I’ve missed reading your posts and presence on here, Amanda! Thank you for sharing all that. Boy do I relate to the ebbs and flows of my fears…especially as it pertains to writing! Your humility in reworking your manuscript is really inspiring. I probably would’ve just been paralyzed in dismay, ha. And congrats on 100, woohoo! I love your heart to serve your readers here.
Thank you so much, Hope! That means a lot to me. Trust me, never writing again was my first reaction. After a couple of hours I was able to think more clearly (ride that tide) and get back to work.
It’s the Gulf of Mexico, Florida side. We went to a number of different beaches from Tampa to Sarasota so I’m not sure which beach is pictured. The place we found all the sand dollars was called Jewfish Key. Gorgeous white sand and turquoise waters!
Hello! To answer your poll: to be honest, I really like what you're doing at the moment - a good mix of family shenanigans (!), contemplative pieces, stories, advice, photography, etc. The Splendid Mess does what it says on the tin: you write about everything in balance, like a playroom floor spread evenly with Lego, dolls, glitter, books, blocks, construction paper, Crayons, watercolours, more glitter, more books, and possibly even a few of those little green Army men. And that's just to get started.
As for your questions: just finished school for the year yesterday (always a bonus - and always worth celebrating) and am facing the (albeit slight) fear of travelling to the US with my two teenagers as my wife is staying behind in the UK to look after the dogs and complete numerous projects - I envy her! I'm working on numerous projects in addition to The Bus - one of which is finishing the novel I began for NaNoWriMo last year. But I'm not holding my breath for that ...
Wait! Have you been peeking in my windows?? Yes, there are Army men on the floor. They're just covered up by the books, construction paper, Legos, and blocks. You can ask my teenage son about the glitter. He loves that there is always glitterfied clothing going through the wash with his clothes. (I say it builds character.)
I appreciate your comments, Bryan. It's reassuring to hear that this Substack is pleasantly living up to its name.
Congrats on finishing school! That is always a fantastic day and topped off with a big trip makes it all that much better. Where will you be visiting in the US?
You are an amazing writer! I haven't read it, but being familiar with your work here, I'd say it definitely has possibility!
Nope - haven't been peeking through your windows (though I can imagine it reads creepily like I have)! I just have a good memory of what my children's playroom used to look like. But they're older now and we're currently in North Carolina visiting my uncle; my brother's family is arriving today and we've just had lunch with an old friend and his 14 y/o who drove down from DC as we were in country. This weekend it's an 8 hour drive cross-state to my parents and then on Wednesday next it's a return to Wilmington for a return flight to London via Charlotte. A whirlwind to be sure. And my, but it is HOT here. We're about to melt. Thanks for the compliment re my writing - it's really appreciated!
It's not creepy at all! Just having a bit of fun with the fact that you almost perfectly described the state of my house. I can definitely tell you are a parent! I hope you had a wonderful trip! You're right, it is excruciatingly hot, especially in the areas you were visiting. Quick question, if you just finished the school year, when do your kids go back?? Is it a year-round setup where they just have a few weeks break regularly? Our kids start the next school year at the beginning of August. The summer break has FLOWN by.
The school year here is very different from the one in the States. If you’re in a private/independent school (my wife and I teach in this sector) the year runs roughly from early September to late June/early July with a week (or two) off in October, three off at Christmas, a week off in February, two (or three) off around Easter, and another week off in late May. If you’re in the state/public sector, school runs from September to late July. Same distribution of weeks off, but never more than one at a time except for two at Christmas and Easter. Private school days are longer, thus allowing them to have a somewhat shorter year.
I’ve missed reading your posts and presence on here, Amanda! Thank you for sharing all that. Boy do I relate to the ebbs and flows of my fears…especially as it pertains to writing! Your humility in reworking your manuscript is really inspiring. I probably would’ve just been paralyzed in dismay, ha. And congrats on 100, woohoo! I love your heart to serve your readers here.
Thank you so much, Hope! That means a lot to me. Trust me, never writing again was my first reaction. After a couple of hours I was able to think more clearly (ride that tide) and get back to work.
What beach and ocean is that?
It’s the Gulf of Mexico, Florida side. We went to a number of different beaches from Tampa to Sarasota so I’m not sure which beach is pictured. The place we found all the sand dollars was called Jewfish Key. Gorgeous white sand and turquoise waters!
We love that area. So much more relaxed than the Atlantic side.
Agreed! There seems to be far less people, gentler waters, and more sea life easily visible on the Gulf side.
Yes, what a stunning place! I’m glad you had such a wonderful vacation!
Thank you, Susan!
Hello! To answer your poll: to be honest, I really like what you're doing at the moment - a good mix of family shenanigans (!), contemplative pieces, stories, advice, photography, etc. The Splendid Mess does what it says on the tin: you write about everything in balance, like a playroom floor spread evenly with Lego, dolls, glitter, books, blocks, construction paper, Crayons, watercolours, more glitter, more books, and possibly even a few of those little green Army men. And that's just to get started.
As for your questions: just finished school for the year yesterday (always a bonus - and always worth celebrating) and am facing the (albeit slight) fear of travelling to the US with my two teenagers as my wife is staying behind in the UK to look after the dogs and complete numerous projects - I envy her! I'm working on numerous projects in addition to The Bus - one of which is finishing the novel I began for NaNoWriMo last year. But I'm not holding my breath for that ...
Wait! Have you been peeking in my windows?? Yes, there are Army men on the floor. They're just covered up by the books, construction paper, Legos, and blocks. You can ask my teenage son about the glitter. He loves that there is always glitterfied clothing going through the wash with his clothes. (I say it builds character.)
I appreciate your comments, Bryan. It's reassuring to hear that this Substack is pleasantly living up to its name.
Congrats on finishing school! That is always a fantastic day and topped off with a big trip makes it all that much better. Where will you be visiting in the US?
You are an amazing writer! I haven't read it, but being familiar with your work here, I'd say it definitely has possibility!
Nope - haven't been peeking through your windows (though I can imagine it reads creepily like I have)! I just have a good memory of what my children's playroom used to look like. But they're older now and we're currently in North Carolina visiting my uncle; my brother's family is arriving today and we've just had lunch with an old friend and his 14 y/o who drove down from DC as we were in country. This weekend it's an 8 hour drive cross-state to my parents and then on Wednesday next it's a return to Wilmington for a return flight to London via Charlotte. A whirlwind to be sure. And my, but it is HOT here. We're about to melt. Thanks for the compliment re my writing - it's really appreciated!
It's not creepy at all! Just having a bit of fun with the fact that you almost perfectly described the state of my house. I can definitely tell you are a parent! I hope you had a wonderful trip! You're right, it is excruciatingly hot, especially in the areas you were visiting. Quick question, if you just finished the school year, when do your kids go back?? Is it a year-round setup where they just have a few weeks break regularly? Our kids start the next school year at the beginning of August. The summer break has FLOWN by.
The school year here is very different from the one in the States. If you’re in a private/independent school (my wife and I teach in this sector) the year runs roughly from early September to late June/early July with a week (or two) off in October, three off at Christmas, a week off in February, two (or three) off around Easter, and another week off in late May. If you’re in the state/public sector, school runs from September to late July. Same distribution of weeks off, but never more than one at a time except for two at Christmas and Easter. Private school days are longer, thus allowing them to have a somewhat shorter year.
Wow! I think that sounds like a great set-up! Regular breaks like that are good for students and teachers alike.
I agree! I so enjoy the variety in your posts ❤️
Missed your stories!
💕 thank you! I missed posting!