Ahhhhhh . . . the simple life. It’s what we all strive for. That kicking back, feet up relaxation where we feel free to let the world go on around us without worry. What a perfect world that would be . . . an unattainable world for the characters in my latest WIP, despite what they try to tell us in today’s excerpt.
“It’s a simple life down here, Miz Prescott,” he drawled out carefully, “no frills, not much fun, and damned hard for those who choose to stick it out. Lu’s a stick to it kinda guy, but you probably know that about him. Thought I might have seen the last of him when he went off to that fancy school but I shoulda known better. Me and him, we were raised on this ungiving ground. We sweat it outta our pores. These are our people, our problems, our . . . joie de vivre. And yes, ma’am, I know what that means and how to spell it.”Dark eyes blinked, then she threw back her head for a boisterous laugh. “Ah, damn, I’m gonna like you, Ranger Bass.”“Then you’d best start calling me Zayn.”“And I’m Nora.”
Nora and Zayn are always on high alert, her because of her past, him because of his profession. This makes it hard for them to let down the walls and just enjoy the moment. What’s it going to take for them to realize what they’ve been missing . . . and what they’re about to lose? Guess I’ll just have to get back to the keyboard and find out!
I remember a simple(r) life. Back before the Internet and cable TV, when we had three TV channels on our black & white set and a rotary dial phone. No microwave, no permapress sheets (they were steamed in the terrifying mangle presser by my mom). We played outside with the other neighborhood kids inventing our own games to play – in person, face-to-face not on a separate screen while sitting right next to one another. We went to the library for our reading material, not Amazon. Do I miss that uncomplicated simplicity? Sometimes. Would I go back there? Oh heck no! But stepping out of the busyness of life to take a breath and slow down the heartrate is sometimes all the vacation I need, be it on the patio with the cats or taking that fabulous vacay where the horizon stretches from here to tomorrow with nothing to get in the way.
I thought it would come easier with retirement (Retirement is such a scam. I’m busier now than I ever was while working!) but my daily/weekly/monthly calendar just keeps filling up, all on its own despite my best efforts. Technology continues to frustrate me. I just got a new phone and am struggling to get it set up with all the bells and whistles. Instead of studying the three-page instructions, I’m over One Clicking on snazzy new phone covers. Guess I’m just a blingaholic at heart!
What are you working on this weekend? I hope it’s another chapter.
Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their #8sunday posts.
You've got me attached to these characters already!
ReplyDeleteThis weekend, I do need to finish a chapter, and work on revisions for another book.
I hear you! Butt in chair, hands on keys. Hard to do around the holidays, which for me, start this week.
DeleteEnjoyed the snippet, nice little surprise when he offers the French phrase.
ReplyDeleteHe's got a brain cell or two to rub together.
Deletewonderful dialogue. Get a feeling for the characters.
ReplyDeleteTweeted.
Thanks, Daryl! They're doing all the talking, not me.
DeleteThese two are going to be great together! I wouldn't want to go back to those low/no tech days, either, but I still like to read about it. Except for video rental stores. I miss going to those. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kate! Tech can be a headache but after just streaming a couple of new shows on my desktop sure spoils a gal!
DeleteThe simple life can be very appealing. I'd like to visit old times, but I do like modern conveniences. I can't wait to see how these two get along.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I wax sentimental about the "old days" I remember going up north to our old trailer with the outhouse in back where we had to pump our water at the neighbor's well. No thanks!
DeleteSounds like the birth of a good friendship here. -- On another note, Feels good to be back. Missed reading y'alls work.
ReplyDeleteFriends make everything more fun, whether you're writing them or reading their excerpts!!
DeleteCan't wait for more of their story! These two have me sold already. They already seem quite a pair. I go off-grid for one week each summer and while I find it incredibly relaxing in most respects, it's become almost impossible because I sleep with a CPAP and that's darn hard to do without electricity. So yes, I wax nostalgic also, Nancy, but wouldn't want to go back permanently. This week I'm finishing my Contemporary Christmas novella, The Present!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenna! Just the encouragement I need to keep me going. WooHoo and the novella!
DeleteI thought I'd be able to relax a little once I got on disability, but t'is not to be. My boss is a butthead and the pay is terrible. My housekeeper is a slob and my chef is hit or miss. I no longer punch a time clock, but it seems that I'm going from dawn to dusk.
ReplyDeleteIn case it wasn't obvious, I'm my boss, my housekeeper, and my chef. I probably wouldn't eat anything but pre-made food but I want my son to have something better than that, so I cook. Results may vary.
I know! I'm the worst boss of me ever! I have no excuse not to have written 2-3 books this year buuuuuut . . .
Delete