Writing, and Procrastinating Writing

November is already flying by for me as I work hard each day to do all the usual stuff, prepare for the holidays, and write my novel, too. So far, I'm right on track and if I keep up this pace, I'll be a 30 day novelist!

My story this time has become very emotionally-taxing for me to write; this is so unexpected! It has elements of a family's generational differences, and the changing attitudes about that family's ethnicity across those generations; then, those elements swirl around a poignant coming-of-age experience that is at the center of the story. There have been times over the last 9 days that I've felt like putting the novel aside altogether, because it touches something tender in me and causes such pain. But of course I recognize that stories like that, the ones you write in blood, are the ones most worth telling...so I carry on.

On Saturday I took six hours and went to an all day crop hosted by my Close to Your Heart scrapbooking consultant. Here I am beginning my huge project of scrapping the family photos I've scanned so far. (That's my buddy who came along, too, on the right.)

It will take me years to finish this project. But it's wonderful to have begun! I'll take pictures and show you some of the layouts I did another time.

Then, I spent some time this morning photographing fabulous funky vintage finds for my Etsy shop:

Do you remember when I blogged about that lovely covered glass dish that I used to display a bird's nest? Well, I was so surprised to find this one at the thrift store; I think I might even like it better because of the ornate metal fob on top!

Would you look at this little shabby bunny?

He's worked into this baby blanket which is vintage Pepperell -- I know this will make some little someone (or their mom or grandma) very happy! I love the peachy pinks in it -- they are so '50's!

I didn't need this, but I loved the colors on this scale and it is in such good condition!

I also picked up this grab bag of cake decorations.

I think maybe my favorite thing about them is the label, but these little flags are cool.

I love this little pink elephant that comes with 3 champagne bottles...

And these solemn wedding attendants; the girls seem to be sighing, "Always the bridesmaid, never the bride."

I just got a phone call from that sister of my friend whose mother's house I helped clean out for them; she had offered me a wonderful antique desk that I turned down for lack of space and have regretted ever since. This was a call to say, "Are you sure you don't want it?" What do you think I said this time? ;)

Now, I must go and finish the last 100 pages or so of a book I've been reading; it's overdue but I can't renew it because there's a waiting list! It's going back to the library tomorrow!