lovely day!
Rosie
Thanks, Rosie, it was Mother's Day here yesterday, and I had a great day. Glad you got home safely, driving through that heavy rain — I don't like that at all. (and yes, the words came — or I pulled and pushed them onto the screen)
It seems I'm always three days late commenting on your posts these days, Frances. I wondered what your "long form" writing was about. I can't think of anything that I'd rather write more than a memoir. I'd love to write my Mum's life which has been tumultuous, and charged with challenges and twists and turns. I keep picking her brain every now and then for further details, small things, big things, names, places, chronology. I may attempt it but only after she is gone, I think.
Hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day today. xo
And then I'm almost three days late responding!!
I know you'd write a moving memoir about your mother; she sounds like such a strong and interesting and loving woman.
Ah, I've been wondering exactly what your long-form project is! Best of luck with it, and you know I'll be a reader if it gets to that stage (which I am SURE it will).
Thanks, Tiffany! As I said to Amelia above, it's both encouraging and terrifying to know there might be interest in this longer thing I'm writing. It's not easy terrain for me to get through but there are satisfactions in shaping and understanding a narrative of it.