Mandi Bean's Blog, page 11

On birds and good fortune.

Miracle Maddie

Maddie landed in Mexico on Thursday with Missy and Sammy in tow. The week has gone really well. Her procedure was on Monday and while we were nervous because it was a more invasive procedure than her first, everything went well and Maddie is being closely monitored and observed as she’s recovering. Because of the nature of the procedure, it’s more likely the stem cells will make it to her brain and we’re already seeing a brighter complexion and more movement. Recovering from a profound brain injury takes a long time, and while we’re trying to manage our expectations, we’re very excited to see the benefits of this procedure.

We also owe a large debt of gratitude to Alicia Smith, who asked her friends and family and loved ones to donate to Maddie’s GoFundMe in honor of Alicia’s birthday. That effort raised over $1,000 and our hearts are completely overwhelmed with gratitude.

Ireland

I went to 70’s Night at Stables–the bar on campus–hosted by the Postgraduate Student Union and had a lot of fun! I’m not a huge fan of disco, but it was infectious to see people smiling and dancing after a rough two years. I wore a head scarf and hoop earrings, which was the best I could do with my minimalist wardrobe. Others were more committed: one guy had a polyester shirt opened at the waist with white bellbottoms and a wig, another guy dressed as Freddie Mercury and was spot on and stayed in character the entire night, and there was even a Han Solo.

It’s been raining a lot lately, but the birds are still singing. On Valentine’s Day, a bird flew in through my open window, hopped around the carpet, and then flew back out. I took it as a good sign especially because of the holiday and that it was the day of Maddie’s procedure. I Googled it and was delighted my suspicions were confirmed. Apparently, if a light-colored bird flies into your house, it signals good fortune. And that was the second time it’s happened to me in Ireland.

Writing Photo by Dennis Nett; Syracuse University professor George Saunders at his home.

I recently read an article from The Guardian about author George Saunders. Saunders shared his advice for writing:

Revise – use intuition

One of the major lessons I’ve learned while completing this master’s program in creative writing, and which was reiterated in this article, is that editing is an integral part of the process. That’s where the real work is; you need to get the story written, but then you need to get it right. I would usually just copyedit and read over the manuscript like once and now, with abject horror, I realize how sloppy and ineffective an approach that is. So not only does editing require time and attention, but it also asks the writer to stay true to his or her intuition. No matter what an informative article says, no matter what a lecturer tells you, it’s always your story.
Number the Drafts – for big changes

This has been reinforced in lectures time and again and this will definitely be the basis of my new and improved approach to writing. There’s an overwhelming amount of aspects to consider when editing: plot, character, musicality, theme, etc. To do that all at once (like I mistakenly thought I was) shortchanges the writing. There should be multiple drafts and they should be numbered or labeled so each one can have a different focus.
Print – visual difference; trust the hard copy

I’ve been preaching this for nearly a decade. I’m always telling my students, whether they’re taking literature or creative writing classes, to print their work. Composing and reading from a screen uses different parts of the brain than composing and reading from paper. Your ears will hear the mistake before your eyes do, so print it out and read it aloud.
Know when you over-revise

It’s completely true that some pieces can become too polished and the heart of the story has been edited out, cleanly removed. All the idiosyncrasies of the writer’s voice are scrubbed clean. This is where the intuition comes in and as Kit de Waal advised, new writers should overwrite–throw everything in there, including the kitchen sink. Then, as you edit, clean it up and make it sing according to how you want your story to flow and present. This has been my greatest challenge so far during this program. Somewhere along the line, despite being published, I lost my confidence in myself and my reader so my writing became clunky, overfilled with absolutely everything about the narrative. Instead of letting my characters make decisions to progress the plot, I kept popping up as an author to explain. That’s fine as long as I know to edit for that later.
Any time can be good time – but you NEED to make time

I know I sound like a broken record because time and time again I’ve lamented how I do not make enough time for writing. That doesn’t mean I need to be chained to my desk for hours at a time, but I should set aside time for crafting and thinking about the work. How the time is spent will vary, but all authors need to make the time for their writing.
Face the problems in your story

If your narrative isn’t fully fleshed out and there are some crucial questions you’re grappling with as a writer, then the writing will become arduous. I keep trying to write around the roadblocks in my current work in progress, but that gets me nowhere. I need to know with some certainty where the story’s headed and answer the remaining questions before I can thread together a cohesive and engaging and complete narrative.
Avoid thinking about your book’s big themes

I’m just going to directly quote George Saunders here because he’s absolutely right: “If there’s a little idea that comes to me that’s not sucky, that kind of interests me, I go: ‘OK, I’m going to do that.’ But at that point your mind starts saying: ‘And the reason I’m doing that is because it’s a critique of patriarchy.’ I cut that off. ‘No, no. We don’t know why we’re doing it. We’re just doing it because we like it, and it will tell us what it’s about.’”

