Fathers Day, Book Birthday, and A New Published Piece!
But I Digress: June, 2024
Second to September, June is my favorite month of the year, and this June has been spectacular, if a little damp. All the frantic yard and garden work is subsiding, the gardens are looking lovely, the humidity’s making only sporadic appearances, and I now have the time to take multiple breaks in the day to just sit on my screened, bug-free porch and watch the magic of nature. I also love taking the dogs out each day for multiple meanderings around the property. If you follow me on Instagram you know I do a daily “morning musing” reel, where I share whatever happens to pop into my head on any given morning.
My walks with the dogs inspired my book recommendations for this month. Keep scrolling for those, as well as some garden photos!
June also marks Father’s Day. A father’s influence cannot be overstated. I often think about how my great-grandfather may have contributed to my grandfather’s feelings of inadequacy, which may have, in part, led to his dependance on narcotics.
Happy Birthday Crossing Fifty-One!
Last year at this time, I was gearing up for the launch of Crossing Fifty-One and—I can now admit—not managing my stress very well. But I got through it, the launch was a success, and on June 20th, my first published book turns a year old!
I love that the launch happened right after Father’s Day. I love the power of father love. Even though my dad’s been gone six years, I feel his love and pride for me every single day.
I’m also reminded that it’s still my job to continue to promote the book, even if I’m on to other things—like writing the next one!
This recent review keeps the momentum going:
YOU can always help by recommending Crossing Fifty-One to a friend, posting a photo of yourself with the book on social media, or providing a rating on Amazon. All support is greatly appreciated!
Current work in progress (#WIP)
Chapter 1 is finished!
For now at least…
I sent it to my agent just a few days ago and am anxiously awaiting her feedback. One of the most challenging aspects to writing memoir is making the story clear for readers who don’t know me or the case. In 2012, I successfully prosecuted the wife of a local NFL player and weathered extensive media coverage. This book is about that case.
The office I once worked for has come under fire in the last year for questionable conduct on several significant cases. I was happy to have my recent commentary piece accepted by the Star Tribune: one of the the biggest newspapers in the Twin Cities. I plan to submit more opinion pieces related to trial work and the criminal justice system, because I believe the rule of law is currently under attack.
It’s funny that the paper wanted my full legal name when I submitted the piece, given how I feel about it. ICYMI, I wrote about it here:
Finally, here are those garden photos I promised:
See you next month!
~ Debbie
JUNE BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
NONFICTION:
It occurred to me while on a recent walkabout with Watson and Fuji, that I’ve come as close as I’ll ever be able to recreating the author’s life in this wonderful book. When I first read it, while riding the bus to work every day and leaving my dogs alone in a tiny house with a tiny yard, I often dreamed of something better for them. Now I have it. 😊
FICTION:
During a book club meeting about ten years ago, the host’s daughter made an appearance and shyly recommended another book by Kate DiCamillo, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. While our group did not select it, I bought it, along with this one which I’m recommending consistent with this month’s dog theme. Yes, I know it’s a kid’s book, but sometimes, a book like this can be a wonderful palate cleanser for our troubling times.