Busy Spring, Restful Summer

It was a wonderful spring!

I spent ten glorious days in Spokane, Washington visiting schools. Karen Hayett put together five days in the Mead School District. I met so many student readers and writers, conscientious librarians, and dedicated teachers. Linda Hildahl also brought me to her school - East Farms Elementary - in the Spokane Valley. I had a wonderful day there, as well, with students who knew my books and were prepared with many questions. There's nothing as rewarding as meeting an enthusiastic audience. They were especially excited about my books on the natural world. Whenever I offered the story-behind-the-story for Arrowhawk, students of all ages sat spellbound, then asked questions that proved how this red-tailed hawk's tragic story captured their hearts as well as their interest.

For the first time ever, my husband accompanied me on a work trip. We took the weekend to explore the Spokane area. We rode bikes on Centennial Trail, drove into Idaho and visited Janie who rehabilitated Arrowhawk so many years ago, and hiked. We walked through the city, of course, but we hiked many of the surrounding parks. The weather could not have been any more beautiful.

That's the second time that I've visited Spokane to work with students and I hope that I return again and again.

This past week I hosted another writers' workshop. These participants came prepared with an idea or story that needed to be written. It's always fun to guide new writers as they find their voices. We spend much more time on craft - word choice, organization, figurative language, focus, among others, than we do on the business. Although evenings are a great time to discuss the submission process, how to handle no thank you's, marketing in general, agent vs. no agent, and contracts. Each writer worked at least six hours a day, and many worked for another 3-4 hours at night. Everyone left with a strong draft and a determination to see their pieces through many revisions.

In between Spokane and the writers' workshop our sons were here. Adam was able to stay for almost a month. He not only helped Ted with building projects, but he cleaned my computer, proofread a manuscript, and helped with some landscaping. He's now working with children
in North Carolina for the summer. Wyatt joined us for five days of that time. So, for a little whilewe were altogether again. He, too, helped
chainsaw firewood for next winter, as well as help on some building projects. Somehow, we were able to play a little bocce ball, euchre, a dice game Adam learned in the Czech Republic, and go hiking. Time spent with the guys is always the best!

Now, it's summer and I'm anxious to be a homebody. I'm going to continue to garden, hike, read a bunch of books and write. It's wonderful to work in schools, meet the kids and offer professional development, but it feels so good to wake up slowly and plan the day as it unfolds.
One without the other and life would be stagnant and boring. Together, it's just right.

Hoping your summer offers you the best of family, friends and quiet moments.