June 2023 Update

Dear Readers,

As part of the sandwich generation, I’m at a crossroads helping my ninety-eight-year-old father who has handed the reins of his seventy-year-old businesses to me and my sister. Doing research for historicals has prepared me for organizing his affairs. Then my two sons have dropped into town, precipitating a huge amount of required cooking. So, through a few delightful but herculean interruptions, I’ve tried to make the most of good, solid writing, weaving together my Gilded Age story, Surrender the Heart.

Of course, there remains domestic chores. Weeding, deadheading, watering, laundry, and caring for the dogs. Wherever I am, they sit and stare with loving and hopeful eyes, right beneath my feet, and proving a furry obstacle course for me recovering from knee surgery.

The lack of rain meant lots of watering the gardens pretty much daily. And finally in the last couple of days, a breeze started blowing through my open windows, and I heard it coming. Luscious, earth-drenching rain, at last.

I already have pink peonies and foxglove blooming and waiting for a variety of brightly colored phlox to bloom. We cut down fifty-two dead ash trees close to the house due to the Emerald Ash Borer. Didn’t wish to have sixty-foot-high trees falling on the house with winter winds.

On the upside, I’m proud to announce that I’ve won the International Hemingway Award for my World War II reconstruction historical, On Prevailing Winds. In addition, I’m a finalist for InD’tale’s prestigious RONE Award. To be in the august company of so many great authors is thrilling and humbling.

Yesterday, we observed Father’s Day and celebrated with family. My husband is a great father. He deserves every bit of honor our five wonderful children and eight grandchildren give him.

After dinner, I surprised myself by walking a full mile. So good to have my legs back.

Until next time…

Warmly,

Elizabeth St. Michel