Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Died Hopefully

Two related epitaphs from Jaffrey, NH (and their story is not rare):

Sacred to the Memory of Amos Fortune
Who was born free in Africa.
A slave in America, he purchased
Liberty, professed Christianity,
Lived reputably, died hopefully
Nov. 17, 1801, AEt. 91

Sacred to the Memory of Violate,
By purchase the slave of Amos Fortune,
By marriage his wife, by her
Fidelity his companion and solace.
She died his Widow, Sept 13, 1802, AEt 73


I’ve been telling people my trip to England ends April 3.  I’ve been wrong; it ends with a flight home early in the morning of April 5.  And in my usual not-paying-close-attention way, I’ve only now noticed that April 5 is Easter Sunday.  As a church-going Christian, this is not good.   I can’t believe I arranged this time-table so poorly.  As Bugs Bunny would say, “What a maroon!”  If I’d noticed, I would have extended my visit until the following Monday and gone to Easter Sunday services at Westminster Abby..  Maybe there’s a midnight service at Westminster – wouldn’t that be great?

I’ve been thinking about a new plot for the next Betsy Devonshire novel.  My agent, editor, and I held a phone conference last week and I’m hopeful we’ve come up with a viable idea: The Monday Bunch of stitchers (and others) contribute knitted toy animals to a fund-raising auction.  There is a delightful set of books titled Knit Your Own Cat, Knit Your Own Dog, and Knit Your Own Zoo. (http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Your-Own-Easy-Follow/dp/1579129609)   So I’m wondering if I should title this new book, Knit Your Own Murder.  What do you think?

I’ve met the prospective director of the prospective movie to be made of my first published book, Murder At the War, and was extremely impressed.  He seems genuinely interested in the project, which is equally impressive.  Stay tuned.  With that, the new book idea, and the coming trip to England, life is indeed bright right now.

6 comments:

Miss Merry said...

Wow it sounds like things are really happening for you with new projects! I love the new title idea. I hope you can find a midnight service. It would be a fabulous way to end your trip.

Linda O. Johnston said...

Cute idea with knitted toy animals being a focus of your new story--but then you know how I feel about animals!

Betty Hechtman said...

I like your new idea very much.!

Monica Ferris said...

The kind comments of you all is very heartening. Thank you! I've discovered that if the airline makes an "adjustment" to its schedule on the return flight, I can change my ticket to Monday without penalty. Otherwise, it's two hundred dollars. *sigh*

Anonymous said...

KNIT YOUR OWN MURDER would be a great title!

Annette said...

How exciting, a trip to London. I sure hope you can find a service to attend before boarding the plane to come home.
The plot for the next Needlework Shop series sounds great. Knit Your Own Murder sounds like a great title.