Just ignore the lake monsters when on vacation.

We have to conquer our fears all the time. At least I do. Not just in publishing our work or showing our work to betas and critique partners but in life. Let me tell you, facing the squirrels that have taken residence in our basement is way more scary than preparing a manuscript for publication. That’s an exciting kind of scary. Squirrels are just plain terrifying with their beady eyes. They’re kind of like zombies the way they look at you with a vacant expression. But enough on rodents and onto something better like lake monsters.

For the second summer in a row I swam across a lake and back. ** You’d think I’d fear the speedboats buzzing through the water with tubes behind them or the possibility of getting a cramp and drowning.

But no.

For me it’s my imagination. It’s the massive creatures that lurk in the deepest parts of lakes and only surface for a nibble when women are swimming across. I imagine they love the taste of blue striped bathing suits. I hear they have really sharp teeth and oozing green skin with scaly tails.

In fact, we saw one swim by the dock at night. Some people thought it was a beaver but I know the truth.

So yeah, I’ve been swimming, kayaking, reading, socializing, beating my family at Boggle and falling into bed exhausted every night. My sister and her kids are in town and it’s been great.

So excuse me while I go read for a bit and then dash off to our next activity.

Be back soon!

** Okay, I didn’t swim across the lake alone. That’s the next step but I’m not sure I’m up for that. Maybe next summer…

Don’t forget to stop in for #indiechat tonight at 9pm EST. We’re going to have author Hugh Howey visiting to talk about short stories. You’ve probably heard of his series titled WOOL. Hope to see you there tonight!

What have you been up to this summer?

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11 Responses to Just ignore the lake monsters when on vacation.

  1. Alex J. Cavanaugh July 24, 2012 at 11:02 am #

    Those beaver monsters can nibble your toes right off though!

  2. Natalie Aguirre July 24, 2012 at 11:07 am #

    I had a squirrel in my basement once so I know what you mean. I’ve been mostly going to my daughter’s swim meets and taking her to drivers ed. We’re just starting a 2 week break. Have fun with your family.

  3. Louise July 24, 2012 at 11:22 am #

    I probably should not tell you some of the stories I have from spending summers as a kid at my grandparents’ camp by the lake. You’d never set foot in any non-chlorinated water again …

    • Laura July 24, 2012 at 6:14 pm #

      Ha ha! No you def. should not! 🙂

  4. Patti Nielson July 24, 2012 at 5:26 pm #

    Those lake monsters are the main reason I hate swimming in lakes. I just have to not think about it. Have fun with your family.

  5. Dianne Salerni July 24, 2012 at 6:45 pm #

    Good for you — swimming across that lake in spite of the monsters!

    I’ve never had a squirrel in my basement, but I did have a possum peering in my window at night. They are scary looking critters, too, and talk about beady eyes!!!

  6. tracikenworth July 25, 2012 at 10:41 am #

    Watch out for those lake monsters!! Enjoy your summer.

  7. Laura Marcella July 25, 2012 at 3:08 pm #

    I don’t like dark, murky water either! I imagine all kinds of creepy creatures are lurking beneath patiently waiting… eeek! I definitely don’t swim alone, LoL. 🙂

    I’m glad you’re enjoying your time with family, Laura! Happy summer!!!

  8. Donna K. Weaver July 25, 2012 at 3:41 pm #

    Yikes! Squirrels in your basement? We’re just dealing with a couple of smarty mice who manage to get around the mouse traps and still eat the offering. Grrr

  9. Angela July 29, 2012 at 6:27 am #

    I think swimming across a lake is fantastic, with someone or alone. You should be so proud!

  10. Heather McCorkle July 29, 2012 at 3:09 pm #

    As soon as you mentioned swimming across a lake, my mind went to the people-eating critters that lurk below. How funny is that?! LOL! Great minds think alike. 😉 Have fun and watch those toes. I hear they like to eat those first.

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