Off to Mount Hermon!

I'm heading up to the Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference Wednesday morning to teach for a week. I'm excited about what's ahead for my 'students' and for me. It is always a good day/week/year at Mount Hermon. At this time of year lovely flowers will be in bloom all over the campus. What a joy it is to encourage new writers to step out and share their stories with others and to help them find their place in the world of publishing. I remember with gratitude all the people who helped me when I was starting. Now it's time to give back.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I didn't wear green today--but many of my friends did when we met for our weekly hike at a park in Santa Cruz, California, near where I live. Irish is written all over my face so I don't need the 'green.' All my grandparents were born in Dublin--so a part of the old sod is within me and under me. I hope I get to see it in person before I go to heaven. In the meantime, I'm enjoying the green hills behind our home, reminiscent of the photos I've seen of Ireland.

And today I was also reminded of a sweet experience my daughter Julie and I shared years ago, written up on her blog today, "Irish Rambles." Check it out, if you wish. http://julieunplugged.blogspot.com/2009/03/irish-rambles.html

It's wonderful when a daughter remembers something special about her mother!! The photo to the left is of Julie and me (I'm wearing green there, you'll notice) on my birthday last year.

Here is a book I am PROUD to recommend. Journey to the Well by my good friend Diana Wallis Taylor is one of the best biblical novels I've read in years. I loved it! Not only does the author explore in detail the life and relationships of the woman at the well we've read about in Scripture, but in so doing she touches the heart and life of every woman and man today, and displays through the story the unfathomable love and grace that is available to each one of us through Jesus Christ. Buy this book today. In fact, buy a second one and give to a friend or relative.

Sleepover at Grammy's!

Oh to be ten again and to have a sleepover at your grandmother's house with your best friend, where Grammy waits on you hand and foot, you have your own room, tv and computer, and the undivided attention of your grandparents. That was my granddaughter Mairin's experience Friday night. And it was my pleasure to be the grandma doing the serving. I never had a living grandmother when I was a child so I am relishing BEING one. We played card games and dominoes, visited the public library, went to the movies, had waffles for breakfast, and took a neighborhood walk. Such fun. These days will never pass this way again, so I am making the most of them and loving every minute.