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On a sickly start to Spring.

Sorry I’ve been missing in action as of late. Just over a week ago, I came home shivering and exhausted. I had a nasty head cold that basically kept me out of commission until Friday. I’m feeling much better now, though.

Miracle Maddie

Maddie Girl is staying healthy despite some kind of funk making its way through the house. We’re all so excited to see what a stem cell treatment can do for her when she isn’t battling three infections! She’s leaving for HOST in Mexico on Thursday and staying for a week. Missy tells me she’s enjoying having two puppies in the house, but Mom tells me it’s hectic. I think both statements are likely true.

Meet Hopper (gray) and Sparky (brown). They’re Labradoodles. Hopper is joining Miracle Maddie and family while Sparky is going to keep my parents and Louie company.

Ireland

Spring is surely on its way. Despite the ceaseless rain of the last week or so, there was a gorgeous morning where I saw plants blooming and heard birds singing. Just about that time, I walked into the living room and there was a small, round bird perched on the couch. As soon as I saw him, he took off presumably through the window he entered. I’m sure it was a sign, but I still haven’t figured out what it was foretelling.

On Wednesdays, I don’t have any classes scheduled, so I’ve been trying to make a habit of leaving the apartment and writing or reading somewhere. I had breakfast at Scholar’s and wrote a little, and then read an entire book in one sitting at the library. I would have liked to get more writing done, so I think that’s the goal for this Wednesday; maybe spend more time in Scholar’s and just write and suck down coffee after coffee. It’s not usually busy in the mornings.

I’m learning the software for UL’s literary journal, The Ogham Stone. I’m proud of myself. It’s not terribly difficult, but it’s not super easy. I’m going through the tutorials and taking notes. Also, I’ve nearly completed the Garda vetting progress which will clear me to teach Creative Writing and Mungret Community College. I’m excited to get started! I’ll be working with 20 senior students who are excited about working with me and interested in Creative Writing. The idea is for me to be more of a “mentor author” than a teacher and really model the writing and publishing process with them. What an amazing opportunity!

Donal Ryan is every bit as brilliant as his writing suggests. My friends tease me about fangirling, but seriously–he’s a genius. Even if he’s not telling me something new, the musicality in his delivery and his phrasing are beautifully unique. And it’s enough to just sit and talk craft with a working, award-winning author.

Writing

Speaking of, I had my one-on-one meeting with Kit de Waal as part of the dissertation rehearsal model. I was worried because I felt like the piece I sent to her lacked urgency and was feeling a little deflated since I read the comments on my final submission for workshop. But Kit said my only problem is a lack in confidence. I don’t trust myself enough as a writer to trust the reader, so I state the obvious and refrain from leaving space for the reader. She thinks that’s why I overwrite and that’s totally fine, but I have to make sure to do the work and clean all that up while I’m editing. She pointed out examples of it in the piece and pointed out where I’d done the work and polished it. It was SO helpful and now that I know what to look for, I think I can really make my prose sing.

She also introduced me to free indirect speech, which is defined as “a form of narration written in the third person while maintaining some essential elements of a first-person narrator” (Citation). In my own writing, I think I’ve been attempting this but rather than use the character’s voice, I’ve been awkwardly using my own authorial voice and I further believe that’s why sometimes my writing is clunky.

Above is an excerpt from one of my favorite short stories of all time. Can you see where the shift happens from traditional third-person narrations to more of a blending of third- and first-person points of view? The color coding helps, but I think the shift is obvious enough to be noticed if you’re looking for it. O’Connor’s talent and attention to craft makes the shift subtle so that the reader simply glides in and out of the consciousness of the grandmother.

Another amazing story by another enormously talented woman and much to the same effect. Connie is the main character and though the narration is not first-person, the blending of typical elements of that kind of narration help the reader know her intimately. The key to that kind of intimacy without fully using first-person narration (that can be restrictive in its own way) is free indirect speech.

