The graduation countdown has begun....get ready!

Say it ain't so. I love it here and I never want to leave, but, alas, I have to. Every one does, sooner or later. My novel is coming along, albeit slowly, lately. If any one has got any ideas on some new twists, I'd love to hear them. Just a teensy bit of writers block "maybe it is all of the thesis pressure." Or I am losing it. Okay, so let's focus on the thesis pressure part.

So, back to the celebrations. Liz and John Rupp are coming up to be my family and my dear friend Mary Beth Tombes is coming, too. Aren't friends great? I am lucky that way. So, I never know what to post on this blog of mine. What are you interested in hearing about? let me know and I will oblige.

Happy april fool's day...my thesis is now officially due in 29 days.

smooches, Lee

I am graduating...on May 18th!

I can't believe it. There are parties and readings and ceremonies and talent shows and luncheons and dinners and lots more. Before I get to commencement, I have to finish my thesis. My novel. I will spend spring break (which begins on friday) re-writing and adding and deleting chapters.

Right now, graduation seems like a million years away...there's snow on the ground (and still coming down) and frigid temperatures and wind. But, soon, it will be spring and they will tent Westlands lawn and chairs will be set up and a podium will be put on the Westlands patio and poof, it will all be over.

Thanks for every one who has supported with their cards and gifts and treats and good wishes. It has been so great. Okay, I need to get back to writing and not get all mushy.

Lee

Winter has been cheating on me...

Hello Hello (HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY)

I asked for it and I got it...snow and cold and a northeast winter! I have been jealous. Texas and Arizona and California have winter. But, not the Northeast. It just seemed to me that Winter has been cheating. On me. But, it is back and all is forgiven. It is a snowy icy beautiful mess here. I love it.

My novel is in full swing...just love my workshop/thesis advisor (not to worry, Ernesto, I still love you, too). So I am writing a ton, applying for jobs (ugh, the real world) and deciding where to live. (Maybe I will flip a coin?!).

Hope everyone is surviving the cold. Be safe, Lee

Now it's cold....

Okay, so I have been moaning about living in the Northeast, and feeling like it is Florida! How does 4 degrees sound? That is what it was this morning when I woke up; believe it is up to 17 degrees now (late morning). Love the cold, though, since I am inside working on my novel. Speaking of which, I am obsessed by it (good thing since it is my thesis). Just turned in a chunk to my workshop for their review. If you are TOTALLY bored and would like to read it, just email me and I will send along the first section (about 45 pages). It is set in Burgess, Virginia and Barton Heights, Virginia (a 1940s burb outside of Richmond). The main characters are two couples (Maggie and Robert and Evelyn and Jackson) who share a cottage each summer in Burgess. Robert is on the verge of entering politics when he is involved in a boating accident that kills his campaign manager. While it isn't his fault, his judgement is called into question and events fall out from there. Set in the 1961 before the 60s became the 60s, the novel subtly addresses class and race and innocence and redemption.

I am off to the library to write....hey Jason, great evening last night. Did I really call you Uncle Frank?

New Boo Boo Bear Picture!

Hello all

I am waiting for the wintry mix to hit Bronxville! There's a new picture of Boo Boo Bear on the blog...it was taken four years ago at Easter..thanks David for scanning it and posting it.

Have a good week, Lee

The New Semester is Here!!

Hello Hello

The new semester (and my last one!) starts tomorrow. It is hard to believe that time goes so fast but, yep, I will be finished in May. I have Josh Henkin for workshop which I am thrilled about. And, my dear dear friend Jason Helm is in that workshop, too. He and I met on the first day of grad school in Carolyn Ferrell's workshop (so wonderful) and so it is very fitting and fun to think of being in this last one together. I will continue to work on my book, WHERE ROCKS BREAK, and hopefully, complete a first draft.

My roommate Sylvia came back yesterday with all sorts of yummy food, and we resumed our tradition of seeing every movie in town (The Painted Veil is so beautiful) and we are going to The Queen tonite.

Today, I am relaxing, thinking about my Dad (it is his birthday!) and putting together information for the Graduate Reading Series. Have a great day off everyone!

Lee

Blog Blog Blog

Hiya

Okay, so how long does it take to get over pneumonia? I am getting a little impatient.

I am starting to sound like the weather channel but it is FINALLY cold here in New York. But not a flake in sight. How could that be?

Happy Birthday Melissa....and I am off to write, Lee