Snow Day! You Deserve It, San Diego

Do you need a snow day? I do. I'm headed to the San Diego State Writers Conference January 28-30 to learn from the pros (Sandra Bishop, Jill Marsal and editors Kate Kennedy and Emily Krump to name a few). I'm trying to finish my novel, but it's hard to be disciplined in America's Finest City.

Tough to Lift Pencil in Paradise
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

We deserve a snow day, San Diego. Take a look at the blistery conditions out there...

Snowy Egret Coastal Shorebird--Chula Vista Nature Center
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

Brrr! Grab a vibrant winter hat...

Sport a Major Hattitude in this Wintry Accessory
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

Look! I found snow right here at Petco Park...

Go Ahead, Eat Yellow Snow
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

Let the "ice crystals" form on your flip flops...

Tommy Bahama Does Winter Right!
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

Here's a snowman that won't numb your hands.

LEGO Snowman Won't Melt, Might Crumble
(Awesomely amateur photo credit: Carrie Keyes)

Take a snow day, San Diego. You deserve it. Everyone needs a respite now and then, including this awesomely amateur blogger with a fading flip flop tan and a big dream. My nose is pink from the cold, so I'd better head inside to work on my quirky novel.

Snow joke.

*The YouTube song of the week is "Everyday I Write the Book" by Elvis Costello. Theoretically, I write the book. Often, however, I make peanut butter sandwiches and mediate Lego disputes and wander outside in seventy degree temperatures in January and end up at the yacht club on the front deck kicking up my feet and telling friends I should be home writing a book. Oh shoot.

*Are you an aspiring writer? Attend the San Diego State Writer's Conference. Now that's a pencil in paradise!

*Hey San Diego. You deserve a snow day. What will you do? Brrrr. Be careful. It's brutul out there. Sort of like last summer, right?

*Hattitude (kiosk) can be found at Fashion Valley Shopping Center.

(Carrie Keyes is the author of the blog Pencil in Paradise at www.carriekeyes.com. She is also a contributing blogger for www.sandiego.com and www.eCoronado.com. You can find Paradise on Facebook (search Pencil in Paradise) or Twitter (@CarrieKeyes).