Inspirations, the Stories Space Coffee House: If you're reading this it just might mean I'm back, sorta. If you're not reading this, well, congratulations.

And Happy New Year's Day! Every one bright and eager this morning?

I didn't think so…

Oh well. There's Columbian medium roast beans for coffee, and Buddha's Blend and Earl Grey for tea – plus hot water for them what want to make their own choices.

I think there are some goodies left over from 2024, but since I'm no baker, check it for yourselves.

And may 2025 be a year you all remember with fondness!

Okay, I may have had a bit too much to drink last night. I had a Manhattan! Plus champagne and a little bourbon. Good food.

Nice evening though. I am happy heading into 2025. I haven’t written much during the holiday break, but I will write today.

Peace everyone. Coffee would be a dream come true.

Another comp entry is in. We are past 10 so can actually have a meaningful top ten. Keep 'em coming (though I think the Inspirations regulars are all in except Cora, who has been scarce over the holidays).

I shall put on some Tobermory Flowerpot Island coffee. Teapots are filled with Irish Breakfast and Russian Caravan. Hot water is ready, there's hot chocolate mix and mini marshmallows on standby, and there's our selection of sodas for those needing something cold.

Good morning and welcome to day 2 of 2025.

Good morning all, and thank you for the setup Ape.

Comp is going strong. Really great set of stories so far. And it’s not over yet!

Back to the writing grind. I didn’t write a huge amount during the holidays (3 flash, 2 micros), but I am on day 2 of a novel now. I don’t have a great track record with finishing novels I start, so I hope this turns out well. I have written three novels, none of them good. Just keep trying.

A coffee and a cookie please!

And I am, once again, caught up on the comp entries. Come on, folks, challenge me. I am in a Flash kind of mood these days. Just can't seem to focus on longer stuff.

I need to decide what to write next. None of my current projects seems to be engaging me much. Maybe I'll try some more Flash type stuff just to keep things moving.

Good morning. Winter has returned to Southern Ontario, seemingly to stay for a bit. Fortunately, this ape is now only a week away from heading South for a spell so I will be able to ignore the cold and snow for a bit. Going cruising again, with stops on a bunch of Caribbean islands.

For now, though, here's some Columbian dark roast, a remnant of my cruise of a year ago when I toured Cartagena. And there's English Breakfast and Vanilla Earl Grey for the tea set. Hot water is ready and sodas are stocked.

What's up? Anything exciting coming up this weekend?

I got nothing this weekend. We might go see that Dylan movie. We might not get past the front door.

Day 2 of novel writing today. It’s pretty boring so far. I will spend the weekend with big sheets of drawing paper look for a coherent plot.

Right now, cat on my lap, Talia on my shoulder. I am content.

Except for my lack of coffee. I need coffee!

Doing some writing and listening to metal. It's an playlist that kind of fits with what I am writing, the music of a Dutch band called Blackbriar.

Here's some Deathwish Dark Roast (fits with the music) and some Scottish Breakfast and Peach White teas.

Hope you're having a good weekend.

Later.

I drove through a weird snow squall yesterday. It's not something that often happens here. I was dropping my husband off to pick up his truck at the shop; it was in for work after he hit a deer a few weeks ago. I was in the shop for only five minutes, and when I came out, it was dark and very windy, and my car was completely covered in snow. It was rush hour on a Friday, so that did not help. The drive home was torturous, but we finally returned safely. The snow squall only lasted about an hour.

They are calling for a snowstorm starting tomorrow night. I admit I am looking forward to that. I'll have an excuse not to go anywhere on Monday and enjoy being home and admiring the snow. People this far south are dreadful drivers in bad weather. The safest place to be is at home. I can catch up on reading the comp entries. It's good to see them coming in.

I hope everyone has a good weekend. Take care of yourselves and stay healthy. Cheers.