I am in Grand Forks, North Dakota. This is the first time I've been to North Dakota, so I'm very excited. I think now the only state I have not visited is Alaska. About five years ago, our family drove cross country in our VW camper van. Due to a teaching gig in NC, I only drove back, west to east, so I missed ND and the most northern route Lorne took to Oregon. But I loved that trip!

Today and Wednesday, I'm visiting classes at The University of ND. And I'm doing a reading at the Barnes and Noble here tomorrow. My friend Elly (Williams) invited me, so I have to admit that part of the excitement is getting to spend time with her. We met at The Breadloaf Writers Conference in Vermont in (I think!) 1985. Our lives have undergone so many changes, good and bad, and I love how our friendship has stayed intact, through all of it.

It has been a wonderful month since I last posted here. I always have to apologize that I am not a better blogger. But I try to do it once a month, at least. Last weekend I had the privilege of staying at Ragdale, an artist colony in Lake Forest, IL. They had a fundraiser called A Novel Affair, with some of my favorite writers and favorite writer friends, like Jane Hamilton, Gail Tsukiyama, Anne LeClaire, Joyce Maynard, Tom Perotta, Scott Turow, Richard Russow, Elizabeth George, Nancy Horan...we basically got to hang out with each other and attend great cocktail parties and dinner parties. The best part is that it raised money for Ragdale, so all in all a successful weekend all around!

I've had some terrific events in Yarmouth, MA, and quite a few locations in RI. Please check my Events list here for what's coming up. Also, if you can get the October More Magazine, you will find my article--with recipes!--about growing up Italian.

As for my latest knitting project, I am knitting a sweater for Annabelle. I had a couple of bad starts, but I think I am on track now. At least, the stripes are appearing! The pattern is called TULIP, a Dream in Color Design by Lindsay Pekney. I also want to make slipper socks for Sam, my 6'4, 15 year old baby! If anyone has a good suggestion for some, let me know?

I'm working hard on the new novel. It's always so exciting to see a story unfold. Thank you as always for checking in here.