Craving

With the cooler weather, I'm baking up a storm. I have a sweet spot for apple pie, so it seems as if I go from pie crust to pie crust, mixing and rolling more often than I should admit! The funny thing is, my neighbors are quite happy because the pies migrate. I can't eat them all--I'd be huge if I did!--but I really like baking them. Seems I've got a craving for the scent of apple pie filling the house!

Any cravings at your house? Hmm?

C'mon...confess! I did!

Sailing

Sometimes writing feels a lot like sailing. When the wind's just right, the sails where they should be and the deck sturdy underfoot, the feeling is heartstoppingly fabulous. Feels like flying over the water; no obstacles or distractions, just full on, full speed ahead.

When the words are flowing effortlessly, the feelings are the same. No bumps. No holding back. No barriers.

That's the way this new book is going. Page after page, just coming together the way it should without any annoying obstacles. I am having a great time writing it, love the way the characters are interacting and the way the plot's twists make me laugh.

Love my job. Yes, I really love my job.

Mis Amigos

Aren't they sweet? These are a couple of mis amigos. They are fun and loving, and I'm one lucky woman to be able to say these great guys are part of my life. Just thought I'd share a happy moment with you today!

Boo!

That's it.

Just BOO!

Fall Clean-Up

I don't know about you, but I love fall chores. Yes, I know it sounds crazy, but it's true! The raking, buttoning up, battening down, wood stacking, statue storing, furniture covering...all of it makes the days feel productive and every chore brings me one step closer to the slow season here on the farm.

When the snow flies, life gets very quiet here in the hills. All I'll have to do is blow snow and keep the fireplace stoked, which is a far cry from the mad rush to complete all fall tasks!

Hope you're enjoying your fall clean-up as much as I'm enjoying mine. But if you'll excuse me...leaves, firewood and lawn furniture call!

Have a great day!

Big Hearts!

Every time I look at this photo, I smile. Just smile...and feel my heart warm instantly. Mi Refugio builds characters, touches hearts and truly encourages at-risk kids to learn, grow and experience joy and love. It's an amazing place, and it's touched my heart in a way I can't even begin to explain.

Work!

Working hard on the new manuscript. Just writing, writing, writing. Not at all tedious, the way one might expect it to be. I am fully involved with the characters and plot, so the hours are just flying by!

I hope you're having a good week. Me? Having an excellent, productive week. Now, back to the book...

Smiles

One of the best parts about being at Mi Refugio in Guatemala was the happiness permeating every minute of every day. The kids, teachers and other mission workers were all so happy. Laughter from every area of the school, all day long--what's not to love about that?

I miss the laughter. I miss the love. I miss the smiles.

But, I'm lucky...when I close my eyes I still see and feel it all.

Teaching

When I was at Mi Refugio in Guatemala, I spent some time teaching computer and typing skills to the children. They are so bright and eager to learn. The hours flew by quickly and the kids learned a lot--although I truly feel I learned just as much from them.

I miss the kids. I can't wait to get back there ... to teach--and learn!

Naranja

Everything is very orange-y here. I love it! Will be raking leaves today, which is a nice break from editing.

Hope you have a beautiful day!

What's Not to Love?

I don't know about you, but I totally LOVE weekends!

For a while I didn't, which was my own fault. I let someone steal my joy--which was, thankfully, only a temporary situation. Now that I'm back on track, I love what I always loved and feel so much better.

Because really, what's not to love about a weekend?

And honestly, letting someone steal joy? Ridiculous!

I hope you're enjoying this weekend. I know I am!

Perfect Baking Weather

It's a chilly morning here, so I've got baking on my mind. This is a favorite recipe. I'm getting ready to pop a loaf or two in the oven. I thought you might enjoy it, too! Have a great Saturday!

Applesauce Walnut Bread
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup applesauce
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3 egg whites
3 T. milk
2 cups flour
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
½ t. salt
½ t. cinnamon
1/4 t. nutmeg
½ cup chopped walnuts

Lightly grease and flour a loaf pan. Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix together applesauce, sugar, vegetable oil, egg whites and milk. Mix until combined. Add remaining ingredients and mix, reserving the nuts for last. When the batter is thoroughly mixed, spread it evenly in the loaf pan.

