Enga mellom fjella

Assessment at the Solstice

Assessment at the Solstice

Boo.

That's for whoever is still out there!

It's Sunday before another Hallmark Holiday and everyone is out and about at Wal*Mass I'm sure. But I'm at home, all alone, and thankful for the peace and quiet.

Quiet around WdC today and the internet buzz is turned down way low.

So ... it's a heat wave! Double digits here in Missoula. Oh my ... the world-as-we-know-it is about to end!

Journal:

Today I'll finish off Book 20 of my Journal. I'm on page 1,895 (started on 1,798).

Blog:

This blog has gotten over 1,850 views (about 65 new entries) during Autumn in spite of 2 days when only one person viewed it. WdC readership is back up to 60 and that makes me happy. It had dipped way low.

Old "L'aura del Campo"  is still googled and presumably read ; over 226 views this December; although, no one ever comments anymore (nor needs to).

"Hoarfrosts from Hell"  [XGC] is still useful for me with over 300 entries of my angst and drama ... it gets comments occasionally as well.

I started another highly restricted blog that I need to catch up with.

"O Pinions!"  [XGC] is fairly new and I want to develop it as a place where I can slice and dice with my tongue and pen without too many apologies.

"Nurture your Nature"  [13+], which is more gentler and nature driven and "Watt's Gnus"  [18+] which is based on news stories need to be developed as well.

Poetry and Prose:

My sketches were at #277 on 9/23; now #380. I should be at #410 or so, so I've fallen behind. Winter is good for catching up on writing, right?

Items at WdC:

My top three poems for views:

"Speak soft my name"  758 views, 90 r/r.
"First drum set"  774 views, 81 r/r.
"Of mice, owls and moonflowers"  711 views, 49 r/r.

Time to go promote "First drum set"  [E] as it is seasonal! Some day one of my poems will go over 1,000 views and 100 r/r. I'm sure of that! These were all posted 3 years ago, so longevity does matter. I don't make items out of all my sketches; but, I should choose a few from the last season to add for r/r. The blog entry comments will guide me.

My top rated poem is still "Zmitri"  which became r/r on the insistence of AL I should listen to Swedes more often. Also: "'heart's home'"  and "Sentinel"  (which was promoted by larryp; thank-you, Larry) which is the poem I now use on my business cards here locally.

Life:

I'm still in Missoula and have found a social life, even in December. I joined the Montana Writer's guild and Spanish Circle, Men's group, and MahJong are still happening. I've made friends at the Senior center as well. The football season is o.v.e.r. (I don't watch television bowl games) and hockey/basketball season is in full swing; so, I need to connect there. Students are mostly gone, but this town is vibrant off-season. My haunts will be open, albeit less crowded. I suspect know some folks are planning vacations to warmer climes. Gas prices have come down ($1.45) but other costs have not; I'm still doing okay financially though.

I completed booklets 4, 5 and 6 of Sushi; I've done two 'zines.

Today ... I have yet to go out for the day, but I will soon. I try to get some exercise and getting out in the cold makes this room feel that much warmer. This place is working out.

So ... another season passes. Tis the season of the Crone, I believe. In Japanese culture: the pine, the crane and pawlonia. For me? Just winter.

Montana: 11.6º at 16:43

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