Tonight I have been spending the evening out on my porch. If you can count on the weather in Oregon to do anything, you can count on it to be wackily weird. It’s mid September and in the mid 90’s. I think that is kind of like seeing snow falling, and sticking, in April. It is one of those rare nights home, haven’t had many of those lately, much less Katie being home at the same time, I’m enjoying it. It’s very hazy outside but warm. I am considering going swimming or at least sticking my feet in. For now, I’m quite happy with my chocolate cake made in a mug in the microwave and a glass of milk. Yes, you read that right folks. Cake in a mug made in the microwave, it was something Katie tried out tonight and I like it. With no editing to do, YAHOOO!!!, I have been cuddling up to my laptop and reading my friend’s blog. She wonders where I find the time to read the whole thing and I told her, sometimes, I just need her blog. She has taught me so much through her rants. Of course, she sees this as weakness, I see it as strength. Strength does not always belong to the strong. Sometimes strength is found where the words go, not necessarily where they came from.
I thought about going to get my nose stud changed to a ring tonight at my favorite tattoo and body piercing parlor, but decided to stick with my plan for Wednesday. I will go get it then. I went by there to hang out for a while on Saturday night, I’m addicted now, and Emily told me I heal extraordinarily well. I may have to test this theory with another piercing sometime but for now, I am looking forward to the ring. That was the night I wrote an article for FGConnections, a task I was given on behalf of the Editorial Board. Though it took me nearly the whole night, I think it came out well. I am waiting to hear what suggestions Lucy has. Most of the corrections to my writing thus far have come from my editors or professors. Writing for a publication is a new and fun experience.
What I really need to write though, is my next book. People have been mentioning it so I know it’s time. You will be glad to know my staff have agreed to do the next one. ClaraLee has the first couple of illustration assignments and my editors are waiting for the first batch of poetry to be mailed off. A good staff behind an author is invaluable, my books wouldn’t be half as good without them, I wonder what this one will feel like? Each of the books has a different feel to it. Lately I have been thinking a lot about how my books are like my kids. Yes, there is me, but I also have this responsibility to them. Like a single parent, my life is not my own. I made a choice, a commitment when I “gave birth” to them, that I would carry each one and help them stand on their own. Whatever my life holds, they will be a part of it. I’m glad for that, I love living my life as an author. It’s not an easy one, but very rewarding. Some of you are going to think this is all weird but this metaphor is common in the author circles and whenever one of us says something like it, we all nod our heads in knowing agreement. I am very protective of their life, of my life that goes into them. It’s a commitment I made and I will keep it.