I was tempted to title this post Freakazoid Weather. Snow in April. In Salem. Oregon. Really. I know I'm new here, but this can't be normal. A year ago this month we started visiting to explore the area and begin house hunting. I swear the weather was in the 70s during the day and 60s in the evening, with a few showers thrown in, because, hey! Oregon!

So what's up with the snow? I mean, it was eerily beautiful to raise the shades this morning and see the white stuff falling (and sticking!) on the hillside, but it's time to stop now. My poor plants are out there shivering and the bulbs are wondering what happened to the nice warm 70 degree weather they had just last weekend.

Who says global warming hasn't screwed up weather patterns? *sigh*

At least it wasn't snowing yesterday (though it was pretty darn cold) when I went downtown to the Blue Pepper for an all day workshop with my RWA Chapter. We watched and discussed The Hero's 2 Journeys -- the dvds of a workshop put on by Michael Hauge and Chris Vogler. It was an excellent way to spend a very cold Saturday. There's so much information packed in their lectures--so many aha! moments. I took copious notes, but I can see where multiple viewings would be beneficial.

Just as beneficial, for me anyway, was talking with the other members of the chapter. I'm such a newbie when it comes to writing seriously for publication. Yes, I've been writing for myself for years, but somehow that isn't the same. Since I finally made the conscious decision to work towards getting published, I've been struggling with actually getting started. I keep making fits and starts and getting easily distracted. It was great to get the advice of others who have been there--and to hear that I'm not alone. I don't know why, but somehow that makes it all a bit easier.