The Cheshire Cat...

[fajrdrako]

I had a lovely weekend, though full of activity. Saturday: getting apa-stuff ready, then picnicking in Vincent Massey Park with walkingowl and sandwiches from Gismo's and hot dogs from Harvey's. We walked around Hogsback a little. Then the apa collation: crowded, good to see the people who were there.

Sunday: breakfast of crepes filled with raspberries and chocolate with maboroshimaki. Then I went with Paul, Tasia and Dennis to see a garden in Marathon with some really stunning flower beds, my favourites being the vividly purple irises. Then we went to Carleton Place, to the Book Gallerly, where I got:

1. Dictionary of Ancient and Medieval Warfare - Stackpole Books. It looks nicely comprehensive and easy to use.


2. The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius, a Penguin edition. Not the one I already have, though - this is filled with photos of Roman places and people. And just as lurid as I remembered.


3. The National Geographic Society's vol. III of The Story of Man: The Middle Ages It hardly matters what the information in it is, the pictures are wonderful.


4. The Runes: An Illustated Guide to Interpreting the Stones by Jonathan Dee (what a suitable name for an occultist!)

And - tas-daa! - last but certainl not least:

5. The Rough Guide to Malta and Gozo by Victor Paul Berry. None of the Ottawa bookstores seem to have this. It was the last thing I found in the Carleton Place bookstore, just as I was about to give up looking though the travel section because it was getting late and everyone wanted to be leaving. I am so pleased.

Then we went to the cheese store, the chocolate store, the clothing store and the gift shop in Balderson, and then to the Cheshire Cat pub in Carp. I have loved that place every time I have been there, and this was no exception. The haddock with grilled vegetables was good enough, but the dessert I had - strawberry and rhubarb pie - amazingly wonderful. I was surprised to see how close the Cheshire Cat actually is to Ottawa. Hope I can find a way to go again.

Comments

Confession time

[rosiespark.livejournal.com]

Oops, forgot to say that while I'd be honoured to beta your Sparrington-in-progress and would love to do it, I haven't actually done this before. Beta virgin, that's me. *g* So if you'd rather go for someone with experience, I won't be the least bit offended.

Re: Confession time

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

I haven't actually done this before. Beta virgin, that's me.

Experience is totally unnecessary - what I need is reactions, like, "Brilliant story!", or "you spelled Spareau wrong", or "this makes no sense whatsover" and even "this is phsycially impossible... too bad." And since I (a) trust your judgement and (b) know you appreciate the pairing, your comments would be valuable. But I don't want you to feel you have to - ! If you want to just read it after it's all done, that's fine too.

I think what I'll do is polish it as much as I can and you can feel free to beta it or not as you wish, when you get it.

Now all I have to do is finish writing the thing....! I'm enjoying this way too much.

Re: Confession time

[rosiespark.livejournal.com]

glinda_north might be there too? Oh, wonderful! We'll have a marvellous time.

She might be, but is not at all sure. If she can’t make it or doesn’t need to stay with me, then you’re more than welcome to come and stay. I thought I should mention the lass than 5-star conditions, so that you know what you’d be letting yourself in for. *g* It’s just that I moved into this house five years ago, meaning to get it finished and furnished properly within a couple of years. Some hope of that! Of course the fact that for the last 15 months I’ve been working reduced hours with a correspondingly reduced salary hasn’t actually helped. I don’t think I ever answered your comment to my post about ME/CFS. I was diagnosed with it almost two and a half years ago. I’m feeling better now, but that’s mainly because I’ve recognised that I have limits which can’t be ignored and I do my best to stay within them. As you say, life is full of compromises. ;-)

[Bad username or site: ”firesignwriter” does plan to write more Moonverse stories – but all sorts of things in real life are taking all her attention at the moment and she doesn’t want to write more Sparrington until she can really give it her full attention. She <i @ livejournal.com]did post a tiny snippet (http://www.livejournal.com/users/firesignwriter/82912.html) of Jack and James’s first meeting, though. Just a snippet, but it still packs quite a punch!

what I need is reactions, like, "Brilliant story!", or "you spelled Spareau wrong", or "this makes no sense whatsover" and even "this is phsycially impossible... too bad."

Okay. I can’t comment with any authority of what’s physically possible – but I can make educated guesses. *eg* Am flattered that you feel you trust my judgement. And now I’m really looking forward to reading and betaing it. Let me have it, complete or in sections, whenever you’re happy with having someone else look at it. And if you have any specific questions, send those my way too. ::bounces slightly in anticipation::

[rosiespark.livejournal.com]

That's firesignwriter, of course.

Re: Confession time

[fajrdrako.livejournal.com]

Well, I hope glinda_north will be there because it would be great to see her again. I understand about less-than-stellar accommodations and the compromises a person has to make when they have ME/CFS. I had Epstein-Barr syndrome at one time, I believe it's a similar situation. The only way to cope is to do what you can and not worry too much about the rest.

Thanks for the firesignwriter link!

The story isn't done but I hope to have time to work on it tomorrow. I'm enjoying myself hugely, which just means it's growing and growing.... I'm in search of a good title. (Always the hardest thing!) Current working title is "Risk". Are there any other PotC fics out there with that title?

Re: Confession time

[rosiespark.livejournal.com]

The only way to cope is to do what you can and not worry too much about the rest.

Agreed. But that's an uphill stuggle in itself!

How's the story going? :-)