Empty nesting...all over again

Well, it's that time of year. Time for college and moving into dorms and apartments. And that's exactly what our family did this past weekend. 

The packing and repacking, the cramming boxes and drums and bedspreads and curtains and mattress pads (Twin XL, the magical and oh-so-not-as-easy-to-find-as-you-might-think size!) and all else into multiple vehicles and heading down the highway--for about 30 miles (more on that in a second).

Then came the multiple trips to Wal-Mart and Target, the "Whoopsie, I forgot shower curtain rings," and forty-nine other things. But we had fun together--okay, after a few obligatory arguments (just keepin' it real) and a yummy lunch at Panera Bread.

I feel like I've got the best of both worlds right now--our kids go to college nearby so I'm able to see them on occasion. And yet Nashville is large enough that they can have their own space too. 

But for all the parents out there who are having to leave their precious babies hundreds of miles from home this month, I know what that feels like too. For her freshman year, our daughter (now a senior) chose a school in Arkansas and we were in Colorado at the time. I'll never forget what it felt like to drive away from her and to feel all those miles piling up between us, distancing us from each other. Not fun, but what a time of growth for her. And us.

So if you're a parent saying goodbye to a college student(s) this month, remember you're not alone, and know that as much as you love that son or daughter...God loves them far more. They're in good hands.

Here are some pics from our weekend (and from Sunday brunch last week at Macke's, a restaurant near Green Hills featured in the August issue of Southern Living). Delicious!

My family having lunch at Macke's 

(in Green Hills)

Back to College!

Our son, Kurt (far right), with his best buddies (and roommates) Matthew (left) and Austin (middle)

My husband Joe, sizing things up

Matthew's parents, Mickey and Jerrie

Kurt with his grandparents (my folks who drove up from Atlanta to join in the fray)

Matthew and Kelsey (our daughter)

Kelsey and Kurt

Matthew and Kelsey (being fake sad)

Austin's parents (Ted and Julie)

It was great to spend time with Matthew and Austin's parents. What fun couples! They're both from Texas and head back home today. Don't worry Julie and Jerrie, we'll take good care of your boys! 

And now...since writing was non-existent this weekend (ack!)...back to it!

Back from my mini retreat...

And it was marvelous! Just what I needed. I got lots of writing done, but even more plotting done which--at this point in the story--is fantastic! The more I write, the more of a plotter I'm becoming. Not that I don't still have those "ah ha" moments. I do, but they're within both the plotting phase and in the writing. (The picture above is a view of St. George Lake, where the friend's house was located. So pretty.)

Before I head to watch the opening ceremony of the Olympics with my husband (we recorded it since he was working late), I want to say thanks to everyone for the Bday wishes today! My day started with a Grande Iced White Chocolate Mocha Skinny with Whipped and just went uphill from there. I've spent today piled on the bed writing, but I'm loving this story (Beyond This Moment) so it's been a great day!

After stopping for my latte this morning, Jack and I dropped by the post office to check the mail and a fun surprise was waiting for me. I won't mention any names but someone (sweet Patti from Georgia!) sent me a birthday care package. OF DOTS!! Three monster-size packages of DOTS!! Enough DOTS to see me home on BTM! Woo hoo! Thank you, Patti, for your kindness. Really made me smile, friend.

And thanks to everyone for the phone calls and messages, emails, ecards and notes on facebook. You guys are the best! It's been a fun day of turning 47. I'm one happy birthday girl! Oh, and please ignore Jack's backside in the pic below. He loves DOTS too so his focus was not on the camera!

Got a Flip!

Have you heard of this little camcorder? Call the FLIP? Terri Blackstock had one at a recent novelist's retreat and it was so cool! Then Robin Lee Hatcher showed up with one in Couer d'Alene recently and completely sold me on it! I tried it out with Jack (our little silky terrier) the other night, but first...here's the setup:

We go through this ritual nearly every day of Jack playing with his "sock toy." A couple of years ago, our son came home with a little egg shaker. You know those little egg shaped "shakers" used in band class. Well, Jack went crazy over it. But of course, giving him that alone wasn't safe. Plastic with beads inside. Um....no! So...

We duct-taped the life outta that egg, then shoved it inside a sock, tied it, then doubled it and tied it again, and it became Jack's favorite toy of all time. We've been through a few eggs, and LOTS of socks, but he just enjoys it so much. 

To see just how much, watch below (and for the squeamish among us, please excuse my repeated phrase of "kill it, kill it" but that's what we say since, in reality, he IS trying to break the toy's neck, inline with a dog's basic prey instinct). :)

 

And just a reminder, if you haven't yet, check out the new Writes of Passage blog which features historical authors Robin Lee Hatcher, Tracie Peterson, Kim Sawyer, Lori Copeland and moi!

From a Distance book trailer - take a peek!

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So...what do you think?

I had fun helping design this book trailer for From a Distance with PulsePoint Design (great people to team with!). Picking out the pictures, choosing the right voiceovers and music feeds the creative juices. Hope you enjoy it!