If you've heard of the books gods in Alabama, Between, Georgia, or her upcoming The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, then you're cool. Because her books are really great. They're not always the happiest ... but they're such good reads. So, you should read them. (Be aware that gods is not family-friendly reading. In language or content. Just so you know. But it's still a really, really good book.)

She also has a hilarious blog, Faster Than Kudzu, at her website. I've read through all of the archives. She's a good mom, an excellent writer, and a most hilarious and wonderful person. (Even though, coincidentally, dogs in her books meet unfortunate ends. Even though, in real life, she loves animals.)

BUT, the whole point is, I sent her an email. And she wrote back. On my birthday. AND she likes me, too!!

She likes that I like her and that I like her writing and her blog. And that I'd totally wear a shirt that said "I pink, puffy heart Joshilyn Jackson." And that I am eager for January to get here so I can read "The Girl Who Stopped Swimming."

I mean, really. How many people do you know that had an awesome, awesome writer (NOVELIST, even!) write them a very nice email on their birthday?
(Well, now, ONE ... since you're reading this blog. ^_^)

And it's made my day! Because she didn't think that I'm a total dork or anything! She thinks that I'm charming and have discriminating taste. (See why I like her? She flattered me ... without knowing that it's my birthday!) And I have total permission to call her Joss.

So, yeah. It made my day brighter ... so that I didn't mind that one of my kiddos wet his bed (Not naming any names, but I think you can figure it out).

People have been giving me some really nice compliments. I'm so flattered (like by my dear Sally. You're so sweet. I really appreciated the comment you left).

I don't always feel like I deserve them, but I do so appreciate that people think that I'm nice and all.

Well, I need to feed the kiddos (who are in need of another nap) and to set up the rice cooker for dinner tonight.

Have a spectacular day! I sure am! (If you couldn't tell.)

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My mood right now is:

Blargh - 2007-05-14
Ketchup ... I mean, CATCH UP... - 2007-05-08
Zoë's first stint as a heartbreaker. - 2007-04-23
Crazy weekend, but the vacuum's fix and the computer's not being a pain in the heinie ... - 2007-04-15
Joss likes me!! - 2007-04-09

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