MHB

Mental health break.

More commonly known as R&R. That's right, I needed a little rest and relaxation.
A change of scenery. A few days away.

So that's what I did. I packed a small bag and checked into a hotel. Just me, myself and I. Oh, and the book. Authors never really are alone, are we? There's always the wip and its cast of characters to accompany us.

How was my MHB? Oh, it was amazing! I didn't go anywhere extraordinary. Didn't go sightseeing. Didn't take a helicopter ride.

No, I spent my time much more meaningfully. And oh, so relaxing.

Visiting with dear friends, who completely took it in stride when I jumped at the chance to crash their dinner. Thank you, Gary and Kelley! I love you both!

Strolling without a destination in mind and poking around in shops. Getting a haircut. Going to Mass. Watching football. All low-key. All good.

And the book. I've got to tell you, writing in a hotel room without phones, Fed Ex men, doorbells and the rest of it was heavenly. I just wrote without considering anything but the story, and of course the writing was effortless.

Yesterday, back in the land of real life with its interruptions and annoyances, I regretted leaving sanctuary of that hotel room so quickly. Writing with doorbells, phones, Fed Ex men, laundry buzzers and zealous neighbors can be frustrating. I managed, but honestly I considered packing my bag and running off again!

So that's what I've been up to. What about you? What's new in your world this snowy Thursday morning? Hmm?

One Way Out

Recently I chatted with a dear friend who is deep into the NaNo experience. She's going to make the word count this year. Congrats, you-know-who! I'm so proud of you.

But we weren't talking about NaNo or word counts. The topic of conversation was one that anyone who's written a book knows intimately...

That's right. We were talking about the dreaded dragging middle. She's stuck in the middle, hating the experience and looking for some way out.

Me? I'm no help. I call it as I see it. No gilding the writing lily from me, sorry.

My advice...keep the butt in the chair. Deal with the draggy bits. Make them exciting, even if you hate them. Annoying characters? Give them a face lift, a keyboard makeover. Pull 'em back into line. Remember, you're the boss of this expedition. You drive the bus--tell those suckers sitting behind you to shape up...or else!

The only way to get to the Valhalla of writing words, "The End", is by going straight through the middle. There's just one way out if you expect that fabulous idea, cast of oh-so intriguing characters and fat file to actually become a decent book. Keep your butt in the chair. Keep writing. No shortcuts.

And, you don't have to like every moment of the process. I think some people think that writing a book is a lark. It's not. It's hard work.

But, if you keep at it, those two beautiful words are the last you'll write before pressing the save button. You know the words. Me, too. Currently I'm dragging a boatload of zombies through a jungle, working my way toward The End.

After reading this post, you'll probably never approach me for writing advice, will you?

Oh, boy. So, what's going on with you?

Wishing you a peaceful day!

Gifted

Yesterday I received a wonderful gift. It warmed my heart. Soothed my soul. Brought peace. Laughter. Contentment.

Hmm? What did I get? Something that is so important.

Friendship. That's right. I was blessed by the gift of friendship.

A friend spent the day with me. We took care of some business. She supported me during a trying experience. She listened. We laughed. We cried. We spent time together, and it was exactly what I needed. Her kindness, attention and compassion lifted me high.

I think we sometimes forget how precious the gift of friendship can be. We take our friends for granted, assume they somehow know what we think and how we feel. To a point, it's true that a dear friend knows the connection is always in place. But, it never hurts to bring the gift of friendship front and center.

I am grateful for this wonderful woman and the day we spent together. The sweetness of the afternoon will linger in my mind and heart for a long, long time.

And, did I tell you she fed me cake for lunch? Now that's a true friend!

What's new in your world? Thanks for spending a few minutes with me today. I'm wishing you a peaceful day!

Weekend Update

I hope you had a nice weekend. I hope it was peaceful. Relaxing. Heartwarming. Productive.

If it was, you had a weekend similar to the one I had. What did I do?

