What's Up Wednesday: Vitamin D Edition

I'm catching the What's Up Wednesday hot air balloon from the blogs of Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk.

Here's how it works:

WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY

It's similar in some respects to the Currently... post, but it's been whittled down to only four headings to make it quicker and more manageable on a weekly basis. You're invited to join us if you're looking for something to blog about, a way to let your blog friends know what's been going on with you.


WHAT I'M READING

I was under the weather on Sunday so I curled up on the couch with ATTACHMENTS by Rainbow Rowell. I loved every single word of ELEANOR AND PARK and was really excited to read ATTACHMENTS, her adult contemporary novel that came out in 2011. I was not quite half done on Sunday when I sat down with it, and a few hours and some saltine crackers later, I closed the book completely satisfied and a little sad that it was over. When I returned the book to the library the next day, I felt like I was saying goodbye to friends I wouldn't see for a very long time.

I'm going to have to buy this book.

Next up: finish my re-read of THE OUTSIDERS.


WHAT I'M WRITING

I have to admit that I haven't been writing much over the last week unless you count press releases and newsletter articles for work. Which I don't. I started reading through BEAUTIFUL BIRD and have been doing more thinking about it than actual revision. For instance, because this was a NaNo book and I pretty much pantsed the whole thing, the opening doesn't really work. Not only was it long and somewhat aimless, whole conversations occurred that hadn't actually occured farther into the manuscript. I have been able to determine at which point the story begins, however, which is a major accomplishment.


WHAT ELSE I'VE BEEN UP TO

Spring has finally arrived in Minnesota! We've been enjoying warmer temps and sunshine and guess what? Mt. Plowzer is GONE!

Birdy on Mt. Plowzer's last day

Birdy started gymnastics again last week, so we've been juggling that with Toad's Cub Scouts and piano lessons. Saturday she had a birthday party at roller rink in town that still looks exactly like it did back in the 80s. While she was there, Toad and I spent some time searching for treasures at Half-Price Books and Goodwill. He scored an awesome classics comics collection and I found FIFTEEN by Beverly Cleary and FOREVER by Judy Blume.

I've also been busy formulating a plan - a business plan, that is. I've decided to offer freelance editing services. Right now I'm going to focus on YA and NA fiction to start, since this will be a part-time gig, and go from there. I'm very excited for this new adventure and have already booked my first client. More details soon.


WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW

Spring. Lovely weather, warmer temperatures, delightful breezes. Birdsong, especially from the chickadees. Birdy pointing to the trees in the backyard and calling, "Look! Leaves!" Sunshine, oh, especially the sunshine (although it won't be long, I'm sure, until I'm longing for a dreary, gray, rainy day or a thunderstorm).

This has been such a long winter. I'm so grateful to finally be able to sit out on our front porch and drink in the world around me.

So tell me, what's up with you? How's the weather where you are?