You Don't Say

Welcome Readers and fellow Writers, to the January 2019 online meeting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Founded by author Alex Cavanaugh and comprised of writing members just like you (and me), featuring writing tips, resources, articles, contests, and IWSG swag! See what we’re all talking about here and join us as we share our writing journeys.

*We meet on the first Wednesday of every month – join us and enjoy!

Visit our gracious Co-hosts, and let them know you’re here: Patricia Lynne, Lisa Buie-Collard, Kim Lajevardi, and Fundy Blue!

Season’s Greetings, Everyone!

I had quite the ‘other worldly’ Christmas this year. 

This season, we traveled in hopes of a glimpse of “the white stuff” for Christmas. What began as dainty angel socks dropping softly to the ground gradually turned into a scene that this life-long desert dweller could only describe as (insert emoji) WOW! At one point, someone said “Where’s Lucy?” and we all swallowed hard.

Evidently, friends and family really enjoy the use of emoticons as they often share with me their latest reasons to laugh uproariously – or sigh in disgust. This puts a rather exciting new spin on “Show, don’t tell,” don’t you think?  It’s the way everyone communicates these days, and entirely acceptable - unless you want a publisher to take your work seriously. While there are a handful of editors who use them sparingly, most explain the usage as tools to alleviate “the sting” (ouch!). When pestered for an opinion on the subject, one of my editors replied with a question I doubt I’ll soon forget: “Are you a writer or an illustrator?”

But aren’t those expressive little symbols irresistible? The trouble is that it takes me longer to find just the right one than it does to formulate in writing the thoughts or feelings I want to convey. Do you ever feel that way?

How is your writing journey looking for 2019? Will you begin or finish that project that so absorbs your every thought?

Oh, by the way, Lucy’s dilemma was only temporary. All we had to do was rattle a box of Cheez-its 😉

Happy Writing!

Wily Games of Winter

In the winter she curls up around a good book and dreams away the cold. ~Ben Aaronovitch, ~Broken Homes

He warned us with a boyish grin, inclement weather loomed. But basking as were, under cloudless skies and eighty degree warmth we remained unconcerned until dawn revealed the mountains; concealed by a blanket of darkness that poured into the valley like leftover gravy, and we froze.

It’s a safe bet that there were as many jackets as there were toys and games purchased that first frigid day – ha! And speaking of games, there’s one in particular on my mind today.

Requiring considerable concentration and a bounty of luck; Jenga® is a game that even cats are good at (according to the internet), and perfectly describes the structure of my work-a-day world.  All it takes is one integral piece—let alone two or three—to bring down the house, so to speak.  Although an unexpected collapse isn’t the end of the world, it can certainly be demanding; as evidenced by my abrupt disappearance.  Sorry about that, folks.

Besides, it’s Christmas!

So as I set my game back up and drag out all those merry memories from every Christmases past, of cookie smiles and Santa hats; gifts that can’t be wrapped, I’ll be thinking of all of my cyber friends too, as I take a holiday hiatus and send off sixty Christmas cards.  Does anyone still do that?

In the meantime I left a short Christmas story at Canyon Whispers and I’ll pop in on your posts whenever possible.  Until again, be warm, be well and above all be happy!

Merry Christmas!

Code Talkers and Skinwalkers

Clouds were naught but tendrils; tossed across an azure canvas as a Bad Company tune played grandly in my mind.  “…the color of the sky I’m told.”  And Saguaros resigned to towering pines as the miles whined on beneath our wheels.  

Long before we’d reached our destination, I decided that the sky, the color of the sky; that wistful, winter blue, was the reason for the pesky anxious feeling of impending…well, I had no idea. Then.

But on this recent quick trip to our favorite mountain town, we picked up a copy of their regional newspaper and learned some astounding facts. It seems the wooly worms have spoken in no uncertain terms of the likelihood of a harsh winter ahead. They are, in fact, parading around without their stripes! 

Further collaboration was offered by the observation of the insect population, which has taken of late to traversing single file instead of the usual willy-nilly, non-pattern method. It does seem like ages since I’ve seen a Ladybug, and do those ant hills look a little higher this year? I hadn’t noticed an increase in the number or elaborate construction of spider webs, but you can bet I’ll be on the lookout now!

I was stunned to realize that I had missed this. Me, the consummate observer, had missed the signs of winter! Was there some secret code I hadn’t learned? Well that, and perhaps the close proximity to the Navajo nation, prompted the ponderance  of Code Talking in general and to wonder was it only understood by plants, animals, insects and Native Americans? 

Ans so it was, quite in keeping with my often unusual mind,  I was still thinking of winter and Navajo customs and legends when the sun could no longer warm my skin through the trees. In the waning light, I gazed toward the Mystery Forest from whence strange sounds are routinely reported and shivered. It wasn’t remarkably cold on the deck where I stood, but it would be pitch dark soon.  And I thought about the Skinwalkers.

In life as in legends, Navajos rarely speak of them. If ever. Supposedly, doing so would bring harm to yourself and your family.  Yet a number of encounters have been reported, though not by the Navajos themselves. 

Skinwalkers are essentially humans with supernatural powers, as in the ability to transform into any animal or other person they desire to be.  Unfortunately—and evidently not always a deterrent, one must first commit the evil deed of killing a close family member in order to become a Skinwalker. 

This likely explains why, unlike other tribes, Navajos do not wear animal pelts except for ceremonial occasions; in which only  sheep or buckskin are worn. 

At any rate. these skinwalking entities are considered extremely evil and therefore, highly dangerous.  Seen always at night and often near high country backroads, it is considered prudent to not turn your back on one and to speak the skinwalker’s full name out loud (if you happen to know it!) in order to dispel its powers and basically, save yourself.

On a lighter note, the Navajos have a host of engaging winter games. For instance, a game called “Shoes” or the game of Silence, where the last child to speak wins.

And of course, the String games, which are only played in the winter “when the spider sleeps”, lest a spider sew up your butt.  ( I swear, that’s how the story goes!)

Are you seeing signs of winter in your area? Have you ever played String games?