Inspirations, the Stories Space Coffee House: If you're reading this it just might mean I'm back, sorta. If you're not reading this, well, congratulations.

Good morning, everyone!

verbal, I'm glad things are going well for you and you're starting a new draft of your book. It's great that you had a fantastic critique group discussion. Thanks for letting us know how things turned out for your discussion and jury duty.

CuriousAnnie, nice seeing you pop in here. Beautiful reading about the camellias coming out and beginnings of Spring. Hope you come back to share more.

I hope everyone has a lovely day. 🪷

🌹Cora's Creations🌹offers you these delectable treats

Strawberry Cream Puffs with Nutella Drizzle

Deluxe Ice Cream

Deep Fried Pecan Pie Tarts

Enjoy! 😊

Deep fried tarts sounds delish but lethal in their way. scarfs two YOLO, as the kids say. 😀

Good morning. Still grey and wet in my parts but after a dry spell, it is welcome. Suppose to get better by the weekend.

Fatigued again. Thinking it's the weather but we'll see when it clears tomorrow and Friday. If I perk up, that kind of seals it.

Good morning, everyone!

Mendalla, it's been storming and raining here a lot as well. As much as I enjoy it, sometimes the dreary weather shifts my mood into feeling dreary as well. I hope you perk up and shake off your fatigue.

Nothing new or exciting going on with me. Trying to write but I think I have Writer's Block or something. Hopefully that changes soon.

I hope everyone has a lovely day. 🪷

🌹Cora's Creations🌹 offers you these delectable treats

m&m Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches - Chocolate or Vanilla

Pecan Shortbread with Maple Glaze

Enjoy! 😊

Hot and sunny here - I'll take one of those ice cream sandwiches.

Nothing new here. Still writing, still watching the Mets lose. Went to a stomach doc yesterday, they put me on Prilosec (which is over the counter).

Coffee!!! Lots!!! Now!!!

Nice day here. Sun is out, not too hot, I'm feeling myself again (which really points to the weather as the culprit).

As of now, I have been married for 32 years. Wow. Should have a few more to go, too. Was not a big ceremony, but it was nice, meaningful one.

(scarfs an ice cream sandwich)

Good morning, everyone!

verbal, I hope your stomach feels better soon. Great to hear you're writing. When is your next critique group discussion?

Mendalla, congratulations on your 32-year long marriage, and still going. Was your anniversary yesterday or were you reflecting? In any case, that's very beautiful and I'm very happy for you. Also glad that you're feeling yourself again.

I hope everyone has a lovely day. 🪷

🌹Cora's Creations🌹 offers you these amazing treats

Salted Carmel Pecan Cookies with Carmel Fudge Squares

Snickers and Reeses Cookie Dough Ice Cream Extravaganza

Boston Cream Pie Sandwich Cookies with Coffee

Enjoy! 😊

Hey, fellas, save some goodies for Kimmi!

Congrats in 32years, Mr Ape! :)

Better tummy days to you, Verbs! :)

We’re set for a big cooldown in KY! I love the 70’s. :worship:

My twin is up on the eastern part of Canada on her port stop today. I can’t wait to see the pics!

I’m writing this weekend. A new idea for SS.

Cora, I hope Writer’s Block leaves you soon. I’ve been there many times and the more I try to force something, the worse it becomes. Relax your mind and it will come back to you.

Later, sweet taters

Hey, WriterGirl. Thanks for your advice. I appreciate it. That's how I usually work. I set the pen down and wait for inspiration to strike. In other news, great to hear from you. Thanks for sharing what you did. I'm glad you're excited to see the pictures from your twin's trip to Canada. Also great news that you're writing and may have a story for SS soon. ❤️🌹

Quote by WriterGirl
My twin is up on the eastern part of Canada on her port stop today. I can’t wait to see the pics!

I always find it interesting that we get cruises coming to Canada. Maybe because my wife lived in Halifax (the most popular one) for a couple years early in her academic career, I don't see it as all that special. Nice, but not port stop material. But, as I said, that might just be the product of having spent a fair bit of time there at one point.

Now, we did encounter cruisers in Saguenay Fjord in Quebec. That's probably more what I see would see as cruise stop material. Southernmost fjord in the northern hemisphere, large park with lots of hiking and sightseeing options. Sailing up the fjord to Chicoutimi would be spectacular.

My tummy is fine, but thanks for all the digestive well wishes.

Cora, critiques are once a month. It'll take the rest of the year to get through the whole thing.

A twin of WG! Too (two!) cool!

I'd love to see a fjord, Ape. I didn't realize Canada had them. We in serious discussion to take a train up the West Coast early next year, perhaps as far as Vancouver.

Seize the fjord!

Quote by verbal
I'd love to see a fjord, Ape. I didn't realize Canada had them.

