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Reflections on an Extraordinary Year

The Merriam Webster dictionary defines Nostalgia as a noun that means:

1. a sad pleasure experienced in recalling what no longer exists

2. a wistful sentimental yearning for the return of some real or romanticized past period

Both of these definitions fit the poignant feelings I am having as I reflect back upon the past few months and my travels across the state visiting bookstores this summer and fall. I feel fortunate to have been able to hold book signings in nine locations where I have met some quite fantastic kids and a great many wonderful adults. Part of the fun, and joy, has been getting to personalize my books. As an author not knowing into whose hands these books are going, it’s a delicious mystery for me—wondering who is going to be reading THE MOLLYS B., delighting in its unique illustrations, and learning a little bit of history along the way. Of course, my hope for these books is that they have long lives and will be shared and enjoyed many times over.

So, on the cusp of 2026, nostalgia is alive and well for me; my memories poised to grow dearer with the realization that the Mollys and I will never have a year like this again.