Place pan in a pre-heated 350-degree oven and bake for 60-75 minutes. Toothpick inserted in center of loaf will come out clean when bread is done. Cool before cutting.

Work...and Play

These past few days I've been working hard on my new book. Working hard to get over the infection that laid me low when I returned from the mission trip. Working hard to finish all the fall chores here on the farm. Just...working hard.

It's what we all do, isn't it? We work hard for what we have, want and need. We know that if we buckle down and do what we need to do, we'll attain some measure of success. And "success" is defined differently by everyone, isn't it? We all have our own yardstick with which we measure ourselves and our actions, calculate our successes and failures.

As I go about my ordinary life, I can't help but recall the people I met on the mission trip. I see their faces in my mind, hear their voices in my head. And, I keep their lives in my heart.

The realization that so much of what I--and many others--take for granted is hammered home after this journey. I admit, I've never had to wonder where I'll sleep at night. Never had the pain of hunger invade my mind and body. Never walked barefoot over dirty, rutted trails. And believe me, I'm very, very grateful I've never experienced any of those things.

My sweet friend Nadia, in the photo above, knows intimately the "never" list. She's faced all of those issues. Were it not for the school on the mountain and the faith of one brave woman, she would probably be hungry. Barefoot. Dirty.

But, she's not. See that smile? It flashes constantly. See the beautiful brown eyes? They sparkle with intelligence. You can't see her heart, but it is huge. Nadia is kind, funny and loving. It is my great pleasure to say she is mi amiga.

And if it weren't for the work of the woman who runs Mi Refugio, Nadia and the other kids wouldn't be mis amigas. Who knows where they'd be right now. Certainly not on a swing!

That point, the idea that the work and vision of a single human being makes this photo possible, kind of makes my work list seem much more inconsequential. Yes, we all have jobs to do...but some are called to do truly inspirational things. For that, I am grateful.

Now, if you'll excuse me...I've got weeds and firewood to be dealt with!  

Journeys

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

--Chinese philosopher, Lao-Tzu

 

Or, in some cases, a bumpy busride.

I'm not yet ready to tell you where this bus actually goes five days a week, picking up and discharing its precious cargo. That'll come in time. For now, it's enough to know that the bus is one step on the journey toward a better life for an amazing group of children.

They're greeted each morning by the unmistakable sign that they are welcome. And wanted. And, most importantly, loved.

And this? This is what happens when children are given the chance to journey toward a brighter future...one bumpy step at a time.  

Guatemalan Gorgeousness



 

Guatemala is, in many respects, a land of stark contrasts. This morning I'm smiling, recalling the gorgeous natural sights that were everywhere around me. All I had to do was look...

This is a poinsettia tree. Yes, that's right--a tree! It was huge, growing wild and it completely shocked me when I realized the source of shadow where I stood. Imagine, standing in the shadow of a poinsettia? That'll totally change my view on holiday decorations!

A stroll on the grounds at Mi Refugio yielded abundant beauty. I paused at this little pond and gazed into the clear water. No fish in its depths, as I'd hoped, but a single water lily bobbed on the surface. Lovely!

When atop a mountain, rainwater cascades downhill. The melody created by the previous night's rainfall was so soothing.

There are times when I struggle to get the roses in my gardens to bloom. Really, I do. On a Guatemalan mountain, they grow wild. And the scent? Oh-so intoxicating!

Do I miss the place? Can't you tell?  

Everyone Needs a Refuge

Mi Refugio (“My Refuge” in English) is a school set high on a mountain just outside Guatemala City. To reach its gates, a bumpy, twisting road must be traversed, making it the prize at the end of an arduous trek. 

It is exactly what the name implies to the children who attend classes there: A refuge, one they desperately need. Theirs is a birthright of poverty and despair, disease and illiteracy. The social and economic unrest in the country is a near guarantee that without some intervention the future of a whole new generation will be very bleak indeed.

Mi Refugio provides two meals daily, which in many cases is the only source of nutrition for these kids. They are clothed in neat uniforms, given backpacks and school supplies. They are taught hygiene skills and manners. It is a Christian school, so the children learn faith.

The biggest gift the school endows upon these young, impressionable minds is hope. That’s right; they’re taught that if they do the right thing, study hard and look toward the future with an open heart, that maybe—just maybe—they have a hope for a better life. A future that doesn’t depend on existing, but living. A way to leave desperation and poverty behind and step into the beautiful Guatemalan sunshine that, too, is part of their heritage.

