Hello, Ladies

So much has happened since I last posted. We produced a 30 minute movie for Malcolm's 8th grade graduation, refined it ad nauseum and then edited it to 20 minutes. I discovered my passion for editing isn't restricted to words. I loved the work. Brian suggests we enter it into some indy video awards programs. I think he's serious. Landscaping started on the side yard. I did not yet sell my Volvo. Maggie returned home, having completed her final exams at Cal. Her presence quickly reminded us why we had hired a cleaning lady. Malcolm acquired his first suit and looks 17 years old in it. Maggie and I cried while watching him get fittted in the "funhouse" mirrors. Maggie postponed her trip back east to attend his graduation. So I get another 10 days of a messy house and her sweet, spirited companionship. Totally worth it. On Friday, she moved into a house in Berkeley with five of her 8th floor dorm-mates from this year; two girls and three guys. We hosted them and a few other friends for steak and risotto last night; it was grand. Their energy was nothing short of what you'd expect from kids living the fully-funded, unsupervised, independent lifestyle (from the Zits cartoon).

The ladies in my novel have been, well, ladylike in their patience to have me return to their stories. I've missed them and continued to let them evolve in my notes. We meet up again tomorrow, and I promised them no more detours til we get the thing done.