Welcome Fall!

Hola!

Welcome to Fall!  While I love the smell of the cool, crisp air, pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting, and the explosion of leaf color, the kicker is that winter is waiting in the wings.

The new PJ book is coming along and still in manuscript form, but I'm so excited about it.

The setting is Tucson, Arizona.  PJ and Spidey travel by train from the midwest to their cousin's ranch to meet their desert family.  Initially, the duo finds the harsh desert heat and cultural diversity a challenge.  But they learn and grow on this vacation and, as they do, it's a fun trip for us, too!

Writing consumed me from sunrise to sunset last week. I even made dinner with the manuscript in my hand and carried the story and a red pen to the treadmill with me.

I struggled with whether to write the book with sparse narrative, which is popular right now, or in rhyme.  So, I did both.  First, in narrative form; then, in poems.  But, rhyme won out, because you tell me that's what you like.  And, I love rhyme, too.  It's soothing.  And this one is funny!

Much thought went into age-appropriate words for this book before I realized that age-appropriate words don't matter so much.  Children may not fully understand what a word means, but their little minds grasp context.  Sometimes, they just like the sound of a new word that's funny or unusual.

Once re-writing, re-thinking, and word-smithing is complete, I'll turn the manuscript over to my incredible illustrator, Ivy Hinrichs, to do her Disney-like magic.  Then, we'll roll out the best of our work for you to enjoy.

As always, thank you for your support!

Adios!

July Update

PJ turned "Sweet 16" years old in June!  Seems like she was just an adorable, eight-week-old ball of fur.  Fortunately, for us, she's been a very healthy feline.  But, like most older cats, she was diagnosed with kidney disease last November.

This is all new territory for me.  Believe it or not, her treatment includes subcutaneous infusions of fluid.  No one could have convinced me that she, or any cat, would sit still and tolerate a needle with fluids, but she does.  Well, yes, we did have a few challenging visits at first when she tried to get up and move around during the infusion.  But lately, she has been almost perfect.  She knows the drill, and the technician says she understands that she feels better after receiving fluids.  I believe it.

Lately, people have been asking when the next PJ book will be available, so here's the scoop: The story line, which I'm very excited about, is sketched out.  Now, the fine tuning begins, with much work to do before engaging my awesome illustrator, Ivy.

Hope you're all having a wonderful summer!  Stay cool!

The Calico House in Ankeny -- You Will LOVE it!!

If you're like me and love the HGTV show "Fixer Upper," then I have a great tip for you!!

Located in Uptown Ankeny is a fabulous new store called, "The Calico House." You'll swear that Chip and Joanna Gaines own it. There's even shiplap on the walls!  

Beautifully painted pieces of furniture, art, kitchen decor, and more welcome you at the door. (And you'll even see copies of "PJ, the Blue-eyed Kitty" in the mix.) 

Here's a link to The Calico House Facebook page:
THE CALICO HOUSE in Ankeny

Instead of waiting for more episodes of Fixer Upper, head to The Calico House.  Go.  Now.  You'll love it.  And while you're there, check out the other fun, new stores in Uptown Ankeny, along with Firetrucker Brewery, restaurants, etc.  

See you there!

Happy Summer Reading!

Warm Greetings, Everyone!

It's been a very busy winter, and I apologize for the long gap since my last post.  

As we ease into summer, I think we're all looking forward to sunshine, flip flops, and outdoor time.  

Whether traveling or spending time at the lake, pool, or in the backyard hammock, one of the best ways to relax is by getting lost in a good book.  Romance novels by Susan Wiggs are always high on my list, but I also like to change it up and learn new things from a variety of nonfiction books, too.  

Right now, I'm reading "The Forgotten 500" by Gregory A. Freeman.  It's a "never before told story of the greatest rescue mission of World War II," and an exciting read that I can't put down.  This book would entice anyone to learn more about WWII.  In fact, these are the stories that would entice children to learn more about the history of our nation and the brave men and women who sacrificed for our freedom.  The book's exceptionally well-written accounts of soldiers' harrowing experiences pull me right into the scenes and keep me on the edge of my seat.  I highly recommend it. 

Of course, a summer afternoon nap always rates right up there with reading.  Even PJ agrees.  In fact, she excels at napping, normally within her favorite cardboard box.  But lately, she's given new meaning to the phrase "hit the sack," as you can see in the photo below.  She buries her face into the bottom of a paper sack to shield her eyes from the light.  Hmmm.....do you think maybe it's her feline version of a "beauty mask?"   

Good to catch up with you!  I'll share more news with you in the next post . . .