Mi Refugio nourishes small bodies and bright minds. It dispels darkness, even temporarily, and instills hope and faith. It opens doors to the possibility of a brighter future for children who would never otherwise have those doors open to them. It gives these kids a chance to flourish despite terrible odds—and, in the end, isn’t that what we all want for every child, everywhere? A chance to learn and grow…and succeed.          

Land of Eternal Spring

Last week I returned from a mission trip to Guatemala. It was a journey of "firsts" for me. First mission trip. First visit to the country. First up-close look at a volcano. First... Well, why don't we just wait for the rest of the "firsts" to come to light on their own.

What wasn't a first for me were some of the emotions I felt on my adventure. Love. Peace. Joy. All familiar to me, which is in and of itself a true blessing. I experienced other emotions on the trip, as well. Those, like the "firsts", will show themselves eventually.

For now, I just want to tell you that I went on a great adventure.

I met beautiful people.

Saw incredible things.

And came back home with lots of stories. In the coming weeks I plan to share some of those stories here. I do hope you'll join me as I tell about my latest journey. It was awesome, and I loved every minute of it. I hope you will, too.

I'm always amazed by the path these feet are on. This time, the path led straight up a mountain into a jungle...to find love and a small slice of heaven.

Missing

I'm just home from a mission trip to Guatemala. More details to follow, but for now let's just say that I am really missing...

The kids at the school. Big time.

Kari. So much. Betsy, too.

The mission friends who should now, like me,  be in their comfy homes, relaxing after the strenuous trip.

I miss the country, people, food, music...and even the spiders!

I miss Harry.

I miss it all.  

Harvest Time

Clocking In

Just so true!

Hope you have a great day!

Writing Life

People ask about the writing life, and by the gleam in their eyes I always think they must imagine it's a glamorous, exciting life.

Ha!

On the to-do list most days? Morning revisions. Midday writing. Afternoon break to do housework, yardwork, paperwork. So many "works" that need attention! Then late day writing. A break. Then, most evenings, I read or scribble outlines for what's on the following day's writing plan.

Yeah, totally glam, no? I'm not complaining one bit. I love what I do and realize I live a very good life but it is so not wild and exciting! But me...I'll take ordinary over exciting any day!

 

Plotting

...Or hiking.

Maybe both.

You?

World of Color

When I was at the RWA conference I managed to visit Disneyland a few times. I'd never been, and loved it. One of my favorite parts was the World of Color. It was just so pretty, and a perfect way to welcome the night.

All A Bored? Or Boared?

Months after I took this picture, I'm still smiling.

Old Glory

Footsteps

Hope you have a great day...wherever your feet take you.

Lucky

Yesterday I found another four-leaf clover...or two. Look closely. They're side by side!

That's got special meaning around here, so any time I spot one is a great day.

Hope your day was a good one, too. And today? Wishing you the best!

Brushing Up

Otro hermoso dia! Hay mucho que hacer aqui en la granja...la escritura, excursiones, riendo. Todo bien!

Disfrute, amigos!

Yeah, I'm working to brush up on my Spanish skills. So...Another beautiful day! There's lots to do here on the farm...writing, hiking, laughing. All good!

Enjoy, friends!

Acropolis Museum

A stone's throw from the Acropolis in Athens sits the Acropolis Museum. Beautiful and modern, it's a real contrast to the ancient site. Filled with restored and preserved bits from the Parthenon, a film and scale models make this more than a display. I learned so much from my time spent in the museum.

It's an amazing place to visit!

RWA Smiles

I had a wonderful time in Anaheim in July. The Romance Writers of American conference was just so great, for many reasons.

One of the best parts of the conference for me was spending time with Melissa McClone. I sort of surprised her--not saying I planned to attend the confernce--and it still makes me giggle when I remember the look of shock on her face when I found her in a corridor. Fun times!

It's good to recall the days we all spent laughing, learning and acknowledging the successes of the industry...especially now that I'm back at home, writing in my very unglamorous shorts and t-shirt!

Shadowed

I went straight from RWA to Athens, Greece. I'm actually working on two books that will be so much stronger because I went there to see, feel, hear and experience Athens for myself. Research has its limitations, and for one book in particular my presence was non-negotiable.

