Visitors Expected!

It's a beautiful spring day; reason enough to celebrate, right there! But there's more!

Debbie Macomber and her good husband Wayne will be visiting today, for the first time since I moved. Debbie and I have been close friends for more years than either of us care to count, and over the last decade, our lives and careers have taken us in such varied directions--we were like ships passing in the night. Now, we're taking every chance we can get to reconnect and catch up. We've laughed together, we've cried together. Where Debbie is concerned, I'm a shameless name-dropper. Her success is positively inspirational. Here is a woman who paid her dues, and what a joy it is to see her reap the benefits.

Debbie's new book, "Susannah's Garden", is out now. I've read the first few pages, and already I'm drawn into the story. For you Northwest gals, there's an extra benefit--it's set in Colville, Washington!

Colville is just 40 miles from Northport. What a kick to read about a place I know so well.

Hmmmm. I've been thinking about writing a big historical set in Northport...

Lovely E-mails

Several wonderful women have written to thank me for offering non-traditional scholarships, and to that I say, You're welcome, and Please Apply! The 2006 scholarship program will be launched soon, and all the information will be posted on the website. I cannot express too often how much I care about all the women out there, struggling so valiantly to make a better life for themselves and their children. I wish I could help all of you.

I can't think of a better investment than mothers, young or otherwise.

Mother's Day is coming up soon. Let's all celebrate with extra verve this year!

Computer Frustration

I have a love-hate relationship with this machine. It can do so many marvelous things. It can also drive me crazy.

More tomorrow.

Spring Has Definitely Sprung!

I am dazzled by the beauty of a Washington spring--I had forgotten, during my long sojourn in the desert, how very lovely this clearly defined season can be.

I have peonies to plant, and my cousin/housekeeper, Mary Ann, has already put in several lilac bushes. One of my fondest memories of childhood in Northport is the lush, heavenly scent of lilacs--we always displayed them in a mason jar. That's country elegance for you!

I love seeing the seasons change, but that doesn't mean Arizona doesn't have a special place in my heart. The sunrises and sunsets in the desert are unmatched, when it comes to breathtaking beauty. I have often stood in my courtyard at Springwater Station, transfixed by the changing sky, and nothing beats those winters. (The shopping ain't bad, either.)

How blessed I am to enjoy the best of both worlds.

Friday??? ALREADY???

I swear, this week went by so fast, it makes my head spin!

I've written 80 pages of "McKettrick's Pride" since Monday, and plan to hit the 100-page mark today. The story touches my heart in special ways, ways I've never really experienced before. Of course every book is unique, and I always do my best, but I feel this one so deeply.

I bought six peony plants this week, too. Peonies are hands-down my all-time favorite flower, and they wouldn't grow in Arizona. Here, in my big, green backyard, they will flourish. It delights my heart to think of them reaching their roots down into the soil and taking hold, producing summer after summer of blossoms.

I am feeling very blessed. Yesterday, after finishing my pages, I poured a glass of wine and stepped out onto the deck to admire the view. Trees, trees, and more trees, as far as the eye can see. I had done a good day's work. My dogs and kitties were at my feet. I had just ordered a marvelous painting that I spotted in a gallery during a brief visit to Cave Creek--if I can, I will post it to my website. I thought of my family, my many friends, and you, my dear, faithful readers. Thank you, and may you be blessed.

Make it a good weekend. Plant something. Think good thoughts--they are like seeds, and they will take root, just like my peonies, and grow into something beautiful.