Well, I took most of Saturday off from the book. One of my college sorority sisters arrived early that morning. The day was beautiful, all blue sky and warm breezes, so we took a nice ride. Just talking, catching up, laughing. We went for lunch. Lingered. Talked some more. We ran errands. Bought flowers. Visited someone special. We had a lovely day. We walked the farm when we got home, stopping in the vineyard, orchards and by the pond. We admired flowers in the meadow, picked apples and just enjoyed the day. She'd brought home-baked cookies (I felt so special!) so before she headed home we had coffee and cookies for dinner. Yes, you can do that--have cookies for dinner. It's okay!

Later on, I worked on the book for a bit.

Yesterday? I canned tomatoes. Did laundry and other household chores. I dealt with an entire sinkful of peppers.

Mostly, I worked on the book. It's coming along nicely. I'm not making it easy for this couple to find their happily ever after. They've got lots of wacky stuff to deal with before they find their truth, that they need to be together more than they need anything--or anyone--else. I sent the first chapter to a new set of eyes. Major trepidation there. But her reaction? "Get moving and finish the book!" So, all good book-wise.

Today, more writing. I've got a deadline for this one, a timeline in my head, due mainly to circumstances that will be soon upon me. Just some stuff I'll need to deal with, obligations that can't be changed. It's not all bad because it's pushing me right along.

What about you? How was your weekend?

I wish you a peaceful day!

Midnight on the Farm

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power . They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief... and unspeakable love." -- Washington Irving

A good friend sent that quote yesterday. I love it.

Today I'm at The Lark Journals. I'm going to gab about what kept me company in the wee hours this morning. Interested? Why not stop by and say hello? I'd love to see you there!

Wishing you a peaceful Friday.

Kindness

Kindness is something that stays with a person long after it's shown. It keeps a song in the heart and a smile on the lips, bringing joy and peace indefinitely. I think it grows, actually.

I woke this morning, smiling because I recalled instantly two kindnesses that lifted me up yesterday. And, since I'm still feeling their effect today, their lifting properties are definitely in full force.

A beautiful gift arrived in my mailbox. It steals my breath, it is so lovely. I am wearing it now, feeling the love behind its making and an attachment to my sweet husband as well. It's gorgeous, and gives me such comfort.

The second gift? A phone call from someone dear. God bless him, he called just when I was beginning to feel blue. A short chat, catching up on what's been going on and sharing gardening stories pulled me right back to my feet. It was a reminder that I'm not alone, even when I'm lonely.

So many people have said, "Call me when you're ready." I know they mean well, but, honestly, waiting for a widow to "be ready" isn't much help at all. It takes a huge amount of energy for someone who's lost her way to even get through the basics; making phone calls requires too much effort. It's less taxing to simply fall into a funk, so, really, a random, short, uplifting call is a gift. The kindness lingers, and is greatly appreciated.

There you have it. Yesterday, the ordinary weeding, writing, mowing and garden harvesting punctuated by two amazing acts of kindness. All in all, one of the best days I've had in a while.

What about you? How did your day go? And do you have any plans for today?

Me? I'm going to weed, harvest, write and wash the truck. It's going to be another scorcher so washing the truck sounds like fun, don't you think?

And I'm going to smile because kindness grows. In this case, it brings some measure of peace, too. And gratitude...lots and lots of gratitude.

Wishing you a peaceful day.

Road Trip

Recently I had the opportunity to head to the wilderness of upstate New York. One of my closest friends in the world (really, she's a sister to me) invited me to go along on a women's weekend. It was a retreat of sorts at the beautiful cabin she and her husband own.

Just what I needed, exactly when I needed it most. Isn't it incredible that someone else can see inside your heart and soul, understand what would benefit you the most and then just oh-so casually provide that exact experience?

Yes, I know. I am blessed.

So, there were five of us. I had the pleasure of meeting three new friends. All amazing women. All committed to making a positive impact on the world. Each a unique personality. I loved being surrounded by such smart, sensitive women.

We talked. Laughed. Shared. Discussed world issues as well as the more basic ones, like faith, family, friends. We stayed up late, ate far too much and giggled like schoolgirls. Then, we talked some more.

