You know how schools divide absences into excused and unexcused? Well, I’d like to argue that my recent sabbatical from writing falls into the former category.

If it counts for anything, my Mom could write me a note.

Here’s what was going on in May:

• My RWA chapter conference
• Multiple doctors’ appointments for both my mother and me (nothing major, just the usual maintenance and upkeep)
• Relay for Life garage sale
• Relay for Life
• Beer festival (Okay, so maybe that one’s unexcused.)
• Training for the weeklong bike tour I’m going on starting next week (It’s this one if you’re curious: http://www.railstotrails.org/getinvolved/findanevent/sojourn/index.html.)
• Multiple trips to Columbus for a variety of reasons involving the end of term for Darling Daughter and a book fair
• A cold followed (as they always are) by a sinus infection

I’m not complaining, merely noting I’ve had a busy couple of months. There’s not much I could or would have done differently, and yet I feel like I’m making excuses for not finding the time to write.

As a writer friend recently said, “No matter what I’m doing, if I’m not writing, I feel like I should be.”

My feelings exactly.

Still,  I’m determined to cut myself some slack and call this hiatus as an excused one. Life is and will always be a constant source of material and humor for my books, and I don’t have to apologize to anyone for taking a break. Since I’m not on deadline for anything,  I’m going to try to quit feeling guilty.

So, here’s my note:

Please excuse Kym’s absence from her writing duties. She has been busy gathering material to enhance both current and future writing projects. 

Signed,

Kym’s Mother

Pat and Me

This is my friend Pat. She and I used to do bike tours together.
She’s gone now, and I miss her, but as my new cycling partner said yesterday,
“I think she’ll be with you on this trip.”
I think so too.