So, from Anaheim to Athens, overnight. A world apart. Yet, when it came right down to it, very similar. I loved the food, people and history.

I'm home now, stronger and with loads of ideas and information for both books. The jet lag was worth it!

That's me, leaving my shadow where so many others have been...and where so many more will follow.

I loved the place and can't wait to go back. But first, I've got books to write!

What's new with you?

Anaheim

I attended the RWA conference in Anaheim and loved every minute of it. So many things to consider and comment upon; impossible to talk about everything that happened but a few highlights...

It was great to finally meet friends in person after "knowing" them for so long through this cyberworld of ours.

Melissa McClone got me to go on the Cars roller coaster ride at Disney...I think she may have created a roller coaster monster, though. I can't wait to do that again! Both spend time with Melissa and ride in one of those fast little cars!

The conference and awards dinner were awesome. I got to sit and listen to some of my all-time favorite authors. Julia Quinn and Nora Roberts are so much fun in person. The workshops were interesting, the networking invaluable and the general atmosphere almost intoxicating. Really, for someone in such a solitary profession to have the opportunity to relax, learn, have fun and swap ideas with other authors is a total rush.

Can't wait to do it all again next year in Atlanta!

RWA slacking...

Okay, I admit it. I haven't downloaded my RWA photos yet. I know--I'm a slacker! But I've been busy, working on the book in progress as well as polishing something to send out. And, lest I do the all-work-and-no-play-makes-a-gal-dull-as-dirt routine, I've squeezed in time for fun. So...

Slacking on the RWA photos. Sorry!

Enough about me. You've just gotten the thirty-second elevator synopsis of this week in my life. What about you? What's kept you busy this week?

FBO

That's right, I've got FBO
Facebook Overload.

Very serious condition, associated with birthing Facebook page.

That's right. I did it. On Facebook.

Come on over and say hi, please. Last week at RWA I was encouraged to take the FBL (Facebook Leap) so I did...

And now I'm wondering how far down it is until my feet hit stable ground. So many new things to learn, and I'm feeling like such a FBI. Oh, that's Facebook Idiot for those of you who are FBS.

Facebook Survivors.

Next, the deets from Anaheim. But first, a nap...

Hopefully I'll have FBDs and not FBNs.

You know what I'm talking about. I know you do. 

At the Movies

Last night I watched The Way. I'd never heard of it but a dear friend (didn't want to say old!) recommended the film yesterday. He was right. It was something I needed to see. Long story short... A man goes to France to claim his son's body. When he learns what his son was doing when he was killed, he decides to make the same trek. He learns so much about his son, and himself, along the way. He learns that life needs to be lived rather than chosen. It is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Thanks, Bill!

Wonderful Weekend

My weekend was absolutely wonderful.

The accomodations were gorgeous. The company unrivaled. The food? Yummy! I danced until my feet ached, then I danced some more. I laughed until my sides hurt...then I laughed some more! My dinner companion kept me amused all night long. It was just fabulous.

Weekends like this are the ones that will be forever remembered and cherished.

What about you? How was your weekend? I hope it was wonderful!

Fab Fourth

Sometimes the unplanned, spur-of-the-moment ideas are really the best, aren't they? Yesteday was one of those great times, when impulse ruled and everything just came together like clockwork.

An impromptu July 4th party, with lots of laughter, great food, fun people--old friends and new--and, to top it off, watermelon and fireworks. Doesn't get much better for a hot, summer night.

So today, straightening up a bit after the party. Running the dishwasher. Watering the flowers. Just a little bit of this and that. What about you? Any plans for the day?

Happy Independence Day!

Independence comes in so many forms, doesn't it?

Hope your day is a happy one. Me? I'm enjoying every minute!

Hope Week

Being a die-hard Yankees fan comes naturally to me. A generational thing, I guess you'd say. But this is Hope Week with the Yankees and I can't imagine anyone wouldn't be a fan at least during this week. I love seeing good stuff happen to good people!!

In the Stars

Part of my horoscope for today?

"You are on a roll, keep going."

Guess that means back to the writing!

Hope you enjoy your Wednesday. And have you seen anything in your horoscope recently that seems to "speak" to you? Hmm?

