Saturday, May 30, 2009

I Heart Ohio! (excerpt)

I ventured out into the pollinated world today. Hubby drove me into town to run a couple of quick errands. The last stop was the vet clinic out past the north edge of town to settle yesterday's farm call bill. Since I didn't need to go back into town, we took the back roads home. I love the gently rolling pastures surrounded by horse fence. We pass along a very scenic stream, surrounded by one of those subdivision-in-the-middle-of-nowhere spots. The sloping backyards angle toward the main road. Their landscapes naturally blended with God's design.

Our conversation drifted to a relocated friend's comments last night. She lived about an hour from here and her old area was quite different. Now she is farther away, but in an area similar to the topography we enjoy. She said she never thought Ohio was pretty until she moved there.

No offense to you Floridians out there... Most of my family is in Florida. I will not move. I always cite the sweltering ever-lasting summers and the huge bugs, but truthfully... The thing I dislike most about Florida? It's flat! It's not only flat, the trees are ugly. OK, I know there's not very many trees that rival the huge elderly oaks spread wide and dripping in moss. But those poles with the hula skirts on top? They get old. Cabbage palms coiled in snakes? Look like shrubs, not trees.

So what on earth does this have to do with my book? Keep reading...

The chapter I'm in now has my main character leaving her adopted Florida for a trip north. While driving down that country road, I stated to Hubby, "I've got to mention the flat land and skinny trees!" When I returned home and opened my document, I scrolled to a previous paragraph that would nicely fit the new injection.

And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, for your reading pleasure: An Excerpt from 'Unfinished Business'...


When she had first settled in Davie, she adored the tall, bare palm trunks and the see-forever horizon. Now that those things were old hat, she realized the beauty in rolling hills and foliage. The huge oaks dripping with Spanish moss were her favorite. They reminded her of the canopy of leaves along the creek banks where teens could slip away from supervision and explore their new found desires.

4 comments:

Rae said...

I agree with you that Ohio is beautiful. I love the drive into Ohio coming from the West. Watching the countryside transition and slope into the valley.

But I also love Florida, the palm trees, warmth, and beaches. Oh how I love the ocean and the beaches.

If you want to see flat- come to central Illinois. I love my Midwest roots but the highest elevation in my part of the Prairie State is the cornfields.

And the book excerpt is becoming a little intriguing. Sounds good. RAE

SquirrelQueen said...

Another little teaser from the book, and a very lovely paragraph at that.

I grew up in North Georgia with lots of trees and hill. I never did care that much for Florida. Then I saw Alaska and real mountains, then the West Coast. I could never live in flat country, I must have hills and if possible, the ocean.

I love the part about the Spanish moss, one of my favorite things about Savannah, GA.

Lille Diane said...

I've never been to FL, and must admit, it may be a state near the bottom of my list to visit. Probably because I lived in CA for so many years, hate BIG bug, and like hills/mountains. Wow that line you wrote about snakes coiled around tree trunks...ooohhhhh shivers! LOL I love OH, too.

I'm so proud of you, MzzLily. I know it's hard having allergies like you do, but at least you're using the time in a powerful way. The reward will be huge for the sacrifices you're making. You Go Girl!!!

Unknown said...

I agree Ohio is a lovely area to reside in, ive lived here most of my life, in the fairfield, ohio area, its lovely here, the community is very clean, and the people are very lovely in this area, many different cultures reside here, the people are very friendly here. I basically came here because i am seeking a literary agent for my childrens book as well as my poetry book, i do have a book that is sold in 6 countries presently its a poetry book called love me love my words, it is 5 star rated, i feel since ive expanded to childrens books, a cookbook and poetry, i needed a literay agent to represent me, so here is my email please contact me so we can discuss this matter, have a lovely day, email catspurr5151@gmail.com