If we were having coffee today, April 20th, I’d invite you to sit in the backyard with me. The weather has finally turned and even though it’s has been a bit rainy, the fresh air feels refreshing. As we sipped our coffee and enjoyed this delicious cinnamon bread, I’d tell you how very busy I’ve been and ask what you’ve been up to lately.

We traveled to Phoenix last week for my son’s graduation. It was a short trip, but we were on the go the whole time. Our first excursion was out to Sedona. The scenery alone is breathtaking and I was so pleased to be able to bring my parents to the Chapel of the Holy Cross. After we spent time there, we had a lovely lunch in town, returned to Phoenix to visit my son, and then headed back to our hotel in Mesa. That night we headed out to the Roadrunner Cafe to watch the bull riding. My son participated and although his actual ride lasted seconds, it was a fun night. We headed out to graduation the next morning. My son completed his program and is now a certified Harley mechanic. I couldn’t be more proud of him. I’d love to know about the moments that made you proud. We spent our last day in Arizona exploring Scottsdale. It was a great trip.

I also attended one of my favorite events of the year, the AAUW Book Author Luncheon. It’s always a lovely occasion. My mother and sisters and I attend annually, and this year we brought my daughter and my niece. I’m excited to include the next generation. The luncheon is centered around two authors who speak about their books and then offer them for sale. Fiona Davis and Lynda Cohen Loigman shared their books with us and discussed their writing process. I’ve finished The Masterpiece and have started The Wartime Sisters. I highly recommend both books. I’d love to know what you are reading right now and if you are familiar with these two fantastic authors.

My husband surprised me last night with tickets to the Lee Ann Womack show at Foxwoods Casino. She put on a great show and the theater showcased her powerful voice beautifully. I don’t listen to as much country music as I used to, but hearing her songs really brought me back to a different time in my life. Isn’t the power of music amazing?

Have you been participating in any of the events for the National Month of Poetry? I’ve been active in both the Writer’s Digest/Poetic Asides list and #NaPoWriMo. I do love the challenge of having to write to new prompts each day and always come away with a few poems that make me happy. Having said that, this month-long assignment does not leave much time to focus on any other type of writing. I do plan on getting back to some of my longer writes next month. What are you working on at the moment?

It’s a little after noon now and the rain has finally stopped. I think it’s time to head out for a walk. Thanks for stopping by! Until next time…