Every month is poetry month. For now, at least.
Life in general
The sinusitis hasn’t relented. On the 5th, my right ear was completely blocked, and I was half-deaf. I literally could hear nothing out of my right ear. It was the weirdest thing. On the afternoon of the 6th, something popped, and I could hear again, but another night of steam treatment and restless sleep, the ear was clogged up again. At lunch on the 7th, the ear opened up again, but by then, I was beyond the 15 days the second antibiotic was supposed to stay in my system.
Wednesday was, once again, clinic day. This time, the doctor figured the infection had been cleared up (after the two courses of antibiotics) and that it was just inflammation resulting from the prolonged infection that was the issue. I left with a prescription for antihistamines and recommendations to begin using a neti pot, mineral oil in my ear to help clear up the blockage, and to make an appointment with my doctor in two weeks in the event that the new course of treatment didn’t take hold.
Fortunately, my doctor’s office is next door to my pharmacy and while I was waiting for my prescription to be filled, I went up to the receptionist’s desk and asked if there were any openings in two weeks. There was exactly one availability. I took it. More on the results of that appointment, below.
Phil got the tires changed and a tune up for the car in advance of my trip to North Bay (see below). We had to get new summer tires, the ones that came with the car having worn to the nubs. In the past few years, we’ve had issues with air leakages. We should be good for another few years, now.
At work, I’m moving toward another deadline in the project I’ve been working on since spring 2022. Of the four courses in the curriculum I’ve been working on, one has been updated and posted to our learning management system, one is in the process of being re-written and won’t be ready for design, accessibility, or posting until later this year. Of the two courses I’m working on, one has been completely redesigned and the other has been updated. I’m in the process of finishing the accessibility (alt-text, long descriptions, etc.) on the redesigned course. A colleague has done most of the work on the other.
I didn’t finish the work before my six-week leave with income averaging (LIA) started, but guess what? The deadline isn’t hard this time! My colleagues can finish the work while I’m off.
Also, I received some great news. After two years of budget challenges, my division finally has some wiggle room for staffing. After I return from my leave, I’m going to have an acting instructional designer position with another design team for a year (!) It will be a nice bump to my pay (now reduced by my LIA) and a lovely break from the project that’s occupied me for so long. The final course for that project should be completed in my absence.
It also opens up the opportunity for other, younger colleagues to progress in their careers and make room for me to move back to my existing team as an instructional designer instead of a courseware developer next summer. Or to stay with my new team. We’ll see where the future takes me.
Spring has sprung and I’m enjoying the scents despite not being completely recovered.
The distinctively astringent smell of poplar sap has given way to the pollen, seeds, and general messiness. In past years, the pin cherry blossoms emerged on Victoria Day long weekend, followed a week later by the lilacs, and then the honeysuckles. This year, they’re all coming out at once. It’s glorious! And then the mountain ash blooms come out and muddle the lovely scents of spring with their odd, musty odour.
The bumble bees have been very active in the honeysuckle. I’ve even seen one crawling into a hole in the ground next to a paver driveway. Weird, the things you see when you pay attention 😉
Another pleasant discovery was that when I walked Torvi out on the boardwalk behind Moonglow toward Robinson Lake, the missing bridge has been replaced! This now expands our walking options.
The month in writing
The first part of May was dedicated to recovery, to be honest. I’m burning out, professionally, creatively, all of it. It’s why I wanted to take another leave with income averaging. It’s not that I haven’t been writing at all, but I’ve been focusing on commitments, stories for anthology calls and open submission periods, poems as I have the spoons.
But I returned to Reality Bomb on the 7th, in anticipation of resuming work with Suzy Vadori in what should be my final book coaching package.
On the 26th, I made my first of the last 6-submission package working with book coach Suzy. This should complete this revision of the novel (!) We met the following Thursday, May 30th. The session was very much the same old, same old. I still haven’t managed to master Suzy’s lessons despite working with her for the better part of a year and a half and participating in her developmental editing mentorship.
