When Something Changes by Liz Flaherty

Book 1 of the Second Chances series. Picture by Chris McGuire.

Last night, long after I'm usually done for the day, I typed "The End" on the last page of the second book in the Second Chances series for Magnolia Blossom Publishing. While I know I will go back into that last chapter and rip it apart and put it back together with different seams, there is still a certain kind of peace in having finished the book. It's also bittersweet, leaving those people I've spent more time with in the past six months than my own family members. I am reminded of when my kids first left for college, when I was so excited for them and yet I still cried all the way home from drop-off day. 

However, just like after we dropped those kids off, I'm pretty drained. The main characters of the next book--Dinah and Zach--have been bothering me all morning, but not really telling me their story. All I really know is that something's going to change, because that's where the story always starts. 

How many times do you wake up with that surety? Whether it's with dread or anticipation, you know something's going to change. I took a picture of the sun rising this week, and it (the sun, not my picture) was beautiful. Right at this moment, it's rising again, red and promising, but not like it was the other day. 

Every day is a new story. Every day has changes in it. In my best Suzy Sunshine voice, I urge you to embrace the changes. In my lived-a-long-time voice, I admit I know that's not always possible, but that same voice reminds me (and you) that there are always silver linings. Sometimes, it's the looking for them that's hard. And sometimes, they are the beginnings of a great new story. 

So, there's Dinah and Zach. They're in their 30s, younger than I usually write, and they like music I don't know or like. I need help with that, if you have any advice. One of them has a dog. Maybe both of them. He inherited the old B & B on the lake in Fallen Soldier, Pennsylvania and he doesn't want it. But she does. Hmmm... What do you think?

Have a great week. Pray for peace. Be nice to somebody. 

Second Saturday by Liz Flaherty

I am sort-of taking the week off, but let me leave you with a few things...

The community concern that was addressed in the Window last week has been resolved satisfactorily. I am happy for the North Miami community, the Grant family, and especially for the kids who are reassured that their needs and their thoughts are important. 

Today is Second Saturday in Peru. Although the wagon rides have been canceled due to the high winds, I think other things are going on. Including shopping, music, and--always--good things to eat.

There is also music at the Miami County Artisan Gallery and I'm sure other places I have not seen. If you know of activities today in in the next days, please put them in the comments section. The week ahead is full of opportunities to listen, sing along, and offer support to people and businesses in the community. 

Speaking of music, there will be some in Logansport tonight, too, at Black Dog, Peoples Winery, and U Know Pizza, and I'm sure in other areas as well. 

Prayers go out to everyone all over the Midwest who were affected by the storm system that went through last night. The loss and damage are horrifying.

For myself, I am only a week behind with Christmas cards, don't have my tree up in my office, and am already started on my holiday weight gain. For those of you who are joining me in that last endeavor, see you on the Trails after Christmas.

I also signed a three-book contract with a new publisher this week, which made me embarrassingly happy, and below is the cover for my next book, Life Is Too Short for White Walls, which will be out sometime in the New Year. If you'd like an advance PDF reading copy in exchange for a review, get with me.

Thanks for stopping by. We'd love to hear any news you have to share. Stay safe and have a great week. Be nice to somebody.