If this isn’t a reminder of just how damn fast time gets away from me, I don’t know what is. I looked at my last post and I think it said “Happy 2025” and now it is coming up to the end of February. This has been the coldest winter that I remember. I have not left the house to even walk out to the garage to let the dog out. He can stay in, and I don’t think that he minds. It is the winter of discontent, for many of us.

I won’t talk about 11-year-old children who unalived themselves, or double murders here in my hometown of Salina, or a guy who was chasing someone with a hammer, or the woman who lost her 2 children in Detroit, or a dozen other heinous things I can think of, no I won’t talk about those. I am sure you have all seen them too. And I choose to believe that my readers are not heartless pieces of shit that would say that they deserve it or that hungry people don’t deserve to eat, or that God doesn’t want us to keep people warm, or that if they would just get a fucking job, that wouldn’t happen, nope, not today, I’m not talking about it. Today I am just going to ask you to bear in mind that it could be any of us.

So, what else is new? Well, I just hit the publish button on the second Mae Goes book. Mae Goes to Scotland hits the press as soon as I get my proof next week. This was a fun project, and I look forward to her next travel adventure! Already started those paintings! I have no idea what I am going to do with all of the original paintings, but they sure are cute! Way, way cuter than the book. There just is no way to replicate the color or the texture of watercolor in photos. I came much closer this time, but the originals are still way more fun!

The grandkid update is Finn is reading and doing math like a monster! Allie still loves school and just finished Y basketball! Jon was pushing the cart through Hobby Lobby tonight while I was talking to his mother, and giving it the sauce around the corners, so there’s that! And Eloise is super close to taking off walking if she would just trust the process! All in all things are progressing right along. We celebrated Erin turning 30 and I was remembering those days! Whew am I happy to be out of that stage of my life. I used to worry about aging, but not anymore. I find the most comfort of my life being on the downhill slide. The way I feel and the way it is, is the way it is supposed to be! I like the process. I would like to not hurt so bad. I am ready for winter to go away. Stay away and never return. That is all.

This is nothing more than a reminder that you can spread some light in the darkness post. Nothing more. You can help where needed and you can make a difference. This last couple of weeks I have shared my wood pile, and my food. If you are in need. Ask. I am willing to do what I am able. We gotta pull together!

This is a long winter!

Spread the warmth. I love you.

E