Things I've missed while in Arkansas

Rusty, Cat, Mike, Stevan, and Will OH SO MUCH!!!!! I ache to be with them.

Chloe, Cricket, Ralphie, Joe, and Jack (in that order. Our dogs).

My mom (who actually comes before the dogs)
Angie (my best friend, who ALSO comes before the dogs)


TV shows: Stargate SG-1 the last two episodes of the entire series! But they're TIVOed at home so I'll be watching them in a few days. Atlantis, the last two episodes of the season.
Kathy Griffins Life on the D list (also Tivoed,) the last two episodes of Celebrity Fit club. (Am I the only one who is sorely disappointed in Screech and seriously freaked out by Marsha Brady's weirdness?)

Things that I've gained. Finished one book and almost done with edits of another book AND the one I turned in less than a week ago (quick editor). If I can get both edits back before Wednesday, I'm going home! YAY!!!
Peace of mind about a lot of things. Sometimes you just have to get away for long enough to really get your head together. I've had brief glimpses of getting it together and then went right back into the fray of deadline mania and heartache with my mil's death. This time I stayed on the potter's wheel long enough for real change and I believe God has been doing a real work in me.
I love Arkansas and this time has been soul healing for me. But in the immortal words of first Glenda, the good witch and then Dorothy "There's no place like Home."

The last few days I've been getting the neatest emails from readers who love the Claire books and Defiant Heart! These messages are music to my ears and balm for my heart. Thank you to all of you who take time to drop little messages on my guestbook or my email address. I appreciate each one so much.

God Bless. Hopefully, I'll write on Thursday. FROM HOME.
Love lots
T

still in Arkansas

Chipping away at these deadlines and actually making great progress! Thank you Lord!
Having a good time with the best of friends Chris Lynxwiler (also a writer, check out her books www.christinelyxnwiler.com )

It's funny, we're IMing and calling as much as we did when I was a few hundred miles away at my house. I'm upstairs in her writing apartment. we've both been working our heads off so we haven't gotten to play much, but we did take a little time out last night to see Ocean's Thirteen. Andy Garcia ooh la la.

Anyway, so I'm totally rewriting my second Drama Queens, per my smart Editor's six page letter of suggestions. It's amazing how after all these books, I still need someone to look at what I think is perfect and point out the things that will make it so much better. I'm yanking apart this book. And guess what? My book is NOT my baby. It's my BOOK. It's actually God's book. I forgot that for awhile. My editor reminded me of that and I think when the open heart surgery (as my assistant, Julie called it) is complete, God will have a book He can use for his purposes and His glory.

Book one in this series comes out in July and I'm anxious to see what God has planned for it. It was a fun, challenging book to write.

I'm going to the local coffeeshop to work today.
Love it and love you too!
Tracey

Update

Hello all.
It's been a long couple of weeks, months really, but definitely since my mother-in-law passed away. We were in Chicago for several days for the funeral. She had an Orthodox service (she was Serbian Orthodox). Very beautiful service.

This week I'm in Arkansas in a secluded location finishing up deadlines and regrouping. Not sure how long I'll be here. For sure until I catch up! CBA is in a few weeks. I feel like it snuck up on me. This summer is already flying by!


Love Lots
Tracey