December 2, 2008

My Darling Will,

Mother loves you so much.

I’m sure you get tired of hearing that all the time, but I never get tired of saying it. You have always brought me so much joy. When you were tiny one of your favorite games was, “How much do I love you?” You responded by giggling and throwing your arms as wide as you could, “Big bunch, Mama.”

I miss hearing your voice. Hopefully I can get something figured out on the computer soon and we can hook up some kind of voice speak.

I spoke to Diane today and she asked about you. I gave her your address, so I’m sure she’ll be sending you a letter. I reminded her of the cat box she gave you so many years ago. She remarked how unusual it is for a man to be so sentimental. I think you have some of me in you as I am a collector also. It’s not a bad thing. Life is made up of memories and reminders of the good times triggers those fond memories for us.

I discussed her writing. Guideposts called her and wanted to put two of her stories she had previously sold to them on their website and include some of her stories in a book that is supposed to publish next year worldwide. They are little victories, but important ones. Of course, with as many awards as she has won, it’s no surprise her stories are so well received.

She’s working on a new inspirational book now and I told her I would help sort through agencies and the submission process. She loves to write, but doesn’t much care for the submission process. I, on the other hand, think of agent hunting as a great adventure akin to watching dinosaurs in Jurassic Park. I hope the dangerous ones are safely under guard with ample warnings, but it’s still thrilling to watch them from a distance while I pet the stegosaurus and try to make friends.

And, speaking of adventures, I am trying to retrain myself about grammar. Ugh. You would think after seventeen years of writing for Speedhorse, I would have it all figured out. The problem is journalism is a rather straightforward style, while fiction, for me anyway, mixes things up a lot more.

I hung up the cow skull, elk horns and deer antlers. Home is where you hang your horns, as they say. I’m trying to leave the apartment as much as possible as you had it, but I got tired of being stabbed by the elk horns on the floor.

I did put up shelves for books, but not as many as I had at the other apartment. I will repair the holes when I leave.

And, speaking of books. I want to send books to you all for Christmas. Is there some place central you could keep the books so others can borrow them or at least set them out so the guys can get what they want? I’m keeping the selection bold and manly with a copious amount of mysteries and fantasies thrown in. I don’t want to make this difficult for you, but I thought the guys and gals might appreciate some books. They can leave them there for the next group if they want or take them home.

I’m afoot so I’ve been making use of public transportation. Another adventure. One nice lady bus driver. One grouchy lady bus driver. One grouchy and confused man bus driver so far. How can someone drive all the way out to Family Dollar and forget to let your passenger off? The whole bus, all twelve of us, were screaming at him to stop and let me off. He finally stopped at the west end of the lot next to the highway and I got some exercise. He forgot the woman who works at Televista and had to go back and drop her off so it could have been worse. He blamed his confusion on someone stepping on the wheelchair rail. Not really sure what that has to do with anything.

I’m going to try and go to Cody’s for Christmas. He wants me to come up and see Stormy and their home. Christmas will be a little slim this year. I shouldn’t have spent the money on the dental work and Surrey, but shouldn’t have and did make no difference now. I am going to send Katie that gift I bought her and get some clothes for Little Man. I’d like to get her a camera. She needs one to take pictures of the baby. We’ll see how things work out. Who knows, I may do really well at Awesome Auction. (laughs hysterically).

Ah, speaking of Christmas, a Girl Scout troop has adopted you all!

Aren’t you excited? I was so touched at the offer. Jenny, their leader, is one of my writer friends and a wonderful lady. I’m not sure if they have any Girl Scout cookies left, but if they do, I will buy you some.

Lisa Norman, another writer friend, is also a techie. She is building me a web site. It is just beautiful. I wish I had something exciting to put on it, but samples of my writing will have to do for now. I do have a place for pictures. Do you mind if I put some pictures on you on it?

Talked to Dad yesterday. He is feeling very well and sounded good. I was concerned about him for a long time, but I think he is over the hump. It would be better if he would quit smoking, of course, but that isn’t going to happen.

Nickel had a baby two months ago. He is a beautiful colt with white stockings. She has been really sick. Sounds like strangles, but older horses don’t normally get them. Whatever it is, it’s a very bad respiratory problem and she is very sick.

Ally has nicknamed the horses, Super Glue (Cowgirl), Glue Stick (Cowgirl’s baby) and Glue Pot (Richard). I think she did that to put the fear in them, but they don’t seem to be affected much by it. Cowgirl still insists on playing in the water whenever she can and aggravating Ally. Cody has a picture of Stormy sitting on Richard. So, she can literally say she was riding before she could walk.

I had Thanksgiving with Laura and Samantha. Brandon got called out and Dad was working, so it was just the girls. That baby is so beautiful and such a happy little thing. This has really been a good year for Weathers babies.

I’m so glad I got to go up and see you, Katie and Logan. He is such a precious little guy. I wish I could see him more. I wish I’d spent more time with you. I guess that’s selfish, because I know you and Katie needed the time together, but I do love you all so very much. I dearly love my grandbabies.

As you probably know, the laptop crashed. All my fault. I was taking clothes upstairs and a pant leg fell down and tipped over my coffee. Fried the laptop, but Art was able to rescue the hard drive. I’m trying to get hold of Wes to borrow that laptop. I’ll get Big Blue rebuilt after I settle the divorce or get my income tax refund. I don’t mind a laptop, but I prefer the pc, plus, I miss my big monitor.

It’s been pretty frustrating without a computer. I finished Paladin on a tablet, but I would like to get back to weaving the new parts in and revising. I think you will like it when it’s done. You were the magic spark that started it all. You loved the magic of fantasy and wanted to share it with me. Did you have any idea it would swallow me so completely and draw me into that world?

Well, sweetheart, I am going to close this for now so I can get it in the mail in the morning.

Think of Ireland. We are going next year.

Love,

Mom