I’m trying to be kind to myself because we’re resuming work after two months of me focusing on The Art of Floating. It’s going to take me time to get back into the swing of things. I’m still feeling resistance. I am a slow cooker …
I attended the launch of my friend Emily De Angelis’ YA novel, The Stones of Burren Bay on May 5th, which was a beautiful, sunny day. The launch was at the Northern Water Sports Centre and was packed. So happy for Emily and her new book!
On the 8th, I was informed that “Cedar Waxwings” would be published in Commuter Lit on May 16. I had submitted the poem to their contest last month but didn’t place. It was a pleasant surprise.
On the 14th, I zipped over to North Bay after work for the Conspiracy of 3 reading series. You may have seen my post on Facebook and Instagram about it. In case you didn’t, it was a lovely evening.
First, Denis Stokes offered a brief reading from Alice Munro and we held a minute of silence to honor her passing. Then, Ric Desmuelles read from Pity the Minotaur. I read from The Art of Floating. And several lovely people shared their work in the open reading.
I got to catch up with old friends, not just Denis and Ric, but Natalie Wilson, Tim and Karin Robertson, and Barry and Jen Grills.
I brought seven copies of the collection with me, well, eight with the copy I read from, just in case, and ended up going home with only my reading copy (!)
This event conflicted with the launch of Sudbury Superstack: A Changing Skyline, in which I have a creative non-fiction piece, that took place the same night in Sudbury at the Steelworkers Hall. I was sad to miss it, but such is the life of a professional author.
But I was able to arrange to pick up my contributor copy, honorarium, and my new Sudbury Writers’ Guild bunny hug and the May SWG meeting at the end of the month.
My interview with rob mclennan came out on his blog on May 18th. It was fun answering his 12 or 20 questions 🙂
In the realm of the business of writing, there were a trio of TWUC meetings around the AGM. On the 16th was the pre-AGM town hall. Then the AGM was on the 25th, followed by a post-AGM networking event.
And on the 28th, there was the quarterly board meeting for SF Canada.
Filling the well
Beltaine (I spell it the way I spell it, ok?) was May first. Unfortunately, I was in recovery and used all my spoons for the day, so I didn’t get my altar lit. Not on the 2nd, either. Managed it on the 3rd.
The new Willow moon in Taurus 🙂 was on the 7th. It was overcast, as usual.
On the 10th, the mass coronal ejection hit our atmosphere, and while we didn’t get more than pale wisps here in town (too much light pollution from the streetlights, etc.), we got to see the aurora borealis. It wasn’t bright enough to take pictures, but other friends in other parts of the Sudz were able to see a spectacular display. Just grateful to have seen something.
And I have seen the aurora before, so I wasn’t terribly disappointed. When I was still in my teens (can’t remember the exact year, honestly), Mom, Dad, and I went down to the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ camp near Parry Sound with my cousin Margot and her family, and we got to see the aurora and a lovely display of the Milky Way.
The full Flower/Budding moon in Sagitarius was on the 23rd. I got to see the moon after it rose that night, but I’ve given up trying to take decent pictures at night.
The FOLD online concluded on May 1st. I had to watch several sessions in replay and returned to watch the live sessions that were added after the fact. But the FOLD remains one of the best conferences, online or live, that I’ve attended.
On the 9th, I attended the TWUC webinar featuring the Danuta Gleed finalists about “Constructing a Story Arc.” Kim Fu, Saeed Teebi, and Gillian Wigmore shared their experience construction short story arcs.
Later that same night, was Janice Hardy’s “How to write characters with agency” presented by Free Expressions. I watched the replay ‘cause spoons.
There was another Free Expressions webinar on the 16th with Donald Maass on “Advanced Voice.” Again, watched the replay.
