The Writing Studio: Felling the Widowmaker

Dad and I worked on tree number two this weekend, a standing, dead maple that folks usually call a “widowmaker” for its likeliness to fall at any moment and kill somebody. Hollowed out almost completely from the ground to about fifteen feet up, the tree was top-heavy and canted downhill, slightly opposite the direction we needed it to fall. Using the chainsaw to notch the tree, Dad finished it off with a good ol’ fashioned wedge and mallet.

Since this one was particularly unpredictable, I stood far away in the driveway and sat down with the dog, making sure he didn’t get in the way either. What else to do than shoot a little video? After it came down, I hauled brush and branches and stacking the widest limbs into a pile for re-use. Two trees down, one more to go! Meantime, the AIRSTREAM Sovereign should arrive on Wednesday. Stay tuned… 

This week I’m promoting Monthly Fiction as a gift idea or general purchase to help support my writing life on the road. You’ll find one quote per day and by following this link you can read more. 12 stories for 12 bucks in 12 months – delivered right to your inbox!

From “Amplitude” in Monthly Fiction by Katey Schultz

Hacking through the barbed wire was a cinch. And we both knew about climbing chain-link fences. But taking hold of that first rung of the maintenance ladder at about eye level was another matter.

“Ladies first.” Ben gestured.

“Fine,” I said. “But I need a lift.” My heart dropped to my stomach and I could have punched him. How could I be so brave and so chicken-scratch at the same time?

Ben put his hands on my waist. I wanted to stop right there with all his strength wrapped around me; just keep that energy for my own and use it someday…(read more)