My friendly readers,

I am just back from a lovely two week vacation to a little bit of Italy and a lot of Ireland. Honestly, it was so good to be out of my routine, my worries about work, and my bigger worries about what’s happening in our country. In Ireland, particularly, we heard comments from people who pity the mess we Americans are currently wading through. The one thing that brings me hope (and also despair!) Is the fact that most countries have suffered through terrible trials and made it through to the other side. As one Dublin taxi driver said to me, ‘don’t let it break your spirit.'

These sculptures by Rowan Gillespie can be found around Dublin, depicting the exodus from Ireland during the years of the potato famine. We also of course heard about the troubles that caused a civil war in Ireland, and still are reflected in the tensions between northern and southern Ireland. I love the bits of Ireland we saw so much, and I’m glad to claim some Irish ancestors that give me a connection to this green and lively place.

But the message here in Ballyvaughn is more hopeful… The circle is a piece done by Hattie Hammersmith called Victorious Spirit. It was designed to illustrate the human spirit victorious over earthly battles. We found it comforting.

Back from the divine to earthly pleasures, we ate very well in Ireland. Here was my favorite bite of seafood chowder from The Fish Box in Dingle:

This was a high point too, watching the Irish border collies gather sheep based on a series of whistles.

But now I am glad to be home, glad to be welcomed enthusiastically by my own furries, who I can assure you are not that well trained, and ready to get back to work. For your reading pleasure, here are a few links you might enjoy.

September installment of what I’m writing.

A delicious if homely cherry crostata.

A great sale on the bundled version of the first three audio books in the Key West series. This sale ends on October 11.

I apologize for the delay in publication of the audio edition of THE MANGO MURDERS. Good news! It should be available on November 4!

If you happen to be in the area, please stop into one of these October events, and say hello! The signing in Naples on Halloween is at a brand new independent bookstore that I’m very excited to be visiting.

October 11, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Booksigning at Barnes & Noble with Katie Tietjan
25 Hazard Ave
Enfield, CT

October 25, 1:00 p.m.
Eastford Public Library
With Sarah Stewart Taylor, Tessa Wegert, and Sarah Strohmeyer
179 Eastford Rd
Eastford, CT

October 31, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Book Signing Event
Books on Third in Naples
1300 Third St, S #201
Naples, FL

Meanwhile, carry on brave souls, as one of the characters in Unsafe Haven said…

xox

Lucy