Done

Today I wrote the last four story revisions and now have a back log of reading for dear Connie to do when she gets back from her weekend away.

She has been my extra set of eyes, scrutinizing word choice, tone and even punctuation. She is happy to tell anyone that is because of her OCD. But she left early Saturday and I have produced sixteen more stories since then. So until I get them back from her I won't forward them to the editor.

I feel that I eliminated redundant topics and softened the voice and added more of an intimate invitation to spending time with God in my writing, so please pray with me that it meets with the Editorial team's approval. Of course, if it doesn't I will do whatever it takes to fix it, but this was hard work.

Writing is solitary and I am ready to be back home and with my family and friends again.

I fly into Newark Wednesday and will visit my mom briefly before going home. I spoke with her today and she really sounded awful. She does and doesn't want to stay in NY, does and doesn't want to come to PA, and basically doesn't want to live on without my dad.

She tells me she cries every night (I have been too) and night time is always the hardest. I am at a loss as to how to support her, perhaps simply listening and affirming her feelings are what is best for now. I am glad she isn't in the apartment by herself, yet she doesn't really seem satisfied that Matt and Carolyn are there either. It is difficult. Nothing is ever quite right and she is very negative. I can't fix it for her, I can only help her with the choices she has to make, but now apparently she has changed her mind about the apartment in Danville (who would want to live in stupid Danville, she says) that we put a deposit down on and were planning on renting starting in June. Perfect place, but only if she wants to come to PA. Now she says she wants to stay in the city....Yet the apartment makes her sad because all of my dad's stuff is still there. I am confused.

Lost Post...

Shoot. I wrote a post last night and the darn connection blanked out, and it's not even in autosaved edits.

We stayed up pretty late really talking, like I mean, really, really talking. Sharing from the heart talking, me, Connie and my mom. We shared of ourselves, our hearts, our joys, our sorrows and our God. She has such a difficult time accepting any kind of gift, that the concept of the gift of God's love is almost unfathomable. Heck, the grace thing rather than works thing is tough for any of us...

But earlier in the day we went over to a neighboring town by boat and it was beautiful...we had a picnic on the boat of bread, cheese and then wonderful cookies...and the whole time Connie and I were wearing our flamingo and palm tree sunglasses.

We were on no schedule, even though my mom would always like to put us on one, but that's OK. She needs and does well with routine. We ambled, we laughed, we sat and had a capuccino and discussed our Diva Celebration and shared ideas about helping other women experience joy.

We continue to make people smile wherever we go. (Isn't that better than saying they are laughing at us?) And we forget we have the glasses on...and then we remember, and we smile first and it's contagious.

We found matching black outfits today that we will wear when we hit the road with Conversations with Connie and Kathy. Of course, I have to change the spelling of my name to begin with a "C"....but that's OK. Today we need to find Hot Pink accesories and we will be all set.

May you also bring delight to others. Smile first, you are guaranteed to get a smile in return!

Plains, Trains, but no Automobiles...

Italy seems to be a popular destination...hmmm...but not correct, sorry. Honduras is in April, to re-write my MS. I am happy to say I did the intro and first story and found the voice the editor was looking for. That is a relief.

In the meantime, today brought a couple of trips on trains. We have relocated to warmer weather, which is lovely. Thank God Connie is along, as Friday would have been my parents 57th wedding anniversary. My mom is so sad and lonely...and distractions abound. So please continue to pray that the distractions quickly go away.

We are in a beautiful spot overlooking a lake with palm trees and just gorgeous blue skies...I think tomorrow may include a boat ride. We started the day at a phenomenal playground with incredible vistas and a seesaw that Nicole became totally enamored with. My thighs are beginning to scream at me now...more of a work out than squats...we found a cute little pizza place and just relaxed over a leisurely dinner, until memories started to overtake my mom and all we had was a dirty napkin for her to wipe her tears away with. She just misses my dad so much and doesn't have a spiritual anchor. Connie is so gifted with words to express the hope and belief that she (and I)have about where my dad is and the connection between us even though he isn't here physically with us.

There were fireworks over the lake at supper time...and they were beautiful, but only three and Connie spoke with such gentle caring and love about how she felt they were special greetings from my dad for just the three of us, me,my mom and Nicole. Just beautiful, and so reassuring to me.

I know my dad would love to be here with us in body, but I know he is in spirit.

Peace.

A Full and Fabulous Day

So what can I say? All my days are full, but today was fabulous because I got to enjoy really nice, relaxed time with three of my four children and there wasn't much bickering. Hardly any at all...

I went shopping with the girls, there wasn't any fighting, reasonable choices, both in style and by cost were made, and I even bought myself a pair of pink shoes at Old Navy. In case you didn't know this or hadn't figured it out, I love hot pink!

I got some really affirming emails regarding the Bible study (stick to what you believe in, be true to your voice, etc.) and had a great day with the girls.

Then I had a great evening visit with Matt. He seems to be over the pain hump with his broken rib. Please continue to support him as you do through your thoughts and prayers. He is going through some inner struggle regarding important decisions regarding his future: relationships, career choice, location etc. knowing the first order of business is to recover from the rib, finish his internship, have wrist surgery and then...the rest. We had a wonderful visit with conversation, thoughts, dreams, desires, etc. and I have a great sense of joy and pride in where he seems to be at at the moment. He is giving very strong consideration to working with Second Nature, the Therapeutic Wilderness program that was transformational for him in 2002. This could very well end up being one of those very cool full circle stories...time will tell.

And then I got great news from my dear, hilarious and exceptionally talented friend Connie today letting me know she had all three of the stories she sent in to a Chicken Soup book accepted. Way to go Connie! We want to write a book together. Humor, of course and for moms and then we figure we can go on the Connie and Kathy travelling road show...dreams are always worth having.

A great day of simple pleasures. Make sure you take time for those in your own life.

Peace.