That title is actually a lie. Igor hasn't hit us yet, we've got a few hours to go before he lands. His entourage however, is causing quite a stir. It started last evening with some wind and rain, a little thunder and lightning, and in true horror movie fashion, the power went out. So far today we've got a ton of rain, lots of wind, and a few towns have declared a state of emergency with washed out roads and power outages.Right here, all the schools are closed, the wind and rain are pelting against the windows, and yet my backyard is full of little birds trying to eat and find a place to weather the storm. I caught this little guy on the ledge of my back deck, well sheltered and close to the feeder. You can barely see him through the blur of wind and rain.
It is the perfect day to be indoors. A good day to curl up with a good book. And speaking of good books, please allow me to direct you to Salty Ink. This site is a great place to grow your reading list. Chad Pelley, operator of Salty Ink and himself an award winning author, highlights the work of Atlantic Canadian writers. Check out the interviews, book reviews and sections featuring both poetry and prose writers and books. There are also a few competitions, including the short fiction contest for which the long list was just released. I sent along my story, "Just Right", otherwise known as "The Story No One Likes", but it didn't make the last cut.
Long list - that reminds me. The Giller Prize long list was released this week. You can find that here. This list usually adds a few books to my reading list each year as well. (I just realized how long that list is getting!)
If you want a little guilty pleasure to go along with your literature, check out SlushPile Hell - so bad it's funny.
So now you have some stuff to help while away the stormy hours. And if it isn't stormy where you are, pretend it is.
Rumour has it the worst is yet to come...hope the little birds find adequate shelter. Sorry to hear you didn't make the cut at Salty Ink. It's not that nobody liked it...we were just waiting for something horrific to happen that just didn't occur. Kind of like 'Waiting for Godot'.
ReplyDeleteNice to see Newfoundlander Kathleen Winter on the longlist for the Giller Prize.
I hope you weather Igor well.
ReplyDeleteI do love storms, but Igor sounds a little scary.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, you and that little birdie, and catch up on some fine literature.
We were moaning here last week and the week before just because of the amount of rain we had - although where I was working, 46 miles away, we had four season in one day including hail stone.
ReplyDeleteGet yourself wrapped up and enjoy your reading....and good luck to the little fellow on your fence.
The wind has really picked up now. There are lots of leaves and bits of debris rolling up the laneway. It looks like they're all running from the storm.
ReplyDeleteHubby just called and his workplace is being evacuated because of flooding. We're still good here, although with the way the power lines are whipping around out there, I'm thinking the power may go sooner or later.
Alan, it was very good to see Kathleen Winter there. I haven't read that book yet, but I've heard great things.
Our roof is creaking. I hope it holds out. :)
Oh Laurita, I hope everything is OK. It sounds so scary! I hope hubby gets home unscathed and your roof holds out and the little birdie is ok.
ReplyDeleteAnd I SO hope it's over by the time we hit there next week!
(Aren't I selfish?)
Take care, Laurita!
Steady as she blows!
Laurita, I am following the progress of Igor on the news (what an appropriate name!) and do hope that you get through it well and that the birds continue to find shelter literally from the storm. My heart is with you.
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