I must share with you the cover of the large print edition of Chin Up, Honey. Now, that is a cover! Of all the covers on my books through the years, this has to be my very favorite. A woman walking on, head high. I suppose that is the theme of all my books. And it is a pleasant image. I am known for writing ‘feel-good’ books. Just looking at that cover gives a pleasant feel.

The large print is hardback, but they need to be to giving you something extra for your money–the cost is a whopping $31.95! Most of the large print editions are sold to libraries, of course, but they are available special order from any bookstore, and they are listed on Amazon.com. and BooksaMillion. I have not checked the other online stores, but I imagine the book is available from many sources.

I have to say, I find the large print a relief to read these days, so remember the book when you are looking for a gift. The large print of any book would make a great gift for older folks, or writers. We writers all wear thick glasses.

Here’s something really funny: We held the book up to my Sweetie-pie and asked him, “Who’s this?” He replied, “Nana!” It is so lovely that my grandson sees me in such a light.

This week I experienced the bitter-sweet finale to the crafting of the Valentine Series. I completed the final editorial changes for the last book of the series, Little Town, Great Big World, which will be available in June 2010, I think. I’ll keep you apprised. It is time for me to move on, but the folks in the town of Valentine remain in my heart.

To celebrate the coming holidays and this beautiful cover, I will give away a copy of the hard cover large print Chin Up, Honey to some lucky person who leaves a comment on this post. The winner will be chosen at random, just say hello.

Blessings,

CurtissAnn

Daffodils are coming up all over the place around here. Even right in the lawn and pathways where we walk.

I was surprised to see them coming up at this time of year. Where I have lived, much further north, they did not sprout out until spring. Then I read that this is normal for down here. I guess they sit around all winter, waiting for spring to bloom. I’ll be watching them.

And these, loropetalum, I think. See their flowers. They look rather multi-colored in the pic, but they are actually a solid bright magenta. I pruned them, and then they came on with the flowers. What a lovely surprise.

The azalea by the pond has bravely been putting out blooms, one here, two there, all fall.

We have moved my mother down from Oklahoma now. She has, of course, been uncertain about this new arrangement of living with us. She especially wanted to have a microwave in her bedroom so that she could have her morning instant coffee in peace. Having embraced the invention of instant coffee when it appeared (what? ’50s?) she has drunk this coffee for the majority of her 83 years.

This morning my mother came into the kitchen, saying, “Coffee smells good.” Surprise! Since moving in, she has not even opened her instant coffee, preferring instead Bigstreetrod’s brew–stick the cup to the maker spout and it fills. I guess that’s pretty instant.

I’ve learned that when something looks very dire to remind myself: “One never knows what might happen. Expect a good surprise.”

Now I have to post this and run outside and look at the daffodils, see what more may have sprung up. I look everyday. This new home is sure a constant surprise.

Blessings,

CurtissAnn