When we lived up north, I always looked forward to the WritersWeekly Winter 24-Hour Short Story Contest because, while living in Bangor, Maine, in January, we were guaranteed a few feet of snow on the ground and weeks of cabin fever. During contest weekend, I was always enjoyed a break from the grind and some awesome entertainment in the form of stories flying in via email from participants.
Living in Florida, I’m still excited despite the fact that it’s going to be in the 80s on Saturday. (It’s supposed to be 85 today!)
Last night, after some cleaning and laundry, I was sweating up a storm. My weather monitor said the humidity was 90% so I cranked down the air conditioner and took a cool shower. I’d have gone outside and jumped on the pool but the water’s not quite warm enough for that (yet). Our next cold front is arriving next week. It’ll dip down to a frigid 76 next Wednesday. I enjoy posting pictures on Facebook of the sunshine and green grass, birds, fish and other wildlife for our friends back in Maine. Ha ha.
Last weekend, Max noticed a new critter in the saltwater out back. It appeared to have spikes. I thought it was a puffer fish so I got the net so the boys could get a closer look. We took it out of the water and was definitely NOT a fish. It was soooooo gross! It was a big, brown blob, about 6 inches long and 3 inches wide – just like a HUGE slug! When we picked it up, it released a bright purple fluid. We took pictures, took care NOT to touch it, released it, and then the boys went to work researching it online. It only took them a few minutes to figure out it was a Sea Hare. Here’s a picture:
The geese are back for the winter and we hear their lovely honks every day as they fly by. If you’re in Canada wondering how the Canada Geese are doing, I can tell you they’re great! Swimming, flying free, and enjoying the Florida sunshine and crystal blue water! We also have Razorbills at the beach here right now, which is a delight to local birdwatchers. They even made the front page of the paper!
The boys love being homeschooled in Florida! There’s a never ending supply of material right outside our door. 🙂
I have a Maxism for you this week.
Max (age 11) said, “You know what I don’t like about girls? Once you get married, you can’t have anymore girlfriends!”
Hugs to all,
Angela
P.S. Don’t forget about the 24-Hour Short Story Contest this weekend! Each contest is limited to 500 participants and they usually fill up so don’t delay if you want to participate!
1st Place: $300
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $200
Entry fee is $5. You can see the complete list of 85 prizes and sign up here:
https://www.writersweekly.com/misc/contest.php
P.S. I want to “follow” you!
ANGELA ON TWITTER
@AngelaHoy
ANGELA ON FACEBOOK
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HOW TO REMEMBER, WRITE AND PUBLISH YOUR LIFE STORY! by Angela Hoy
Using Angela’s MEMORY TRIGGERS, recall memories that have been dormant for years, and record those memories in chronological order in your memory notebook. Using the memory notebook as your outline, write your autobiography! **Also works for biographies and memoirs.**