Joplin Journal Volume 10-1, Issue 2

From the Editor's Desk:

Two weeks in a row! When was the last time you got a Joplin Journal two weeks in a row? That's what I thought. You can't remember. Well, neither can I. This one will be much shorter than the last one, but since I'm trying to get back in the habit of writing these, I decided I'd just go ahead and get one sent out.

Weather Report:

It's snowing! Yesterday it was in the 50s and overcast. Last night it rained, but this morning we woke up to snow on the ground and rather lazy flakes are still coming down. I'd love for it to really snow for a bit and actually cover the grass, but it does look pretty anyway. We could get 1-2 or 1-3 (depending on which forecast you look at) inches of snow.

"Genius Burns":

I'm almost to 8k words written this week. If I can get 1,300 words written today I'll have 9k. It's such a delight to be back into writing every day. And on the same project, for the most part. My "secret project" is right around 13k words and I am allowed 20k for it which is a good thing since I still have two scenes and one of them is pretty big. I can't wait to let you all know what my project is. :D

But let me tell you what can happen if you are a writer. Monday morning I was doing my usual things after breakfast and all of a sudden an idea, a plot, and two characters popped into my brain. They came out of nowhere, decided to stick around and haven't left. I decided to do what most author's do, write the idea down for later. Only by evening the first part of the first chapter was trying to write itself in my brain. Bother. Well, after I'd written 1,700 words of my other project, I wrote 317 words of this new story, just to get it out of my head. It left me alone on Tuesday, demanded I write a little bit more on Wednesday, and has been pretty quiet since then. Thankfully! I have enough stories I need to finish without adding a new one.

Project Prognosis:

Let's see how my projects are coming this week.

• Work on proof listening to audio – Sort of. We may have problems though.
• Work on Blog Posts – Um, I did get one post done, but it was for the last week in February and I need the last week in January first.
• Help put books on new shelves – Oh yes! We have filled all the shelves and are waiting for a few more shelves to put in the book cases.
• Write – Yep.
• Catch up on things – Somewhat. I could probably do some more work on that.
• Get started on the Reading Challenge – Yes, I have gotten a few books read for that.
• Start getting ready for the Widows' Luncheon – The plans are coming along nicely.

On the House:

Bookshelves! It's so much fun to have bookshelves in the hall and to have them filled with books again! Even if we are waiting for some more shelves.

Dad's worked some more on the hall closet. It will be very nice when that is done and we can actually hang our coats in there. By the way, the old wood that is by our stairs is fir. And when it is cut it has a VERY strong smell! I like fir, but that strong of smell makes my stomach uncomfortable. I wonder how many different kinds of wood we have in our house? Fir, Oak,

Babysitting:

We didn't get to babysit this week as two of the kids came down with a stomach bug. Hopefully they can come over next week. The kids haven't seen any of our new shelves yet.

The Music Stand:

The stand is empty right now. Choir (ladies ensemble because we don't have any guys to sing) doesn't start practice until the 23rd. Not sure when we'll start another instrumental song.

KDWC:

No more camps until March.

Sewing Room:

Sarah hemmed a bridesmaid dress for someone at church, and mended a coat. She's also been sewing different things, but I don't think she has a huge list.

Read Another Page:

Nothing to report here. I have projects in the works, but nothing ready to publish or anything like that.

Teacher's Lounge:

I've heard back from one family. Waiting to hear from others.

Book Nook:

I haven't gotten a lot read this week, but then again, it has only been a week since I last wrote. I've finished two books but the 2nd one wasn't really worth more than rolling your eyes and laughing at the absurdity of it, so I'll just share the one I liked. First Scientist of Alaska. Last night I finished Kate's Choice but haven't reviewed it yet. (hint: I did like it) And I am currently reading another book. But I'll save that for next time.

Farewell:

I told you this would be short. It's still snowing but lightly and it's melting off the streets. Dad's at a meet-and-greet event for some people running for City Council. (Most people on our current City Council seem to have the idea that while the people of Joplin might be smart enough to elect them, we aren't smart enough to know what we want after that.)

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your weekend. And if you are getting snow I hope you enjoy it!