Thursday 13: Another Mish-Mash

It's officially summer. I love that. I am landscaping my yard, writing, pushing myself to cook at home more often (versus going to my favorite restaurants), and, with what is now, I believe, a permanent fact, letting deep love wash over me, even if it means I cry sometimes.

.

In no order, here's this week's Thursday 13:

.

1. I may have sold my book on Good Work! It seems I may have a publisher with an interest to work with me, better identify the marketing niche it will need, and hopefully provide a $$ advance and publishing contract.

.

2. If not, I am still uplifted and psyched by their interest. I'm someone who can sail far with alittle encouragement.

.

3. Related to # 2, I love compliments. If it's true you give what you want, I hope I make a good effort to communicate my appreciation to the people in my life.

.

4. Last year JB & I got a quote in the thousand's to landscape the yard. We signed the contract with the agreement that we could back out if the references and finished yards weren't what we expected. Ohmygod!--we looked at a few yards this "expert" had completed and we hated each one--plants and shubs too small for the size of the house, and boring same-old-same-old selections. So we got our deposit back decided I would do the landscaping myself. For me, it's probably a 3 year project, but I am loving it.

.

5. I am ready to send out query letters for the first draft of the novel I completed last November for the National Novel Writing Month Contest. And I am totally in love with the short story about "Casey" and "Izzy", entitled "Flight of the Heart: The Sob Story of Two Soulmates who Find Eachother at the Worse Possible Time.

.

6. I lie on Stella's dog bed with her sometimes late at night. Last week I fell asleep holding her paw and several hours later I awoke with a start, thinking I was holding someone's hand. In my sleepened state, when I realized it was a paw and not a person, I jumped a mile.

.

7. Mr. Ryan is now five months old. He smiles when he sees JB and me and our hearts tritely jump for joy. I didn't know what I wanted him to call me--I really don't like grandma or granny etc, so I started calling myself No-Name. At first Jessica shook her head pathetically, but it just might stick--that is, whatever Ryan's pronounciation of "No-Name" will be.

.

8. We'll soon find out if our house can effectively accomodate plenty of company this summer. Both JB and I want to welcome and enjoy guests without feeling that we have to be Grand Hostesses.

.

9. With all its farms, this part of the world grows and specializes in asparagus, and this is harvest time. I've never tasted asparagus like this before--with a little cream dill sauce, it is just awesome.

.

10. I'm finding myself with friends of all ages, ranging from 22 (Nicole!) to 83 (Aunt Theresa). I like this alot. And I am the beneficiary of a terrific best friend (Ces) who keeps me laughing, hopping, trusting, and settling in for life. Thank you, Universe.

.

11. We are having an art fair in our yard this summer. Anyone who wants can make or bring whatever they want and show it off, sell it, etc. As for me, I plan to read tarot cards for $ 5 a shot. Then I will spend the money I make to shop at the art fair.

.

12. A joke: How many psychiatrists does it take to change a lightbulb?

Answer: Just one, but the lightbulb has really got to want to change. ( hahaha)

.

13. I am reading Eat Pray Love aloud with JB and we have just begun the Ashram/India section. I realize, with great surprise, that I would like to go to an ashram in India for 3 months or more. I used to meditate and chant at one near Boston. Although I tended to reject the "groupie" nature and orange dots and robes, I found wonderful peace inside myself every time I went. So if saying my desire outloud is the beginning of experiencing it, I might be ready for destiny to take the wheel....