Last night, at Mark G. Harris’s request, we watched the video that Tim and I made on the Mississippi coast when we researched the area in 2004 for Three Fortunes in One Cookie. Those of you who’ve come to my LJ later may not know that our book was set in those coastal towns most impacted by Hurricane Katrina, and many of the places that dazzled us and beckoned the story of Phillip and the Godbee family out of our imaginations were destroyed just days before the novel’s release in 2005. I have not gone back to visit the coast in Mississippi because my online investigations were more than enough to break my heart.
Seeing the area–as it was–again, and seeing the charming little condo where we stayed, reminded me of the guest book we signed that May of 2004. Whoever owned our condo left the book for the perusal and signatures of those who passed through. That home on the shore is gone now, and most likely the guest book with it, including the comments of two writers who looked forward with optimism to using such a beautiful, interesting region as the story’s backdrop.
I suppose the reason I remember the guest book so particularly is because since 1998, I’ve maintained a guest book for the people who visit The Compound and stay in what was once called the Doll House and is now the TimLair. On each guest’s page, I include a photo from the visit and ask our visitor to fill out a card–not really to say thank you, although people do, because our friends and family have impeccable manners–but to give a little summary of what they enjoyed about the visit.
I got behind a couple of years ago but brought everything up to date just before Lisa and Mark got here. (Greg, since I didn’t torture you into filling out cards on your last two visits, I snagged comments off of your LJ–thank you for all the thoughtful things you always say).
Lisa and Mark graciously expressed their thoughts for inclusion in the book, and I’ve been going through photos to pick two to accompany their comments.
I finally decided on this one of Lisa. I took it from the window of my office through the lush foliage next to Pooh Garden. It makes me happy to see her enjoying a read outside in our moderate climate when I know she’s going back to five below zero weather.
And I picked this one of Mark, because he’s in the room that he likes (and that he once thought was in Rhonda and Lindsey’s house).
We seemed to spend most of our time in my kitchen or Tim’s living room–and probably not enough time at our computers posting to our LiveJournals. I’m sure that will change once the travelers return home and post photos and tales of their own.
It was so wonderful to have the two of them here. To see them get to know and spend time with Tom as well as Lindsey and Rhonda (who they both met first through LJ)–and of course, Margot, Guinness, Rex, Sugar, and Tim’s foster dog, EZ. To experience no awkwardness as they fit themselves into life here at The Compound, asking for so little and giving so much (I will miss my Oreo fairy and my dishwasher!). I’m sure there will be lots of photos to come over the next few weeks as I remember funny things to share.
Thank you both for coming. Thanks for the little surprises and the ways you took care of me and made this such an enjoyable week. I’m so blessed to have your friendship.
Awww … much sweetness. So there was no Big Trouble in Little Compound? I am glad that you had a wonderful time
The only trouble we had was when we watched bad movies. 😉
Don’t push me, I’m not a well woman
Let me write that one down…
“I’m not a well woman.” – Marika, 02/13/08.
Is that the first thing you have written down for me. I happen to be very quotable… wwwmissquoted.com is my domain
I think that is her motto.
Could be a good title for her manifesto.
DAMN.Not only did I forget about the cards (which would have been more ammunition!) you then outflank me when you remind me! Damn you, Becky!
LOL.
Glad they had as great a time as I always do. And be warned, I am mounting my broom and heading your way again in March….
Both pictures are great, as is the group photo!
I LOVE the shot of Lisa reading in the garden. That’s a great one. And Mark, what can I say? He’s a handsome devil, that one.
Ah, memories. You should see the sweet pic I got of me and a couple of TSA agents in front of Cinnabon. Good times, good times.
I LOVED being able to read out in the garden in shirtsleeves–no coats, much less winter coats!
Great pictures!
I can’t believe the group photo was just this afternoon, and now here I am home again.
Thanks to YOU, Becky (and Tim and Tom, of course) for the fine hospitality. It was extremely easy to be a guest in your home (except for the surliness, of course). =)
I just finished re-reading that book about two weeks ago
and I couldn’t help thinking all through it — I wonder if
THAT is gone? And THAT? And THAT?
Bittersweet.
First, let me send you a virtual hug for REreading one of our novels. Then let me say that I completely understand that bittersweet feeling and thank you for that, too.
I might never stop thanking you guys, for the invite– thanks! : )
thanks for the okra
thanks for the okra
Next time: squash!
I’m broken hearted! Some of the pictures that disappeared along with the dog park pictures were the ones of Mark’s squash meal.
how fun!
was condi there?
Can you believe she was NOT?
Snubbed again.
As if she has anyuthing better to do these days.
Thanks for sharing your guests with us, and letting us invade your homes (because I count the TimLair as its own place) for hours of visiting and games.
Without you and Lindsey, we’d never have enjoyed “Chubby Bunny.” You can’t buy that kind of entertainment!
So you think… you just haven’t received the bill in the mail yet.
Blood from a stone. Good luck with that.
Speak for yourself.
In my case, blood from a turnip.
This makes me want to see ALL of the photos from their visit (you have such a great eye). Flickr, please! I’ll even get to work uploading mine, too…
And is Tim wearing socks with open-toed sandals? I thought the gays were supposed to have style. Tisk, tisk. :p
“And is Tim wearing socks with open-toed sandals? I thought the gays were supposed to have style. Tisk, tisk. :p”
Fine. I’m not really gay. I just don’t want to make out with you.
Ouch. I think some-one needs a UPS delivery…
Heh.
Thank you for sharing a little corner of your memories – it’s always fascinating to see some ‘background’.
Times and places “pre-Katrina” being extra special because there’s often no physical reminder now, only the memories . . .
Nice to see you all together.
I don’t know how I missed this comment.
Thanks!
I’m going back and rereading Houston trip posts.
Thanks again to all of you for such a WONDERFUL time! (Can’t wait ’til May!)