Unlimited package

Son: “Why don’t they use their turn signal?” Me: “They didn’t buy the unlimited package.” Son: “Huh?” Me: “When you buy a car, you’ll have to let them know how many times you want to use your turn signal. They put different bulbs in. The more you want to use them, the more expensive the blinker is. They probably bought the cheap package. You can only blink so many times.” Son, after a short pause and somewhat skeptical look: “What do we have?” Me: “Unlimited package.”

Family, then and now ...

And what does your ancestral home look like? No, I didn't jet to Germany over the weekend; my brother and family visited the "Schloss" last week. — at Schloss Münchweiler.

If you're curious, here is an excellent link and more about the Roechling Family. Yes, I'm related to these folks, on my mother's side:

http://www.voelklinger-huette.org/en/fascination-world-cultural-heritage/the-roechlings-a-family-of-entrepreneurs/

Grief

I was thinking about grief this week and about how I am handling it. I was just letting my thoughts wander and then it occurred to me I should call my Dad to see if he had any insight. We had never really talked about him losing his parents. It was a great plan for a moment until I realized the reason I am dealing with grief is that my Dad died (five months ago now) ...

Hmm ... (novella thoughts)

Didn't really get any writing done on the novella over the weekend, but I'm still finding my way in, so to speak. 

On the upside, I've got ideas for more in that "series." The set-up lends itself to slice-of-life action sequels, but that means more research since I have to live with whatever I concoct in the beginning.

One word at a time ...

Whoa, just saw the word count on the co-authored work-in-progress: 103k. 

NICE. 

It's taken forever to get this far. It has survived kids in and out of school, loss of jobs, tornadoes, a move across the Pacific and "homelessness," death and countless hours/days/weeks of "I will never be motivated ever again." I'm super proud of this story, even if it never sees the light of day inside a bookstore

Hmm ... (novella thoughts)

The untitled short story/mini-novella languishing away on my computer has been titled. 

The Legacy Recruit: “Son of a Preacher Man”

5 summer favorites

1. Walking the dog after dark in shorts and T-shirt – it’s still warm enough.
2. Having the windows open all the time and fresh air in the house – unless the AC is on.
3. At the most, wearing only four pieces of clothing – no socks, no shoes ever.
4. Waking up to the sun shining in my window – I don’t like getting up before the sun.
5. Being able to banish the kids outside when they get on my nerves – if only they could play the Wii outside, too.

This morning I received the call no child ever wants to receive, especially not those of us who live a world apart from our parents, siblings, and family.

My Dad suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. As I type this I cry because I cannot be there to take my Mom into my arms and comfort her. I cry because I cannot hug my brother or assure my grandmother that despite my tears I will be fine. My father and I had different views on the afterlife, but I do hope and wish ever so deeply that he is allowed to rest in peace, knowing he was loved.

Papa, ich hab dich lieb. 

— feeling devastated.