Since we last met…

Soon after writing my last post, the revisions for my biblical novel about the Queen of Sheba arrived in my inbox. To my delight, the editors love the book. That doesn’t mean there wasn’t work for me to do, but it is always a relief to get a thumbs-up from editors. I’m still working through the manuscript, making changes and polishing, but I’m on schedule which also feels good. I’m waiting to announce the title until I see the cover, which I imagine will be a couple more months.

Inspiration graphic I created for while I wrote the novel

I shared in my last post (Highs and Lows) about each of my three 2022 releases being finalists in the FHL Reader’s Choice Award. Soon after, I learned that I’ll Be Seeing You is also a finalist in the HOLT Medallion and came in second in the Selah Award. And then I learned Like the Wind is a semi-finalist in the ACFW Carol Award. I am overwhelmed by this abundance of riches. I always consider being a finalist a win. All I can feel is honored beyond words.

Two of the four awards my books are/were up for

Next came a visit from my youngest daughter. Jenn and her family moved to Texas in 2011, and while I’ve been to visit all of them in Corpus Christi over the years, they haven’t made it back to Boise since the move. Thus it was a big deal when Jenn and Wayne (her husband) arrived in Boise for a visit. Family and friends got together, including a BBQ at her sister’s house for about 27 people, and it was four days of bliss for me.

Upper Left: Lunch at Red Robin on first full day (Wayne, Jenn, me). Upper Right: Micki, Jenn, and Wayne walking in the foothills above Boise. Lower Left: Getting hugs from family she hasn’t seen in over a decade. Lower Right: Last breakfast together (Micki, JJ, me, Jenn, Wayne).

Finally, I’m doing some upgrades around my house this summer, inside and out. And as you know, consumers have to wait for a lot of things in this day of supply issues (it could be August before everything arrives and is installed).

The first item to arrive is the tree I bought for my backyard. I have a small backyard and since I am up against a common area that has trees, I’ve never felt the need to add one of my own. But with the big willows coming down this winter, I decided it was time to put in a tree. I went with an Armstrong Red Maple which is suitable for any narrow space. Fast growing and upright (at maturity, it will be 12 to 15 feet in width and 50 feet or more in height). After a three week wait, it got planted on Monday. I’m so delighted. I go out on the patio for my quiet time in the morning, and I look at it and encourage it to grow, grow, grow.

A friend told me that people who plant trees are “people of hope.” I like that.

Left: before picture. Middle: just planted (before staking). Right: staked and mulched

Before I go, I need to invite you to the Summer Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt. It kicked off at noon yesterday and will run until 11:59 pm (Mountain time) on Sunday. If you’ve never done the scavenger hunt, you’re missing out on a lot of fun and the potential to win great prizes. If you have done it, then I don’t need to explain.

Join the Scavenger Hunt

Anything exciting happening for you this summer? Trips? Summer upgrades? Visitors?

Please share!

~robin