Thomas R. Ruffin

The Mudhole Collection cover has been decided upon and I must say I'm quite pleased with it.  My friend, John Hicks, took the cover photo and I was torn between two photos of his that were equally beautiful.  John is a talented photographer.  Josh Rushing is busy doing whatever illustrators do ... illustrate I suppose.  The entire manuscript is to be submitted to the publisher by September 5, and hopefully there wont be too many corrections to be made when the proof comes back. 

Then, of course, we will make a few appearances beginning with two launch party locations in Jackson on October 14 .. followed by a few dates on the road the next week.  All in all it has been a good experience.  This is my third book and it doesn't seem to get any easier  ... this one was especially difficult with regard to content .. there are some very emotion infused pieces in this collection. 

Also, my mother passed away unexpectedly in July and our family is still trying to figure out how to cope and go forward without her.   She was everything to me and I regret that I didn't spend more time with her ... all she ever wanted of me was to be happy ... and in some respects I think she thought that I was not happy .. if I were ever sad it certainly was not of her doing.  I desire but another conversation with her ... just one more.

So, this book is dedicated to my mother who I'm certain, by now, has sought out and located her own mother in that place we call Heaven ... and the two of them have surely taken a drive .. in no particular direction with no certain destination  ... that's just how they were.

Hope to see as many people as we can on October 14 ... it should be a blast if the last two launch parties are any indication.