The Whirlwind Continues

Just when I think the world will slow down and life is getting normal, things so bluey again. Hmm, maybe that is the new normal.

I found someone to review my imaginative ramblings! A wonderful lady from a publishing company in Minnesota (twistedwillowpress.com) is going to read my story about the killer germ that wipes out all but nine women on the planet. She’ll let me know if its worth considering. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

Yesterday morning I walked to the post office to drop off some mail and I forgot to grab some carrots before I left. The horses between me and the post office have gotten accustomed to me giving them a treat whenever I walk by. It’s amazing how loud horses can be when they want to be noticed! Good grief. Note to self: Don’t forget the horse treats next time I go walking.

Today I have to drive into Albuquerque. It’s gonna be in the 80s, and for once, no wind! We’ve had such strong winds in the last month that we had to put rocks in the pockets of all children and skinny women. (Notice I didn’t count myself in that tally.)

Okay. No more procrastinating (**deep breath**). I am now getting motivated, I am now getting motivated, I am now……..

Motion mantra over — I’m off to hit the highway.

Devil in Disguise

Mother’s Day was wonderful. I went to Albuquerque to meet with my youngest daughter (who I think is drop-dead gorgeous) for lunch at an organic restaurant called “Los Poblanos.” There she gave me my oldest daughter’s gift, which took my breath away. April (my oldest) and her family gave me a card signed by my handsome grandsons, husband and herself, plus a set of rings from a very fancy jewelry store. The lunch was so good it brought tears to my eyes, and the grounds of the restaurant were magnificent. Despite all the wind, a wonderful day. I hope and pray all moms are so blessed!

Today, however, I want to reveal a lamb in sheep’s clothing, a great deceiver, a gremlin in my midst. Just take a peak at the culprit!

Would you ever guess that such a sweet, fuzzy face would be able to cause an otherwise sane person to seriously consider murder? I am referring to my little “Chamako,” which means Little Boy. Now mind you, I think I’m a patient soul. Let me give you one example of his impish conduct. Chamako’s belief is that one minute past 5:30 each morning is sleeping in, so his job is to correct this lazy trait. If I’m not awake on a timely basis he will jump onto my chest and gently pat both sides of my face with his over-sized paws until I wake. If unsuccessful, he begins to lick. Sounds cute until one remembers that a cat’s tongue is like sandpaper.

Child safety locks on all cabinets are essential since he knows how to open the doors. Chamako delights in jumping into the cabinets and wrestling around to see if he can get anything to roll or fall out. Such entertainment!

Well, yesterday took the cake. While at the library working, he must have gotten bored or had a brain fart that he considered genius. He somehow got the refrigerator open! Although I’m relieved that the door didn’t shut on him, the end result is not much better. In side that cool closet were a few pieces of fried chicken wrapped in plastic and a pound of burger that was thawing. When I got home I found a broken catsup bottle and a cracked mayo jar on the floor. A few chicken bones were scattered hither and yon. My burger was partially disemboweled and smeared on the floor, the refrigerator side and the grisly remains on a kitchen seat. And where was the culprit? Why rubbing against my legs, purring happily to see me come home!

Don’t the Spanish have a soup recipe they consider a delicacy which uses cat meat?

Confused Panic

Well, the flea market was not a total bust. I managed to get rid of some old “treasures” and made enough money to fill up the gas tank. Plus, I bumped into a couple of old friends and I think I made one new friend. So, all in all, a pretty good morning.

Now for my minor panic. Last night I looked up what is necessary to find a book agent. Gah! I always thought a book agent was kind of like looking for an attorney. You know, go through a list, pick one, talk to them to see if they are someone you can work with and if so, sign a contract and get to work. I had no idea it was like a job interview or some kind of audition!!

I was advised that the first thing I have to do is send the appropriate type of agents (did you know they have specialties?!!!) a cover letter telling about yourself and your book. From the sound of things, if an agent thinks you and your book are interesting enough, they will contact you for more information. So what am I supposed to say? At 60 years old I can’t really provide any kind of “come hither” that would be appealing!! Does this mean I have to hire somebody to help me find an agent?!

Maybe I should let this rest for a few days while I mull this over. I don’t know anyone who’s had a book published so there’s no one’s brain I can pick. Hmm, perhaps I’ll take the New Mexico perspective — you know, live up to the tradition of “manana.”

Happy Friday!

Crazy day planned today. Since I want to sell some stuff at the flea market in Belen (a small town north of me about 45 miles), I will have to go to Belen and get everything out of storage that I want to sell tomorrow. While there I have to dig out my iron so I don’t continue looking like the cat chewed on me.

Once my car is loaded, go home and hem some suit slacks. This dear soul is going to pay me $20 for making cuffs and hemming these slacks, so I’ll get this done when I get home.

One of my neighbors is graduating with a Masters of Science and the ceremony is tomorrow night. Everyone in town is so excited. La Joya has a total population of 86, so someone accomplishing such a big goal is big news for us. Not sure what to wear. I have a suit, which I hope still fits. How about one of my long skirts and an unstained tee shirt? Hmmm. If evening gowns were in order I get a feed sack, tie on a sash, tack on some appliques, then claim it’s “designer,” but I think that would be overboard. Ah well, I have until tomorrow night to figure this out.

Mission Accomplished

Here’s the picture of the little bunk house I moved into. It’s a cozy little place. Perfect “between” place for me and my cat. But more on this later.

Last night I finally finished writing my first fiction novel. In the past I’ve only written textbooks, a few of which I’m still working on, so this was fun. It’s about nine women. A killer germ wipes out all but these nine women. It was fun to speculate what the world would do without any women and how these diverse women end up affecting the world. My challenge now is finding a book agent. I hate to think I’ll have a job left sitting and uncompleted. It’s not the great American novel, but it is a fun read.

Tonight I will work at getting some crochet appliques done. I do a lot of crochet and a woman from a craft show ordered some applique leaves and flowers. She uses the appliques to decorate the clothing and accessories she makes for craft shows. It will only provide about $25, but I love to see how she uses them and the money sure does help.

In the Beginning

Not sure who, if anyone, would be interested in the ramblings of a widowed Hispanic/Native American woman in a New Mexico rural community. Nonetheless, several friends have suggested I start a daily blog because they are curious how someone can survive on about $400 a month, yet eat well and be relatively comfortable. First off, let me say that country life is not for wimps or the lazy. The day normally begins at or just before sunrise and ends about 9-9:30 at night — when most folks join the party. So, here goes!

Today is going to be somewhat lazy — with only laundry to do, patching the carpeting in the bedroom and getting this blog started. Tomorrow should prove more interesting! If nothing else, I’ll get a picture of the ranch house I’m living in to post for tomorrow.

LeeFran Homestead

Surviving & Thriving in the Country