With all the reclining I’ve done the past two weeks, you might think I’ve been on vacation, but that’s not quite the case. On March 27, I had back surgery for a badly herniated disc.
A glimpse of me going to surgery – not literally: As the anesthesiologist was encouraging me to inhale and go to my “happy place,” I debated on where my “happy place” was – beach or mountains? And then, I interrupted my mulling, lifting the mask away from my nose and mouth and announcing: “Wait a minute. If you want me to walk from the gurney and get on the surgical table, I can’t go to my happy place yet!”
The anesthesiologist assured me the OR staff would get me where I needed to be for surgery – and I went to sleep to the sound of everyone laughing.
Just in case you didn’t notice: I’m launching (and celebrating) a whole new look on my website! I’ve planned this redo for more than a year, wanting it to coincide with the upcoming release of my novel, Somebody Like You, which comes out in May. Thanks to the brilliance and hard work of Matt Jones of Jones House Creative, I am over-the-moon thrilled with the new site. Please take a look around. One of my favorite aspects of the website is a little “hidden message” Matt included – something he remembered from when we discussed what I wanted for the website. I was so touched that Matt listened, heard what I said, and incorporated it into the design. See if you can discover a quote – what else? – from our conversation!
I’m back to my regular blogging schedule starting on Wednesday, the 16th, even while I wait for the surgeon’s okay to get back to normal. That will take a while.
In Your Words: So tell me: What changes have gone on in your life in the past few weeks? I’d love to hear about them!
“True change takes place in the imagination.” Click to Tweet
Experience any changes lately? Click to Tweet
Change is good & so is website redesign! Click to Tweet
Comments 29
Glad to have you back! I missed you. So glad you are not dealing with pain any longer. And your website is beautiful. When I have time, I am going to get Matt to redesign my website.
Author
Good morning, Pat! I am so thankful to be pain free — and I thank God and a skilled surgeon for the outcome!
And we’ve missed you!
The new website looks great. Love the hidden quote, too. So very true.
But wouldn’t your happy place be a bookstore..?
Author
Andrew: Why am I not surprised that you found the hidden quote? (And thanks for not saying what it is so that others’ can find it too.)
And yes, I love bookstores too! You know me well.
I hope you are well, my friend.
I’m glad you’re on the mend.
I’m hanging in there. Having fun at B&S today!
Great site, happy for you, welcome back, but happiest of all that you’re recovering and pain-free. Onward and upward to better things!
Author
Pain-free forward motion is a beautiful thing, Dee!
🙂
Gorgeous site, Beth!! Kudos to you and Matt and the Jones House team. I love it! And so glad you’re on the mend. I’m pumped for Somebody Like You to release…yay!
Author
Melissa:
I’m eager to read your latest release, Here to Stay — if I can get it back from my daughter!! 😉
Great new look! So colorful and YOU!
I know you’re itching to get back to ‘normal’, but I gotta tell ya, it’s pretty overrated. Oh, wait…I wouldn’t know. But that’s what they say. 😮
Just try to stay away from the ninja yoga stuff, k?
Author
Cathy, I assure you, there is no ninja yoga stuff in my future. But I am ready to get back to wearing heels, including my red boots!
I missed your blog, Beth. I hope your back on your feet and pain free in no time. Eager to read Somebody Like You. I hope it’s out by the Blue Ridge writers conference in May so I can get a beautifully signed copy.
Author
Sherry: Unfortunately, I won’t be at Blue Ridge this year! But I can figure out another way to sign a copy of SLY for you!
Welcome back! Love the new look, Beth! JHC rocked it!
Continuing to pray for improved health and a positive mindset.
Author
Thanks, Cynthia — I love my website! Thank you for all the prayers and for being a constant source of encouragement in my life!
Your site is beautiful. Looks like we like the same kind of music. ;). So glad to hear you’re feeling better.
Author
Anne: Since you’re an artist, I’m glad to hear you like the sight!
It was nice to see you back in my InBox, Beth!
Author
I’ve missed blogging and connecting with everyone, Kathy — although the time off was needed. It coincided beautifully with the website redesign.
Beth, you’re back! I’m so glad. I missed you so much. Your website is gorgeous. My favorite part is the little hummingbird.
Blessings for your continued recovery.
Andrea
Author
Andrea:
Missed you too, friend!
And yes, I love how Matt incorporated the hummingbird!
Beautiful, Beth. I can’t find the hidden message! I have a few ideas but not certain. I hope you reveal it later! I’m sure “if it had been a snake, it would have bitten me!” Grin. So thankful you are better. Good health is a blessing we often take for granted. This girl won’t take it for granted for some time. And I love the red boots! I have pink ones!!
Author
Shelli:
The hidden message is “laughter is music” and it’s written in blue script in the upper right hand corner on all the pages — except the home page. 🙂
I’d love to see your pink boots. I love my red ones!
Love, love, LOVE! Your site looks A-MAZ-ING! 🙂
And I’ve missed you too. I checked here this morning, but I guess I was too early. 🙂 I’m looking forward to checking out your site more thoroughly later on. 🙂
Love the hummingbird in your banner. 🙂
Author
Isn’t the hummingbird fun, Jeanne?
So thankful you’re on the mend! And what a lovely surprise to open my email to this lovely new website. Love it! Well done!
p.s. You Made Me Love You was in the “I just can’t put it down” category. Shared the link with my friends. 🙂
Author
Hi, Bernadette! So glad you enjoyed You Made Me Love You — and thank you for sharing it with friends too! Positive reviews are gold to an author … so if you’re ever inclined, go right ahead! 🙂
Congratulations on your lovely new site! Love the pics in the home page banner.
I’m glad your recovery is going so well. Continued prayers here in California.
So glad to hear that you are feeling better! My 80 year old mother has to have minor back surgery next month. I hope it goes as well for her. They are injecting a cement like substance into 2 cracked vertebrae to ease the pain and help her straighten up again.
Hubby had 2 surgeries for herniated discs in his 20’s (we won’t say how long ago that was!) and they were amazing!
Love your new site!
Cheers, Sue