This is my favorite time of year. Pumpkins, mums, Halloween, and cool, crisp mornings. Though I love the lazy days of summer, nothing compares to this time of year. It also happens to be my twenty-sixth anniversary of my twenty-fifth birthday this week. (Yeah, you can do the math).
Since my last blog, a few things have happened. Some might even call them life-changing events. So here goes!
I’m So Excited—First, a little update on my debut novel, WHERE THE GRASS GROWS BLUE. This week, I will be submitting my content edits to my publisher! Yay! (Editing is very different from writing, but I finally found my groove.) Soon, I will have my book launch date, sometime in early 2023! I’ll keep you posted with all the upcoming news.
Bye, Bye, Birdie—It’s official. I’m an empty nester. I moved my last two children into their dorms and waved goodbye back in August. All five kiddos have spread their wings and are off flying. How did I deal with the loneliness and the deafening quiet? I gutted half of my house. Now, I live with furniture scattered about in the wrong places, constant dirt and dust floating through the air, coating everything in sight; and loud banging and sawing noises all day long. My house is a wreck and I’m living in utter chaos. It’s almost like having my children home again! I must say, Harley is not pleased with our new living arrangements, but his favorite chair is still in the same spot, so he’s doing okay for the most part.
On My Own—I’m still doing TikToks, but it’s not the same without my little co-star, my daughter, Ansley. But, what I’ve found is that you can teach an old dog a new trick. Not Harley, of course, but me. I figured out how to be a solo act! Check me out at @Hopegibbs71 and see for yourself. In fact, if you’re not following me on my social media platforms, click on the links for my Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook pages and see what you’re missing! (Sorry for the shameless plug).
The Bucket List—Last week, I traveled to Nantucket for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Two dear friends joined me as we set off to experience the world of Elin Hilderbrand. As I’ve told you in earlier blogs, she is my absolute favorite author, and not only did I fall in love with the island, I met her too. We tried it all: smoked bluefish pâté, sparkling rosé, and Sancerre. I will be writing a blog soon detailing my time there. It’s called A Southern Woman’s Guide to Nantucket. Trust me, three women from Tennessee might have stood out a bit on the tiny New England island. Apparently, we have accents. Who knew?
Finally, I’ve devoured five books this month! As I’ve blogged about before, when I’m not writing and editing, I usually have my nose stuck in a book. There’s nothing more magical than being transported to another world. Check out these incredible works by some fantastic authors.
September Recommendations (Click on the arrows!)
ON GIN LANE by Brooke Lea Foster
THE ONE YOU’RE WITH by Lauren K. Denton
OTHER BIRDS by Sarah Addison Allen
MY SECRET TO KEEP by Barbara Conrey
SUMMER LOVE by Nancy Thayer
Until next time...