Some of us went to Sunday Mass at a sweet little church with gorgeous stained glass windows. I will remember that hour always.

Talking while chopping vegetables. Chatting while exploring a new-to-me town. Sharing beneath a picnic unbrella during a rainstorm while eating ice cream. Does it get any better? Not often.

There was never a moment when I didn't feel support, friendship, love and understanding swirling about us. A few times I stepped back, used my writer's objective eye, and witnessed the group dynamic.

Honestly, women rock! I returned home with my soul singing, a full heart and more peace than I've had in many months.

Thank you, Penny. Thank you Michele, Colleen and Jen. You helped create a memory that will sustain me. Your kindness will carry me many times, through the rough patches I know are still ahead of me.

When I'm feeling battered, I will recall the cabin retreat experience. I will put it out of my internal file, dust it off and let our laughter surround me. I will remember that we had fun, and although I feel like a completely different woman than the one I knew even one year ago, I am still me. I know how to smile, share and listen. I am still me. You four reminded me of that very important fact.

As I said, women rock. Especially the four of you!

Oh! Did I mention that Penny and I had our picture taken with a bear? That's right. We did! How cool is that?

Gardening, Anyone?

Thank you for your kindness and support. I was lifted yesterday when I read your comments, and I appreciate the lovely emails as well. You've warmed my heart when I really needed it. Thanks!

Just a few days after my husband's funeral, one of his aunts told me that I'd hear things from well-meaning family and friends that would upset me. Her advice? Whenever someone says something that pushes me near the edge, just turn my back and close my ears! Smart lady. I should have remembered that when the "move on" moments came. Now you can bet I won't forget the advice again!

Anyhow, it was sultry here yesterday so the gardens needed watering in the evening. I love watering, so I took my time strolling through the garden areas. So many things are growing! There are small green tomatoes and peppers. Vines are vining, squash and melons are growing wide leaves and the carrot tops look so feathery. There are flowers on some of the potatoes and the eggplants look sturdy. Oh, I love gardening!

My one gardening flop this year--so far, that is!--isn't in the veggie gardens but in the front flower bed. I planted orange cosmos. I'd grown them from seed in the greenhouse and they were about twelve inches tall when I planted them out. Well, they apparently enticed a bunny to dinner. Ahh! They may recover but I doubt it. On the one hand, I'm happy Mr. Rabbit isn't devouring the vegetables. On the other hand, I'm sad to see the cosmos so munched up.

I know Vito's laughing in heaven. He's got to be amused that life here is somewhat "normal" and that I'm dealing with the wildlife! He'd always plant "extra" for the bunnies, so really, I can hear him chuckling over the Cosmo Buffet.

What about you? Are you gardening? How're thing growing in your backyard?

Friends, Fallon and Farming

I bet I'm the only one on the street who's awake and watching Jimmy Fallon. Betcha.

You know, Jimmy Fallon is pretty funny. I didn't expect to crack a smile but he's had me chuckling. I don't want to get into a habit but I don't mind keeping company with him tonight.

Friends. I gotta tell you, I think I'd lose my mind without my friends. They're the best, sticking by me as I navigate this chapter in my life. It's not all a late night gigglefest, believe me. I am so grateful for the kindness and compassion of a very special group--thanks for holding me up. You know who you are.

And farming? In a few short hours I'm going to have a huge truckload of mulch somewhere in the yard. Somewhere? That's all I can say because I still haven't decided where I'm going to ask the guy to dump his load.

Oh, that doesn't sound good, does it?

I'd best go to bed and try to get some sleep. I think I'm on friend overload. Or maybe I'm Fallon toast. No, it might be that I've got Farm Brain. That's a real thing, isn't it? Farm Brain. Yes, I think it might be real. No, I know it's real. Definitely...

Hope your Wednesday is peaceful. What're you up to?

Grease Monkey

I hope you all had a peaceful weekend. It'd be great if you got some respite from the rain, that is, if you live in one of the soggy areas. Here at Casa Leone, it was a wonderfully quiet weekend, filled with special moments and smiles.

