Jan 20, 2025
What new learning do you have on your list for the upcoming year?
I don’t have any grand plan.
Instead, I’m playing it by ear. I’m never sure what my characters are going to throw at me and what I’m going to need to learn to make it happen. For example, for my current plot point, I need to know the difference between normal makeup, stage makeup, and the makeup people use for costumes and disguises. (And any other kind of makeup that might spring up.) As I don’t wear makeup, it’ll all be new to me.
And that issue came up in the first chapter and a half. Along with the need to know how accurate a handgun is when fired at a specific distance. (And also depends on what kind of ammunition is used.) The characters sprung that on me. So, I have to be prepared for other surprises that might show up.
There’s also my personal life.
This is an old house. It surprises me all the time. According to neighborhood lore, it was built in two sections. And it’s clear when looking at the details. That means when doing repairs and upkeep, I have to deal with two types of issues and resolutions. So, I am forever learning new things about home maintenance. (We actually have two electrical panels in the house. One runs the front of the house, one the back. Keeps life interesting.)
Then there’s the constant battle to grow flowers. The local wildlife isn’t predictable. The flowers they ignored for two years were targets this past summer. I ended up putting a fence up around the apple tree, and putting pots of flowers where they couldn’t be reached. (Put it this way – I have a red geranium I’ve had for over 15 years, and an orange one I just bought. The deer ate the orange one and ignored the red one. Some critter (deer, rabbit, squirrel, who knows?) snapped the electrical wire leading to a solar panel for a small string of lights. I’ll have to try something different this coming spring.
Learning is a constant adventure.
It can happen when you least expect it. It’s a joy and a challenge having my two grandsons living with us. I sometimes help them with homework before my daughter gets home from work. A few of the concepts they are learning surprise me. Have you ever heard of a controlling r in spelling and pronunciation?
So, even without a plan, learning happens.
How about the other authors on this hop? Do they have plans for specific learning? Find out by following the links below.
As always, until next time, please stay safe.
Jan 20, 2025
What new learning do you have on your list for the upcoming year?
Oh, yes. I’d forgotten about all the learning that comes with research. In previous years, I’ve had to learn how to fly a spaceship, this year will be a little quieter (hopefully).
Learning to fly a spaceship – that’s a lot!
Sounds like you’ll have an interesting year. @samanthabwriter from
Balancing Act
Retirement isn’t what I expected!
I’ve never heard of a controlling ‘r’. That’s a new one on me, lol. I’ll have to ask Lord Google.
It was a new one on me, too.
There are plants that repelled deer. conveniently most of them are herbs. Perhaps starting a little herb garden might help keep the deer away.
Our deer haven’t got the memo about that list of plants. They’ll even nibble on them!
Home repairs are so rewarding though daunting when it is new. I bet you do a fantastic job!
I’ve also learned when to hire an expert to do the job!
Reading the earth better – literally, Lidar, doing the groundwork, before
visiting the shadows of ancient structures
And holding the end of very long tape measures…