I also started a writing group with some classmates. The first meeting was on Friday at my place, and I think it was a success! Although we didn’t write all that much, we did discuss it in depth and I ended up forcing them all to watch “Fight Club” because I think it’s strong writing. And Joseph, one of the attendees, pointed out that it was Stephen King who said we must consume stories in order to create stories. Or something like that.

I checked in with my publisher and was delighted to hear back that formatting is going well so far and that everything is on track! I’ll get a chance to see the formatted version (the galley pages) and check them over before publication and release. They’ll be in touch soon with formatting options and I’m already dreaming of planning a release party.

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On the second semester.

Miracle Maddie

There’s nothing new really to share about Maddie, and that’s actually good news. She’s holding steady, staying healthy, and continuously working hard on therapy. We’re all really excited for her upcoming trip to Mexico for a stem cell treatment. A lot of parents in the support group all share about the gains they’ve seen in their brain-injured children after such treatments. It’s just hard to be patient; this road to recovery is a long and winding one.

 

Ireland

I started classes for my second semester. On Monday, I have two classes: Advanced Editing: Creating a Literary Journal 2 and Creative Writers in the Community. They’re both more practical classes. For Advanced Editing, I volunteered to be a technical editor and will be trained in actually creating the literary journal via software. I’m excited because bringing the literary magazine back to the program I taught in the States has been on my radar for a while now. In Creative Writers in the Community, I’ll be teaching Creative Writing to secondary students…much like I did in the States. How perfect!

On Tuesday, I have one class: Individual Creative Writing Project. It’s not a traditional class. We won’t be meeting as large group weekly, but I will have one-to-one meetings with my reader, the fabulous Kit de Waal. She’ll give me specific feedback and work I submit and I cannot be more excited! Last semester, she and I had a wonderful conversation that really spring boarded me back into drafting Lightning Strikes. I think she’s exactly the right person to help me continue working on this manuscript.

Wednesday is my day off. Today, I treated myself to breakfast at Scholar’s and read a book at the library. It’s wonderful.

On Thursday, I have one class: Principles of Storytelling for Creative Writers. Donal Ryan teaches this and I am GEEKING OUT! He’s just an absolutely brilliant writer and to learn from him directly about the craft is just an invaluable opportunity. I’ll probably be all sweaty and nervous.

On Friday, I have one class: Creative Writing II. This is a continuation of workshop from last semester. This time around, we have to submit three different pieces and Donal Ryan leads it rather than Sarah Moore Fitzgerald. I’m so excited! I got to keep my lead reader from last semester which is wonderful because he understands my intention and style and always provides valuable feedback.

And this weekend, I’ll be attending a writer’s festival in Doolin with my good friend Ruth. It’s great to be back in the Emerald Isle!

Writing

I’ve got to get cracking on re-establishing my writing routine. I wrote maybe about 1,000 words since getting back on campus, which isn’t bad, but I also desperately need to organize the writing I’ve done.

I haven’t heard anything about Moody Blue, but between the holidays and the Operations Manager stepping down, I’m sure things at the publisher have been hectic. If I don’t hear anything this week, I will definitely reach out next week.

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On finding yourself.

Miracle Maddie

Maddie’s been making her usual slow and steady progress. It’s fantastic that she’s been able to stay healthy since her RSV, UTI, and tracheitis episode in Louisiana. It’s hard to be patient, especially when her calendar is chock full! In just three weeks, she’ll be off to Mexico for her second stem cell treatment. Recently, a parent in the support group posted a picture of her son playing in the snow when ten years ago, he was nonverbal and not walking. These treatments are working–the proof is in the pictures of Maddie, even in some taken just a month apart, and in the reports from her care team–but it takes time.

Ireland

I’m back in the Emerald Isle, baby! I landed today around 9:00AM Irish time. I’m trying to beat the jetlag by not going to sleep, even though that’s all I want to do right now. I have to admit, I’m pretty proud of myself for navigating the bus from the airport to the university. It’s good to be back on campus and I am so excited to dive back into my writing. I received excellent comments on a written piece and I’m proud of the grade. Overall results come out tomorrow (I think?), and I think I’ll be happy.

The night before my flight, I had an amazing conversation with Casey. She’s my incredibly generous friend who let me stay with her. She’d gotten some bad news about a family member’s health, and instantly I connected it with Maddie, and we talked about how life sucks sometimes. It can throw a curveball that you can’t catch or avoid. When I think back on 2021, I cannot believe I survived it.

