Backbreaking

Due to horrible aching back pain, I wasn't able to write yesterday. I could barely sit. Today wasn't much better but I spent most of it strapped to an electric blanket (functioning as a heating pad), which enabled mobility as long as I didn't leave its protective warmth for too long. This is very uncomfortable and I hope it stops soon.

I updated the design of this site slightly, something I've been meaning to do for some time. It's still got a ways to go but I like the start I've made.

Very close to 25,000 words now, though still nearly a week behind. I feel that I'm on the verge of a couple of good solid days that will take me back up to where i need to be. We'll see if I manage it.

An excerpt of the latest stuff is in the extended entry.

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Driving home to Vermont from the City was like slowly sinking beneath the surface of a lake. At the start of the journey, all was noise and chaos. The bustle and movement of the City was in motion all around, its lights and activity unavoidable to the eye. At first, each city block seemed more alive than the one previous. The City seemed to go on forever.

Then, slowly, though only after a substantial amount of distance had been covered, the commotion and movement begin to calm. The surface of the lake opened up underneath.

With each passing mile, more and more fell away and the immeasurable calm and beauty of the water beneath rose closer and closer until finally there was a point when Peter knew that all of it was behind him, above him, beyond the surface of the serene border through which he had just passed. Beneath and ahead was only the tranquil beauty of life untouched by the machinery and confusion of the City, of life above water.

Posted on November 20, 2003 12:18 AM | Entry Categories: Excerpts , Progress , Site Updates