Writing, even when the subject is something dry, comes from inside. The most mundane subjects, such as user manuals or handbooks, develop a particular flavor that reflects the personality of the writer.  More than that, they are influenced by the mood of the writer.

I write best when I feel somewhat secure, but have just a little edge of challenge in my life. Tomorrow is Groundhog Day, sometimes called Candlemas or Embolc. The day is also sometimes called First Quickening. Here in southern Missouri, hints of spring whispered on the air. Wednesday, the winter cold came back, and big flakes of snow fell out of the sky. But I remembered that herdsmen use extra caution with their flocks at this time of year, because lambs and calves are often born during snowstorms. The days are getting longer, and hope is growing like the jonquils that are pushing shoots up from the earth in my flower beds.

Hope has a solid foundation this year. My writing showed a profit in 2012; not huge, but definitely there. I’m home, and more money means getting caught up on the bills and eating good, healthy food. I have books to read and re-read, and my darling Blaze kitty cuddled on my lap. Some of my writing is hard, now, because I am getting better assignments. There are still more bills. And that is the challenge part.

Tomorrow, Punxsutawny Phil, will make his yearly prediction. Will we have six weeks or eight weeks more of winter? Either way, spring is coming.