Thursday, January 19, 2012


I blame Daphne!

She it was who persuaded me to cast my bread upon the waters (my story) last summer. Last week it was a pleasant surprise to receive a request for the whole script, but as the family were due and I knew I’d have to do a certain amount of editing I had a moment’s panic.  I had all 300 pages printed out but as Eric famously said:-
“All the notes are there – not necessarily in the right order.”

Someone said once that publishers didn’t like a whole script to be sent by email because it used up a computer.  However after spending the whole week–end at the computer – with breaks to rustle up scrambled eggs and smoked salmon on muffins and a full roast dinner for my long suffering family - I was relieved to learn an email would be acceptable.

Then our long awaited handyman came – with reinforcements – to fix the attic windows which recently let in copious amounts of rain and are now stripping both rooms and decorating.  I have been deputed to choose carpets and wall colours.  The plan is they will continue downwards till they reach the hall.  MTL has rather taken the wind out of my sails because for so long I have been suggesting we do a little more decorating instead of the eternal boring maintenance jobs that I’d given up.

And the third thing – it’s always three isn’t it?  The third thing was we had to arrange MTL’s – hopefully final scan – before seeing the surgeon late February to see if all is as it should be.  As there was a gap this week at the hospital we went yesterday.  I drove back in the rush hour in the dark and it was horrible.  My back and neck were hurting – from tension I suspect – and I took my hand off the wheel to ease my neck and hit the verge which frightened the bejasus out of me.

“It’s alright – just slow down a little,”  MTL’s calming words had the desired effect and we reached home safely.
I’m still experimenting with photos so either above or below will be shots of the attic in progress.  Picasa will decide.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Busy time, indeed. When it rains, it pours, as they say. I'm glad things are getting back to an even keel.

And congrats on the book!

Cheers.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

I sort of guessed you were busy because of a manuscript...excitiNG! Oh Pat, I hope it works out for you!!

All's well with YTL? I hope, I hope. I hope.

Rog said...

Love the artistic wallpaper! :-)

mapstew said...

Exciting times! :¬)

xxx

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Very Exciting, my dear Pat....! And as they say---it never rains bt it pours---EVERYTHING at once!
I look forward to seeing the Attic in a more finished state---And I know you do, too...lol!

Pat said...

Randall: thank you. Much too early for congratulations though:)

GG: with YTL we won't know till next month when we see the consultant. That's the only thing that really matters.

Rog: it's great isn't it? Sadly now covered with lining paper.

Map: it's a see-saw - one I'm used to:)

Naomi: my end of the day treat is to nip up and see what's happened. I fear tons of junk has been put in the lofts at the side.

Unknown said...

You'll get it done in the end!

My verification was 'decoirch'!

Unknown said...

Every thing happens at once, doesn't it. I think the book thing might have 'matured' at just the right time; if only on the counter irritation principal. Main thing for you of course, as you say,, is that all is well with Y.T.L. All very exciting. Keep us all in touch, won't you.
Warm regards to you both, Mike and Ann.

sablonneuse said...

That's great news. Looking forward to seeing it in print.
I do hope everything goes well with the scan.
hugs, xx

Ponita in Real Life said...

Crossing my fingers for good news of your MTL's scan. AND the repairs... AND the manuscript!! How exciting is all that!!!

angryparsnip said...

I was hoping you were busy because of your book ! <3

It that the attic ? love love love the windows... what a wonderful space

Yes everything happens in threes. All will be well know.

cheers, parsnip

angryparsnip said...

ack...
all will be well now !

parsnip

Pat said...

John: promise?

Mike and Ann: thank you bot:) As my # 1 son says 'Don't get too excited. If it all goes wrong MTL has to cope with the fall out.'
He is supportive as ever.

Sandy: the scan's the thing- anything else is just icing on the cake.

Ponita: Must keep calm - as my Mum used to say 'There'll be tears before bed-time.'

Parsnip: I'm trusting you will be right:)

savannah said...

keeping you and YTL in my thoughts, darling girl! and as you said, everything else is icing on the cake! xoxoxoxox

LL Cool Joe said...

It's good that you are busy. Not so good that you hit the verge, I'm glad you are okay.

The book sounds very exciting!

Pat said...

Savannah: thank you dear.

Joey:I don't know about exciting. It's long:)

lom said...

Take a deep breath… and relax… there you go

Pat said...

LOM: just what I needed:)

Kim Ayres said...

Wonderful to hear about the book. Tell them there are people out here desperately waiting to buy a copy :)

Actually, tell them you have a photographer lined up ready to do your author's photo for the book jacket :)

Pat said...

Kim: ah wouldn't that be luverly?

GYPSYWOMAN said...

wonderful news of your manuscript request, pat! and i know nothing but more good news will come! way to go! many caring and healing thoughts for the continued good news coming your way for YTL!

Pat said...

Gypsywoman: experience has taught me not to get too excited and to have a plan B it it all falls through.
Many thanks for the healing thoughts. They are the important ones.