Speaking of...

November is always a busy month around the Sawyer household. Of course, there are the holiday get-togethers for Thanksgiving, but additionally we have no less than SIX family birthdays! Don't get me wrong--I love to celebrate, but six celebrations in one month? Wow, it keeps us hopping!

Added to that, November sees me playing hostess to a group of writers for a short retreat at my home, traveling to other Kansas towns for two different speaking events, and trying to finish a manuscript that is due December 1. I feel a little bit like I'm caught in a whirlwind, spinning through the month.

And speaking of whirlwinds...while I was in my office on Wednesday, I heard an unusual noise. When all four cats when zinging in opposite directions, I knew I'd better investigate. I looked out the back door, and this is what greeted my eyes:

That snarl of metal and torn canvas is what used to be the gazebo standing oh-so-prettily on the patio. For the record, it does not belong upside-down...or against the porch. *sigh* The Kansas wind...never know what it's going to do next. At least the gazebo only damaged itself--it could have come through the porch screen! So we're grateful.

And speaking of grateful, thanks to everyone who made a guess as to which character I was emulating in this image:

Although it could have been Emmaline from A Promise for Spring or Tressa in A Hopeful Heart (I didn't realize I used trains so much! lol), I think it best represents Summer Steadman from Waiting for Summer's Return. Below is the scene where Summer clings to the railing...

The train jerked, a chug-chug sounding, then it vibrated as it started to roll. Gritty gray smoke hung over Peter's head, and Summer blinked, needing one last glimpse of this dear man. Thomas trotted up next to his father and waved.

The train picked up speed. Wind tossed her hair and tangled her skirt around her ankles. She clung to the railing with one hand and waved. Tears distorted her vision, but she waved. And waved. The train turned a bend, and the man and boy disappeared from sight. Even then, she remained on the top step, her hand raised in farewell, as the rushing wind carried away the sounds of her mourning.

And speaking of Waiting for Summer's Return, I need to send this book to Karen's friend. I had fun reading everyone's guesses! Thanks for playing along. :o) Karen, please contact me privately at kim(at)kimvogelsawyer(dot)com so we can make arrangements for sending your books where they belong.

If the Kansas wind doesn't carry me away, I'll talk to you again next week! Until then, take care, and...

May God bless you muchly as you journey with Him! ~Kim