I like to link to my image sources, but a friend sent me this, so I’m not sure. If you know where it came from, please let me know, and I’ll cite the source.

I’ve been trying for weeks to figure out how to write here, how to write elsewhere, how to write anything. I’m not blocked. I don’t believe in writers’ block as you know if you’re a regular reader. I prefer to think of my lack of writing as being worried about the human race. I can't be the only one.

I love positivity, but I also acknowledge that it’s not always possible in my own brain to make that happen. I have started an Accomplishment Journal™, in which I write down every day whatever big or little or stoopid shit I’ve managed to get done:

SHOWERED!

MADE BED!

MADE TEA!

CALLED MOM!

It might seem silly but it’s working for me. It’s a reminder that as much as possible, I need to keep a normalcy, a routine of some kind that includes some of the things I like to do on a daily basis.

If you read my blog, or if we’re Facebook friends, you know that Stu and I are supposed to be in Scotland right now cheering on this fine dude. The plan was to attend the opening ceremonies of the World Men’s Curling Championships (a trip we’ve been planning for a year) at 12:00 local time tomorrow, and then return to the arena for Canada’s opening draw against Switzerland tomorrow evening.

Here I sit in my little office in Alberta, not really sad about it, because there are so many who are so much worse off than we are. People without travel insurance. People with family far away who can’t get home. People with elderly loved ones they can’t visit. I feel blessed indeed. So we’re missing the Ice Marbles. So what? They’ll be back next year. And as Katie Scarlett so wisely observed, “tomorrow is another day.”

I’m cheering up my mom (she’s not ill so don’t worry) and myself considerably by calling her several times a day to report on our trip in my best Scottish mother-in-law voice, which—as you know if you’ve heard it—has no rival. I am simply the best. Some people can cook. Some people can find cures for unknown pandemic diseases (Geebus bless those people). We all have our talents. I tell her all about the flight, our airbnb, how we found the chippy and the boozer right off (priorities) and tomorrow I’ll report on the curling events that no one is attending and which aren’t happening. I’ll tell her all about the brilliant come-around shot Gushue made right to the button in the 9th end to tie the match.

~~

Which brings me to my point. I was quite clear that I was going to be out of town for three weeks and wanted to wrap up all work before I left, take not a lick with me to Glasgow, and to open myself up for business again when I got home. While I do have a few projects lined up, I find myself in the (perhaps auspicious) situation of not working for the next two weeks or so.

I’m watching my colleagues step up, give online readings, host online events, concerts, book launches, and other admirable activities and I started to think about what I could do for my writing community.

While staring at the ceiling for an hour in the middle of the night, it came to me. I would like to offer a limited number of free evaluations on ten double-spaced pages of prose, or ten poems. I don’t know if you’re writing or not. If you are, you might be setting aside money that you might otherwise have earmarked for editing because now you need to put food on the table. Maybe I can give you a boost.

If you’re writing and feel like you’re in a vacuum, I think I could help you. I’d be happy to provide you with a free honest critique on a small sample of your work in progress for the next few weeks. I’ll take them on a first come-first served basis, and I’ll let you know when my limit has been reached.

~~

A friend send me that magnificent photo of Bowie up there, and while I wish I could give him to all of you (though I’m kind of selfish about him, and if I had him in that dungeon, I’d be keeping that info to myself), I can’t. But I can give you a bit of my heart and a bit of my talent for editing.

If you’d like to take me up on this, please pop me a note at my contact page here, and we’ll get started. I work in Word exclusively, Times New Roman 12-point, double-spaced for prose, single for poetry.

I don’t have to tell you to wash your hands. Mine are so raw right now I can barely type, but it’s a small price to pay to try to keep others safe.

My best to you in the uncertain times we’re in and the uncertain times to come.

Kimmy

Something I can do for you?