Madrid Menu

This morning I remembered a "lunch" I had in Madrid a few months ago. Don't you know I wish that were on today's menu?

All good here, nose to the keyboard, working up a storm and just getting the story told.

What about you? How's life in your corner of the world?

And what's on the lunch menu? Hmm?

Montego Bay

Recently I was fortunate enough to spend some time in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Can you say heavenly?

Now that I'm back home, running around with a to-do list a mile long, I need to remind myself that there in Mo Bay there was no hustle. No bustle. No scurrying about. And you know what? Life was good, 'mon.

So the takeaway? Relax. I'm going to give it my best shot.

Relax. Relax. Relax...

Public Service Announcement

Woodchucks do not like pineapples. If you are attempt to catch a woodchuck bait trap with something a woodchuck will appreciate. Grass. Weeds. Anything from your garden. Not a perfectly good pineapple. Evidently they are not impressed by tropical fruits and what may very well be a delicious pineapple will go to waste. Welcome to my world.

Snow White

I don't know about you, but I love Friday night at the movies. It's always been one of my favorite ways to kick off a weekend.

Last night was great. Dinner, a movie and ice cream afterwards. It doesn't get much better than that, does it?

What movie? Snow White and the Huntsman. Have you seen it? If not, I totally recommend it. Action, drama, good vs. evil... It had it all. And the best part? Good triumphs, and evil gets what it deserves. In my book, that's the way a movie should end!

Happy Saturday!

And We're Off!

I dont' know about you, but the first "official" day of summer makes me feel like a horse at the starting gate. My body tenses in anticipation, knowing the run is going to be good, hard and fast...and if I'm lucky, I'll be in the Winner's Circle after it's all said and done.

With more plans and and a longer to-do list than the season can comfortably accommodate, this looks like it's going to be a banner year. Writing-wise? Smooth sailing. Friends and family? Lots of events to provide memorable moments. The farm? Flourishing. Me? Doing well, thanks for asking.

So...just waiting for the crack of the pistol shot, the raising gate and...

We're off!

Dreams and a Castle

A few months ago I went to Rome. It was a glorious time and I can't help but recall the wonderful people, beautiful sights and incredible food with fondness. I loved the city and hope to go back again.

Last night I had a dream about one of the places I visited. It was a weird dream, filled with people I knew and others I've never met but that's not the thing that sticks with me this morning. I recognized the setting immediately.

Castel Sant'Angelo was built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family. It is an imposing structure on the bank of the Tiber River in Rome. St. Peter's is within its view, and from its highest point the city spreads out below like a tapestry.

I'm glad the dream reminded me of such an interesting spot.

What about you? Had any intriguing dreams lately?

Nose to the Keyboard

Okay, here's the scoop.

I have had my nose to the keyboard for weeks. Just writing, revising and polishing. I am easily recognizable by the bloodshot eyes and zombiefied expression that are my new "look"...oh yeah, and the mismatched socks. They're always a dead giveaway that I am full-out writing.

The good news? I'm happy with what's evolving.

The bad news? Um...none, really. Not unless you count dust bunnies the size of small kittens problematic. Me? I don't. I just give 'em a kick with a mismatched sock-covered foot and call it good.

What's going on with you?

Lights in the Night

City nights are just so much different than country nights. Both gorgeous, but dissimilar.

This is the view of San Juan from my hotel window. I loved watching the sun go down every night. So peaceful!

The Nitty Gritty

So if you're anything like me, you have a burning question about my recent trip to Puerto Rico. There's something you need to know, something you want to ask but don't want to seem intrusive. I kinow...believe me, I've been in your position. I'll save you the anxiety over asking.

The food was fabulous! Absolutely incredible. I won't say one word about the cocktails, with the local rum as their main ingredient...I'll let you figure that out for yourself but the food was so good--I could've eaten all day, every day.

One of the best things I ate there? Tres Leches cake, hands down one of the best desserts I've ever had.

Mmm...

Adventure

Recently I went on an adventure with my father. We went where the sky is blue, the sea bluer and the food, music and people simply incredible.

That's right, we went to Puerto Rico.

Did I say we had a blast?

One of the highlights of the father/daughter jaunt was our visit to El Morro, the five-hundred-year-old fort still standing guard over the beautiful harbor. Thought you might enjoy seeing some of El Morro. It took us the better part of a day to explore every nook and cranny.