First, Mass. Yesterday was my guy's birthday so I had Mass said in his memory. Family and friends filled the pews and we all were comforted by the service. Afterward, breakfast, where we spoke lovingly about the great man who touched our lives.

Then, after some more quiet celebration for a life well lived, we moved on to other pressing issues.

Lawn tractors. My mother, stepfather and I jumped out of our church clothes and into grubby duds, headed out to the barn and got the lawn tractors ready for a new season. Cleaned, tires inflated, oil changes and some adjusting brought both vehicles up to speed--literally! We had a productive, happy afternoon. Birds sang, the sky was soft blue and gentle clouds drifted by. We felt peaceful, hopeful and content. It was very, very good. No one minded grease beneath fingernails!

So, with the weather forecast showing rain every day this week beginning this afternoon, I'm going to grab a cup of chai and head for the tractor. I figure I'll at least get the lawn closest to the house cut before the raindrops begin to fall.

Forgive me if I don't visit my blogging friends this morning. Mother Nature seems to mean business this spring so when she's not raining, I'd best be mowing!

I hope you have a serene Monday. Any plans you'd care to share?

Hope

Last summer we weren't here. You know that. What you don't know is that we have the most amazing friends. Not once did we need to worry about our lawn. Not once. It was meticulously cared for, looked beautiful all year long and everyone involved refused to take credit for their hard work, choosing instead to say it was one of the other people who did the bulk it.

All blessings. We were so very grateful for their love, support and caring. We never concerned ourselves one bit with what was going on here. We knew everything was being well tended.

One thing was very well tended. Meticulously trimmed, to say the least! And, lest you think otherwise, I've got to tell you I'm smiling as I write this. Why? Because one tiny little rosebush was trimmed to within an inch of its life. Planted near a row of pines, it was definitely not large enough to attract attention--especially for someone who didn't know of its existence and who was riding a tractor when it, ah, met the diminuitive rosebush.

You got it. The bush was mowed all summer long.

I'm laughing now. Really. When I first discovered the sawed-off bush a couple of weeks ago, I shed a tear. I remember planting it with Vito and was just sad that it had met an untimely end.

But I'm not crying over the rose anymore. Know why? I'll show you. Take a peek at the photos below. Do you see what I see? That's right, the rosebush is growing. It's not dying, it's living! I am thrilled by its determination, tickled by the saga of its near-miss and eager to see more of the gorgeous orange-and-pink blooms I know it will make.

Hope. It just makes my day. It's what keeps me putting one foot in front of the other.

I'll keep you posted on the progress this rugged rose makes.

Anything new in your world? Please, tell. And have a peaceful day!

Smart Women

Just a short post this morning, since my new book is actually calling me. Oh, what a good feeling! And how fabulous to feel good, even for a little while.

A few days ago a very smart woman told me something that's stuck in my head. I know it may seem obvious to all of you, but please remember you're not mourning your best friend. Anyhow, Cousin Joann asked if I have plans for my upcoming birthday. The truth? No, I don't. For many reasons. I just can't get past the idea that this will be the first birthday since I was 22 that my darling man won't be making my birthday cake, singing to me or sharing my special day. It's going to be difficult, so no, I haven't made plans.

Cousin Joann understood my feelings, as I knew she would. She always understands everything. Then, she gave me the morsel of advice I've had running through my mind since we spoke. What did she say?

"It's all right if you choose to be alone on your birthday, just as long as you know you don't have to suffer."

She cut right to the heart of what I'm feeling. I miss him so much, and it seems so wrong to celebrate without him. So, I'm not going to celebrate. But, thanks to Joann, I'm not going to suffer, either. At least I'm going to try not to intentionally suffer. He would hate that. He wanted me to live, but I am sure he, too, understands that I'm just not ready to celebrate anything--not even my birthday.

The takeaway? Surround yourself with smart women. The smart women in my life are pulling me through this, and I couldn't be more grateful. I don't believe I'd be able to do any of this without them.

