Thoughts on a Windy Sunday

Man, we're having one damn strange spring here in Kankakee County. Today it's rainy & cold and very, very windy. Being a native Chicagoan I know wind and believe me what's happening outside my window right now is major wind.

I have a majestic white pine tree in the backyard and its enormous and very beautiful upswept branches are swaying back and forth like palm tree fronds in a Florida storm.

Well, I'd rather have flying pine cones than flying coconuts. I lived in Ft. Lauderdale many years ago and those damn coconuts can fly through the air like cannonballs; I know: I've seen it.

Yep; I'll take the pine cones.

I'm going to my first book signing event today at our local Barnes & Noble in Bradley, IL. The store is hosting the event to honor local area authors and I understand there will be at least six of us in attendance. I'm looking forward to meeting other area authors. Since I'm a transplant to the area and haven't been here for very long I'm still learning a lot about the area and its local talent. I think this will be a great opportunity for me to hang with some other writers. Very cool.

Many people have already contacted to me to tell me they'll be there. My local fan base is growing quickly, which I appreciate very much. I continue to receive enormously flattering feedback about January Moon. Last night I saw people from all over the country jump into a thread of mine on Facebook and tell me they loved January Moon and then there were a few others who said they were reading it (and so far loved it) and a few others who were going to begin reading it this weekend. Most of these folks were reading January Moon (or had done so, or were going to) on their Kindle. No one said they had the Nook (sorry B&N!). One lady said she read January Moon as a print book and another said she was was reading it on her iPad.

My e-book sales are much greater than my print sales. Interesting to track.

Well, anyway, if you're in the area please join us at Barnes & Noble today between 1 and 3 PM and if you can't join us then my wish for you is that whatever you're getting into today that it will be exactly what you are meant to do... may God place you where She knows you're needed most, whether for yourself or others.

On that note, here's my thought for an incredibly windy day:

Don't ever let the wind blow you too far away from those you love... literally or figuratively!

Peace; ~mick

Meet Bette Dionne

Confession: I no longer live in the Windy City.

Fact: I'm not giving up the name "The Windy City Author." I am, and always will be, a daughter of Chicago, born and bred on the northside, one of those Lakefront Liberals. Chicago is the home I carry in my heart and Chicago is my frame of reference.

Now, however, I live about 70 miles south of Chicago, down in Kankakee County and the place is definitely growing on me. It's a beautiful area with a rich history and wonderful people. I came here to heal and as miracles happen, I have... I now find it hard to imagine a life that won't always have at least one foot in the country. One day I'll write more about that healing (I've already begun to sketch out the book so I hope it won't be too long before I can share the story with you).

In the meantime I'm enjoying learning about Kankakee County. This Sunday I'm joining other local authors at Barnes & Noble in Bradley for a local authors' event and book signing. I'm looking forward to meeting other authors and getting to know them and their work. Fun stuff!

Last night I was wondering about what other sorts of local talent we have around here in this, my new locale...I'll meet some authors this Sunday, have already met some musicians, but realized I've never met any locals who work in the visual arts.

And did I tell you I love art?

I can't draw a straight line with a ruler but my total lack of talent only increases my sense of awe when I meet someone who is a talented artist.

And, typical of how things happen in my life (my middle name should be "Serendipitous") guess what?

This morning I met Momence artist Bette Gilbert Dionne.

Bette contacted me on Facebook after she read an article about me in our local paper and one thing led to another and I went to her website and...

OMG: it was one of those slack-jawed, open-mouthed moments of shock and awe.

This lady is a major talent. Her paintings are breathtakingly gorgeous.

I can't wait for you to meet her.

Friends, please click on this link and meet my new friend, Bette Dionne.

Happy Friday!