Finally.

Tamed the difficult chapter beast. Took too freakin' long to write 1500 words, but it was writing. And at least it's down so I can move on.

In theory.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

::ahem::

Because it makes me laugh:

It's been 25 hours, a couple sleeping pills and uncomfortable seats. You chased the bags in the chaos, diving through the throngs unaware of personal boundaries.

You've survived, and marveled at, the van dodging a leftside chaos of sleeping cows, dogs, rickshaws, motorbikes, the boring familiar autos and unwary pedestrians.

You've showered and changed, slapped on a breath of makeup.

"I didn't recognize you!"

Pause.

"You're really lovely!"

Raised eyebrow. "You really know how to flatter a girl. I must have looked that rough?"

A stammer. "I..."

"Your feet are so far down your throat, I can't see your knees. Just tell me about how gorgeous I am and buy me a strong drink."

It works.

Welcome to the new you.

Oh nice, sarameg!

Another welcome drabble:

Autumn brings with it cool breezes and shorter days, but it also invites a comforting heat that summer cannot match. It starts in the morning when your cup of tea is savored slowly instead of gulped in haste. Soon blankets and sweaters are unearthed from their hiding places, greeted like old friends. The landscape continues to change from green to bright oranges, yellows and reds, and nights are spent cuddling on the couch, not desperately seeking relief from a fan or AC Home fills with the scents of cinnamon and nutmeg, so that even the air smells warmer than before.

sara and sj, those are both wonderful!

Now quick, someone tell me I'm being a big wuss and to pull up my big girl panties and face what I wrote last night.

Face it, Barb. You'll feel better if you do.

sj, both of yours are so evocative. I love the sensory details you capture.

sara, yours made me laugh, too. The new you rocks.

Ack, I'm making very little progress with the painting consuming the weekend when I often get in a good chunk of time. I have the week off as mandated so the company can unload unused vacation. Originally I thought this would a great opportunity to get in a lot of revision, but it looks like most it will be consumed by painting. It doesn't help that I have a bit of a height phobia, so I'm a bit fried after a day 16' up on a ladder with my legs trembling. I've given up most TV (except with exercising, multitasking), I've give up reading, and I still have trouble finding enough time.

Sorry to vent, just frustrated. I have the motivation and the ideas, just not enough time. I know it hurts the quality because I do everything fast since like most of my life I feel like I'm racing the clock.

Off to do painting.

I thought I would suggest a new drabble topic for this morning. The topic is Fall, interpret it however you want to.

Here's what I've got for "fall"

"See, there it is. Nice and red, don't you think?"

"Well, yeah, probably. But the Almighty recommends guava today."

"Again? I just don't think I can face another guava this week. I've got guava coming out my ears."

He nestled in closer and said "Passion fruit, then?"

"Maybe tomorrow. I can't get that apple out of my head...that is what it's called right? An apple."

"I don't know...it's forbidden. I don't pay attention to forbidden things."

"If we get caught, I'll say it's all my idea....you are such a big baby. Did your first wife ever see this side of you? No, don't answer. No, nothing was too good for Lillith."

"Hey, I drove her off...I'm with you now. Isn't that enough?"

"Not unless you stop telling the animals I came from your rib."

"it's a harmless metaphor."

"Not if it was you getting dominance-humped by wildebeests...they don't respect me."