Ann M. Martin

Good-Bye to Summer, Hello to Fall

October 2004

Hi readers, and welcome back to a new school year! I hope that your fall is going smoothly and that you're not missing summer too much. My summer was busier than I'd planned and my to-do list had too many to-dos on it. For example, this is the time of year when I really hope to get a great start on all of the outfits I'm making as Christmas gifts. Well, summer has ended, and let's just say that I have some serious sewing to get done before December. But I'm happy to report that my vegetable garden received some much-needed attention this year. I've had so much success that I could probably open my own farm stand! I've already harvested tons of new potatoes (who knew they could grow so big?), along with scarlet runner beans (which are like string beans but with beautiful red flowers on the vines), green peppers, eggplants, celery, lettuce, cucumbers and zucchini. The beets, carrots and acorn squash will be ready any day now. Looking back, I guess I spent a little more time in the garden than at the sewing machine!

My summer travels took me to Alberta, Canada, where a highlight of the trip was a two-day visit to Banff in the Canadian Rockies. The views were spectacular, and I'd love to go back someday for a longer visit. I also spent a wonderful week with friends on Martha's Vineyard. The house we stayed in this year allowed pets, so my dog, Sadie, got to come with me for the first time. Along with her doggie friend, Addie, she romped on the sand (carefully avoiding the "scary" ocean), and thoroughly enjoyed all of our outings. I have some fun pictures that I'll be posting shortly on the website (Sadie is extremely photogenic), so be sure to check them out when you have a chance.

I'm sorry to say that not all of my news is happy. This July, children's book author (and my very good friend) Paula Danziger passed away after a short illness. It's been very sad for Paula's family, friends, and colleagues, as well as for the millions of readers who have treasured her many books. After thirty years, kids are still enjoying her classics such as The Cat Ate My Gymsuit and Can You Sue Your Parents for Malpractice?. (Aren't they great titles?) As for me, I'm left with wonderful memories of my funny, smart, and talented friend. I'm especially grateful for the time we shared writing P.S. Longer Letter Later and Snail Mail No More.

It's impossible to think of Paula without remembering her boundless energy and enthusiasm. She loved to travel, she loved meeting new people, and she loved her readers. She also had a sense of style that was all her own. I'm guessing that Paula wouldn't want anybody to be sad now. In fact, I think it's safe to say that Paula would wish for all her fans to pick up a good book, make a new friend, and maybe even put on some purple nail polish and a wild, colorful outfit in her honor.

Wishing you a wonderful school year,

Ann