Heartbreak and Celebrations

The heartbreak of the title refers to my view of the World Cup Rugby final. Heartbroken, gutted, disbelieving, angry even, that we played so poorly. Of course, had I been South African, all those feelings would have been the opposite. Joy, elation, surprise, excitement.

It's all a matter of perspective. Well played in the end to South Africa, although I'll long after be disappointed that the England team who first thumped the Australians and then shut out New Zealand so well was nowhere to be seen. There was a lot of talk that we'd played our "final" in the semis, and while of course it was denied, pschologically some of the players had the feeling that the game was already won.

Still, congratulations to South Africa. Worthy winners.

Yesterday we had a very cultural event in Japan, the 3-5-7 festival. On this day, three and seven-year-old girls and five-year-old boys all dress up nice and go to a local shrine to pray for future health and happiness. We managed to get the munchkin into a kimono but smiles came only when she was tricked into it. Still, it was an interesting day. The picture below is of her peering into the pond at the shrine we visited.

Writing wise, things have been slow over the last few days. They usually are when I'm busy with childcare as I don't have a lot of energy left. I have finished reading over Coming Home to Me This Christmas, in which I picked up a couple of small typos which I'll correct before uploading the file again later this week. By tomorrow or Thursday review copies should be available.

Slim 5 has now reached 53,000 words, which is the longest of the five books so far. It's moving along pretty well and I'm hoping to finish it this month.

And in the remainder of my spare time I've begun reading through Benjamin Forrest and the Curse of the Miscreants. Unless I come up against any sections that make no sense whatsoever, I'm hoping to have it out by the end of the month. I'm really keen to start writing another book in the series too. I have a title, and i'm mulling over ideas.

Sales-wise, things have flatlined again. I really don't know how people make money doing this. Waiting for the Christmas rush. Waiting ... waiting ...
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