All the Emotions...All at Once

What a month it's been! I've been in every time zone in the country and have experienced every likely emotion...all in the past month.

I left home on March 25 and flew to Detroit where I spent Spring Break week with my son Paul and his family--five beautiful people I love so much. From there, it was off to Oklahoma City to meet my new great-granddaughter, Gwen. She's the second in her generation and a treasure. 

Next, I flew to NorCal to pass the anniversary of my husband's death in the town he loved so much. We honored the day by decorating his niche in the mausoleum. April is probably my favorite month anywhere, but in Chico--the city where Roger and I spent nearly half a century and raised our family--it's magnificent. Dogwoods and azaleas bloomed everywhere, as if Nature chose to pay tribute, acknowledging the date.

While there, I spent time with my son John and his family as well as many dear friends I've missed--all before flying home to Utah.

The next week gave me almost enough time to play catch-up before relatives arrived for the wedding of my grandson, Tanis. His dad, Jared, came to stay with me together with his wife Sarah and their 13-month-old, Sam. Then Uncle Paul arrived from Michigan.

The wedding this past Tuesday was lovely, everything a romance novelist would hope for--except, of course, that my own companion could not be present to share the day with us. 

Since both Tanis and his bride Shae have Scottish ancestors and both enjoy all things Scott, the reception followed that theme. After the vows were said, my son led the bride and groom in a handfasting.

I'd heard of handfasting but had never seen one. Jared wrapped a cord around the joined hands of the new couple and declared this day a joining of two lives and two families. Then the bride and groom each caught hold of their end and pulled, successfully tying a knot--and yes, that's where we get that expression. 

The venue was decorated in black and white, but with all the guests sporting the tartans of their own clans, bright color filled the hall. I wore Montgomery plaid, honoring some of my Scott ancestors. 

It seems I've been everywhere in this past month and have felt everything from heartbreak to elation. As I look at the schedule, there's a brief break before the next round of adventures begins.  I think I'll take a nap.  ;-)

Susan Aylworth is the author of 25 published novels including two small-town sweet romance series set in and near the Navajo Nation and in the Sierra Nevada foothills. as well as five books in the Christmas Town series. Susan lives near Utah's Rocky Mountains. Watch for more books coming this summer and fall in both the Rainbow Rock and Christmas Town series. Contact her at her website: susanaylworthauthor.com,  or via susan.aylworth.author@gmail.com, also @SusanAylworth. Susan loves travel, music, her large and scattered family, perfect raspberry jam, and hearing from readers.