On the Eve of a Heart Cath

Tomorrow is a big hairy deal!

Tomorrow, I go into the hospital for my heart catheter procedure.

Many, many thanks to all of you who have shared your own health journeys and sent your kind wishes for my recovery. Given that my last hospital stay was such a disaster, I’m understandably nervous. On top of that, I’m handing a great deal of responsibility over to my sweet husband, David, and my dear friend, Neil Plakcy.

I’m trying to be kind to myself.

Of course, there are a million tiny details that need attention before I go. My thoughts are scattered, my concentration comes and goes, and I suppose that’s to be expected.

Since I won’t be attending Space Coast Book Lovers, Neil graciously offered to deliver my pre-orders for me. I still had to get everything signed, packed, and ready to go—but that’s done.

I still haven’t sorted through all the craft supplies upstairs. ARGH. As long as there’s a pathway through the room, that may have to be good enough for now. I did manage to give away more yarn today to my niece’s boyfriend, so I’ll count that as progress.

My tomato plant had completely outgrown the hydroponic garden and needed repotting. Done.

I was halfway through uploading the Sherlock Holmes’ books to Ingram when I hit a formatting snag. Thankfully, that’s sorted now. Done.

I’ve scheduled the next two Mystery Mondays. This Monday’s guest is confirmed—CB Wilson—and the following week is about 90 percent finalized. Close enough to call it done.

Jax has visited the doggy beauty parlor. He’s clean, handsome, and fully prepared to snuggle with me when I come home. Definitely done.

I’ve also arranged for the cleaning lady to come Monday afternoon while I’m recovering, so I’ll return to a freshly cleaned house. Done.

Mouse House Progress

I built a cardstock tower so the rooms can grow vertically, since the finished project will be a house built inside a tree.

Yesterday, I made a sofa and ottoman.

Today, I worked on a cozy master bedroom, complete with a tiny stove for cold nights and a pencil sketch of the little boy who loves his mice.

I couldn’t help myself.

When the world feels uncertain, I seem to retreat into the details. The miniature rug. The bedspread. The tiny dresser. The little stove glowing in the corner. Creating these rooms calms my mind in a way very few things can.

Tomorrow…

Tomorrow, I’ll hand the rest over to the doctors.

Tonight, though, I’ll admire my tiny mouse house, cuddle Jax, and take comfort in a cozy room built for imaginary mice. I’ll remind myself that I’ve done everything I can do, and that sometimes, that’s enough.

Thank you for your prayers, your good wishes, and your kindness. They mean more than I can say.

Mystery Mondays

📚 Monday, June 15 at 7 p.m. ET
Joanna’s Readers https://www.facebook.com/groups/1602372550058785/

My guest will be my friend CB Wilson, author of The Water Diamond: A Gem Hunters Mystery (Gem Hunters Book 2). CB is not only a terrific writer—she’s a lot of fun, too. I think you’ll enjoy getting to know her as much as I have.

And One More Bit of Book News:

🎧 Purple, Blame, Game will be available as an audiobook on June 30.

Learn more here: https://rbmediaglobal.com/audiobook/9798318576003/

Love to all! Joanna