Did you ever get the feeling that you were on board a speeding train headed for a brick wall? And on that train was everyone on the planet sent to drive you fucking crazy? Like there was a huge conspiracy and the vote was to throw every bad thing at you at once until your head cracked open like an overripe cantaloupe? 
No? Hmmmm, then I guess it’s just me. Sigh…
The last two weeks have been one stressful event after another, piled on top of each other like a huge pig pile that makes me want to yell “uncle!” Perhaps if only one happened at once, it wouldn’t be so bad, but all at once, it’s damn well killing me.
I’m sending up the white flag, flailing my arms, and shouting to the rainy sky “enough! can’t you see I’m damn well done?” 
Send me something good! I really need something good to happen. I’m afraid to buy a lottery ticket… I might trip going out of the store and break my ankle. 
Anyhoo, I did have a ray of sunshine this morning. Patsie, a reader, sent me this wonderful e-mail.
BETH,
Every new book on the Malloy’s has been a pleasure to read.
This one has to be one of your best, but then I havent read THE GIFT yet! Nor THE TRIBUTE, THE LEGACY ,etc.
I have seen you develop your talent with this family and have enjoyed your fun with the characters. Please release the next one sooner……. if wishes were granted and the unicorns can fly……….Loved Ray and Lily……
but the little Note was just a baby who needed to be hugged and loved more.
Thanks for the Malloy family,
Patricia (Patsie) Tyler is still my man.
Thank you again Patsie. It’s definitely lifted the cloak of doom and let light in. 
That was a wonderful email that Paricial wrote to you. That would make anyone’s day better.
by Loretta September 1st, 2006 at 6:58 pm