Dear Reader Column 05-10-10

June 1st is the release date, but you can preorder "Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life" and request a free autographed bookplate, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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Dear Reader,

The sun was shining, my chaise lounge looked inviting, and I'd been working nonstop for days, so I grabbed some sunscreen, dark glasses, a bottle of water and took an official "do-nothing" position in my yard. Three notches back on my lounge chair, and I was in the perfect reclined position. Ah, this is what I need--to relax--no thinking required. But then I looked up, and my mind began to wander...and unfortunately one thought led to another.

The treetops above me were filled with huge squirrel nests, which made me think of a book I was reading about birds. The author, an expert on ravens, said most people think birds live in their nests, but they don't. Once the eggs are hatched and the babies can fly, the nests are abandoned. Which led me to wondering about the squirrel nests? Which got me to thinking, 'Where do squirrels sleep?' I can't remember seeing any squirrels sound asleep, sitting upright clinging onto telephone wires.

After a quick search on the Internet, I discovered squirrels do set up housekeeping in their nests, and they sleep there, too. Sinking back into my lounge chair, I was determined to try again--to relax. But looking up at all those nests, I started envisioning a little squirrel community high up in the trees. I swear I could see squirrels sweeping out their nests, hanging the laundry out to dry in the sun, and I might be crazy, but I'm sure I saw a mom and dad, with three toddler squirrels in tow, all dressed up going to visit the neighbor's nest. And mother squirrel was carrying a casserole dish, so dinner must be potluck. Which got me to wondering if anyone was bringing dessert. Maybe they'd like some homemade chocolate chip cookies? Which made me realize that I just might need a longer "rest" than one afternoon in a chaise lounge.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: Patrick Robinson, Intercept; Janice Thompson, It Had to Be You; Penny Rudolph, Eye of the Mountain God; Marie Bostwick, A Thread So Thin; and Reece Hirsch, The Insider. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Comments

[Sandi Visconty]

Ohhh a mystery giveaway...O.K., we know it's a "squirrel giveaway" but, what about it? Maybe I'm silly but, I couldn't find any reference to a giveaway here. But hey, I'm always game for your fun! :) Please enter me.

[Mary Shukers]

Please enter me for the Squirrel give away, too.

[Iris Washington]

Please enter me for the Squirrel give away also.

[Barbara Lamb]

Dear Suzanne: Please enter me in
the squirrel give-a-way.
Barbara

[Judi Ver Hey]

Dear Suzanne
please enter me in the squirrel give-a-way
this is even better than the Goat Raffle I bought a ticket for.
Judi

[Linda Fonzo]

I didn't see anything about a squirrel giveaway either, but what the heck enter me, maybe I'll win something. I keep entering your contests. I was hoping to win the bubble machine since we just moved to Florida & got solar panels on our pool. I love it!

[Kathy Koltes]

Enter me into the squirrel giveaway, too. I could see you in you chaise looking in the trees. Lovely way to spend some time.