I think that I shall never see. . .

Here's the complete poem by Albert Joyce Kilmer:

I think that I shall never see

A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest

Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,

And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear

A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;

Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,

But only God can make a tree.

He would've gone crazy over the Katsura trees ablaze in our front yard, which not only glow but the turning leaves smell like cotton candy.

Come over and smell for yourself!

Ta-Dah

The Fed-Ex man brought two small boxes today. My author's copies of Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle!

Woo-hoo!

Rumor has it that People is doing something about Brian and Nubs (and, hopefully, the book) in the October 30 issue (it'll be right after the latest Kate and Jon Plus 8 Minus One installment) and Brian and Nubs will be Matt Lauer's guests on the Today Show on November 2.

We've also gotten lovely reviews in Booklist (a star!) and Kirkus and Kepler's Books in California is crazy about the book.

Good things happen to those who write about stories they love with people they love.

I am living proof.

True Confessions

Hello. My name is Kirby and I listen to NPR . . .and I haven't pledged.

I am so ashamed.

As soon as Mr. Random House sends the armored truck over with my October royalties, I promise to make myself an honest woman and write my local station -- KUOW-- a check.

Because where else can I hear Roy Blount, Jr. not only talk about his new book with its impossibly long title, but also manage to warm the cockles of my heart with such statements as, "Forget about that advice to 'kill your darlings.' If you do that, you'll never end up in Roget's Thesaurus of Quotations."

Time for a Break

I hit 40,000 words yesterday of the WIP that was supposed to be 30-35,000, but the publisher changed their minds and now wants 45,000. Needless to say, it has been all work and no play, making Kirby a dull girl. . .

and Winston an impatient pup clamoring for "mom's" attention.
In case you can't tell, Winnie B. is doing his best to insert himself between me and my laptop