Last fall I spent an afternoon pulling weeds and cleaning up flower beds at my daughter’s house.  The older two boys – Peyton and Logan – were in school, but Chase was still at home.  I think he looks like a little James Garner in his hat and boots!

Chase was combining his digging chores with his snack time, and munching mini-marshmallows out of a little plastic bowl.  Next thing we knew, he was digging holes and burying the marshmallows in the flower bed.  Turns out he was hoping that if he planted the mini ones, once they grew he would have normal size ones for some’ores! 

I didn’t see the point in explaining the fallacy of that theory, so we filled the little watering can and let him finish out the project the right way.  He was very proud of his hard work, and we were very proud of his thought processes!

I never heard the official end of that story, but I’m pretty sure he did NOT harvest marshmallows.  But what we planted that day – and what grew from that – were happy times together making wonderful memories.  I’m hoping that sometime soon we can plant some more marshmallows.  I’ve been really hungry for some’ores…..  Love you, Chase!!!!

Here is the house that Charlie built!  My parents still live in this house, one that Charlie built for his wife, Annie, and the one in which Mary spent her last years.

It’s amazing to me how much history is in this house.  The floor to ceiling wooden cupboards in the kitchen.  The walk-in closet in the upstairs hall.  The clawfoot bathtub in the upstairs bathroom.  The attic with the low ceiling, because at the last minute Annie decided the house was too big and Charlie had to alter the plans.

I am so honored to be part of the story, sharing in Mary’s history and creating my own.  And even more honored that my parents chose to share the story with me, a story that came to life in LETTERS TO MARY.  Be sure to check it out. 

Yesterday I spent the entire day at my daughter’s home helping to get the house organized.  We were everywhere from the attic to the basement (Matt’s territory!) and all places in between.  I was designated weed-puller – which is playing in the dirt as far as I’m concerned!  Before long I had that little garden space spiffed up and looking showy again.

I did find a snake skin hiding in the leaves under the peony bush, but luckily no other evidence of any other living creatures.  I’m thankful for that!  We worked from 9:30am until almost 10pm, and really got a lot accomplished.  Just a bit more to go!

I am very project oriented so this was really lots of fun and brought me much satisfaction.  I got those ‘troops’ lined up and marching and we accomplished more than we thought we would.  They were all good little soldiers!  Thanks to my family for a day well spent, and for all the love and fellowship that crept about while we were lugging furniture and sorting through closets!  Great job – love you guys!  

Almost 240 years ago, men and women who were no different than you and I set their hearts and minds on making the 13 colonies a separate nation.  Much sacrifice was made, many battles were fought; families were alienated from each other and countless people gave their lives.

I am not sure I would have been a Patriot; I am extremely loyal and unmoved in my convictions, but I am relieved and proud to say that I am 100% American, a Patriot to the largest degree.

Whatever you do today, this entire weekend, take a moment to thank God for your – OUR – country, and to recognize the people that stepped out in faith and determination, and to those who continue to do so today.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Last Friday night we had the 42-author book signing at Seton Hill in conjunction with the IN YOUR WRITE MIND writer’s conference.  It was amazing to me to be part of that for the first time in the ten-plus years we have been having book signings!

If you have the opportunity next June (last weekend of the month) make plans to stop by.  Not too many other places will you get so many authors signing their books under one roof!

I had the pleasure of signing and selling my very first book to my new friend Angela, who seemed almost as excited as I was!  Ron stepped in to capture the moment for us to share. It was a feeling that I will remember for a very long time, and many thanks to everyone who made it possible, from the inspiration for the book clear through the book signing!  It was super great!!!  M

This photo does it little justice, but the view from the top of Denton on my morning walk was so tranquil and amazing.  The hills, the houses hidden in the mist (almost like Brigadoon!), and the quiet of the early hour just inspired me. 

I am thinking about a conversation from last night, and about how it was brought home to me that I have so many amazing blessings in my life!  God’s grace, my family, friends, someone who loves me for just who I am (although I feel very unworthy!), job(s), writing communities, even good health –  – There is not much more I could ask for.

Funny thing is, at this point in my life, mostly what I ask for is for those I care about: wanting peace, health, comfort, prosperity, happiness, contentment – and a little bit of ‘dream come true’.

And right now, in this minute, that is what I wish for you.  M

We are right in the middle of the Seton Hill IN YOUR WRITE MIND writing conference on the Hill.  Published authors from every genre, including agents and editors looking for promising new material, get together to workshop, study, teach, and network.

Tonight is the big book signing in McKenna Center at 7pm, and I’m relieved to say that I received a small shipment of books so I can participate!  I’m trying to keep my feet on the ground!

In the meantime, I have spent 5 delightful days checking in on Oscar, my sister’s cat, while they were in Boston.  Oscar is a very haughty cat, but I think desperation drove him to making friends with me.  I always felt guilty leaving him, but he’s healthy and safe so I think I have done my job!  Food on the table (floor, actually!), water in the bowl, and a scratch on the ear. What more could a guy ask for???  

Have a great weekend!

Well, for all of you who are keeping track, today is 6 months from Christmas day!  I mentioned this to my boss this morning; he is always reminding me; I beat him to the punch! He said I’d better call and remind his wife so she could start her shopping!

Now I like Christmas as well as the next guy, in fact, probably more than most. And I love my little Charlie Brown Christmas Tree. But I am definitely NOT ready for that just yet.  I love summer, and warm weather, and bare feet, and shorts and sunshine and gardens and running outside!   No jackets, boots, mittens,  icy roads, shoveling snow!

But I will make this one concession.  I will “honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year”, to quote ‘A Christmas Carol’.  Peace, kindness, joy, sharing, laughter. 

Yep.  When it comes to that part of the holiday, I’m good…..

Ron and I went to a grad party for my boss’s son on Saturday, and on the way home saw this little lady walking around the field.  We stopped and took photos through the window.  She just looked at us as if we were the anomaly! 

When we got back to his house, we walked across the road into the cemetery and spent about an hour just looking at tombstones and enjoying the tranquility.  It was cool enough to be comfortable and such a beautiful night!

So many wonderful things: old friends, and new.  Great food and fun.  Quiet, peaceful walks.  The beauty of nature.  Celebrating a job well done – congrats, Marcus! 

Last weekend when the Skunk Hollow Girls were at my mom’s, we had the great honor and privilege of being taken on a ‘history tour’ back to the foundation of the original Cole homestead (Mary’s home).  I had imagined that there would be a few corner stones or indentations to indicate where it had been.  Imagine my delight when there was one whole foundation wall and a set of steps intact! 

Photo above is me holding a picture of the original house.  My parents gave the photo to the current owner of the land surrounding the homestead (I have a copy), so we added that to the ‘photo shoot’! Roger (homeowner) did a great job filling us in on the background as he had researched it, and again, you can always learn something new and exciting.

(Part of the foundation and the steps!)

It was a great weekend, and I am feeling blessed to have so many people invested in LETTERS TO MARY!  Thank you!