Dear Friends and Readers,
We’ve reached the midpoint of the year—in a whirlwind. DOGGONE BONES is hatched and out in the world. Lots of crazy things going on at the farm.
The sad news is that the big, wonderful camphor tree in the back yard that was struck by lightning two years ago had to be taken down. It was a huge tree and I loved it. But most of it was dead, and it wasn’t coming back. I waited and hoped that it would recover. The lightning just blasted it too hard. So I’m trying this newsletter as the smell of camphor fills my house for the last time. I tried hard to find someone who would take the wood—it is very hard and makes fine cabinets, flooring, silver chests, etc. But no one would take it. The tree service I hired is hauling it away. I hate that there is no good use for it.
The smell of camphor fills my house right now, a last lingering goodbye from my old friend the tree. Camphor wood is very hard and tough and makes excellent cabinets and flooring, as well as silver chests, jewelry boxes, etc. It’s beautiful wood. I wish I could have found someone to take it.
In book news, we have some exciting developments. Priya and I are working on putting some of my old Harlequin Intrigues back into print—well, into digital form. This is exciting, but it will take some time so bear with us. Pamela is helping with the covers. I’ll be glad to see them available to read again. I’ve published over 80 books. That’s kind of amazing. I’ll have more information as we get the books ready to go.
Come join in the fun for “Christmas in July” next month on the 26th at the Cozies, Conversations and More Facebook Group. I’ll be giving away a signed copy of BLUE CHRISTMAS BONES.
Click on the invite to join the group for a day of fun.
 Hanging out with Angie at The Haunted Book Shop |
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I’ve lost several friends since the last newsletter. It’s hard, especially when they are younger. This business of aging is not what I expected. Not at all. Still, I’m pretty lucky. I have friends who are in physical pain all the time. I’m stiff and creaky but still able to manage the farm.
Dean James (my much older brother) and Don Herrington came for the weekend and we had some good laughs and way too much good food. And rain. Good grief we have had rain. It just started raining again here.
The horses are running across the pasture in the rain right now. They love this weather, but I sure don’t. I am happy for the rain, but maybe just once a day, in the afternoon, to cool things down.
On the book font, ODE TO THE BONES is with the editor. I finished the synopsis for BONES OF ASH and turned it in. Now to start writing!
 Karma says, get thee up and shake that fatsy butt while opening my food for me! |
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I leave you with this little tune that’s been in my head all morning— Devil Woman. Love the music, love the lyrics, just love the song. Marty Robbins was a terrific singer/songwriter. I really love songs that tell a story.
And here’s Priya to give you a bonus section of the newsletter! Everyone LOVED her story about visiting Mississippi, the blues, Eudora Welty’s Garden, and so much more!
Until next month—Carolyn and the critters!
Dear Readers,
Growing up, my sister Nikki and I would be the most excited to open up presents from Shruti Masi. (In Gujarati, “masi” means maternal aunt—mom’s sister). She put a lot of detail and intention into her thoughtful and creative presents. Masi taught calligraphy classes in Toronto and wrote us letters in her beautiful handwriting which we treasured. She wrapped our gifts with vibrant and textured papers, and beautifully presented each parcel with a unique string or ribbon. They were so pretty!
 Getting rained out at Niagara Falls with Shruti Masi and Nikki. |
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Shruti Masi curated special Christmas lists each year just for us–gifts that were unlike the usual toys and Barbies we’d get from Santa. Rather, we’d get interesting books and science kits and arts/crafts projects. Nikki and I still talk about it to this day, that her presents let us escape a bit, which we desperately craved at the time. She is a remarkable woman who is passionate about the balance of color, light, placement, and flavors. She also makes you feel safe, seen and welcomed, especially if you’re introverted and shy. Masi has this effect on many people, including her elementary school students.
But enough about that and back to me.
I was 9 years old when I received one of my favorite Christmas presents from her. That was the Christmas when I was introduced to Anne Shirley. That’s Anne with an “e”. Do you know which book character I’m talking about? The real ones know who exactly who I’m referring to. Anne of Green Gables! My masi sent me “The Anne of Green Gables Storybook” that featured photos from the TV miniseries that was produced in 1985.
 Yes, I went online to get a used copy of this edition to bring back the memories of that Christmas morning. |
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I stayed up all night long poring through this book, enchanted by the photographs and by the imaginative and stubborn Anne. I even desperately searched for a red-haired girl at school to bond with. (No such luck). When I got older, I read the full-length novel and was transported back to a world filled with puffed sleeves, kindred spirits, and raspberry cordial.
When I got to watch the 3-hour miniseries, I was blown away by how Anne came to life. I can’t think of a better actress than Megan Follows to portray Anne. And Marilla, Matthew, Diana, Gilbert, and Mrs. Lynde were perfectly cast as well. To this day, when I want to scold someone, I blurt out “Stuff and nonsense!” (Shoutout Marilla). And that scene at the train station is forever burned in my memory. I laughed and cried in this movie, and I so wish the author Lucy Maud Montgomery could see just how much Anne with an “e” is cherished by generation after generation.
And yes, I got Jim to watch with me last month. He was hooked and got on Etsy to search for an Anne of Green Gables tote bag for me. What a sweetie. (The obsession I have with collecting tote bags, though. I may be studied one day, as I even purchased a coat rack specifically to hang my totes).
All neuroses aside, we plan on visiting Prince Edward Island one day to visit the Green Gables Heritage Place which is the crown jewel for devoted fans. You can take a tour of the iconic green-gabled farmhouse! There’s also a museum and you can ride in a “Matthew Carriage.” And I’ve never had raspberry cordial, but they offer it there! I think heaven is very much like Avonlea. So please, I beg of you, if it’s been too long since you’ve read the book or seen the original miniseries, do revisit this story. You won’t regret it!
And thank you Shruti Masi, for giving me Anne when I needed her.
Warmly,
Priya
Carolyn and Shruti Masi chatting about the wisdom of animals, reincarnation, ghost stories, and past lives.