Mourning doves

23 02 2012
Photo: K. Hammerson

Ooh-ah-coo-coo-coo! It’s spring. Well, at least the mourning doves are at it, with males defending territories and enticing their lifelong partner for a little fun. Since they eat primarily seeds and feed their young pigeon milk and predigested matter, they can get an early start.
Certainly our mild winter give them an edge, too. Today it’s in the fifties, sunny, and almost balmy. The mail carrier was covering her route in short-sleeves.
By no means do I think I have enough clout in the world to make much of an impact, but I did my part to bring about this unseasonable winter. I bought several snow shovels, as mine had been hammered into oblivion during last winter’s barrage. And, for the first time in decades, I did NOT hang my snow banner. For as long as I can remember, I have ceremoniously replaced my summer flags with one large blue one, filled with large white snowflakes. This year, I rebelled, as just the sight of it made my shoulders ache.
Perhaps it helped! Spring: I’m ready for ya! Bring it on.

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Categories : crocus, mourning doves, nature, spring

Kev Richardson interviews Beth Lapin…

20 02 2012

On the heels of publishing To Say Goodbye, Kev Richardson has interviewed me about my writing goals, styles, and quirks. Kev, a sixth generation descendant from Australia’s First Fleet, now devotes his life to writing on not only the truths of his country’s convict history and general fiction with an Australian flavour, but biographies of significant people. Read his interview with me.


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Categories : Publications, The Novel Group

A published author!!!

17 02 2012

I  am so excited–my first novel has been published! A grown-up coming of age story, it addresses the question: can a middle-aged couple join forces to overcome their individual pasts, risk loving again, and build a new life together?

I’d love to give you all a copy, but I guess that’s not possible, so I want to tell you how you can purchase one. First of all, e-book versions are available at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. So, if you have a Kindle or Nook, download away!

Paperback versions are available by purchasing directly through me or online at Amazon. If you want me to autograph and save a copy for you, let me know (the price will be $16-17, plus any shipping costs if you aren’t local). Yip-pee!!! (All versions are available at Wings ePress.)

It’s been quite a process and I thank everyone for their support over the years.

My best to you in 2012,

Beth



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Categories : Publications

Surprise Guest

4 02 2012

It was Groundhog Day and I was filled with hope that winter might be over. Looking out the kitchen window as I washed my breakfast dishes, I glimpsed a black cat beyond the compost near the creek. I confirmed mine was inside and wondered if it was the stray black and white cat that had been MIA for a month or so.

Grabbing my binoculars, I started to focus on what became a moving target. Initially, its back was towards me and then it turned to cross my backyard, go up my driveway, across the street, and up my neighbor’s drive into her back ten acres.

All the while, my brain kept registering small bits of information. It was more of a brownish black with no other colors. Its fur was very lustrous, with a full, thick tail that curled up a tiny bit at the end. Its little face looked more like a teddy bear. It was the movement—front feet together, followed by the back—more of a lope that finally brought identification. A fisher!

I watched the beautiful animal with awe, simultaneously grateful that both cats were in the house. Suddenly, it didn’t matter much more whether it would be winter or spring today. It would just be.


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Categories : cats, Connecticut, fisher, nature, spring, winter