Summer plans
Here’s a quick note to tell you about a few upcoming author events and a short – temporary leave of absence.
First of all, if you are in the area of Fairhope, Alabama this coming Saturday, June 21st, you’re invited to attend my writing seminar at the Eastern Shore Presbyterian Church Arts Atelier – From 9am – 12noon, there will be free classes in painting, songwriting, pen and ink, graphic design and writing. A complimentary breakfast will be served followed by the class you select. To register, click here: ArtsAtelier
Friday, July 25th I’ll be signing books and saying “Welcome to the beach” at the Books-A-Million in Gulf Shores, Alabama. I’m not sure of the time, but follow me on Instagram for further details.
Speaking of the beach, one of my favorite journalists, Lawrence Specker, wrote a story about my favorite author, Andy Andrews. (okay, along with Fannie Flagg), You can read it here: AL.comAndyAndrews. If you are in the Gulf Shores or Orange Beach, Alabama area, go by his studio for a visit. You’ll love it. (photo: AL.com).
I’ve already attended two amazing music events this summer, first, at the Gaither Family Fest in Tennessee. We had great fun with 6,000 people singing along like a giant old-fashioned church camp. My eclectic musical tastes then took me to the Andrea Bocelli concert in New Orleans. Bob arranged everything as a Christmas gift last year. Of course, it was fabulous, and I’m a new fan of Bocelli’s musical conductor, Steven Mercurio, who has a long list of accomplishments and awards.
If you are a dog lover, you’ll love Mercurio’s symphony, “A Grateful Tail” – it’s a tearjerker, but then again, it’s an opera about a dog. What would you expect? Do you remember when Andrea Bocelli sang at the Milan Duomo on Easter Sunday during COVID when all the churches were closed? It was beautiful. You can see it here: AndreaBocelli Easter Concert
I helped throw a 106th birthday party for my friend, Jule Moon. She gave a wonderful interview for WKRG news. They only used a tiny section of the conversation because they didn’t expect her to be able to say anything – much less tell them all about living through the depression and traveling to the World’s Fair. She’s positive, funny and charming.
I’m taking a few weeks off from writing columns for the remainder of the summer. I don’t have any exotic plans, other than to rest. Truth be told, I’m a bit burned out from this last book – We Don’t Push in Fairhope, but it’s burn-out in the most marvelous of ways. The book has done so well that I’ve been running like mad since it came out last October and I just need to catch my breath. It’s a good problem to have, and I feel blessed.
This is the first line from a story I’m working on, which will give you another glimpse into my life right now;
“For all the parents who think the hardest thing in the world is to drive away and leave your child on a college campus, I have news for you. The day is coming when they’ll have it worse. Watching your mother wave goodbye in your rear-view mirror after you move her into a senior living facility will tear your heart out far more than a happy college kid who is headed to a party.”
Sigh . . . And so it goes.
Be sure to sign up for the newsletter at the top of this page (in the dark blue banner above my big-giant name) so you’ll be notified when I post again IN JUST A FEW SHORT WEEKS – I promise! I hope you enjoy your summer, and you can always keep up with me on Instagram or Facebook.
Oh, I had looked forward tohearing about Julie Moon’s Birthday bash. I admire her somuch – tho I do no know her. You are her good friend who shares her with us through your writing. Yes, your most recent book is going great guns – as it should…..only more great books ahead.
I heard Bocelli in the Verona Colosseum and it was a once in lifetime experience. Would love to hear him again anywhere! Bob sure knows how to “gift”. You have earned a good rest. Enjoy!!
You and Jule are cut from the same cloth. I need to introduce you sometime. And hearing Bocelli in Verona must have been amazing! Wow!
Leslie Anne, that is so amazing that you got to go to two amazing concerts! I would have been happy at either one, but two would make it a summer to remember! Mama Skink and those eggs would have freaked me out. Ms Jule and her cake look beautiful. That is a powerful paragraph about aging parents. My mother was determined to live in her own home, and with God’s grace that is exactly what she did until the very end.
Hey there Roxanne, thanks for the note. From concerts, to slithery reptiles and aging parents, it’s all a mix of a good life. I hope you have a wonderful summer full of fireworks!
106! I can’t even imagine! So glad to hear you are taking a break, you certainly deserve it!!
I had to take Jule out to an appointment today, and we went through the drive-thru at Chic-fil-A because she can eat their grilled chicken – she saw all the cars and said, “This is like New York City!” – Take care Jenna, I’d love to rest and visit you on the beach – hope you can make it down soon.
I had written a long comment and then lost it. The concerts sound wonderful and I would have enjoyed both. What a milestone to reach 106 years of age. Enjoy your summer!
Thank you Pam. The concerts were so fun, I’m looking for another great one to attend. Billy Joel was actually on my bucket list, but I’m afraid he won’t be touring much now. I’m so sad I missed him. Happy summertime to you!