I have been absent…yes. But I vowed to write a blog post to all my loves out there just so you’ll know that I have not run off of to Quebec with a band of gypsies. I’m here, head down, life rushing by at an astounding pace as I glance at the Christmas decorations strewn throughout Walmart in mid October. I’m sorry, I’m just not quite ready for Jingle Bells, Batman Smells, Robin Laid An Egg…

The end of the year always brings massive waves of busyness. And through all of the craze this homeschooling, working, writing mother finds herself in…she does stop to have a Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks to reflect on the gifts that life has given her, is giving her…will give her.

Just so you know, here are a few things to expect from me within the next two and half months as we finish out 2012.

1) My birthday is Saturday. I’m turning 34. I feel 60, but I look 18. This was validated by my frequent “Can I see your ID?” moments in the check out line at the grocery story to buy a bottle of wine or a can of spray paint to re-do my outdoor patio table. At first I found it annoying, now I find it completely AWESOME. I pray they still ask me this 20 years from now.

Words to live by!

2) I have a brand new novella that is being published on December 10th. This book is very near and dear to my heart. It was written a year ago, and I am now bringing it to life in just a few short months. It’s called Absent Yet Present. This emotional, faith driven fiction story was written in memory of my dear sweet neighbor, and my boys very best friend, Andrew Pacocha, that lost his life to Leukemia two years ago at the age of 10. 100% of the proceeds of this book are being donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of Andrew and his family.

One of my son’s even wrote a poem that is included in this book. Yes, it is Christian fiction, and yes it is saturated in the faith of God’s amazing grace. This is how I felt led to tell his tale. Andrew’s battle brought countless individuals from around the globe to Christ through his illness, and it is my wish to allow his spirit to continue to flood the world through his story. I saw firsthand how this young man battled this horrendous disease…the fear that he felt, the pain that he endured and the uncertainty he faced day in and day out. But I also witnessed the community coming together to pray, to cater to his family and to fight with him, side by side. Even in loss, life is worth loving. More to come…including a book trailer of my testimony of how Andrew changed my life and the life of my children, and ultimately, why I HAD to write this book to honor him.

3) Were you a The Glass Castle Dream fan? If you were, you’re probably wondering where it went! Yes, it has disappeared from my blog. Pulled and tucked away until I can complete my edits before sending off to my editor in Canada. I received such an astounding flow or gracious comments and devoted fans from all over the globe, that I took this once “online novel only” to a whole new level. This time, I’m stepping outside the box and seeking a publisher for this book. Finding a publisher to even open your emails, yet alone, READ them…is very difficult. But thanks to all of you, you have proved that this story was not just another story. It has deep meaning and thousands of women connected with it. In that, I wish to share it with the world. Here’s to making that dream a reality! I will keep you posted on my progress.

4) My Pottery Barn post from last week was a HUGE hit! Thank you! I promise to bring another post to life in the next week. Several of you are begging me for more. I shall honor your “begging”. Hang tight!

Until then, keep your chin up and know I love all of you! I’m here…I’m just hiding under the kitchen table with my laptop and my iPod writing loads of goodies for all of you.

Hugs from the (almost) birthday girl ~

VSK