So,
A few weeks ago Darby's father Bill retired from the oil business, putting an end to his 35-year career.
I flew out to Calgary to meet him, and we spent four days driving back to Nova Scotia. We flew through a bunch of boring midwestern states and made our way through Chicago and Boston before heading up to the Maritimes.
We barely stopped during the entire trip, surviving on McDonald's coffee, Pizza Hut and fruit smoothies.
A few weeks later, Darby and I ended our illustrious 3-month career at the Ovens Natural Park. I won't get into details, but suffice to say that neither of us particularly enjoyed the management style of the park. We were relieved to get away.
Faced with six months of unemployment, Darby and I reconsidered our plan of living in a remote cottage through the Winter. We decided to move to the city, and within 24 hours of the decision, we'd found a place in downtown Halifax.
(In a strange, serendipitous twist of fate, we're moving into writer Kris Bertin's apartment.)
Anyways, we're trying to make the most of these last few weeks of August by spending time going for bike rides, jogging, watching Breaking Bad, surfing and hiking. Our main social event every week is the Lunenburg farmer's market.
But the activity that has consumed the most of my attention? Writing.
I recently finished the first draft of both my manuscripts. Sea to Sky is 63,000 words, and Whatever you're on, I want some is 71,000 words. I can hardly believe I've finished them, and I'm feeling pleased with myself.
Steven Heighton, the judge who selected Sea to Sky for The Fiddlehead's fiction contest last year, has helped hook me up with an agent in Toronto. I sent off the manuscripts a few days ago, and now I'm waiting to hear back.
In other words, life is good.
Today we took some photos at Hirtle's beach, which is a ten-minute walk from our house. Bill, Darby and I attempted to surf while Lynn enjoyed her perch in the sand. You can check out the photos after the jump.
That's all for now.
Will!!
