So, where did September go? I didn't think I was all that busy. Although I was distracted a lot. To start with my time at the Spanish Quarter was suddenly ending. In spite of all the great ideas to make things work, the city fathers decided to close the living history museum. It makes no sense considering there are huge plans afoot to celebrate the 450th birthday of the city in 2015. It makes even less sense when St Augustine's claim to fame is that it's the oldest city in the US. They promise it will reopen, but my fear is that they will turn it into a totally unauthentic amusement attraction. They've fired all the artisans with their years of knowledge about the crafts of the era and for some reason seem to think that a few new part time people will be able to take over. That's a joke, but not a very funny one. So, I spent as much time there as I could while all the people I'd gotten to know and admire were still there and on the last day, we all went to Anne O'Malley's Irish Pub to raise a few in honor of the era as we had known it.

In addition to that distraction, the day is fast approaching for the Fiction Writer's Boot Camp (a two day conference) that I am organizing. So, lots of email and phone calls, decisions and printing and purchasing and checking on others who have a part in it. As much as I've looked forward to this event, I will be very happy on October 22 at 5:30 when it is all over but the shouting. I'd like a few rave reviews of course, but just pulling it off with some kind of success will be nice. Then I can relax again. And get back to my writing without constant interruptions.

To all my family and friends in the north - I wish you a lovely colorful fall. I'm going to continue enjoying the warmth of sun and the allure of the beach.