Good Stuff

Do you ever have times in your life that you just feel "blah." Nothing really terribly wrong, nothing you can put your finger on and say "this is why I'm feeling (pick a word - mean, sad, ornery, whatever.)."

Well, I go through them. The "blahs."

Not often. Thank Goodness.

And when they pass I want to kick myself because all in all, I have a lovely life.



I have the dearest husband on God's green earth.
























I still have my mom, who is my buddy. She's 82 and still spry and sharp and funny and dear.




I have Harley.




I have a home I love.




And I have some of the best friends ever. Some have been in my life since I was a little girl, some have been with me since I was a young single woman in Atlanta, some I've met since I've become a happily married woman. There are my new friends I've met since we moved here to Boone 12 years ago. And there are those who are involved in some way in the mystery community, and those in the blogging world.

My latest funk was pulled right out from under my feet very recently by women of the mystery world and a new woman friend in the blogging world.

It's hard to feel sorry for yourself when you find your very own name in one of your favorite mystery author's newsletter. Hard to feel sorry for yourself when you open your mailbox and find a copy of a yet to be released mystery novel with a sweet note full of hugs tucked inside the book. And hard to feel sorry for yourself when a new blogging friend sends you an award and writes nice things about your blog at her own blog. That would be Sam Hoffer at the wonderful My Carolina Kitchen. Sam's recipes and photos are enough to keep me hungry, and her lovely stories keep me entertained. And bless her heart, she sent me this little award just when I was in sincere need of a boost.


This is an award given to blogs that have made a splash. That, my friends, is heartening beyond words. If Meanderings and Muses has caused even a ripple, a smile, or moved someone to think a little harder about something, I am pleased. If it has perhaps helped someone discover a new author or a new book, or has maybe just helped someone enjoy a little bit of time away from a day that wasn't one of their best. Then, as the saying goes, my work is done.

I enjoy being told I've made a splash, and as with all the blogger awards, I will pass it along to one of my favorite bloggers who has, for sure, made a splash.

Jen Forbus is making a very big splash with her Jen's Book Thoughts. She's captured the attention of the mystery community in a big way, and is one of its favorite bloggers. One of her most fun weekly events is "You Have the Right to Six Words: Six-Word Memoirs From Crime Fiction's Greatest Writers." She's had some heavy hitters, for real! Including one of my very favorite writers - Laura Lippman. If you haven't visited with Jen yet, do drop by and say hey to her. I think you'll enjoy your visit.

And about those blahs? Honey - they're long gone. Counting your blessings can always help chase the blues away.

That and planning a little trip. We're going to head down to Raleigh next week for Margaret Maron's book launch for her newest - Sand Sharks. And I promise to come back and tell you all about it.