And I signed up for a three-part poetry workshop with Ariel Gordon called “Dispatches from the World.” The first session was on the 28th. We did some freewriting that I hope to be able to use in another project and workshopped almost everyone’s submissions. I have another assignment for our next workshop on June 11th that’s due on June 3rd.
The last of the spring session Finnish classes was on the 6th. While I am learning a lot, the intermediate class was verra challenging.
In terms of health/mental health, I had my last (for now) session with my therapist. I figured I’d just need some extra support to get through the first few months of the year with the launch and work deadlines and trying to manage my energy level/executive functioning/mental health. Again, it was an amicable parting.
My support group met on the 22nd. The topic this month was meltdowns and shutdowns.
On the 23rd, I had two appointments. The first was the follow up with my doctor about my persistent sinusitis, mentioned above. I came away with the recommendation to continue with the antihistamines and neti pot, and another prescription for antibiotics. Back to the amoxicillin, but for two weeks this time. Though I was asked to make an appointment in a month, the earliest I could get on was July 2nd.
I have already seen some improvement. Not as many headaches or sore teeth, though both still occur. Not as many feverish times. And the persistent tickling/feeling there’s something in my sinus has abated. So, I seem to be heading in the right direction.
The second was an appointment with my RMT. It was good to get some self-care in after the hectic of the last month and a half.
And the BIG news this month is that I started a six-week LIA after the Victoria Day long weekend! I’m off until July 2nd!
What I’m watching and reading
I watched Palm Springs (Amazon). Interesting take on the Groundhog Day trope. Nyles has already be stuck in the time loop—for years?—by the time Sarah finds her way to a mysterious glowy cavern. They’re both revealed to have made terrible choices, both in the real world (Sarah) and within the time loop (Nyles). Though they both grow during their time in the loop, that’s not what breaks the “curse.” I won’t spoil it because it’s a worthwhile watch.
Then, I finished watching The Other Black Girl (Disney +), a thriller based on the novel by Alyssa Cole. An uncomfortable and surreal parable about internalized racism and the lengths some people are willing to go to change the system.
I finished watching Bodies (Netflix). This limited series was an interesting take on time travel and I’m sorry, but some spoilers are necessary to explain. In the future, an anomaly called “the mouth” allows time travel into the past. The antagonist uses it to create an empire that will eventually allow him to create the post-apocalyptic utopia/dystopia he now controls in the future. Another character is splintered when he is shot while attempting to foil the antagonist, and ends up in four different times, 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053, the last mere days before he leaves. The story follows the investigations of Detective Inspector Alfred Hillinghead, Detective Sergeant Karl Weissman (Charles Whiteman), Detective Seargent Shahara Hassan, and Detective Constable Iris Maplewood as they discover the body in each of their times.
Next, Phil and I watched the second season of Extraordinary (Disney +). I’d watched the first season myself, but as I was watching the second season, Phil decided he liked it and binged the whole of the first season in a couple of days. We finished watching the second season together. At the end of the first season, Jizzlord (Rob), the amnesiac cat-shifter, went to the shop to get some milk and is recognized by his son and wife just after he and Jen decided to date. The main through line of season 2 is Jen’s conflict with Nora (Rob’s telepathic wife) over Rob while she embarks on a treatment program that should result in her developing her latent powers. It’s hilarious and I highly recommend.
I finished watching my one and only reality TV show, So You Think You Can Dance (network). With Paula Abdul accusing Nigel Lithgoe of sexual harassment and the death of Twitch, the show has undergone a slight format change. They decided to include what happens in the house where the contestants stay during the competition, so it’s like SYTYCD and The Real World had a baby. And the dance competitions are now focused on real world challenges, like making ads, being back up dancers, and the like. Not as thrilled with this iteration of the show, I must say.
Then, I watched the whole of Our Flag Means Death (Crave). A bit late to the game with this one, but I’m glad I decided to check it out. Queer pirate love conquers all. Loved! Watch it if you haven’t.
