7/3… didn’t leave until 11 AM and arrived in Richmond, VA around 10:30 PM. That’s some hard driving, which we hope not to do again. It’s exhausting, but hopefully we’ll get this house on the market this time!

7/5… reminiscing about the Orlando massacre and the impact this tragedy has had on Orlando. Many men can be seen walking around Orlando and suburbs in something that looks like capes, apparently in an attempt to show they are not defeated. The Florida Mall Macy’s has rainbow banners hanging around the store and signs that state their support and sympathy for the LGBT community. News coverage indicated that over $1,000,000 has been donated by the Orlando community to the families of those who were killed in the massacre.

7/4… The 4th was spent at the cabin and we could see 9 different fireworks displays across the top of the mountains on the other side of the Shenandoah River. That was unique, but they were so far away that they made a smaller impact than the ones back home. In Orlando area, you can go to fireworks at Cranes’ Roost in Altamonte Springs the night of July 3 and it’s really spectacular. Problem is, about 1500 other people agree with you. Then, July 4, there’s a great display around Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. This year, Orlando will be out in force, to show unity after the recent Orlando massacre.

7/2 … getting ready to go back to West Virginia… again, to prepare the cabin for sale. The main difference this time is that we actually have realtors and contractors lined up so we can choose who’s best for us and get this show on the road.  Speaking of which, it’s about 900 miles to the cabin – what a ride!

Actually wondering why no one will comment on my books that they’ve just read… I know; I’m impatient!

7/1… today is our anniversary. Wish I could say we did something unusual and fun. Problem is that we got derailed by people who thought their plans were more important. Unfortunately, it required our assistance. So many opportunities to forgive, right? Will have to choose another day to celebrate – this one’s shot.

6/28… today was the final class with writer/instructor Peter Telep. How incredible that he co-wrote some books with Tom Clancy. His personal writing and publishing experiences were valuable lessons and encouraging since I’m basically an unknown writer.  But I can’t give up because plots and themes continue running through my mind. And I can’t ignore them! Nor do I want to. The joy and challenge of writing are hard to explain but without this craft, I feel like a fish out of water. I love to write and hope that soon, people will love to read what I write.

6/27… Interruptions! Goodness! Suddenly, contacting realtors and contractors in Harpers Ferry, WV, is consuming days and blogs!! I finally have these people in time slots for meetings the first week of July so I’m back on track for at least a few days! I have a surprisingly new direction for some YA novels, targeted for middle and high school kids. More on this later, but I’ve got to get busy on this before we take off for WV this weekend. I’m excited but seriously challenged by the themes of these new books…. With God, all things are possible!

So today, I finally sent out all those books to the dozen people who requested them. It took well over an hour – much longer than I’d thought. Can’t wait for the comments to start rolling in. I’m determined to be tough-skinned because not everyone likes everything about all you’ve written. You can learn from all comments – if you’re willing to listen… and not take comments personally. Won’t I be surprised if the comments are easily digestible?

One week later and we’re back home, leaving a cleaner cabin in Harper’s Ferry, WVA. It’s down to business now. I’ve promises to keep and a dozen ebooks to gift people back at school. It’s either the suspense/mystery about Alexa Silven or the YA comedy about high school drama. Different tastes abound. This is good, though, because they REALLY want to read my books. Hope they’ll enjoy them!