And she’s back!

Did you miss me? Don’t answer that.

Did you notice I was gone?

Don’t answer that, either.

Remember months ago when I said I needed to take a blog break to work on my book? That didn’t really end up happening. I just couldn’t stay away. August 31 was my deadline, however, so I used this last month to really knuckle down. And it’s done! Hooray!

There are few things more stressful than hitting the send button when turning in a manuscript.

I’m excited about this book. It was originally “If You Keep Perfectly Still, Maybe They Won’t See You,” eliciting the image of being stalked by a T-Rex. The first Jurassic Park film taught us Tyranosaurs have poor eyesight, but see movement. It was an instructional film. The publisher felt that title was too long, however. Now we have: Be a Happier Parent or Laugh Trying.

I guess that works, too, even if it contains no practical wisdom for T-Rex attacks.At first I was saving email notifications of new blog posts, thinking I would “catch up.” But when it topped 80 unread messages, I knew I was kidding myself. Believe me when I say it was painful and guilt-inducing to hit the delete button.

I never told you it was the great Julie Holmes whom I got to meet while in Minnesota. She is one of my fave Blog Buddies, so it was a THRILL to meet her in person. As soon as she drove away, I thought, “Oooh, shoulda gotten a picture together.” Later she told me she had the same thought. You’ll just have to take my word for it. Really, she’s not just an imaginary friend, honest, Mom! (Check out her blog for proof.)

I do, however, have pictures of two of the three bodaciously furry cats at the house where we stayed. The third cat was much too shy.

Here’s Sylvester.

And this is Jenga, an exceptionally friendly and furry friend!

Perhaps more aptly named Garfield.

Until my next post! Looking forward to “seeing” you all again!