Keepin’ It Light

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Edith/Maddie here, writing from north of Boston on a frigid morning.

I’ve been taking refuge from the outside world in my writing again, as I did during the worst of the pandemic. I don’t know about you, but I’m finding the world particularly disturbing, bordering on terrifying, these days.

But when I dive into Cece Barton’s world on a sunny northern California weekend in late May, I can forget about reality for at least the morning. I’m writing the first draft of book #3, Poisonous Pour, and loving it.

Three Cece Barton mysteries

During the worst of the pandemic, my fiction was the only thing I could control, and it was an enormous respite to live in my imaginary worlds. I feel the same today, this week, this month. When I can’t control my story are the times when my characters surprise me and I have to keep typing to find out what happens next. That experience always delights this author.

We’ve been talking about goals this month. One of my goals going forward in my life beyond my work is to keep things light, or as light as I can. To that end, I’m barely listening to the news. I’m enjoying cooking new recipes and spending time with friends. Every other week I spend forty-eight hours with my 15-month-old granddaughter (talk about a delight!) and her parents. I’m reading every evening, or howling with laughter at old Marx Brothers movies. Who knows, I might even take up water colors or start a new quilt.

I also have collections of small toys in my upstairs office, which is where I spend at least half of every day.

Small office toys

While I’m writing, I can gaze over at my Amelia Earhart doll and her vintage toy airplane. I can focus on the tiny Buddha to remind me to breath and that all things pass with time. Sometimes Tiny T-Rex hops up and supervises me atop my laptop. I never drink out of the Poe wine glass, but I love having it nearby. “Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore…” is my job, after all.

I have another collection of toys on a bookshelf behind me.

They all have significance and make me smile. The scorpion is for my astrological sun and rising signs, and it even winds up and crawls. The anteater is the mascot of University of California, Irvine, my undergrad alma mater. The lighthouse and starfish connect with my Cozy Capers series, and the green thing is a Puerto Rican coqui frog on a leaf. When I visited my son and his wife there, I loved the coqui chorus that starts up at dusk. Glancing at the larger Buddha wearing a Mexican hat makes me smile, as do the pictures of family that surround the toys.

In a window are a beautiful glass bird my bestie gave me years ago, as well as a murderous note pad, a gift from Barbara Ross.

They aren’t toys, per se, but are favorite things.

I also have my flying angels, Topsy, my childhood stuffed animal, the New England Crime Bake handcuffed lobster, a brass west African warrior princess on her horse, and more.

These things all bring me joy. Take that, Marie Kondo!

Readers: how do you keep things light in times of stress?

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Published by Edith Maxwell

Agatha Award -winning author Edith Maxwell writes the historical Quaker Midwife Mysteries (Beyond the Page) and short crime fiction. As Maddie Day she writes the Dot and Amelia Mysteries, the Country Store Mysteries series, the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, and the Cece Barton Mysteries (all from Kensington Publishing). She lives north of Boston in an antique house with her beau and cat Martin, where she writes, gardens, cooks, and wastes time on Facebook.

29 Thoughts

  1. I love your beloved little objects, Edith, especially your coquí, since I grew up in San Juan (ages 5-15). I also have “junk” on and around my desk that makes me happy, including a Darth Maul mug full of pencils and pens, which reminds me of when my son (now 32) dressed as this evil Star Wars character twenty-five years ago. I keep it light by reading lighter books than usual before I fall sleep and taking more walks (although not in January!!)

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  2. I am watching very little news, but weather is important here North of Boston. I am walking at a mall to keep moving. I am reading more and making knitting a priority. I am relocating to another apartment in my complex in March so busy days ahead. I can hardly wait for your new book.

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    1. Thank you, Susan! Yes, indoor walking is important when it’s icy out. I actually have a circuit in my house where I can get my steps in. Good luck with your move!

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  3. I always say the only thing I can control is my writing, so like you, that’s where I’m putting my focus. I’m also reading some peace-inspiring nonfiction, avoiding news other than a few independent newsletters that keep me informed without overwhelming, and I’m practicing mindfulness to stay Zen.

