Midnight Reading

Here on the farm, the days are jam-packed. Canning, freezing, harvesting, mowing, weeding, working on a new book... The hours fly by. Really. Jam-packed.

You'd think I'd fall into blissful, deep sleep at night, wouldn't you? It would be great if that was happening, but this journey I'm on has different plans for me. I twist. I turn. I'm aggravated by this new found insomnia.

Then, I rise. It's just past midnight, but rolling around alone in our bed just annoys me.

Insomnia has been my companion for months now. Every few nights I am just so bone-weary that I actually sleep. Until then, I've just got to deal with this.

But, the silver lining to last night's sleeplessness? It's got me smiling this morning, so rather than grump about tossing and turning, I'm going to share something lovely with you.

A few weeks ago, I was the lucky winner of a fabulous book at the Avalon authors blog. I left a comment and--lucky me!--won a copy of Sandra Carey Cody's new release, Left at Oz. I was tickled, and put the book on the coffee table in our family room.

Just past midnight, I picked it up. And, two cups of hot chocolate and a half-bag of cookies later, I closed the book. Just before sunrise. And, I'm still smiling because my sleepless night was a good one! Finally!

Left at Oz is part of Sandy's Jennie Connors Mystery Series. I haven't read any of the other books but it didn't matter at all that I hadn't "met" Jennie before. This book is so well written that it's great as a stand-alone.

I liked Jennie Connors from the first page. She amuses me because I can see myself doing some of the things she does! For instance, the book opens with a search for her stolen car. She's gotten a mysterious phone message and, like so many of us might do, she enlists the help of a good friend to follow the few clues she has. When her friend asks how Jennie's husband reacted to the news her car's missing, Jennie admits she didn't tell him. Don't you just love that? So real, because honestly, I'm not sure I'd be so quick to let on that my car turned up missing. You?

Left at Oz is a solid mystery, with enough clues to keep the reader turning the pages and such heart that it's almost impossible not to fall in love with the characters. I confess, I didn't solve the mystery. I had suspicions but when the truth came out I loved the twist. It, like the rest of the book, was a perfect fit.

So, my sleepless night turned out to be wonderfully entertaining. I hate it that I'm plagued by this insomnia, but I'm very grateful that there are authors who write books like Left at Oz--books that can capture my attention, soothe my heart and entertain me even in the long, dark hours when everyone else is soundly sleeping. Thanks, Sandy!

What about you? Have you read any fabulous books lately? I'm looking for a couple of new books to set on our coffee table. Any ideas?

Wishing you a peaceful weekend.

Taking a Plunge

If you read this blog regularly, you'll know that I've been absent from The Lark Journals for over a year now. Thank goodness, Kathy and Margaret are still blogging regularly and have kept the journal alive while I was away. I am so grateful they did, very appreciative of their kindness and dedication. Also, for their unending support. You see, I have needed all of those items, things these amazing ladies have given so freely.

My brave husband recently lost his battle with a monstrous disease. He was courageous, valiant and loving throughout the ordeal but in the end we didn't have the outcome we all prayed so hard for. I hate it that such a good, kind, brilliant man has had his life cut horribly short. He was my best friend, the joy in my world, and I miss him more than I can begin to say.

So, now you know where I've been. But thanks to my fellow Larks, I've got a warm "nest" to return to, so I'm back. I won't try to pull the wool over your eyes. There have been moments these past weeks when I can barely think and am certain I have nothing to say to anyone. Still, there are hours, more as time passes, actually, when I feel somewhat like myself. So, a blogging I will go.

Thank you, Kathy and Margaret, for having me back. Thank you for keeping this place alive. Mostly, thank you for your friendship and support. I don't know what I'd do without you. You are the best.

It's beginning to look like spring here--finally!--on the farm. Vito's bees are waking up, there are buds on the fruit trees and the vineyard will soon begin to unfurl its slumbering leaves. Flowers will be blooming, baby birds will be taking their first tentative flights and warm breezes will caress my cheeks as I watch dragonflies' reflections on the pond. There will be peace.

I'm praying I will heal. I'm on this journey so unexpectedly it's difficult to know how the path will unfold. All I know is that I'm going to keep putting one foot before the other, and if you'd like to see how this goes I'm willing to share it with you. Honestly? I need the companionship, so please check back now and again. I'll give glimpses of life on this beautiful farm with you and perhaps we'll all be enriched by the experience. That's my hope, anyway.

Thank you for stopping by. Have a peaceful day. I know that's what I'm going to strive for!