If you're looking for warmth, sunshine and friendly people, head to the island. My only regret is that it took me so long to finally get there! But you can bet I'm already planning my next trip to soak up the sun, eat plantains and dance to the pulse that makes the place almost intoxicating.

Anywhere that's captivated your heart?

Yes, it's me. I am...

...the old dog. I'm not ashamed to say it. Every day we're older than  yesterday, and tomorrow will be older still. The dog thing?

Ah, dog, schmog!

So, what are the new tricks I've been learning?

A bunch...but only a few I'll admit to here.

1. The gnarly lumps on the plum trees? Totally not normal. Not good. Not ignorable. (Ignorable? Is that even a word?) They're called 'Black Knot' and need to be addressed. I've been addressing them, all right...and it hasn't been politely, either.

So, the trick? How to climb a plum tree and divest it of its black knots.

2. Second old dog trick? No matter how many times the first three chapters of a new book are scanned, read, re-read, absorbed, re-absorbed--there will be at least one (or three, but who's counting?) obvious errors.

The trick? After reading the partial a bazillion times, hand the sucker off to a fresh reader who will pick out the one (three) oddities in a heartbeat. The trick is not to get too crazy about the process before tossing the file along.

3. The third trick also has to do with not getting too insane over a silly thing. For instance...if a nice man walks across your freshly mopped floors--just take a deep breath and smile. That's a hard trick to master, especially if you're clean-floor possessed, but it's worth learning. After all, what's a grassy floor between friends?

There you have it. The new tricks I've learned this week. What about you? Any old dog tricks you'd care to cop to? C'mon, you know you want to, so spill it. You're among friends!

Lesson Learned

We have all heard the adage, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."

I disagree.

Warm weather brings all sorts of things. Around here something that coincides with the grass growth spurt is an increased zeal for reading. Honestly, I'm plowing through my TBR pile like an escapee from a fat farm might dive into an empty candy store. I just inhale books...maybe it's something in the spring air but I can't seem to get enough! So the question for this rainy Wednesday morning is:What are you reading? Any suggestions for this spring reading frenzy?

Turned my back for a minute and...

...blogger changed! Sitting here shaking my head because it took a few minutes to figure out how to write this post. I guess that shows me, doesn't it? Leave and the world moves along without you!

So, last we spoke I was bumping along, wasn't I? Happy to report that shortly after my last post, the bumping subsided. Life settled into a smooth-but-busy routine. Family. Friends. Farm work.

And writing. Yes, the writing. It's been going really, really well. I feel like my old self, writing up a storm and editing mercilessly. It's all good. The laundry is piled high. Dust bunnies scurry beneath furniture. I'm living on Fruit Loops. Yes, I'm enjoying a smooth writing ride again. Yay!!

So, what's new with you? Anyone catch the solar eclipse last night? Didn't see it here in New York, but I love it that the morning news is on top of the event with loads of coverage. Gorgeous!

Today? Writing. Mowing the lawn. Planting onions.

What about you? What's on your agenda for this beautiful Monday morning?

Bumpy

We've all had them, the weekend that's more bumpy than relaxing. It happens. Sometimes things don't go the way we hope they will, do they?

Me? Bumpy weekend? Check.

But it's Monday, a new week filled with possibilities. Anything can happen, right?

Plan to concentrate on writing. That always takes my mind off everything else, so it serves more than one purpose. And it's cheaper than retail therapy!

Hope you have a peaceful day.

When in Rome

Buon giorno! Good Sunday morning. Here we are, at Palm Sunday already. I can't believe it's the first of April; honestly, I'm not sure where March went!

Yes, I know. I've been a baaaad blogger.

No looking back, at least not to the failures. If I'm going to look back, it's going to be to the fun stuff.

Here's some fun. A while ago I went to Rome. It was amazing and I loved every minute of it. I feel in love with the Eternal City and could easily--easily!!--live there one day.

Thought I'd share with you two of my favorite images of Vatican City.

Love it that they had a stepping stone in the piazza just waiting for me!

St. Peter's Basilica is even more beautiful in person than I ever imagined. Even on a stormy Sunday morning it is quite a sight.

Hope your day is a peaceful one! See you tomorrow...really, I will. Have faith, friends!