Thanks, Joann.

Now, to the new book. The heroine is named Lola, and I'm trying to make her as smart as she can be!

Have you had any bits of advice that have helped you lately?

Giving Thanks

This Thanksgiving season is a particularly special one for us.

I won’t go into the details, but I will say this has been a difficult year. We have had many frightening moments, and a number of obstacles to deal with. But do you know what? We’re still standing, and it’s Thanksgiving so we are giving thanks—from the bottom of our hearts.

We are appreciative for the love and support of family and friends, near and far. Without you, this stressful time would have been even more harrowing. Thank you.

We are grateful beyond words to the dedicated medical professionals who work tirelessly on our behalf. You bring our goal within reach, and give us hope for the future. Thank you.

We appreciate all the heartfelt moments, gestures of kindness and gifts of laughter that have found their way to us these past months. They keep us smiling, and make even the rough days easier. Thank you.

We are thankful for so much that if we began a list no one would get to the dinner table on time…and we don’t want that to happen, do we?

Today, as we gather around our Thanksgiving table, our hearts will overflow and we will be truly, deeply, eternally grateful…for so much, and to so many. We hope you will feel some of the joy that graces our table at your own celebration.

From our home to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.

Angels in Hardhats

Most of us have prayed for help at one time or another.

Sometimes, if you're especially lucky, that help arrives in a red truck.

Pulling some big equipment.

The answer to your prayers is fearless and attacks the rocky soil with determination and enthusiasm. The truck-driving, to-the-rescue crew does what you can't, and you are grateful beyond words for their help.

They drill. They pour concrete. Despite man-hungry mosquitoes and a blazing sun, they smile.

When they're done, they leave in a big, white truck. You wave, happy that they've come to your rescue but sad to see them go.

The reminder that when you prayed, there was an answer. You needed help, and there were those who didn't turn a blind eye or deaf ear. There was a need, and it was taken care of.

Thank you, Jim, Tim and Shamus. We will be forever grateful.

Plans...

are made to be changed.

Yesterday I was sure I was out of Melissa's 100-day challenge. I thought I'd never be able to catch up. I was totally certain I'd need to begin again from day one, all by lonesome, and do my own little challenge because I'd fallen a week behind.

Then I read yesterday's comments. I felt the stench of defeat blow away on the chill morning air. I was instantly inspired, buoyed by the support and encouragement of friends I've never met in real life.

You know, the smile on my face is completely real life, so long-distance companions must be the real thing, too. Don't you think?

Anyhow, my plan changed. Today I did today's 28, as well as yesterday's 27.

Thank you!

Oh! This must be the change-plans weekend. Yesterday I fully intended to get right into that closet, remember? But before I opened the doors I sat down to write for, you know, just a few minutes. A few minutes turned into a couple of hours. I lost myself in the story and it wasn't until my back hurt and fingers ached that I realized how much time had actually passed.

So...the closet? Untouched.

I guess closet cleaning will become a plan for another weekend! *G*

Here and there

I've been trying to catch up on my blog reading these past few days. It's wonderful to get up to speed with what my on-line friends have been doing. I'm so jazzed by what's up in everyone's world! It seems like everybody's got lots going on. I'm inspired! I want to make popcorn, watch movies, buy a winter coat, read (and re-read!), write and attack my flower beds.

*Sigh*

So many fabulous ideas here and there...but only so many hours to each day. But I've got to admit that when Dru posted about her trip to a fabric store and purchase of a fabric panel, my creative mind got working. I actually love those fabric panels because they're so versatile. I mean, they have visual interest built right in. All that's left is to decide how best to use the panel.

A few months ago I bought one covered with cats. My aunt is a cat lover so I thought of her instantly when I saw the panel. I decided to take a fast, easy route and made a small table runner for her. There were nine or ten squares in the panel but I cut them apart, made blocks from the ones I thought she'd most enjoy, then stitched the whole kit and kaboodle together. It took less than an hour to construct and was a fun project.