Saguenay is an odd duck being where it is (Eastern Quebec off the mouth of the St. Lawrence). I think there's some further East and North (Labrador, Newfoundland). Might be some in Northern BC as you get up closer to Alaska but not sure. The West Coast of Norway and Alaska seem to be the places to really see them.

Quote by verbal

My tummy is fine, but thanks for all the digestive well wishes.

Cora, critiques are once a month. It'll take the rest of the year to get through the whole thing.

A twin of WG! Too (two!) cool!

I'd love to see a fjord, Ape. I didn't realize Canada had them. We in serious discussion to take a train up the West Coast early next year, perhaps as far as Vancouver.

Seize the fjord!

Her name is Kelly. We’re rare identical mirror twins. We do everything with opposite hands. She’s mostly left where I’m right-handed, but a few things we do the other way around. And I call her Dom Twin. She’s always been the dominant personality in our relationship.

Quote by Mendalla

I always find it interesting that we get cruises coming to Canada. Maybe because my wife lived in Halifax (the most popular one) for a couple years early in her academic career, I don't see it as all that special. Nice, but not port stop material. But, as I said, that might just be the product of having spent a fair bit of time there at one point.

Now, we did encounter cruisers in Saguenay Fjord in Quebec. That's probably more what I see would see as cruise stop material. Southernmost fjord in the northern hemisphere, large park with lots of hiking and sightseeing options. Sailing up the fjord to Chicoutimi would be spectacular.

They stopped in Halifax and mainly explored the boardwalk. Saint John port has been her fav! She went to the sea caves yesterday. Funny story she’d gone to one area alone while her hubby was somewhere else and had to call him to come carry her back. Water came rushing in or something and she was afraid to walk through it.

And the dancing gorilla bops into the cafe. Whoa, we needs some coffee and tea.

Brewin' up some Deathwish Dark Roast coffee.

For teas, how's about some David's Breakfast and Buddha's Blend.

Washed up the pitchers for some fresh lemonade and iced tea (unsweet, of course).

Lots of goodies still around. I think there's some of the ice cream sandwiches in the freezer, too.

Been having a bit of a rough ride recently. Bout of depression yesterday morning, then a bad backache. Still stiff today, but it's better. No idea what I did but it does feel like an injury.

So, needless to say, nothing serious happening in the writing department. Got a long weekend coming but also got yard work that's been neglected so not sure how much time I'll have even then. And my vacation looms a month from today, which will take me away from any opportunity to write for two and a bit weeks. OTOH, it's a tour of Greece and the Aegean so maybe inspiration will be had.

Quote by WriterGirl
They stopped in Halifax and mainly explored the boardwalk. Saint John port has been her fav! She went to the sea caves yesterday.

Saint John is a nice area. Haven't spent a ton of time there but have passed through a couple times. I nearly became a Haligonian. Had I found work down there so my wife could have remained at Dalhousie, we could have ended up there. I'm kind of glad we landed back here, though. That region has had its struggles. Right now, it's another part of Canada having wildfire problems. Nova Scotia basically closed all their provincial parks to try to minimize risk of more fires starting.

Yup wildfires seem to be a growing problem everywhere!

Hope you are feeling more like yourself this week. Depression sucks! So does back pain! Hugs!

Quote by WriterGirl

Her name is Kelly. We’re rare identical mirror twins. We do everything with opposite hands. She’s mostly left where I’m right-handed, but a few things we do the other way around. And I call her Dom Twin. She’s always been the dominant personality in our relationship.

That's too cool! If she lived in Australia she could be your mirror and upside down twin! Tell her hi from your writing buddies.

Depression is indeed a hard road, Ape (back pain too). Hope you feel better. I have had a couple sleepless nights over the weekend, but am doing better today. Starting the third draft of the novel. I'm not sick of it yet, which is a good sign.

Any caramel and ice cream goodies left?

Hey everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well. I hope you feel better soon, Mendalla.

I don't think I'll be coming around as often, at least probably not everyday. I'll try my best. You're all in my thoughts.

My sweet, loving, and beautiful pitbull, Rose, has something neurologically wrong with her. I've been by her side helping her and just being with her throughout the majority of the day starting early morning. I sobbed all day yesterday.

Mendalla, depression is horrible. I hope and pray it's temporary, not severe, and you will be relieved from it soon. I hope you start writing again soon. Your upcoming vacation seems interesting and exciting. I strongly agree with you that it may spark inspiration. And help lift your mood if you're still not feeling better by then.

verbal, I hope you stay healthy. You've been doing such a good job at writing avidly which is phenomenal and I think it's awesome you're in a critique group.

WriterGirl, I still remember when we first met years ago. You have such a vibrant personality. I know work keeps you busy but you still make time to write which is great. You may have a story for SS soon; that's awesome. It's always exciting writing stuff for SS.

everyone else - gillian, Bear, Molly, and all others who visit Inspirations; you're all in my thoughts and prayers and it's always awesome when you post here.

