A Surprise Party!

My books are back from the publisher! Aren't they beautiful?



Let me tell you a little about my friends. We call ourselves the Weaklings -- sort of after CS Lewis's group called the Inklings. I don't know, we thought it was kind of catchy, especially from Phillipians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It works for us, anyway. We've been getting together for about 10 years now, once a month or so. We talk about life and philosophy and writing. These ladies are wonderful, and I'm honored to know them.

Anyway, we had a meeting planned for this week at Donna's house. My daughter, unfortunately for her, was dragged along after art class but she is a good sport about this and hid in the corner after lunch. But soon afterwards ...

Here's another picture:



OK, in the back from left to right are Donna, Fran, and Bev. Front row is my daughter (with the beautiful hair) and me (with hair definitely uncombed). And then in the very front is the lovely Lucia.

We had cake, and Donna even pulled out a bottle of champagne! The real stuff. We all had just a sip, and then switched to the Italian sparkling mineral water which was just as good :-)

I'm so touched. I haven't had a party since I graduated fifteen years ago, and I have to say, this was really really nice. I'm still smiling. I'm so excited to have actually accomplished writing and publishing a book. Weaklings, thank you so much for the party.

And thank you, my dear friends. Here is my tip of the champagne glass to you.