August 2007

For me, summers are all about starting, or finishing, major writing projects. This summer, that includes finishing a new novel, outlining a book of verse for tweens, and trying my hand at chapter books. Too ambitious, you say? So, what else is new? I'm known for routinely biting off more than saner humans would try to chew. Seems I just can't help myself.

To make absolutely certain my days are packed beyond all recognition, I've gone craft-crazy, making stationery sets, decorating old wood boxes, and making colorful cuffs. Most of these goodies are for an art fair in October (a fundraising project for Inspire House, a ministry supporting foster kids who have aged-out of the system.) A few boxes and such will be used for various silent auctions (I get so bored sending signed books. I figure anyone can get one of those from me at a booksigning. Isn't something made by me more interesting?) Then, of course, the remainder will go to friends, wrapped in Christmas glitter. Yes, I believe in getting a head start on the holidays!

In August, I make a quick trip to Seattle to address a lovely group of librarians and reading specialists to encourage them to use books with the wonderful Coretta Scott King award seal. Yay! I'm proud to have won a few of those myself. While I'm there, it will be great to visit my friends, Carolynn and Jack Prelutsky. Speaking of which....

Have you been to poetryfoundation.org? There's a lovely feature on me there, written by Children's Poet Laureate, Jack Prelutsky! (Yup! I've got great connections. Smile.)

Summer would be bland without barbecues, picnics, potlucks, concerts and the like, so I've added a smattering of those, as well. Is it any wonder I never seem to have enough time?

Can you say “busy”?

But it is a good kind of busy, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

(Two weeks ago I put away all the condolence cards I received after my mom died in May. It was an important step, a sign that I am moving on. And yet, the subject of loss and its impact on those left behind, is never far from my thoughts. No surprise, then, that this old journal entry caught my eye. It is about my late daughter, Tawfiqa.)

Tawfiqa opened up places in me that made God's love real to me. She was a defining presence in my life. Even now, I sometimes feel her small hand on my shoulder, hear her tiny voice urging me on in the pure, right, sure direction. She may not stand in the gap but her life made the gap visible to me, caused me to see it, see my need for God.

No matter what's going on in your world, I hope you are enjoying your summer. I hope you are making it rich with memory!