Good morning Everyone. Happy March.

It feels a little Lion-y here on the south shore of Long Island, but there are crocuses blooming on the lawn- a Spring sign. It’s time to shake off the winter blues and come out of hibernation. Pour your brew. Let’s catch up.

If we were having coffee together, I would report that my husband, Matt, is feeling a stronger pull toward spring. He has been repairing, sanding, and varnishing boat parts. My Sunfish rudder looks strong and beautiful. Last fall, the trailer to our little motor boat broke while we brought the boat home for the winter. The trailer limped home on a bent wheel axle and a split support railing. Yes, the 20 foot boat was on it. We made it home, steered it into the side yard, put cinder block under the axles and support rails, and tucked the boat under its tarp. Matt began the hunt for a used boat trailer that looked reliable and ready for the 2024 season and beyond.

He successfully found the just right one a few weeks ago. Nothing is perfect, especially when bought second (or third hand), but my man is clever and can fix almost everything. He replaced bolts and rollers, adjusted the planks, and re-threaded the cranks so that the little boat would sit securely. 

The trick now is to swap the broken trailer with the new one. Remember, the little boat is still on the broken trailer. We bought and borrowed lifts, purchased more cinder blocks, and Matt has a stack of wooden block cut and ready to use as needed. A small posse of friends are coming to lift the boat from the broken trailer, pull out the broken trailer, then carefully and precisely set the new trailer under the boat. Nerve-wracking. I expect lots of loud directing from men with hearing aides.

If we were having coffee together, I would catch you up on the writer’s front. I had the honor to virtually read Famous Seaweed Soup to kindergarten children in a variety of schools. This platform gives me the opportunity to spread Famous Seaweed Soup joy beyond my physical reach. The teachers were wonderful and the kids were so cute waving to me, listening, and asking their important questions like… 

“How old are you?” (there is always that kid) “Older than you.”

“Why did you write the book?” (excellent question) “I love to make up and tell stories, so I am doing something I love.”

“Do you have a real sand pail?” (holding up my giant yellow pail) “I do! Do you?”

The Sayville Cadet Girl Scout Troop hosted me at their meeting last week. I reconnected with some of the girls from last year. They were a wonderful audience and excited to learn about the Becoming America’s Stories and my writer’s life and fold origami Page Huggers. The series was a perfect segway to Women’s History Month.

I decided to continue offering the FREE virtual readings in the schools. Hopefully, this could lead to (paid) author visits and workshops and book sales.

If you are interested in a FREE virtual Famous Seaweed Soup or Becoming America’s Stories reading in your child’s classroom, please fill out this Google Form.

Next week kicks off the 2024 Women in Publishing Summit, a virtual conference that features all aspects of the writing and publishing world. This will be my fourth year. The fours days are chock full of interesting speakers, sponsors, meet and greets, and Q & A. I am looking forward to learning and networking with this group of dynamic writers.

Great BIG thanks goes out to Natalie the Explorer who keeps the Weekend Coffee Share percolating.

Thanks for reading. Enjoy. Like. Share.

ATTENTION Teachers, Librarians, PTA/PTO Officers, Home School Parents 

I am offering FREE book readings this month. Now is the time to schedule a FREE virtual author visit with me and my picture book, Famous Seaweed Soup, or the Tween/Teen Historical Fiction series Becoming America’s Stories. Discover how these stories became award-winning books, and delighted readers of all ages. 

Are you on Long Island, NY? We can talk about a LIVE visit. 

Please email me (atmartin@stories-served.com) or fill out the form and we’ll get started.

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