And I only survived it because of my friends and loved ones, and Casey played a large role in that. Her and another friend, Kathleen, really pushed me to go to Ireland. They made sure I was applying and going through the necessary steps to get where I am. If I complained I was overwhelmed or unsure, they both talked me through it. They knew that if I stayed in the states, I’d lose myself.

I felt it happening. It sounds shitty to say because I know I was doing something important for my family, but to do that, I gave up a lot. I stopped working, I stopped writing, I sold my house, and I didn’t see my friends as much because if I wasn’t physically in Florida, I mentally and emotionally was there and constantly planning my next trip. I’m not complaining; I swear, I’m not. I’m really just trying to articulate how hard it was to be near Maddie with nothing to do. Missy, especially right after the accident, was surrounded by help. She still calls us her minions. There was something for everyone to do, but now that we’ve adjusted and Maddie’s making progress, there’s not always something for everyone to do. I would feel useless and sad and displaced and it’s nobody’s fault. It’s a tragic situation and I’m still grappling with understanding the enormity of it.

Living in Ireland and choosing to stay in New Jersey help me keep a part of myself. I feel guilty and awful admitting that, but my housemate Ali explained that acknowledging my self as important doesn’t mean I’m saying I’m more important. I struggle with that all-or-nothing thinking and hopefully I’ll learn how to better combat it this year.

Writing

Still no word from the publisher. If I don’t hear anything by the end of this month, I’ll check in at the beginning of February. Being back in Ireland, I’m optimistic I’ll fall back into a writing schedule.

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On perpetually being in transit.

Miracle Maddie

Maddie Girl has made impressive gains since her near-fatal drowning. She’s even doing things her initial doctors said she never would! Most recently, she’s started sucking while in the home chamber for her hyperbaric oxygen treatments. That’s HUGE! That reflex is key for survival, as is better awareness and interest in her environment and for this first time since her accident, I knew Maddie was present and really seeing me. It was i n c r e d i b l e, and I am so glad I got to visit.

Florida / New Jersey

The time spent in Florida with my family was perfect: plain and simple.

I’m spending the week before I return to Ireland in New Jersey. I have been blessed with incredibly generous friends. I fly back to Ireland in a week, but in the meantime, one of my best friends has been letting me stay in her cozy guest room. Last night, I listened to the freezing rain pinging against the windows and sunk deeper into the mattress, twisting to curl about myself beneath the comforter. I slept well, which is a rare occurrence.

And another thoughtful, loving friend sent me an article about insomnia because she remembered I’d been struggling with it. I haven’t read the article yet, but I will.

I’m making plans to see friends. It feels good. I’m a very social creature. I need others around me. As Chuck Palahniuk writes, “No matter how much a lone character sips tea and gazes out a rain-streaked window, few people can really recalibrate themselves. Otherwise, we’d all live in isolation.” I got dinner with a friend at a local, trendy cafe and we talked about living in transit for a prolonged sense of time without stability is tough. It takes its toll. It was nice to have someone who understands that particular difficulty.

But I also know I am incredibly blessed.

Writing / Career

I started to re-examine a list I compiled of independent bookstores within 100 miles of where I’ll be living in New Jersey once I’ve returned from Ireland. I’m a huge fan of shopping local when I can, there’s usually an awesome cafe within walking distance, and these can be great venues for book signings and other author events. I just worry I’m rusty when it comes to networking.

I love bookstores so much, I briefly researched what goes into opening one. I don’t have the capital needed to rent the property at a good location, and my credit score still needs work, but I discovered other things once I allowed myself to tumble down the internet research rabbit hole.

This MA is really going to help me. With that advanced degree, I can teach at a college! And when I looked to see if colleges were hiring, some were! Creating my own schedule and teaching students with a developed interest would be phenomenal!

It’s something to think about.

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On the end of 2021.

A new year is about to begin.

I apologize for the unannounced two-week hiatus. Between finally and fully moving out of my childhood home, my parents’ home for the last three decades, and traveling to Florida to spend the holidays, updating this blog has been low on my list of priorities. In all honesty, maintaining this blog has been lower on my priority list than it should be. In the new year, I really plan to fully embrace my writing life as my life. But more on that later.

Miracle Maddie

Maddie Girl has been continuing her steady progress. It’s slow and small progress, but it’s happening. She moves her arms so much more and when she’s in her stander, she’ll even move her leg. There’s also been lots more facial movements. We’d love for her to be more aware, but the more I think I about that wish, the more I realize it needs to be clarified. It’s not clear how aware Maddie actually is, so what we’re really hoping for is for Maddie to be more expressive, or to express her awareness.

