A Wintery Walk

Today, the DH and I went out for a hike, the first real hike we’ve done since I got sick back in the beginning of December. I’m still coughing and hacking, but the worst is over (I think, I hope!) and it’s time to get back to regular exercise – something I haven’t really been able to do since the summer, what with the Achilles issue and then the October cold/plague, and then, this December bronchitis yuck.

All of which has been a huge reminder that I need to take better care of myself. I often don’t realize I’m run-down until it’s too late and then…it’s too late. This, I think, will be my 2013 theme: taking care of self, so that I’m healthy enough to take care of everything else. (And on that note, I am pathetically, entirely, and completely behind on everything – the cold plus two very sick cats who have required constant nursing has wreaked havoc on my ability to get anything done in the month of December. Apologies to any and all who have been affected by this…)

So, on that note, two photos I snapped while walking:

Blackberry on snow:

And Morrell Lake:

Happy almost 2013, everyone. Wishing you all a safe and prosperous New Year…

Wordapalooza #10

Words: 3000
Reason for stopping: so tired! I got started late today, due to a whole host of reasons, and then, fatigue set in. I’ve recently upped my running mileage, and I think that, plus trying to figure out how to get enough protein when I’ve gone vegetarian, is taking its toll. Hmm. Must do some research.

On the other hand, my regular run is now 7km, so I’m not complaining!

And just because, here’s a photo of a baby muskox, from a few years back when we were up in Alaska. Baby musk ox! Eee!

Wordapalooza #7

Words: 3000, on the dot.
Reason for stopping: because I’m in a funk. I’m amazed at how one moment the biggest writerly thing I’m worried about is whether anyone will read my book, and then, in the blink of an eye, that changes to being worried about whether anyone will like my book.

I am surprised that writers have fingernails. Mine may not fair well over the next six weeks.

In other less-unflattering news, this is day seven, and so, totals!
Project #1: 13,744
Project #2: 21,158

So, now the honeymoon is over and I’m into the hard work. Not that it ever gets easy. It just gets different.

PS: Favourite things post tomorrow, promise!

Also: taken on a walk last week:

My revision supervisor

Supervisor cat is keeping an eye on me, making sure I’m working hard. Needless to say, I’m knee-deep in revisions right now.

This pleases supervisor cat. And like the hokey pokey, that’s what it’s all about.

In the meantime, should anyone need me for anything, contact supervisor cat…

Of Sea Lions and Herring

At this time of the year, the waters hereabouts turn turquoise as the herring come close to shore to spawn. Following them are massive herds of Steller sea lions, and tonight, as I was heading home, I stopped to take a photo of one of those herds:

And a close up:

Look at all those flippers and tails! Just hanging around, arfing, after a long day snacking on herring. And that’s only one of many herds that were in and about my area – an amazing sight, an amazing sound (sea lions are loud!), and with all that herring, well, an amazing smell!

New Year’s Day, 2012

Out at Jack Point, looking towards the Nanaimo Estuary and the Beaufort Range….