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  4. Like you, there are many things around that bring a smile and a temporary trip to times gone by. The clowns remind me of the fabulous times we had as clowns and clowning with Emmett Kelly Jr. The frogs remind me of my mom and dad. Dad gave her the nickname Frog after she sent him a photo while serving in Korea. Naturally, that led to a frog collection of which one whole curio contains the best one and a few favorites sit on my desk. A squeaky toy beaver was a favorite of Snickerdoodle, our chihuahua that honored us with his presence for over 17 years. And these are just a few. I will say, that over the years I have downsized to just those that really touch the heart. I can so vividly remember my mother saying “Don’t give me anything that needs dusting!” I can now so relate.

    Totally agree with the current events. I can remember my grands and my parents wondering where things were headed and wonder how shocked and horrified they would be in today’s situations. Seems there is no moral compass, true justice or for the good of the country in anything. So much I have no control over – other than my vote and I did that the best I could – and the rest I have to turn over to my maker hoping that maybe things to be righted in my lifetime for the benefit of future generations. I do fear that the country I love and that my father served so proudly in will be forever changed and not for the better. When I want to escape from the news and the world events, I love to take my camera and head outside. That means no phones, no TV and for a while no problems. Exploring nature, whether the formation of ice or the critters skittering about trying to find food, I can enjoy the good that God made and smile, giving thanks for that moment when all is right in my world.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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  5. “to keep things light, or as light as I can” describes how I handle things. I’m reading Cozy Mysteries almost exclusively, reminding myself not to nag authors to write their next one, and skipping over things which I cannot change or control but still can make me fume.There’s lots to enjoy in the world at the moment, including lovely white stuff!

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      1. For me, I have stopped watching the news. It can be so heartbreaking and disturbing. Instead, I enjoy long walks with my dog, reading feel-good books, watching tons of Hallmark movies, (lol) baking cookies and spending time with my family as much as I can. Even feeding the birds and critters I get in my yard brings me so much joy.

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  7. Great collection, Edith. I seem to be reading my way through the history of WWII lately and I’m not sure why. Right now, it’s all about the battle at Kasserine Pass. Interspersed with some Terry Brooks. Definitely light. When it gets warmer, I’ll be able to sit in my sunroom and look at the trees.

    I stopped obsessively listening to the news years ago and it was such a weight lifted off my mind.

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  9. I’d be in the garden in better weather, but for now I watch the birds and stay away from the political news. I’m re-organizing my office and moving ahead with positive activities. Thanks for sharing your delightful collectibles!

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  10. Good for you, Edith. The import of our mental and emotional health can’t be understated. My go-to is listening to music that uplifts me and makes me happy. Right now, there’s a lot of reggae and Calypso in the queue to conjure happy thoughts of sandy beaches, warm breezes, and cold drinks. Cheers!

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  11. I LOVED this post, Edith. Thank you. Thank you. Your timing is impeccable ( ;
    Your Amelia Earhart doll with her own miniature airplane sparked joy in me. My protagonist makes miniature dollhouse-sized scenes. Perfect, since I myself adore miniatures. In my office, I’ve made a few little miniatures with my two protagonists as the little dolls in the scene. I look at them multiple times throughout the day. It’s amazing how happy they make me–spurring a desire to get their story down on paper, or more technically, in a Word doc. ( ;
    Enjoy what you can and endure what you must,
    Pam

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  13. I am having the same problem with the state of affairs. I refuse to read any more of the news than to just have a general idea of what is happening. I have switched to reading cozies almost exclusively. I spend a lot of time in my office which is a cross between my library and a museum of my travels. All of these things bring me much joy. The next four years will be a great trial, so we all need to hang on to each other and find ways to make us all smile.

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  14. I’m also not liking the whiplash of scary change in the country that I love. Reading, bundling up for long walks and watching movies that make me laugh are my go-to’s. I got a charge out your pics and stories behind all of your tchotchkes in your office. I too have my favs around my office. You’ve given me motivation to take pics and write their stories as a reminder of their wonderful memories. 🤗

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