Years ago, I read a novel called Belonging by a wonderful New England author of 16 novels, Nancy Thayer. We began a correspondence via e-mail, and over the years shared our histories, sometimes stressful, sometimes wonderful, with publishers and agents, editors and publicists, as well as the pleasure and excitement of just being authors.

On June 7th, Madison County Friends of the Public Libraries, led by librarian Jean Krause, sponsored a wonderful luncheon at the Asheville Country Club, and invited Nancy Thayer to be one of 3 authors who spoke to 103 men and women at this well-received event.

Nancy spoke about her latest novels, The Hot Flash Club and The Hot Flash Club Strikes Again and her anticipated holiday novel, Hot Flash Club Holidays. Vicki Lane presented her first mystery Signs in the Blood, set in Madison County. I spoke of The Three Mrs. Parkers and the Ladies of Covington series.

Nancy was my houseguest. From the moment we met at the airport, it was as if we had known each other for years. What a treat to relax in my garden and chat. Visit Nancy's web site: nancythayer.com . Get to know this fine author and her work.

[ PICTURED ABOVE: Joan, Nancy Thayer, and Vicki Lane at the Madison County Library Luncheon. ]

This year my garden abounds with wild white daisies, which have found a home here. They trail from the patio up the hillside as if they had been carefully and selectively planted. White anchors a garden. Colors pop off of white. White extends the beauty of a garden into the night.

It's a splendid year for flowers in Western North Carolina and in my garden, where pink, yellow, mauve and orange daylilies seem more abundant. A dwarf, white variety of Malva mingles with clusters of red roses, and a new trellis frames a pathway with the lush pinks of Mandevilla vines. Potted hibiscus in red, pink, yellow and orange give me great pleasure as they are tropical plants, and as many of you know, I was born and raised in the tropics.

From my office window, I turn my head and see the garden, a joy and delight. I hope that this photo will give you a sense of my garden's beauty and quiet loveliness.

After back surgery, I found that I still could not stand or walk for any length of time without discomfort, and long drives were a wipeout. I've been disheartened to say the least. Somehow finally knowing that I have arthritis has made it easier, at least I know what to do. I cannot take anti- inflammatory medication, but I can and am losing weight, walking and moving more, and using a bike at home.

Weight is never easy to lose, and I decided to try Jenny Craig. In three weeks I have lost 7 pounds, and it's coming off effortlessly. My energy level has increased. It's great not to cook or food shop. My husband got used to cooking for himself when I had hand and then back surgery, and he continues to do so, bless him.

It makes me happy to know that women of all ages read my books. Fans: Ute, Jane, and Jackie enjoy this Vienna Cake that Ute made to celebrate her Aunt Jackie's visit to Pheonix, AZ.

Our red hat chapter The Mountain Word Sprites welcomes a new member, Sheila Sobell. Here, we are gathered for a luncheon at the Wolf Laurel County Club in Madison County.

I join WNC WOMAN publishers Sandi Tomlin-Sutker and Julie Parker to greet guests at a party celebrating the beginning of year four of this wonderful publication. The party was held down the road from me at the beautiful Hawk and Ivy Bed and Breakfast.

I write for WNC WOMAN from time to time. I encourage you to check out their website: wnc- woman.com. Their subtitle is: Celebrating the Strength, Wisdom, and Grace of Women. You can read the articles online or you can get a subscription. I highly recommend it!

email: jmedlicott@mindspring.com

web: http://www.joanmedlicott.com