THINGS I'M THINKING ABOUT THURSDAY

1. Snow Don't get much white stuff here in central Alabama -- which is yet another reason I'm excited to be traveling this weekend to Park City, Utah, where I will be hanging out with all sorts of lovely author-friends for a wee wintry writing retreat. I've got the mittens and earmuffs in my bag!

2. Downton Abbey Hubby and I will watch this week's episode TONIGHT, thereby getting us all caught up for the season finale next week! This is happy AND sad news. Unless there's another such series we can find on Netflix and latch onto...

3. Birthday February is all about ME, 'round here, and even though my birthday doesn't come till late in the month, there have already been some sweet celebrations. Yesterday I got THE COOLEST handmade book bag in the mail from THE COOLEST friend who knows I adore handmade, thoughtful things. Thank you, Pat! (I would post a pic, but I don't want to inspire any thieves or stalkers. Mine. All mine!)

4. A MONSTER CALLS by Patrick Ness. Quite an emotional read. And so full of TRUTH, I very nearly wept. Such an honest book. I love how the author allows 13 year old Conor the emotion of anger. I think we forget sometimes (or rather, push aside, because it's scary/uncomfortable) how even younger children can feel powerful, overwhelming anger. How refreshing, this book. And a good reminder to those of us writing for kids: yes, kids get angry. Sometimes, very VERY angry. It's part of life.