This isn't goodbye! I'm profoundly sad, crying now, I hope the best for Rose. I may very well see you all tomorrow. I hope I do.

I hope everyone has a lovely day. 🪷

Vibes to both you and Rose, Cora. We'll be thinking about you.

I’m so sorry, Cora! Big hugs and healing vibes for your beloved Rose! ❤️

Whoa, quiet in here. I know why Cora is absent but where's everyone else?

(cleans up the place, including removing old, stale goodies)

Anyhow, I'll brew some Fire-Roasted Saint Drogo coffee. In the teapots we got Scottish Breakfast and Earl Grey. Pitchers are washed and refilled with iced tea and lemonade. Sodas are stocked up.

There's still some ice cream sandwiches in the freezer and a plate of assorted Cora baked goods that seem to still be edible. I'll add a plate of the usual brownies to augment that.

Long weekend approaching in these here parts. No big plans but we shall see when we get there.

Sending giant hugs to you and your dog, Cora. Godspeed to him and to you.

Nothing new here. I'm still editing the thing. We are preparing for a second operation for my daughter - not unexpected, and this time we know was to expect, so it's not nearly as scary.

In other, scarier, news: the entire frikkin CDC appears to have walked out of the building, in protest over recent firings. If there's a heath emergency the US will be driving without headlights. Or leaders who believe in science.

Coffee.

Hi Verbal! Sending the bestest vibes for your daughter’s surgery and your family.

And yeah… our world… 😨 I don’t know how to cope with everything, maybe someday I’ll be strong enough to. Right now I’m holed up at home with Butters, escaping in my imagination.

Quote by verbal
If there's a heath emergency the US will be driving without headlights.

Not just the US. The CDC and NIH have historically been important contributors to health action and research globally. Now that Trump is undermining them and pulling out of WHO, I am praying there's no global health emergencies for at least another decade. Even once Trump goes, it will take years to rebuild what he and Kennedy are tearing down. That's assuming the GOP come to their senses and throw off the MAGA influence at some point.

So is Labour Day (at least here) the last long weekend of summer or the first long weekend of autumn? Calendar-wise, it's the last one of summer. Weatherwise, in my parts, it's a crapshoot. Temps for the past few days have definitely been fall-ish, though it's warming up for the next couple.

Since a lot of folks camp on this weekend, I have brewed some Kicking Horse Happy Camper coffee. For teas, there's Canadian Breakfast and Buddha's Blend (white + green). Sodas look good but I washed the pitchers and refilled them with iced tea and lemonade.

For yummies, we've got cookies and date squares.

My ironic tribute to Labor Day is to NOT labor and instead play video games all day.

I may be called upon to grill later, but that will be it. It's been a long summer and I am gonna relax.

Happy Labo(u)r Day everyone!

Good morning everyone,

As promised, I am back, although maybe not everyday, and you have all been in my thoughts. Thanks for the well wishes. Rose isn't doing that great but I'd rather chat about other things.

September is here which means Autumn is around the corner. I'm excited for that.

I hope everyone has a lovely day. 🪷

❤️Cora's Creations❤️ offers you these delectable treats

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Butter Pecan Cookies Dipped in Chocolate

'

Churros Topped with Ice Cream and Drizzled Chocolate

Enjoy! 😊

Hey Cora! Nice to see you again. Vibes to you and Rose.

Nice weather continues here but more fall-ish conditions are coming, cooler with showers.

Had a nice long weekend. Got lots of both house and yardwork done. A bit of writing, too. I have a longterm project, a kind of Robinson Crusoe story but with a female lead and fantasy elements, that I keep coming back to and I worked on it. Other ideas are circulating but don't seem to take off.

Hello everyone, I'm back from my trip to Newfoundland. It was a great trip, but that drive is something I no longer want to do. We got to do a lot and see most of my husband's family, except for the ones in St John's. The wildfires were impacting everything there. We got stuck in traffic outside of Halifax on the way up because a wildfire there was billowing smoke across the highway, making visibility an issue. Several members of my husband's family lost their cabins, but luckily, no one lost their house. It's scary seeing flames up close.

I'll have to read back and catch up with everyone's news. I hope everyone is doing well. I was so pleased to come back home to beautiful weather. Having the windows open always makes me feel better. Take care, I'll be back.

Quote by gillianleeza

We got stuck in traffic outside of Halifax on the way up because a wildfire there was billowing smoke across the highway, making visibility an issue. Several members of my husband's family lost their cabins, but luckily, no one lost their house. It's scary seeing flames up close.

Those fires in Nova Scotia are nasty. I have a member on another site who lives there. She hasn't been directly impacted yet but keeps us in the loop about what's happening.

Glad you had a good trip otherwise. I have good intentions about getting out to The Rock someday but some other trip always seems to take precedence.