Oh my word, people. I know. I totally suck! To think I haven’t written a message since March! I am truly sorry. I really haven’t any excuse other than being quite sad for way too long. 2024 has been a year of change, growth, letting go, and eating marshmellows. (I LOVE marshmellows.) However with change, there can be a bit of heartache. But as they say, time, marshmellows, and true friends heal all wounds. I may not be 100% yet, but I am well on my way. And to atone for neglecting all of you, I will recap the past few months below…

April:

When I’m sad, I like to lie in bed and waste away like that dusty chicken nugget hidden beneath a napkin that the kid you were babysitting dropped in your car… only I don’t think chicken nuggets waste away. May need a better analogy. Meh. Well, when I realize I’m not in a good place, I surround myself with awesome people. Soooo… I nabbed my youngest daughter and we flew to Arizona to have fun with the Turvereys. Who are the Turvereys, you ask? Matt Turverey is an old friend from high school & church (I dated his elder brother for like 8mos or something). Laura Turverey is Matt’s wife. Formerly Laura Bounds, she and I attended Mary Baldwin College together. Cassandra Turverey is their daughter; we were meeting her for the 1st time. Anyway, in beautiful Arizona, we went shooting, hiking, toured an olive farm, and played VR Star Trek games. I also made new friends while playing with 3-D printing.

May:

Not much happened during my birthday month. (Which is also my younger daughter's birthday month.) She and I chilled, worked out, watched anime, ate good food, prepared for my eldest daughter to return from her first year at university, and got ready for our weeklong trip to the Outer Banks. One thing I did do... my best friend took me to see Schuler King as a b-day present.

June:

June was the Outer Banks! Several of my Mary Baldwin College friends got together for a mini reunion in Duck, NC. It was a full week of catching up, laughing, lounging on the beach, eating great food (everyone cooked), watching wild horses, and reminiscing.

July:

I didn't do too terribly much in July. One of my friends who was not able to make the beach trip, came to my neck of the woods for a visit. We celebrated her son's birthday at her parents' place and played catch up.

August:

Oooo... August was busy! I hooked up with two of my friends to spend time in Lily Dale, NY. I began my trip in Pottstown, PA with my friend Heather and then we hooked up with Stephanie in Lily Dale for a bit of spiritual discovery. Then I got a printed copy of my little novel! My friend, Katie, from NY was the first to nab a copy. Finally, my daughter and I took two of my grandchildren to Tidewater, VA for Labor Day weekend. So much fun and with loads happening, not much time to be a stick in the mud.

September:

September was a planning month. After labor day with the grandkids, I was setting up book readings, talking to marketing people and book reviewers, and writing book four in the series. I took a break for my best friend's birthday, so we could spend the weekend in Tidewater, VA with my family. For her birthday, we hung out by the pool, ate at two fabulous restaurants in Norfolk, and an amazing brunch place in Virginia Beach. It was nice to have a chill weekend with no real agenda.

Well, friends, I think that brings you up to date. This month, I have been doing book readings and book signings. I will update you on how they turned out at the end of the month. Until then, come join me at the next two!

October 19th: Northern Roots Coffeehouse: 300B S. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401

October 26th: Cheesecakes by Alex: 315 S. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401

Oh my geez… (sigh)