Unfocused

This week I'm having trouble focusing my thoughts. Work is slow, which means I've had "extra" time to write in the latest WIP (that's work-in-progress). The heat and humidity combined make me utterly miserable, which pretty much destroys my motivation to do anything. Therefore, this week you get a mishmash.

First outing on Diva
If you've been following my blog, then you know that I recently purchased a new horse to replace the lovely Lady Anastasia who, at 33 years old, has finally been retired from service. Of course, at her last farrier appointment, she stood strong and steady, not a hint of imbalance. Of course, she's probably more than strong enough to be ridden on the short trail rides I take. Of course, she's snickering behind my back, because now she doesn't have to do anything to earn her peppermints.

Last Saturday morning's excursion got off to a poor start. Yes, it's all my fault for assuming the extent of Diva's training. In short, she broke her lead rope, which meant that my husband and I played "chase the horsie." Ugh. Once we got her loaded and arrived at that trailhead, we took extra precautions to avoid further excitement and had a decent ride. She got a little antsy and crowhopped; we had a couple of small refusals that I bullied her through. Loading up to come home, she pulled back and damned near got free again.

I have to work on the whole standing tied thing with her.

My friend Cindra is coming up to our place on Saturday for a home-based ride. At least if Diva gets loose, we'll have the benefit of fencing to contain her.

Third pottery class
Last week was my third pottery class. It didn't go as well as the second. I managed to throw one pot and utterly ruin another. I learned how to trim the edges of the partially dried bowls and cup from the previous week. If I get really luck this week, I'll glaze the first three. If not, then so be it. This week I'll try my hand again at the pottery wheel. We'll see how it goes.

The latest WIP
I was productive over the weekend, adding almost 10,000 words to Bear of the Midnight Sun, the (unplanned) third book in the Immortal Shifters series. I don't think this will be one of my longer books. Regardless, it has what I'd consider an interesting beginning for a paranormal romance, which I'll share with you.

• Our heroine: Miranda, a fantasy author whose book was made into a movie
• Our hero: Sindre, an unmated polar bear shifter, former Norwegian FSK commando, and the hunk who snagged the lead role in the movie

Miranda and Sindre meet for the first time on set at a Las Vegas talk show. As soon as Miranda steps onstage, Sindre knows she's the ONE. The talk show host recognizes a perfect opportunity for outrageous publicity and organizes an impromptu Vegas wedding right then and there. Miranda doesn't particularly appreciate being railroaded into marriage. Sindre's not about to let her go, especially after their wedding night. And the story rolls.

Let me know what you think.