This morning in the vegetable garden, under a canopy of brilliant blue, surrounded by a chorus of jenny wrens, bluebirds, and song sparrows, I planted miracles. As I dropped the tiny, almost imperceptible, seeds into the soil, I was confident they would eventually transform, by some mysterious miracle, into crunchy lettuce.

Many of you think I live a Tasha Tudor life. You imagine me tucked away in paradise, snapping photographs, or writing, amidst birdsong . . .

and blooms.

And in many ways, you are right. On a good day, that is just what I do.

But there is much about writing that goes unseen. When I began pursuing publication, I assumed my experience entertaining children through my hobby, marionette theater, would quickly guarantee my success.

A few of my handmade marionettes– proof of my creativity.

3+ years and 41!! rejections later, I know better.

Writing is not for the weak of heart…