Hi Meltingpot Readers,
Is anybody still out there? If so, thank you for sticking with me. I officially hit send on the new Hair Story manuscript at midnight on June 30. It was due at 9am on July 1. (How’s that for punctual?) Then, because Ms. Meltingpot never stops, I converted back into Mom-in-Chief and packed this Kinky Gazpacho family up for a 14-hour drive across the country.
Yes, el esposo and I drove from Philadelphia to Milwaukee to attend a family reunion. At first we said we couldn’t make it because airplane tickets for a family of five were too expensive and that drive with babygirl sounded like pure torture. But then my mother laid a major guilt trip on me, and my boys really wanted the adventure so we did the road trip old-school style. Fed the kids, got them tired, packed the car at 9pm on Tuesday night and hit the road. The kids slept, we drove all night and rolled into Milwaukee in time for lunch on Wednesday. It was genius. And exhausting. But so worth it. My boys met a bunch of their cousins and aunties and uncles for the first time and marveled at how big their family actually is. Did I mention my mother had 10 sisters and one brother?
We drove back home yesterday. I’m still sleepy but again, incredibly happy we made the effort to be a part of such an important family gathering. I actually finally saw my grandmother’s grave for the first time ever, as well as those of some of my aunties whom I’ve never met. We did an ancestor walk through the graveyard and I learned so much about my roots. It was really special. Family is what it’s all about.
So, now, for me summer officially begins. I’m starting to write another book, but at a much saner pace, the kids are all in camp for the month of July and I’m trying to grow another gazpacho garden in my postage stamp-sized backyard. All is well.
What are you all doing for the summer? Let’s hear your plans. I’m totally listening.
Peace!
Comments
6 responses to “Ms. Meltingpot Is Back!”
I’m in Salamanca, studying like mad! Its crazy hot and there is nothing like Gazpacho to help! I’ve thought about you a few times since I got here. I wonder what your favorite aspects of the city are. I know Madrid, I spent three months there. I know Valladolid,having spent 6 weeks there. I know a few other places. I had even been to Salamanca before as a day trip. But I’ve been here since june 23rd, so I am really getting to know the city. I might even know what you are taking about if you refer to a specific area or place!
Oh, Wendy.
Say hi to Salamanca for me. I’m so jealous…well not really because the weather in the summer isn’t so great there. But to revisit my old stomping grounds. Ahhh. Have a great time!!!
So glad you are back!!! While you were away it gave me the chance to read “Kinky Gazpacho”. I can completely relate to this post after reading the book. I sent my comments about the book to your inbox. I’m looking foward to another Kinky Gazpacho story.
Cyretha,
Thanks for your lovely email. I love you even more now! And I am working on the next story. Stay tuned!
Hi Ms. Melting Pot!
I absolutely love reading your posts! Thank you for sharing your world with us and for inviting us to share a slice of ours with you! Your family trip sounds like it was a wonderful experience.
I had a great visit during the 4th of July holiday with my family in NC. I visited my oldest living aunt (82 years young) and recorded the oral history of my family (smartphones are incredible). It was an amazing opportunity and I feel so blessed to have been able to learn so much from such a wise woman.
My plans for the summer involve finishing my 6th book, which is due in to my publisher in 2 month (yikes). In between that time I’m going to travel for a few book events out of state and eat as much ice cream as I can for the next two months!
I hope you and your family have a wonderful summer!
Blessings,
Trice Hickman
http://www.tricehickman.com
Hi Trice,
You know I keep kicking myself for not recording people when I interview them. I promise I will now. Thanks for the reminder! Enjoy that ice cream and good luck with the book!