Will Trent (network) completed its second season on May 21st. I really like this series and the second season finally was a gut punch. I can’t say anything without spoiling the season and you really should watch it if you can.
On the same night, The Rookie (network) also had its season finally. Short because of the writers’ strike, but pretty solid. Ended on a cliffhanger with several familiar past villains on the run and/or gunning for Nolan. Some of the Rookie Feds team showed up as well.
I also caught up on Only Murders in the Building (Disney +). I have now watched all three seasons and I’m enjoying this cozy podcast murder show. In season 1, the crew investigated the murder of one of the Arconia’s residents who had history with Mabel. No sooner had that mystery been solved when the second occurred in the season 1 finale, and Mabel was under suspicion. In the third season, Oliver and Charles are distracted because Oliver is trying to direct his off, off (possibly several more offs) Broadway comeback and Charles is in the production. When the leading man is murdered on opening night (yes, in the Arconia), you’d think Oliver and Charles would jump back on the mystery-solving bandwagon, but Oliver’s trying to save his show by turning it into a musical and Charles is in another messy relationship, which leaves Mabel in the lurch. Season 3 ends with another murder in the Arconia, which will be solved in the fourth (and I think final) season.
Then, Phil and I watched The Dead Boys Detective Agency (Netflix). It has the flavour of Lockwood and Co., but the plot is delightfully inverted and twisted. It’s also set in Neil Gaiman’s Sandman universe. Two young ghosts, evading Death their assigned afterlives, set up the titular detective agency, solving the mysteries of other ghosts so they can move on. A psychic trying to evade her demonic ex joins them in Port Townsend, Washington, where all kinds of supernatural shenanigans ensue. Loved.
I finished watching the short season of Grey’s Anatomy (network). A new batch of interns and troubles for the whole team. Looks like almost everyone has been fired or is in danger of being fired at the end of the season finale. I keep watching, just ‘cause.
And, finally, I also finished watching the final season of Star Trek: Discovery (network). The series wasn’t cancelled until after filming wrapped, and they had to make some hasty last-minute changes to wrap things up. The season’s arc was about finding the Progenitors’ tech, a call-back to The Next Generation. Racing Burnham and the crew are Mol and Lok, who want to trade the tech to the Breen in return for their freedom.
The series finale was two hours and though satisfying in some respects, was disappointing in others. [SPOILERS!] For example, after finally activating the tech and being named its new guardian, Burnham decides that it’s too dangerous for any one person to control and sends it off into a black hole. This invalidates the whole season. The Federation brass, even Kovacs, who sent them on this “red directive” mission in the first place, agree. So, off she goes. I get it, but it was deeply unsatisfying. The revelation of Kovacs as Agent Daniels (a callback to Enterprise) was cool, I guess. It was nice to see the happy endings, but to have Burnham fly Discovery and Zora out to a predetermined point in the galaxy to wait for some mysterious contact with no human crew … strikes me a cruel. Hardly the send-off either the ship or the AI deserved. So, a mixed bag.
My first read of May was Catherynne Valente’s Space Opera. A has-been band is chosen (last on the list—the rest of the candidates are dead) to defend Earth in a pan-galactic music competition. A loss will result in the annihilation of the planet. No pressure. Info-dump central, a bit deus ex machina at the end, and the climax was rushed, but enjoyable just for Valente’s voice-y prose.
Then, I read Piers Anthony’s Wielding a Red Sword. It’s the fourth book in his incarnations of immortality series. It was okay. A lot of objectification of women. A prince of Gujarat with a stutter disguises himself and joins a travelling circus as an acrobat and mime called Mym. He falls in love with Orb, an Irish musician, but is precipitously recalled home when his brother, who was to become Raj, dies. His father forces his marriage to Rapture, a princess, but because of his ability to become a “controlled” berserker, Mym becomes the incarnation of Mars, the god of war. He is then tempted by Lilith/Lila and must defeat Satan. There is a dead princess he must save from hell, too. Like I say, there’s a LOT of objectification.
