I’m also thankful for the incredible cross-country trip I took with my Mom and Dad in June. She loved road trips and seeing the country with her was so incredibly special. SHE was incredibly special. Definitely a one-in-a-million person that I will always miss.

Which brings us to the latter part of 2009, which absolutely sucked. My Mom discovered something was wrong in late August/early September. The doctors dithered for about a month before giving her the diagnosis of cancer in early October. From there it was all downhill until she passed away on December 23rd from a hospital infection.

I never even contemplated planning her funeral or figuring out what she was going to wear for eternity. This has, without doubt, been the worst time in my life. My beloved Mom – my best friend – has been gone a little over a week now and I don’t know how I’ll ever get used to it.

All I can hope is that 2010 is better. With any luck, my Dad and I will find a new path for our lives. I’ll also be watching the sales numbers of my first NY books closely to see if they’re doing well. Future contracts are riding on the success of these books, so sales on them are a lot more “important” than normal, if I can say it that way.

I hope we all have a healthy, happier 2010. I can’t thank you all enough for the support you’ve given me over the past three months. It really helped me feel less alone and got me through a lot of really tough times. Thanks for being there for me. I hope I can repay the kindness someday and know that you all continue to be in my prayers.

Happy New Year.

Today is the Summer Solstice. The perfect occasion for me to post this lovely painting by Waterhouse, which is one of my all time favorite images.

Whatever you do this Midsummers Night, remember the fey folk and drink a toast to them!