Now that Dru's reminded me of the always-popular fabric panel, I'm going to head out and see if I can't track down a couple of interesting holiday-themed panels. I've got lots of ideas brewing for those, so hopefully I will find some pretty ones.

I love it when I'm lucky enough to get a great idea from someone else. What about you? Don't you love it when someone inspires you? And, has anyone inspired you lately?

Thanks, Dru!

A Tale of Two Friends

Do you remember the old Bette Midler song? I think it was called "Friends" and the first lines went like this:

Oh, you got to have friends,
the feeling's oh so strong.
You got to have friends
to make that day last long.

Yeah, I know. Nothing earth-shaking and even kind of hokey but what can I say? The words have been stuck in my head for days now.

Do you have close friends? I hope you're nodding, thinking, "Uh huh. I've got 'em." Do you have one really close friend? You know, the one you call for--well, everything? Again, I hope you're smiling, nodding and thinking, "Oh yeah. I've got a friend like that."

Why do I ask? Recently I got a wonderful email from a reader who wanted to tell me how much she enjoyed Vineyard Mambo. Of course any nice reader mail is always appreciated but this one really made me think. One of the comments was about the strong female relationships in my stories. This reader liked the fact that most of my heroines have a tight connection with another woman. It made everything more realistic, she said.

I smiled. What a great observation! I thought about what she'd said. I realized she's got a point. I do generally have a strong friendship in almost everything I write. Why? Because friendships are important to me, plain and simple.

I believe in women supporting each other, through good days and not-so-good ones. I believe in female friendships that, hopefully, last a lifetime. Similar to a marriage, having a close friend is something that makes the ups and downs of this crazy ride we call "life" much more interesting. In some spots it can turn the unbearable into something tolerable, a grin into side-splitting laughter and even the most mundane into something extraordinary. A best friend can bring laughter from tears, and that's a gift not everyone in your life can give.

Me? I could tell a tale of two friends, talk about a bond that's lasted nearly--eek!--three decades. I could share moments of joy and heartache, go on about shouldering burdens and celebrating success. There are stories of motherhood, godmotherhood, gardening, Christmases and countless every days, but I'll save those for another time.

I certainly won't give away any long-held secrets. Talk about drinking green beer and losing a car? Nope, won't let that one out of the bag. Giggle over midnight runs from fraternity houses? Ha! You won't get that info from me! Not today, at least...

There's an immeasurable comfort that comes from sharing a close relationship with a dear friend. It's a good feeling to know, deep down inside where it really, really counts, that you're not alone. Not now. Not ever. No matter what life flings at you, there'll be someone to share it with. What more can anyone ask?

So this reader was very much on-target with her observation about friendships in my stories. I know there has to be a hero and a heroine in each. Sometimes a murder victim, and a killer--or two!--as well. But I also believe there has to be a friend. A real, thick-and-thin, lifetime friend.

I'm lucky, because I know someone who fits that bill in my life. It's said it's easiest to write what you know and the experience of having a dear friend is one I understand. It's an experience I try and gift to each of my heroines because I know it matters. A lot.

This morning, with that ridiculous song bringing a grin to my face, I am thankful for someone special. Someone who runs when she needs to, brings depth to the funny times and helps find clarity in the scary ones and just really, truly makes my life richer with her existence.

So, even though I know she knows who I'm talking about, I have to credit my friend Annie for being part of every "friend" in my stories.

Thanks for yesterday, Annie. And all the yesterdays before yesterday. And thanks for today. And for tomorrow, and all the tomorrows after tomorrow. You're the best.

Which brings me back to my original thought...do you all have an Annie in your life? I sincerely hope you do. One other thought...when was the last time you let your friend know how much she means to you? I ask because I think that sometimes we get so busy we forget the importance of actually telling people they are special, that they have an impact on our lives. I know I do but hey, that's a topic for another day.

Sort of like the green beer story. Now that's something to write about!

Gardeners, a friendly bunch

It's true, you know. Gardeners? A really friendly bunch of people, or at least that's been my experience. At the mention of the word garden, a cameraderie blooms. Can't you feel it?

