Twenty-nine years ...

Today is the 29th year anniversary of my first date with Rick. It's amazing to think it's been that long. I met Rick in my second year of high school. I had just turned 16 and he was 17 and about to graduate. Oddly, we had been at the same school for nearly 2 years, but had never seen each other until then. I was standing by the pool, ditching my tennis class, talking to my friend Amy. She was an aide at the pool, as was Rick. A few days later, he asked me to a local tennis tournament dance and I said yes. That was April 24, 1981. It's funny, but I remember that date vividly. I remember what I wore and what Rick had on. Sadly, I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday. We dated for 7 years before getting married in 1988.

Yesterday Rick came home from work early with 2 dozen long-stemmed roses. I didn't have my instant messenger on, so I missed the note he was coming home early. It totally surprised me. The roses didn't surprise me as much because Rick's always been wonderful about remembering this date, even better than me. Anyway, this picture is of the roses, taken looking down on them without a flash. You can't tell, but they are long-stemmed. I could barely get them all in the vase. They smell wonderful as well!

In other news -- I want to thank everyone who took the time to watch my book trailers. I really appreciate that. I had a lot of fun making them. Yesterday I spent a few hours working on one for my next picture book, The Marshmallow Man. I don't have it uploaded to You Tube yet, so I can't share it, but I hope to soon. It's probably my favorite of the three because I'm starting to understand the program a little better. As soon as I get an okay to post it, I will. I'm so excited for The Marshmallow Man to come out, as are my boys. They had a lot to do with me writing the book after we spent a week studying various versions of The Gingerbread Man. Nathan & Neil pretty much helped me bring The Marshmallow Man to life. And finally, thanks to the new people who are following my blog. I'm looking forward to following your blogs as well.