We arrived in Middle Tennessee on January 2, 2016 and moved into our new house in the woods on July 2. Notice the word woods. We live in the woods, not the forest, as I was advised by my Tennessee writing group. The difference, it appears, is semantics—which I need to internalize because my series characters, Sophia Burgess and Ray Stone, have moved here with us.
Imperfect Defense, book three in the Imperfect Series, is nearly complete. I hope to finish the conversion this week, upload to CreateSpace, then commission Victoria Landis to create another wonderful cover. Then I'll click the magic buttons to go live in a couple of months, and, maybe, schedule a signing at Murder on the Beach in Delray for May.
My work-in-progress is the fourth book in the Imperfect Series and is yet to have a solid title. Progress has been slower than usual—I'm at about 20%--due to moving, distractions, company, and general laziness. But it's a new year, it's winter, and I have a comfortable, quiet writing place.
We have now lived all four seasons here. Each one has its magic. Beautiful flowering trees, daffodils, and tulips—for example Bradford Pear and Redbud—herald spring. Lush green surrounds us in summer. The temperatures can be warm, even hot, but it's cool enough to work outside in the mornings and late afternoon. Fall brings a flush of color, falling leaves, and cooler temperatures. This year, because of the warm days and drought, the color wasn't as spectacular—so they tell me. What do I know? Finally, winter. We still have some warm days, and some cool. The weather forecast calls for SNOW this week. The trees are naked, and the forest floor is thick with leaves.
Imperfect Defense, book three in the Imperfect Series, is nearly complete. I hope to finish the conversion this week, upload to CreateSpace, then commission Victoria Landis to create another wonderful cover. Then I'll click the magic buttons to go live in a couple of months, and, maybe, schedule a signing at Murder on the Beach in Delray for May.
My work-in-progress is the fourth book in the Imperfect Series and is yet to have a solid title. Progress has been slower than usual—I'm at about 20%--due to moving, distractions, company, and general laziness. But it's a new year, it's winter, and I have a comfortable, quiet writing place.
We have now lived all four seasons here. Each one has its magic. Beautiful flowering trees, daffodils, and tulips—for example Bradford Pear and Redbud—herald spring. Lush green surrounds us in summer. The temperatures can be warm, even hot, but it's cool enough to work outside in the mornings and late afternoon. Fall brings a flush of color, falling leaves, and cooler temperatures. This year, because of the warm days and drought, the color wasn't as spectacular—so they tell me. What do I know? Finally, winter. We still have some warm days, and some cool. The weather forecast calls for SNOW this week. The trees are naked, and the forest floor is thick with leaves.
Cumberland Cove is a cross between a rural and retirement community. There are deed restrictions that serve to maintain the woods and keep up appearances, but it's not like living in a South Florida condo. There are no age restrictions, so there are families with children living here, too. As a new resident, you'll as likely be asked, "Where in Florida are you from?" as anything else.
The Welcome Center—I'd call it a Community Center or Club House—has the office functions for the Homeowner's Association as well as a large room for meetings, clubs, social gatherings, and classes. It's at these events that we've met many of our neighbors, made acquaintances, and formed friendships. I've joined the garden club and the book club. We participate in some of the community events, and I'll be the new editor of the newsletter starting in February—long story.
What's missing? Florida family and friends, many of whom have visited. We've traveled to South Florida several times. I admit to missing my writing group intensely—I'm still an electronic member—and all the much-loved people in our former everyday lives. Having said all that, I don't miss Florida's heat, congestion, traffic, or crime.
I'm glad we moved, I love our new less-stressed lifestyle, our new home, our Tennessee friends, the mountains, trees, four seasons, and the relief from the heat. For more years than I can count, I've wanted to move to the mountains, and this qualifies.
Our dear friends, Ginny and Lloyd, live here, too. That's how we knew about the Cove and why we picked this location. They've made us welcome and for that I'm thankful.
Later.
GEB
The Welcome Center—I'd call it a Community Center or Club House—has the office functions for the Homeowner's Association as well as a large room for meetings, clubs, social gatherings, and classes. It's at these events that we've met many of our neighbors, made acquaintances, and formed friendships. I've joined the garden club and the book club. We participate in some of the community events, and I'll be the new editor of the newsletter starting in February—long story.
What's missing? Florida family and friends, many of whom have visited. We've traveled to South Florida several times. I admit to missing my writing group intensely—I'm still an electronic member—and all the much-loved people in our former everyday lives. Having said all that, I don't miss Florida's heat, congestion, traffic, or crime.
I'm glad we moved, I love our new less-stressed lifestyle, our new home, our Tennessee friends, the mountains, trees, four seasons, and the relief from the heat. For more years than I can count, I've wanted to move to the mountains, and this qualifies.
Our dear friends, Ginny and Lloyd, live here, too. That's how we knew about the Cove and why we picked this location. They've made us welcome and for that I'm thankful.
Later.
GEB
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