I didn't think we'd ever get to this day.

Graduation day. Yes, I can finally say that my last child has graduated high school. Whew!

Sk8monkey spent every year of school, from kindergarten on, bored out of his mind, and failing to do assignments, or homework. There were times I wondered if he'd just give up and quit, deciding to get a GED instead.

But, after many threatening words much encouragement, he finally pulled himself together, and last night I watched him walk into the Koury Center at Elon University to the sound of Pomp and Circumstance.

I was so proud. Also, relieved. Now we've got to get him enrolled for classes at the local community college. He'll be taking automotive technology, and I think he'll do well. He likes working on cars, especially his own.

So, in a couple of years I'll be watching him do the cap-and-gown walk again. By then, his brother, Second of Three, should be finishing his bachelor's degree, so I'll get a two-fer. I can't wait!

Still no news on the book front. I'm sunk into this blah period and just not getting work done. I did write down some ideas for a short story series, though, so that's something.

Anyway, Gentle Readers, that's the latest big event from my world. Take care and congratulate a grad, or encourage someone to become one!

The holiday collection is up at Red Adept Reviews!

A while back, Lynn at Red Adept Reviews made an offer for writers to submit holiday stories for review, and I decided to take a chance on it. Oh, I'm glad I did! I think I got a very good review from the site, and I couldn't be more pleased.

It's a funny thing to be a new writer. You need a vast amount of courage to put yourself out there, and to have people potentially say mean things about your Precious. It can be hard especially for those of us who are naturally introverted (oh stop it, you know I'm really very shy) to do it.

So when you get good reviews, it can validate your feelings about your work. I actually agree with what the reviewer wrote, even about some of the weak points of the collection, so I have a warm fuzzy feeling this morning. I know the bad reviews are going to come, because you can't please every reader, but to start off on a high note was a very nice thing.

Pop on over to the site and check out the review, and don't forget to look around at some of their other stuff. You might just find something you like.

I hope your Solstice was bright, and you are looking forward to Santa Claus. Until next time, Gentle Readers, stay merry and save me some fruitcake.