Next, I finished Ada Hoffmann’s The Infinite, the third in her Outside series. The cruel AI Gods have abandoned Jai and the Chaos Zone to the Keres, but Yasira Chien and the Seven discover that the Keres and Nemesis are one in the same. The Keres is the bigger stick the Gods use to keep humanity in line. Allies are gathered but they won’t be enough to save humanity, and Dr. Evianna Talirr returns to ask Yasira to make the ultimate sacrifice. A satisfying conclusion to a series that centres neurodiversity, trauma, and the healing power of found family.
I also read Cathrynne Valente’s The Refrigerator Monologues, a fabulous collection of connected vignettes about women superheroes or girlfriends of superheroes who all end up in hell (why hell? It’s never explained) after they’ve been killed or lost everything to advance the character arcs of the men in their lives. A lot of critique of DC superheroes (the fridging trope arose when the body of Green Lantern’s girlfriend was literally stuffed in his fridge by a nemesis) but great snarky fun.
Then, I finished The Better Part of Valor by Tanya Huff. It’s the second novel in her Confederation series, the first book of which I read last month. This time, Staff Sergeant Torin Kerr is separated from her team and sent on a top-secret reconnaissance mission. A big, yellow ship that reads as part organic has appeared out of nowhere and Torin finds herself contending with the civilian salvage officer who found it and wants dibs on the salvage, the Others, who also show up to investigate, and Big Yellow itself, which seems to have plans of its own. I’m really enjoying this series.
I followed this up with Nancy Kress’s If Tomorrow Comes, the second in her Yesterday’s Kin series (I have not yet read the first book—reading a series out of order, I know!). It’s part military SF, part first contact, and part disaster/thriller. Years ago, a ship came to Earth from World, a alien-transplanted human colony, to warn of a space-faring spore cloud that is deadly to humans. Now, Earth is sending a mission to World with a crew of scientists carrying the vaccine for the spore cloud and a team of rangers as military escort. Things go to hell pretty quickly.
World is not as technologically advanced as Earth and its people work hard to keep it that way, living in balance with the planet and its resources. They have not developed a vaccine and the ship was a gift left for them by the advanced species that transplanted them to World over a hundred thousand years ago. When another contingent from Earth arrives and bombs three of the four World cities and the other Earth ship, the survivors have to figure out how to synthesize the vaccine because the spore cloud is only weeks away. Fascinating worldbuilding. Well-developed, if derivative, characters.
Then, I read The Oathbound by Mercedes Lackey. Tarma is sword-sworn and bound to the goddess. Kethry is a sorceress of the white winds and the bearer of the sword Need, that directs her to women under dire threat. The two are bondmates, and Kethry has promised to help rebuild Tarma’s murdered clan. At first, the novel seems to be an unconnected string of adventures, but eventually, everything comes together in a final confrontation. Quite good.
Finally, I read Terran Tomorrow by Nancy Kress, the third in the Yesterday’s Kin trilogy. At the end of the last book (above) [SPOILERS!] a colony ship is recalled. There are no World survivors, but the ship is filled with the purple, naked, and smelly World-equivalents of mice who survived the spore cloud thanks to a virophage. The virophage is released on World and saves most of the population. So, a team of Earth and World humans return to Earth to find it devastated. Though Earth humans were mostly immune to the spore cloud virus, it combined with avian flu virus and wiped out most the people on Earth. There are now about 120 million humans world-wide and in America, two factions are fighting for supremacy, the remnants of the US military, and New America. And then, people affected by the virophage and infected with the mutated r. sporae avovirus (RSA—how prophetic was that?) fall into comas. More science and military hijinx. Interesting series. And now I’m reading the first book in the series to find out how it all started (!)
And that was the month in this writer’s life.
Until next month, be well and stay safe; be kind and stay strong. The world needs your stories!
Always Looking Up 