When I was told by my publisher to start writing a blog (“What’s a blog exactly?”) twelve years ago or so, I began with a photo of my old writing partner, Chinaberry.

Now I’m wrapping it up with my second writing partner, Obadiah, who has been struggling the past two months with the sudden onset of serious health issues. You wouldn’t know it this morning as Obi enjoyed the last bit of snow on the last day of March.

I have learned much from these two, such as, enjoy each moment of the journey. There’s no point in clinging to the past or worrying about the future. Let go of fear and anger and play every day, no matter how old you are.

When I was searching for parting words of advice, the most surprising, simplest thing popped into my head… yet another bit of wisdom imparted by my dogs: Greet each other.

I grew up in a household where we said Good Morning when we got up and Good Night when it was time to go to bed. When one of us left the house, we said “I’m leaving,” and upon return, “I’m home.” Growing up, I thought all families did this, but as an adult, I’ve been surprised to learn how few do.

Why is this important? It teaches children to value others and to know that they are valued. And it translates outside the home to strangers in the street. Make eye contact, nod, wave, or say hello to people you pass… value each other. Care about each other. Be kind to each other. Even with a mask your eyes smile.

It’s not possible to sign off without a few words about the pandemic, which has been tragic for many and challenged all of us in one way or another. But despite everything, those endless cracks of light continue to shine, leading us to personal discoveries and, more importantly, new priorities.  

Isn’t it amazing how silly so many social conventions seem now? How much time and money and precious resources we waste on vanity? If you’re healthy, stable, loved, and contributing to the world, who cares what you see in the mirror? Or in a photograph that doesn’t share your beautiful personality or project your comforting voice or emit your unique fragrance and radiance that we, who know you, see in you… and love.

When I first pursued this path as a children’s novelist 20 years ago, I joined a local scribbler’s group and met an inspiring writer, Terry Farish. I was blown away by her sensitive work. But then Terry and I went our separate ways, both of us publishing books and winning a few awards here and there, even working with the same editor at one point at the same publishing company. Over the years, we’ve bumped into each other at “KidLit” conventions and caught up occasionally over a cup of coffee, but I’d never had the chance to work with her. So, for my last gig last week, I invited Terry to join me in conversation, bringing it full circle…

Thank you, dear friends, for supporting me over the years, for reading my books and my rambling blogs! (I’m still not sure what a blog is.) A special, loving thank you to my family – my husband, Erik, and our children, Madeleine and Nate – for their patience with my artistic moods and my crazy hours spent writing through our decades together. And a huge thank you to my wonderful literary agent, Susie Cohen, who stuck by me even through the very unproductive spells.

I’m ready for the next chapter, whatever it may bring. And I hope you are too.

 “Think before you speak. Read before you think.”
– Fran Lebowitz

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