Friday, June 29, 2012

Baseball, Swimming and Writing

Here's the man everybody loves to hate: the umpire. Just kidding, folks :) My husband is back to umpiring games at the tournament. At first I was anxious that he'd be gone on evenings and weekends, but the children go along with him and help out, so it has actually afforded me quiet time to write. It's been a win-win situation for everybody. Little League needs the help, my husband enjoys the game, and the children help out with set up and concessions. The only downside is that we're all getting to bed later than usual. So we're all a bit tired and cranky.

This summer, I've not only been revising my novel steadily, but also worked on several work-for-hire projects (on a super-tight deadline) and I wouldn't have been able to do that if my husband didn't take the children out of the house. He's taken the children to all the away swim meets so that I don't have to drive. I'll spend that time writing (and procrastinating like I am now). He'll also make supper ... long-time readers know he's an award-winning cook. My perpetually 4-mo pregnant look is a testament to his cooking. Here he is, grilling the best brats. But he makes salmon that is on par with the best restaurants, and the only reason I like beef is because of the way he barbecues it. Smoky Daddy.

I don't know what I'd do without him. He's sustained my writing dream when I've been ill or too tired to write. He has encouraged me every step of the way. The children too, have been a part of my writing life. They read and give feedback. Sometimes unsolicited! Oddly enough, they are much kinder with their opinions when it comes to my friends' mss. Although their suggestions to fix things are almost always off the mark, I find that their reactions priceless. It's my job as a writer to revise what doesn't resonate, and they are good about flagging problem areas.
We're having a great summer so far. Lots of swimming. The children are turning into little brown fishies. They've improved so much and I'm so proud of them for rising to the challenge. They were initially not at all excited to get up first thing in the morning for swim practice. "It's summer," they groaned. "I should be able to sleep in." But they get up and ride their bikes to the pool and train for an hour. They've made friends on their team and love hanging out at the meets -- that's when they socialize. Here they are, giving it their best.

 
My son took a lot of pictures at the beach. My favorite is of my daughter catching a wave! He caught it on video too, so I'm happy to share it. I'm in the black swimsuit who missed the wave! But the water is wonderfully cool on hot days. Tepid even. I tell you, it's great living here in the South -- the sun, the warmth, the people -- are all fantastic. Even when it's hurricane season. And now I must work on that novel while the rest of the family is at the ballgame.



9 comments:

Mirka Breen said...

What a summery post. I miss my kids' swimming days, even the chlorine pool smell that I never thought I would, sends me back to when they summered as summering should be done. Thankfully the other two (baseball and writing) are still here.

A.L. Sonnichsen said...

I'm so proud of your kids, Vijaya, and what a wonderful husband you have! I'm so glad you have time to revise so I can read your novel when you're done. ha ha!

And my kids are the same way -- they're much harder on me than anyone else when I read them what I write. :D

dbp said...

We (well all of us except Vaishali) love to make it to the beach at least once per Summer. The water here in Mass doesn't get much warmer than what feels like ice-cold, but the body surfing is still fun.

Marcia said...

As always, I love your family posts and pictures.

Vijaya said...

Mirka, I think we're going to have a whole new set of summery things we'll do here in the South.

Amy, I am too. I think all this moving around has made them bold -- they jump right into things. And it is wonderful to have such a partner in crime, no? You should know -- your DHS is one too! I'm so s-l-o-w at the writing/revising part, but I am thankful that there are people who will wait for my book. Thankee ...

David, it's almost like bathwater here in the summer, and that's exactly how I like it. MA sounds too cold for me, kind of like WA.

Marcia, family is such fun. I'm missing them right now ... but appreciating the quiet time for percolation, esp. with several chapter rewrites on the horizon.

Faith E. Hough said...

What a great man you have, Vijaya. :) I can almost smell the food grilling...
I hope you've had plenty of good writing and revising time this weekend! (Like Amy, I want to read your novel when you're done!!)

Bish Denham said...

Oh man, that is just so cool. Catching waves at the beach, eating good food your man cooks for you, doing the things you love... Life can't get much better than that, Vijaya.

Ruth Schiffmann said...

How wonderful that your family supports your writing so much. I find my daughter's feedback so valuable. And thankfully she's always willing to read and share her opinions.

Love all your pictures. I used to swim every day throughout the summer when I was growing up. Now I hardly ever go, though the beach is minutes away. Funny how things change.

All best with your revisions!

Vijaya said...

Faith, I feel very blessed. I thought I would tackle the hard revisions this weekend, but instead I'm focusing on the general pacing of the second half. I have 50 more pages to go! But I've marked all the places where I need to write new scenes. It feels good to be at this stage, and I'll feel even better when it's all done.

Bish, life is so good. Full of simple and beautiful things.

Ruth, your daughter is amazing, and it's lovely that the two of you share this. I feel blessed to have a family who supports me.

I can't believe you don't go to the beach! Get thee a towel and water bottle and head out. It's so invigorating! We're about 30 min away and try to go as many times as possible.