Her birthday and Christmas were a week apart. It was wonderful to be with family and we all had fun, but it wasn’t the same. We’re hopeful Maddie’s recovery will continue to progress, but some days it’s hard to focus on the optimism. It’s hard not to give over to the immense sadness of it all when Maddie’s not running around, tearing open gifts, or blowing out her own candle. I don’t want to be sad about Maddie — it’s exhausting. With the optimism comes a diluted form of adrenaline, but all the sadness does is wear me out.

But she’s doing better.

Ireland

I fly back January 17th. I’m excited to continue learning and writing, and I’m happy to reconnect with the friends I’ve made. I’m going to go back to New Jersey about a week before to visit with friends. Surrounding myself with good love is how I want to spend 2022.

Writing

Because of the holidays, I haven’t heard much from my publisher. I’m not upset because to be fair, I haven’t been writing. In 2022, I want to make and stick to a writing schedule. I really need to start prioritizing my writing life and being the woman I want to be. I need to pursue my goals fearlessly.

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On many happy returns.

Miracle Maddie

Maddie Girl’s been working hard on therapy and her home care plan. Her progress is slow but steady. On December 18th, we’ll be celebrating her third birthday and having a donate-a-thon in her honor! You can head over to her GoFundMe page to donate and you can visit her Facebook page to send her birthday wishes!

Ireland —> America

I cleaned and packed, handed in my final assignments, and traveled to Dublin on Monday. I checked into a hotel and tried to relax before the flight. I flew out yesterday and here I am, writing to you fine people from my home state of New Jersey. I’m currently in the living room with my father, watching “12 Monkeys.” Life is good.

I love America. I was honestly surprised by how much I missed it.

I’ll be home for the holidays until I fly back on January 17th. I’ll be splitting my time between New Jersey and Florida, trying to spend time with as many as loved ones.

Writing

So when will I have time to write? That, my friends, is an excellent question. I’m getting plenty of reading done, which is great, but I need to keep up my writing routine. Between helping Dad pack and move and traveling and visiting, it’ll be tough to prioritize the writing. But I’ll have to try.

To be honest, I’m really just happy I am to be home.

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On the end of the semester.

Miracle Maddie

Corinne and Halie Anderson and their wonderful family made ANOTHER absurdly generous donation that brought me to tears. I was also excited to hear from Corinne about all the gains Halie’s had from acupuncture, so I’m anxious for Maddie to start those appointments next week. Maddie Girl’s been working hard on therapy and I cannot wait to get back to the States and see her.

Ireland

The end of the semester has been fan-freaking-tastic. Thursday was our capstone event. Most of the creative writers and singer/songwriters read and performed our work in the small theater in the Irish World Academy on campus. I was the second to read and even though I was nervous, I was proud of my reading. Hell, everyone did a great job. Even Donal and Sarah read, and the event ended with a musical performance–a song about the special relationship between Ireland and America that seemed especially appropriate since it was Thanksgiving.

After the event, we went to Bobby Byrne’s to celebrate and it was just a perfect night. There was great food, great drinks, and hearty laughs. I can’t think of a better way to spend Thanksgiving and I am just so grateful for this incredible opportunity.

I am so grateful for these creative friends.

And on Saturday, my housemates and I had a Thanksgiving celebration that was so perfect it made me happily homesick. I can’t believe how blessed I am.

On Friday, we decorated the tree and watched “The Late, Late Toy Show.” On Saturday, I introduced them to one of my favorite American holidays.Writing

I’m turning in my final assignments and I just finished another round of edits on Moody Blue. I’ve sent the manuscript back to the publisher, so it’s a waiting game for the next step. But it’s all good stuff!

And this time next week, I’ll be back in the States for a holiday visit.

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On healing.

Rear view of woman overlooking at Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko against clear sky

My apologies for disappearing for two weeks. Maddie’s new GoFundMe launch had me swamped all week and as the Fall semester in Ireland comes to a close, I’ve been writing and turning in assignments and preparing for my flight home for the holidays. I leave in 13 days and I’m excited.

