“I Breathe Black and Bleed Orange”
It’s not autumn yet. Only for me, it is. For me, even the slight cooling of the air is enough to evoke a fall feeling. I go back to work, back to teaching, on August 22nd. What this means is I have to start getting ready now. I have to prepare syllabi and lesson plans, I have to make photocopies and activate online programs. While going back to work may not be at the top of my “things that excite me” list, it does, admittedly, contribute to the early oncoming of autumn. And that is appreciated.
Any reminder of crisp October is always welcome in my home. There’s something waiting between the dried leaves and fragrant air, the short days and cool nights. Hidden things. They’re waiting for me, and I don’t plan to delay.
Helping these lovely, magical, beautiful, chilling feelings along, I’ve engaged in fall-inspired activities. You’ll remember two weeks ago when I wrote about brewing Graf, and what is Graf but a malted, hard cider? Continuing my fall-themed brewing, this past Sunday I put together the oft-referenced Moon Hill Pumpkin Ale, inspired by my unfinished second novel. The brew day was much longer than usual because for the first time, I did something called a “partial mash,” (which means I used some malt extract, but I also extracted some of my own sugars from base and specialty grains).
Despite the 7 hour brew day (including clean up), I had a blast. I made some mistakes along the way, but I think it all turned out okay. The beautiful brew is fermenting now, and will continue to sit in primary for another 3 weeks, and then bottle condition for 6-8 weeks to allow the pumpkin pie spices to mellow. I can’t wait.
Hey, I know. What about writing? Any news?
My story, “Morning Espresso at the Church of Me,” will appear in Space Squid soon. The actual date of publication (and format) is still up in the air, but it should be fairly soon.
During my last correspondence with my publisher, he stated that we’d begin work on Soundtrack to the End of the World in August (for a late 2011 release). I haven’t heard from him yet, but it’s still early in the month. You can look forward to some updates and news on the novel release soon.
Finally, not really my writing news, but the inspiration for the secondary title of this post: B.K. Ethridge is doing a blog/book tour. If you haven’t read his novel Black and Orange yet, I highly recommend it. In fact, I even wrote a review for it.
How’s that for a dose of autumn?
Thanks for the recommendation. I’m always looking for Halloween-themed novels/books. Also, yes, once there is a slight chill in the air, I am instantly flooded with the feelings of Fall. Unfortunately, its just a tease till the actual season comes.
You got it! Yeah, same here. Always looking for Halloween stuff.
Um…none of that is going to explode is it? LOL.
My kids start the 22nd too…woohoo!! I get to give ’em to wonderful teachers like you!
So exciting about your book! Can’t wait to read.
🙂 Thanks, E. Nah, they shouldn’t explode. It *can* happen, but only if you do things wrong like not let it ferment out completely, or add too much priming sugar.
Hey Tony, I gave you an award on my blog if you want to come by and pick it up! =)
Ooh, I can’t wait for Soundtrack. However, I can wait for Autumn because it lies a little too close to winter.
But winter is almost as great as autumn! 🙂
I start feeling autumn when the light angles change, long before the temps cool down. And I love it – it’s my favorite time of year 🙂
Yes! It’s the best. 🙂
I wish I could share your enthusiasm when it comes to autumn..but it really saddens me. I am more of a spring gal :). Nice place you have here, I am glad I discovered you :). Kisses.
So glad you found me too! Welcome, and I do hope you take a few minutes to investigate the site. You’ll find some free stories, amusing pictures of talking skulls, and all manner of oddities. 🙂 I’ll bet a larger portion of the population are spring/summer people. I’ll admit to looking forward to the summer harvest of fresh veggies and fruits (gotta love the farmer’s market), but autumn is where my heart resides. Hope to see you again soon.
Fall can never come soon enough for me. I probably would’ve preferred having fall off to summer… though summers like this are evidence that we need the summers off. So miserable. Argh.
Yeah. Bring on the fall.
Also, the beer.
Heck yeah! 🙂
Halloween is my absolutely favorite holiday ever. I love the fall weather, the color of the leaves, the wind rattling through bare branches. The atmosphere is the best.
I’ve never tried pumpkin ale, but I have a kicking recipe for pumpkin rolls with cream cheese filling.
It’s the best! That pumpkin roll sounds delicious. 🙂
You make autumn sound as appealing as it is. I love autumn almost as much as I love winter. It’s cold here today and trying very hard to rain – my favourite weather for writing.
OH! My absolute favorite too. No rain here today, but I can hope for tomorrow.
I’ve still got 2 weeks before I report for duty, so I’m hoping to get in as much writing as possible before my hordes of jr. highers arrive ready to learn — or school me, as the case may be.
Congrats on the sale! Is Space Squid a Sam’s Dot publication?
Thanks! No, I don’t think it’s Sam’s Dot. As far as I know they are their own entity: http://www.spacesquid.com/