At the beginning of February I started a month-long online writing class and for the first assignment I wrote a scene from a story that I’ve been brainstorming recently. The scene takes place near the ocean and now that I have spent some time immersed in that world, I really miss it. I love standing on shore and imagining what it would be like to live in the water and I love the shells that collect on the beach. I love the power and the beauty of the sea. I’ve often thought that I’d love to live in the sea (as a mermaid, of course) but sometimes the ocean can give me chills.
Torn Between the Ocean and Winter

Of course, as much as I love the sea, I also love the frozen tundra that is the upper midwest. It comes with its annoyances–like the ice that covers the sidewalks and makes the walk from the bus stop to the office feel like the most treacherous part of my morning commute. But there’s nothing like warming up the house with the oven while baking bread or muffins or scones and watching the glittery snow fall outside. I love curling up by the fire with a book and warming my hands over a mug of coffee, tea or cocoa. And then, of course, there’s the Little One, who adores playing in the snow. She hops through it and rolls around in it and then jumps on you with her fur soaking wet.
I’ve been busy this last week and a half, spending time with friends that I haven’t seen in awhile and I’ve had the best time but it hasn’t left me much time for writing. Between preparing a novel to send to my beta readers and writing assignments for my class, I’m itching to spend some quality time with my computer. It’s making me a little restless. Luckily, the next few days will be quieter so I should be able to get some time in.
Love those pictures!
I completely understand that "call to the sea"– that sort of magical pull. I love walks along a frozen beach… kind of mixes best of both worlds.