Waiting for the Holidays

Well, I am muddling along slowly in this years attempt at National Novel Writing Month. While my progress has been steady, it is still quite a bit behind schedule. About 20,000 words behind schedule. Nevertheless, I am proud of being able to fit writing into my busy life.

Tonight, I will pass the 10,000 word mark! Woo!

Let me tell you, I am ready for Thanksgiving weekend. The three day weekend for Veterans Day was a tease for the holidays to come. I am so excited to have four days to spend with family and get some extra writing in. It seems that I come up with ideas when I'm focusing on other things. For instance, when I went to see Mr. Gnome last on the 6th.

It was at a tiny little venue called Thee Parkside. I love small venues, it gives a sense of intimacy that stadiums lack. Plus, you get to chitchat with the musicians before the show.

The bar. 

Light on the patio. 

Mr. Gnome. Best show I've been to in a while. 

Last week I tired a new recipe. I was inspired by mini pies I found on The Cake Bar, but after talking with the wife, we decided to go more savory instead of sweet. We came up with the idea of mini pot pies, and then tweaked it. 

Behold, cheesy biscuits filled with veggies! (oh, and more cheese of course)

Puff pastry crust, filled with potatoes, carrots and broccoli.

So delicious. 

Yup, I am so ready for Thanksgiving. 

Third Time The Charm?

It's that time again, boys and girls. Novel Writing Month!

Even though this year is strikingly similar to the previous ones, what with the starting off behind schedule, I have a good feeling about it. It could be my blind enthusiasm, or maybe this year is the year I reach the 50k word mark. Let's hope for the latter.

Of course, this is also the busiest year I'll have participated. I am a full-time student and work part-time (which is proving to require more brain-power than anticipated). This week alone I have a book review, an art project and a print for photography due. Finding time to write should be interesting. Maybe during the holiday?

Or, you know, now...

If I can find time to make fancy Halloween cupcakes, I'm sure I can crank out at least a thousand words a night.

Look how adorable!

I ran out of food dye for the frosting, so I had to improvise with jello. The color wasn't as vibrant as I wanted, but the cupcakes became chocolate orange and vanilla lime, which was delicious. I even got frosting-hating Johnny to enjoy them!

Between writing my novel (working title: Delirium) and the book review, I have been spending quite a bit of time trapped in front of my computer screen. Sunday was wonderfully sunny for November (it still feels like summer...) so I decided to do my figure drawing homework in the sunshine.

I think being outside improved my skills.

I also applied for SF State over the weekend...

Wish me luck! **fingers crossed**