I said I wasn't going to blog for a while but when the rocketship landed with the news of Cornelia's Edgar nomination, I was NOT about to let that go by.

and I can't let this go by either, even though I have nothing especially earth-shattering to say that won't be said - probably better - by other people.

The news I was expecting and dreading in recent weeks was the news that came Monday. Barbara Seranella died over the weekend. My friend, the amazing Barbara. I'm not bragging about the friendship mind you - it's not like I was one of a lucky few. This is Seranella we're talking about. I get to be grateful for the chances I had to spend time with her. I get to be glad that from the first book, I knew we had a huge talent, an honest, creative voice and I could look forward to a lifetime of great stuff. And I get to be glad that we were more than acquaintances, that we were friends.

Maybe at some point I'll come up with a way to express it. for now, I'm cheating and using a songwriter's words.

This one is from Connie Kaldor, whom I am sure I've quoted before, maybe even this song, but it's right and it's for Barbara.

Down To A River
- Connie Kaldor

There are dinners, there’s music
There is laughter there were tears
There are memories that go back
Over the years
There are the marks made in a life
Like only good friends do
Now I must choose to make a mark
For the things I loved in you

I’ll go down to a river
And plant a tree
Something strong, wild and living
Those are my memories
And I’ll go up to a mountain
And sing to the stars
Can you hear me
Where ever you are.

And there’s phone calls and there’s crying
And there’s clutching to the chest
And there’s singing songs and throwing dirt
And laying down to rest
And there’s carving words on stone
And making church bells ring
But the river when it freezes over
Still thaws and runs each spring

Chorus

Do you hear the ones who loved you
And who were glad they knew you well
Do the hearts you left that miss you
Ring like a bell