Bittersweet

Some sad news here. My step-grandmother, a wonderful, wonderful woman who married my grandfather after my grandmother died, passed away yesterday. She was ready, I think, but it doesn't make it any less sad. I don't know what would have happened to my grandfather had he not had her. He adored her, and we all did too.

On a happier note, the forsythia are starting to bloom in tentative yellow bursts. Vacation is over, but the end of spring break for me is always sort of exciting. I feel enervated, revitalized and ready to go back. And, it also signals the closing in of the end of the semester and the beginning of summer. I am so excited to get back to my own writing, I can barely stand it. Over break, I re-read the new novel and, despite its rough edges (and squishy middle), I think it might wind up being really, really good. It's my first third person novel...from many points of view. I love the family in it. And it's another Lake Gormlaith novel...

I've been taking more pictures lately too...I got some great ones today of Esmee wearing bunny ears while Kicky stares me down through a magnifying glass in the background. Priceless. We had a terrific Easter...lots of chocolate and eggs. Kicky said that she heard the Easter Bunny, and I quote:

K: I heard thump, thump, hop.
Me: Really?
K: Yes. And then a twinkling sound.
Me: A twinkling sound? What was that?
K: Jelly beans, Mom. Going into the eggs?!

I hope this sweet faith in all things magical lasts just a little while longer.

Single Mermama

I've been completely consumed with mermamahood for the last several weeks; P has been traveling for work, leaving me and the girls to fend for ourselves. In a way, it's been empowering; did you know that it is, indeed, possible for one person to drop two children off at schools in two separate cities and still get to work by 8:00 a.m.? To make all speech therapy, ballet, and gymnastics lessons despite two outbreaks of hives? Did you know that one single, not very big or strong woman is capable of assembling three Ikea wardrobes in a 7 ft by 3 ft. space to surprise husband upon his return? Well, it is, and I proved it. I'm pooped. BUT, I am on spring break for a week, so all is well in the world. Today I'm taking the girls to a Purim party at Esmee's school and then to "Horton Hears a Who."

On the writing front: I just mailed back the copyedited manuscript to Kensington. Next come the proofs and galleys!!