Life is full of challenges, but perhaps none as immediate as this. Today is day one of healthier eating and two minutes into my mourning drive I am side-by-side with this. . .for miles. Dial it back thirty minutes and I was in the kitchen hugging the empty packet of Oreos—the last few had gone into my child’s lunchbox. Sacrifices.

I love working with Sangeeta. She is thoughtful, meticulous and spot-on. I was fortunate to have great editors when at Little, Brown, beginning with Sangeeta, who pulled me out of the slush pile. I remind myself of this when I’m on the edge of the first big round of edits. When it feels overwhelming. When that little voice inside me whines, What? It’s not good enough as is? Of course it’s not. I know that going in but my comfort zone is free-flow writing with my internal editor on low. So I bribe myself with potato chips, pretend I’m going to eat something healthy as well, and keep a quick bar handy in case I find that sweet spot—an hours-long streak of rewriting fired by new inspiration.

Horseback riding with my bestie in the Temecula Wine Valley. We chose the sunset trail and it did not disappoint. Ninety minutes through the vineyards and over the sloping amber hills. We started out with a lovely dinner in a rustic western steak house (we removed red meat from our menu at my house - not all voices were heard :) - so it was SO nice to sink into some aged prime rib and cowboy potatoes). There’s a peaceful rhythm only found in nature and in the company of good people. If you don’t have one, go out there and get yourself a bestie.

Somi Somi cookies & cream with Oreo cookie crumbs. . .hold the fish.

Someone’s happy. . .or not.