His toothbrush is gone. His truck is gone. I am bereft - is that okay? I mean, my husband is gone to Africa to spread the Good News while all I'm doing is sitting hunched over my computer with ear plugs in to block out the guitar - Hank is teaching himself Dueling Banjos. It's going to be a long twelve days.

I'm reading again. After Cameron, my nephew, died in December, I couldn't concentrate. Focus has returned and I've finished the bulk of my professional writing that's due in March, so I can read without guilt. Two books:

1. So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore. Nonfiction, hence the ear plugs. Beth is an excellent Bible teacher. I love her studies. About this new book she says that she wants women to open the book insecure and close it as secure women. I'm participating in the online discussion group. It's great so far.
2. In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. Historical fiction - a favorite of mine. The setting is the reign of Trujillo, the ruthless dictator who ruled the Dominican Republic from 1930-1961. The story focuses on four sisters who are caught up in subversive acts against the tyrannical leader. I wanted to know more about the country's past since I've visited twice in the last year and plan to go again in July. Very well-written and suspenseful.

I want to write again. Seriously. I miss the cleansing. The rush. The backache. Perhaps the muse will visit again soon. Until then, read my shoddy poetry and boring posts....

KP