What a year – so far!
Whoo Boy! 2026 has been a difficult year, and it’s only the beginning of February. I haven’t written much due to caregiving for loved ones and attending funerals. What a way to start the year!
I spoke to about 80 Snowbirds in Gulf Shores, AL, who were visiting the area for our “warm” winters. It was in the 20° range that morning, and they thought it was no big deal! It was such a lovely group and they warmed my heart!
I did manage to publish a newspaper column about a controversial issue we’ve had with our local library. My takeaway was that our local leaders need to act like adults and find a compromise. Everyone is tired of arguing. Come to find out, the two main battle leaders on either side of the issue moved to Fairhope less than two years before taking charge of and fighting against our library board decisions. I don’t think either was here long enough to understand that our community values peace and neighborliness above proving who is right or wrong. – That’s all about that. For now.
I’ve also been brainstorming about two book projects, which makes me happy enough to forget the other troublesome things in the world.
While I brainstorm and write, I like to cook or paint. If I have busy hands and a warm oven, the ideas start popping. I have to keep a dishtowel next to my laptop on the counter so I can wipe my hands before I start typing notes to myself or I’ll end up with a keyboard full of gravy. Here’s a Turkey Wellington I made while I worked on one of my book projects. It was delicious and the book should be fun too – it’s about Southern ladies (who do things like bake Turkey Wellingtons).
I’ve also been finishing up a children’s book project I started about a year ago. I can’t tell you much about it now, but I feel like God sent me into the garage to build a bicycle, then changed the plans, and I turned around to find a Ferrari. It’s going to be so awesome, you’ll love it. This note over my desk from C.S. Lewis sums up my goal. I am over the top excited!
And speaking of excitement, it’s Mardi Gras season here on the Gulf Coast, and people are going wild. I announced the Knights of Ecor Rouge parade last week with Mark Swally for WABF1480.com. We had listeners from several different states as well as overseas military personnel.
Valentine’s Day also happens to be, “Book Giving Day.” – I know, I just found out about it as well. The idea is to give books to children to teach them the love of reading. Isn’t that nice? I’m a sappy romantic, but not on Valentine’s Day. I think it’s too forced and and I don’t eat candy anyway. (I know, what a little joy killer I am). But isn’t it nicer to receive flowers or gifts on days when you least expect it? I’ll celebrate the day by pruning my fig tree and giving a book to a child. It’s an excellent reminder to support good literature for children.
I hope your year is shaping up to be a good one. It’s going to be smooth sailing from here, right? Happy Valentine’s Day, Happy Mardi Gras, Happy Book Giving Day and Happy Rest-of-2026 Day to you!
Cornbread, for more brainstorming, my Mother admiring the daffodils that are overflowing from every corner of the city, and a new baby in the neighborhood.