Leap Year!
Today is the answer to my problems. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed with everything I need to finish before I leave for my short European tour in March. Then right at the end of February God decided to bless me with an extra day so I can catch up. This is great.
I hardly know where to start. First off, I need to finish a synopsis I’ve been writing; it’s well past time for a manicure; there’s this movie I’ve been dying to see; I haven’t had a date night with my husband in weeks; I owe my Aunt Betty a letter; and . . . .gee, I’m beginning to wonder if an extra day is going to be enough. What February really needs is 30 days every four years. Then, just maybe, I can get caught up!
Shopping for Hats
My friend Mary Lou Carney is visiting me from Chicago. Whenever we get together, shopping is usually on the agenda. Mary Lou wears hats with panache and style, so naturally we tried on several, all of which were so big they balanced on our noses. Contrary to popular opinion, we both have small heads.
Wildlife in Florida
Even after several years of living in this beautiful section of Florida, I’m still awed by the nature we encounter. For example, yesterday we were boating on the Indian River with our friends Rhett and Claudia and happened upon nine dolphins. They swam right up to the boat, and two of them came up to the surface and looked us right in the eye! It was one of the most incredible experiences of our time in Florida. We also spotted several birds I’ve never seen before. I think I need to find a good bird book. I'm looking forward to this weekend and then I’ve promised myself I’ll get back to work.
Warm Up America! Weekend
This past weekend’s Warm Up America! Knit Out was my first experience at this event. I was awestruck meeting designers Candi Jensen, Susan B. Anderson, Kristin Nicholas, Antje Gillingham and Karen Thalacker. I’ve knit patterns these wonderfully creative women have published. It was a thrill for this knitter’s heart to rub elbows and hang with them . . . and they were so nice! And not a single one asked me to show them my knitting . . . thank goodness!
The Frozen North
I’m back from the frozen north, meaning Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota. I was traveling with my cousin Karen, on our way to the Warm Up America! Knit Out at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. With the wind chill factor, the temperature in South Dakota registered at -100 degrees. You read that right: MINUS 100 degrees!!!
On the way, we stopped off in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The reason for this small detour (thank you cousin Karen for driving!) was to visit our precious 97-year-old Aunt Betty. We had such a wonderful time with her, playing a card game called TIC. Aunt Betty cleaned us out. She’s amazing, and I want to be just like her when I turn 97.
On my way to yarn!
Early Tuesday morning I’m heading from warm, sunny Florida to the frigid winter cold of the Midwest. What is it that prompts me to leave this golden sunshine, you ask? I can answer that in a single word: yarn. I’ll be participating in the Warm Up America! Knit-Out, located at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, February 16 and 17. It doesn’t hurt any that the biggest sale of the winter will be happening at the mall, too, but it’s the opportunity to meet my wonderful readers, schmooze with other knitters, and visit with my precious Aunt Betty, that makes the trip worth every moment.
My Brother
My brother and his wife arrived for a short visit. Yup, this is the very one who, along with two of my cousins, made copies of my diary and sold it to the boys in my 8th grade class. This is also the brother who locked me out of the bathroom when I was trying to get ready for a date. We only had one in our home. And then he jumped down the laundry shoot and into the basement and refused to come upstairs when my date rang the door bell. I had to answer . . . in my curlers. There is justice in this world though. Terry grew up to have children just like him.
Ruth Stafford Peale
Yesterday morning my dear friend Ruth Stafford Peale went to be with the Lord. Both Dr. Peale and his wife had a profound impact on my career. Reading THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING helped me through the difficult years of rejection when I first started writing.
When I sold my first book, I wrote Dr. Peale and thanked him for writing his book. He wrote me back! His letter is one of my life’s treasures. My daughters and I attended Ruth’s 100th birthday party in New York City in 2006, and I was in Pawling, NY, last November to see her. We shall miss a great, great lady. I consider it an honor to have known and loved her.
A Weighty Decision
I’ve made a weighty decision, and it hasn’t been an easy one. I’m giving up desserts for Lent. For those of you who don’t know me, I have a real sweet tooth. In other words, I like my chocolate. In preparation for the next 40 days without sugar (God help me!), I purchased a Key Lime Pie on Saturday. I told Wayne he wasn’t allowed to eat a piece until Wednesday, because until then that pie is mine. He gave me the oddest look and left the kitchen, scratching his head. Sometimes men just don’t understand the most basic principles of life. Don’t stand between a woman and her sweets, especially when she is about to go on a sugar fast.
Back in the Saddle
I’m back in the saddle this morning, which means I’m sitting in front of my computer with a glass of lemonade at my side, revision notes in front of me, and my head buzzing with ideas. It feels good to get back to work. I enjoyed our trek down to Key Largo and Key West, but there’s nothing like sleeping in my own bed and settling down to a routine that’s familiar and comfortable. Ah, I can hear those good folks from Cedar Cove calling my name. They want me to get on with their stories, so I’ll leave you for now and check in later.
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