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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