Quibbles & Bits
AUGUST: After Augustus became emperor of Rome, the Roman Senate decided he should have a month named after him. Not only did the Senate name a month after him, but it decided that since Julius's month, July, had 31 days, Augustus's month should equal it. Under the Julian calendar, the months alternated evenly between 30 and 31 days (with the exception of February), which made August 30 days long. But August was lengthened to 31 days, preventing anyone from claiming that Emperor Augustus was given an inferior month.
Rome achieved great glory under Augustus. He restored peace after 100 years of civil war; maintained an honest government and a sound currency system; extended the highway system connecting Rome with its far-flung empire; developed an efficient postal service; fostered free trade among the provinces; and built many bridges, aqueducts and buildings adorned with beautiful works of art. Literature flourished with writers that included Virgil, Horace, Ovid and Livy, all living under the emperor’s patronage.
Fortunately, he didn't have to reform the Roman health care system!
How does August affect us today? Well, it's the month when most of the editors and agents go on vacation (my agent went to Germany).
The flip side is that this August was the month when my rescue dog, a chocolate Labrador retriever named Magic, learned how to swim. My husband Gordon tossed a dummy (long, canvas thingies that are supposed to resemble birds) into the water, close to the shore. With trepidation Magic doggy-paddled to the dummy, retrieved it, and brought it back to Gordon. The second time Gordon threw it pretty far. Magic started dog-paddling. Then she must have thought "Bugger this for a joke!" She swam straight out to the dummy, then back to shore. We think it's the first time she's ever been anywhere near deep water.
This August my husband received his ARCs for A WOLF IN TIGER'S STRIPES. Proofing one of the ARCs, Gordon exclaimed, "Hey, this Victoria Gordon is pretty good."
This August I was informed that all 3 of my updated, reissued diet club mysteries are available in Trade paperback at the reasonable price of $12.95. So now, when I suggest that somebody request #4, STRANGLE A LOAF OF ITALIAN BREAD, at their library and they say, "I like to start a series at the beginning," they can.
The first Ellie Bernstein/Lt. Peter Miller book, THROW DARTS AT A CHEESECAKE, is the one where diet club members are getting killed off at goal weight.
August is when pre-season NFL games begin.
August is when the Canadian version of So You Think You Can Dance starts.
And...in most places, kids go back to school.
Come to think of it, August is a damned good month. Thanks, Emperor Augustus. Thanks for Virgil, Horace, Ovid and Livy, too.
Over and Out,
Deni
PS- Can you describe your life in 3 words?
Here's mine:
Need sarcasm font.
and...
Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.
and...
Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite.
and, in 2 words...
Deadline yesterday.
