Lagging...

It has been the most dreadful week...so much sad news.

My book is lagging behind, but I am determined to finish this project. Also forgot about a small poetry anthology I was playing around with. It would be nice to get that out there now while we wait for the novel to reach completion.

The characters have developed and I even have direction for them. This is good. Now, have I got the will to push off the RSi and type ten to the dozen?! Watch this space!

how much would you pay for a little novel for charity? Ideas appreciated!

Pushing forward ad being positive, as only one can.

Hope the week was better where you are :-)

LS

No more 'I was going to do it, but...'

No more 'I wanted to but...'

It's time to get done any thing, big or small that should be done or wants to be done.

Life is precious; we learn this the hard way.

On a gorgeous sunny day, we are always inspired to seize the moment/day/thought/idea. But, we must do it all the time. The magic is there because we put it there.

Sun shining on the periwinkle and pansies!

I'm sitting here with zero inspiration for my book, as I have not written for two days. I have allowed those days as other things have been going through my mind and now I have to get back to it.

I remember the reason I am writing it and then I am eager once again. If only Elbi would stop whining at me to play with him!

Check that to-do list and then start checking them all off. That's my new motto.

He gets grumpy if I ignore him!

Land for Kalaweit / Nano

Ian is back today! So happy!

He had to go to UK for family matters, but I have just checked and his flight has landed. Thankfully BA didn't fail us.

Nano is well under-way - Day 12. I am behind, but progressively so, so I am not worried. Currently at 14,000 words with 3 strong characters, good story lines and a mission as well. I have decided to make this book available for sale with all the proceeds to go to Kalaweit.

You see, the story is about three friends, but, without telling you too much at this early stage, one is fighting for the rainforests of Indonesia.

Right now, Kalaweit is trying to secure more land in Sumatra in order to protect the forests. If we can raise the money, we can buy the land. If the land is protected, the animals have a home.

It's an ultimate dream to be able to do something like this, so, I must focus, I must write, and I must figure out how to get this money!

Any fundraising ideas also welcome!!!

My World Map - Only 10%

Total time wasting - But it is great to see where you have and haven't been as well as where you should go!

Periwinkle

I have learnt a few things today and this particular fact is one I must quickly blog lest I forget.

Nichinichi sou (日々草） or Periwinkle (catharanthus roseus) is the flower I have mentioned a fair few times here.

This was before I put them in a window basket.
They are now back in the big bucket with a few flowers reappearing!

I bought another one the other day for 100yen, now I know why. It is a summer flower, and will soon die. but, not fear there, because, I was given some and killed them a little while re-potting them and that what a few months ago. They are sturdy enough to last a little longer, I am sure.

Can you see? Middle right..no flowers just yet...

So, my mystery has finally been solved. I know the name (all I needed to do was ask!)

And, hopefully the seeds will fall and the flowers shall return next summer too!

It's the little things like this that make my day!

Hello flowers & goodbye aphids!

I have hardly left the house it's so yucky outside!

Good job I got these beauties in their pots while it was sunny. Shame I have no idea what they are, but I will make a point of finding out.

It makes so much difference being surrounded by so many flowers and plants.

Oh, as for the aphids, I think I discovered them just in time. I read about using soapy water on just the leaves of the plant. I tried this on Friday morning, but as a safety measure, bought some spray later that day. The lady explained to me how to use it and also advised me to bring the flower inside when it gets cold. That makes sense as it's a tropical plant.

I hope the flowers can make it through the winter.....

Old lady much???

Mmmm...all home made!

Collecting cosmos makes the house pretty

It's 12pm and I need to take a nap!

I have walked the dog, done the gardening, laundry, housework and even written a good few words for Nano! Almost the exact same as the 60+ grandma who lives next door!

I just planted some new flowers to add some colour to the old ivy flower basket. It's called Sumire (the same name as a cute ex student of mine). Actually, it's 'yoku saku sumire' which means there should be lots of flowers...!

Annoyingly, I noticed lots of really small black bugs on my Hibiscus....not sure if they will affect the flowering, as the plant seems to be healthy. If you have any idea, do please share!

In addition to all this, I have come across a dead praying mantis, maybe a pregnant praying mantis and, worse of all, centipedes (mukade, ムカデ). These buggers sometimes find themselves inside the house and are a bitch to catch as they are so fast!

This one was pushed out with water from an area near the front door, but even as I fight it away to the drains, you can see how he is pushing back against the flow of the water to come to the house....scary!!