I hate the dark, cold, wet, dead half of the year, I admit it.
Now that it's here, I'm trying to keep my mind on its good things,
like bare trees in the sunset, or the smell of a turf fire with friends gathered round it,
and the rare spooky moments that take me by surprise and leave me wondering.
And then I realise...who am I kidding??
It still sucks.
wants stories 500-5000 words, of horror, dark fantasy, or dark mystery.
Pay is 5c/word to a maximum of $250 : originality counts.
Also considers articles and artwork.
considers horror, up to 5,000 words, for which they pay up to $25/story.
Articles, reviews etc. also considered,
but 'no gore for gore's sake'.
Speculative, imaginative, disturbing, in 7500 words or less:
if you can do it, deadline's 30th November.
Payment is AU$25 + contributor's copy.
29 comments: join in!:
I do so relate! It's pitch dark here at 4:15 in the afternoon and doesn't get light until after 8 in the morning! Yuck!!!
Hang in there!
Sylvia
Susan -- get one of those full spectrum light bulbs and put it wherever you spend the most time. It won't change the view outside your window, but it will lighten your mood! (pun intended)
Now, how did you get that ghost shot?
I'm the total opposite. I love it.
Sorry its getting you down.
Thanks Sylvia! I'm thinking of hanging Christmas lights early just to cheer myself up!
Quilly, that's 3200 ISO and a kid that can't sit still. Pure luck, especially as it was taken Halloween night! I'd sighed over another 'ruined' shot at the time, then loved it when I got home.
Hi Ashley! (How'd you sneak in there?) I love the beginning of fall, but when the leaves are gone and the cold sets in, ugh. My birthday will cheer me up, then Christmas will, then... I'm in trouble.
LOL
I'm sorry but your last line made me chuckle. I didn't mean to but you caught me by surprise.
I do feel for you that it's dark on your side of the world. It does get darker earlier these days but not by much. I wish I could send you some of our light since it annoys me in the morning when it glares at me when I'm on the computer. I know. I know. Kwit yer griping... (uhhh? Or is that gripping?)
Kay, you're reminding me of a library where I used to work: for the 'well-being' of staff, our new building had skylights built over the public service desks so that we'd be working in natural daylight. Sounded like bliss. Then we moved in, and many days could hardly read our monitors while checking out or helping people -- and in summer we roasted alive.
But now, I think that if only I could have sunshine, I wouldn't complain about anything! LOL I would LOVE skylights and long days!
I'm the same way, Susan. I hate winter and all its c o l d n e s s!! Give me a warm, sunny day any time.
Beautiful photos. If if weren't for the full beaver moon, it'd be dark as dark here.
Although I often miss living in Oregon, your post reminds me of the long dreariness there - much like Ireland's winter. So, today, I'm appreciating the California sunshine. Great pictures!
Have you tried a light box? My kids that live up North in Washington state are getting one.
We are having beautiful 80's bright days here in Nor Cali. with full moon nights. But need rain.
If you send rain, I'll send sunshine!
I suppose we'll be finding you in the Caribbean, if you win the lottery!
Sorry Susan, this is my favorite time of the year. I can understand where you are coming from though. You need a trip to Hawaii, and enjoy the times there. Hey there is Vulcan next Summer.
Is that really a wee childs face in the third photo??
Very Spooky.
"Have Transporter Will Travel"
Debra, I've never heard the term 'beaver moon' before -- I've opened a new window to look it up, I get the biggest kick out of sky things. Thanks for that!
Thanks Father Adam! California sunshine you say --can I come visit?!
Brighid, I'd love one. But they cost upwards of €200 here, and even finding the full-spectrum light bulbs is difficult. On our budget right now it's not doable. Time for lottery tickets! LOL
Speaking of which, Elizabeth, make it Hawaii!
See, Bill knew where I'd go---and thanks hon! Because planning the Vulcan trip will keep me thinking summer thoughts. Yep, that's my youngest daughter in a chair by the campfire on Halloween; I didn't want to be taking flash photos in all that lovely firelight, so turned it off and set the ISO for 3200. The shutter was open for a few seconds, during which the camera and I stayed still and she did not!
love the pics, sorry you do not like the dark half, this does not last forever and it gives you something to look forward to, at the very least.
very funny but I like winter and the dark. Even with spooky ghost girls.
Wordless Wednesday - Cody's Help and Halloween
Thanks CC, I need to keep myself reminded of that!
Nessa, that somehow cheers me up, hearing from folks who do like it... I'd still prefer a summer beach all to myself, at high noon LOL.
At least you're 'rural' enough to enjoy the odd winter bonfire. We often huddle around one in the back yard during winter. Sadly, we're on fire bans now until April so no more back yard burns!
I am with you Susan I hate the cold and the dark I like sunny happy warm days! I guess it just makes a grateful for those days that last long, feel warm, and are bright!
Baino, oh no! The fires are a wonderful comfort. Our hostess' poor dog sat down in it, but otherwise all was fine.
Thanks Amanda! I'm trying to work on grateful---I suppose it doesn't help that lately I write all night and sleep much of the day? (D'oh!)
yeah i know a lot of people get all dull and gloomy with the change in the climate but I'm the complete opposite!!ohh btw that ghost pic was scary lol!!haha i also have the same habit of telling at the end that yeah it suxx!!life suxx??definitely!!well written and keep writing!!
Thanks heavealie! I used to like winter better (especially Christmas) but then I got arthritis. I'm not *usually* so down on something, but cold and dark? Bleugh! LOL
My my my my my. Are you still not feeling well? Does the word "Wordless" mean anything to you? No talking and yet...well...REPORT TO BRIDGE!! 2204 Potty duty for that fopaux ENERGIZE!!!!!!!!!!! Oh and then you can put those beautiful pictures all around my captains quarters. And don't be trying anything funny either NANO NANO
Captain Thom, why am I always on POTTY duty? Argh! There's a line there, that ends the Wordless Wednesday bit and starts the day's post, see it, see it? Anyhoo I completely forgot to sign in at WW lol so no rules broken.
Request two-week furlough on the holodeck, Sir.
Baino, a fire ban??? That's wretched, you poor thing! Our outdoor fires are the saving grace of the darker nights, they extend the time we can spend outdoors - we've had ones at New Year where we've been so wrapped up in woollies to start with that we look like Michelin Men, but once the fire gets going we're peeling off layers like live onions!
Susan, the photos are lovely, I especially like the sparklers one. The crush is now awash, however, so there'll be no fires for a few weeks. Time to get the range burning nonstop!
Love the photos! Especially of the fun had round the fire!
I like this time of year. They key to survival is an umbrella... and sturdy shoes... I have to go and buy my shoes.
Ahhhh. These are perfect for November. The sparklers photo is stunning. I've learned to love November for its gather in feeling. Time to rest, recoup, reflect before holiday madness strikes. There's something to be said for stillness.
Hayley, you should see our 'patio'. Maybe we should put the for sale sign now, and claim it's a swimming pool? LOL
Skald, I think that's my favourite too!
Ken, I'd never thought I'd hear a Mayo man claim an umbrella... how do you keep from flying away?? The winds are gale force even here.
Oh Susanna, I'm all for cozy stillness believe me.... but I'd prefer mine on a moonlit Polynesian beach in summer!! LOL
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