I love it that Amy shared her experience with popping corn. Now I won't be disappointed, like her kids were, when the popped kernels are plain old white. And I'm tickled to learn she likes kale. Me? I'm growing it for the carving sticks. I haven't any idea what to do with the actual kale. If I'm lucky maybe Amy will share her kale tips. Please?

Dru's question about flats reminds me that not everyone plays in the dirt. A good thing to remember when I get started gabbing about seeds, sprouts and, eventually, saplings. Oh yes, the saplings are coming. In a week or so, I believe, but that's a post for another day.

By the way, a gardener's "flat" is a rectangular box, usually plastic but I'm lucky enough to have some really old wooden flats that I use as well as the plastic ones. The flat holds the smaller containers filled with soil and seeds. In big greenhouses most seedling cell packs are black plastic but I use peat pots and peat cell packs. That way when I plant, I plant the whole thing. Much easier for me. Hopefully better for the plants and garden.

Marianne, a fellow gardening enthusiast, wants to visit my greenhouse. I would love that! We could gab about writing and weeds. It sounds like fun, doesn't it?

Even on the other side of the world, gardening interest blooms--literally! My friend Jude sent lovely pictures of her barrel cactus. It's three years old (I asked) and a specimen any plant lover would enjoy seeing. If she says it's all right, I'll share the photos with all of you. I still can't figure out just how big it is because when I asked she gave me some centimeter answer that my old-math mind didn't translate into inches so I'm still clueless about how big this thing actually is. In gardening, size matters, you see, and I'm wildly curious but, like I said, without any idea. All I know is I think she should mail it over so we can all get a good look at it. Sounds like a plan, doesn't it?

Yesterday I shot over to Home Depot to pick up, what else?, more gardening supplies. Seeds, the stuff that doesn't require any more than two or three weeks' headstart, like cukes and some flowers, were fun to pick out. And I got zucchini, beans and the rest of the direct-sow seeds. Most of them, anyway. I'm sure there's something I forgot. (Trust me, I didn't forget anything. I just like to go look at the garden center plants.)

While I chose seeds I made a friend. A man friend. See? Meeting a man can happen in some unlikely spots, can't it?

Hold on to your hats, ladies! This man friend was probably in his eighties. A gardener, with obviously loads of experience, he was eager to talk. We compared the merits of determinate versus indeterminate tomato varieties (he favored indeterminate) and had an all-too-brief discussion about single-color, themed flower beds. We agreed we both enjoy multi-colored beds more but understand the monochromatic enthusiasts', well, enthusiasm for keeping flowers a uniform color.

Too quickly we parted but the memory of our meeting lingers. I enjoyed talking with the mystery gardener for so many reasons. He was a wealth of knowledge. He'd probably forgotten more about gardening than I know. He was funny, with a keen wit that made itself clear when he spoke about one-color gardens. And there was a sparkle in his deep brown eyes that gave me a hint at the man he was, long before age left its mark on his body. So many things he said and did in the short span of our acquaintance are imprinted on my mind, but what made the biggest impression on me was the love that lit his expression while we talked. Not love for a woman, but a deep, undeniable appreciation for the soil and growing things. He was a true gardener, and our friendship, although short, was based on that mutual love and respect.

This morning I'm headed out to the greenhouse. I'm going to play in the dirt and smile as I consider gardening, gardening friends--old and new--and the bounty that will be growing in our corner of the world this year. It's going to be a pretty summer, I just know it is.

Numbers

Thinking numbers this morning. Not words, but numbers.

9,125 -- The number of words I've got written on my NaNo novel, Seaside Shimmy.

8 -- It's day number eight of National Novel Writing Month.

5 -- Snowdance is number five this morning on the Whiskey Creek Press Hot Titles list.

3 2/3 -- Number of months before my second novel, Vineyard Mambo, releases.

And the number of times I've felt my heart jump since I saw my name at the top of someone's NaNo profile Favorite Authors list? Countless. And, undoubtedly, I'll get countless more joyful moments from that one. Thank you, Vickie. :)