Miracle Maddie

I am so blessed to share how well Maddie’s been doing! SHE’S BEEN SNEEZING! Anything different or new is good, especially when it pertains to automatic functions and reflexes returning! She’s also been making little moans and groans and some growls … which is just SO Maddie. Her tone has also improved; she’s been sitting in the car seat, doing well with tummy time, and Missy’s been able to bend her arms and her knees! She sleeps good and she’s calm during the day. She’s moving right along and Javier, her nurse, says she looks like a different back and that we should all be very happy with her progress.

And for Missy’s birthday, we passed our goal for daily donations! We raised $1,500! People are good. I am still basking in the glow of love and kindness of people. This is a beautiful world.

Ireland

On Saturday, I went to a house concert featuring The O’Neill Sisters. It was an absolutely magical evening, and may even be my favorite night spent in Ireland so far. I went with my friends Ruth and Joseph from my program. We drove through the Irish countryside underneath a full moon that shimmered on a lake we passed. Under a blanket of brilliant stars, we entered the warm home of a remarkably generous and gracious host. She served us Indian food and we seated ourselves in small living room with a pine roof. Bookshelves lined the walls and pillows adorned the plush rug. Everyone grabbed their seats and when The O’Neill Sisters sang, I had goosebumps and nearly cried. Everything about the night was just perfect; I’ll never forget it.

Writing

I’ve been called a natural storyteller more than once by working professionals in the creative writing field and I’ve never felt more confident. On Thursday, I’m reading a small excerpt from the opening of my novel at an open mic event on campus.

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On Kylemore Abbey and Connemara.

Miracle Maddie

Maddie Girl is making slow but steady progress. In his stellar keynote address at the Team Luke Hope for Minds conference, hyperbaric oxygen treatment specialist Dr. Paul Harch said, “Recovering from brain injury is a painfully slow process.” That statement is painfully true, but it’s amazing to see how far Maddie has come since her accident. She showed tremendous head control during tummy time in her MNRI OT treatment, and she’s been hitting home therapy hard.

We received a wonderfully beautiful gift from a coworker. The love and support me and my family have received has been such a blessing. I’ll never be able to thank everyone properly. It’s been life saving in so many ways.

Read what’s on the blanket and dissolve into tears like I did. So much love to the Robertazzi family.

We’re launching a new GoFundMe campaign on Monday to be more informative and engaging, and to coincide with Missy’s birthday. I’m hoping we can raise at least $1,000 that first day. Please spread the word and keep a look out for that update and thank you so much for all those who have donated, shared, asked after Maddie and her family, been patient and loving; we wouldn’t have come this far without you.

Ireland

On Saturday, I visited Kylemore Abbey in Connemara. Every single time I think Ireland has shown me all its beauty, the Emerald Isle outdoes itself. I am always impressed.

The Estate “Kylemore Castle was built in the late 1800s by Mitchell Henry MP, a wealthy businessman, and liberal politician. Inspired by his love for his wife Margaret, and his hopes for his beloved Ireland, Henry created an estate boasting ‘all the innovations of the modern age’. An enlightened landlord and vocal advocate of the Irish people, Henry poured his life’s energy into creating an estate that would showcase what could be achieved in the remote wilds of Connemara. Today Kylemore Abbey is owned and run by the Benedictine community who have been in residence here since 1920.” The grounds were absolutely stunning! And that’s a statue of Jesus way up in the mountains in the picture on the left. There’s a Gothic church on the grounds built for Margaret Mitchell. And a mausoleum. The Romantic in me HAD TO stop at The Ironing Stone (Giant’s Wishing Stone). You’re supposed to stand with your back against the big stone and toss three tiny pebbles over top and make a wish. It took me a minute, but I finally got three over. I can’t tell you what I wished for, but you can probably guess. I will never ever get over the beauty.Victorian Walled Garden

My favorite part of the estate was the Victorian walled garden. I spent HOURS there. And in case there’s a man secretly in love with me and discreetly reading this blog, I’d like to be proposed to in this location when it’s in full bloom.

Gorgeous.

And the head gardener’s house. Is it available for rent?

Did I really not get a picture of the outside? What an amateur. Sorry.

And I saw ponies and pigs!

Meet Ken and Gloria.

I explored the cutest mindfulness trail ever.

Adorable.

It was just beautiful.

Writing

I’ve never worked so hard on my writing before. This is a good thing. It’s also a revelation of sorts; how arrogant I was to send out manuscripts without them being as polished as I’m learning they should have been. I am so grateful for everything I’m learning and am applying all this knowledge to my edits for Moody Blue. I want to be proud of that project when it’s published this coming summer.

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