'Shrooms!!!
Hello! I hope you’re ready for fall. I love this time of year, and Jim Thorpe’s leaf-peeping crowds don’t scare me. I have a secret parking place that allows me to walk and its free. ;)
Pining For You is in the publishing pipeline, and I’m in wait mode. That’s okay. There’s plenty for me to do in the meantime. I just started the semester with a large class load, and I’m working on another manuscript. I’ve also been house shopping in Jim Thorpe. I’m close to finding the right house. For those of you that have been following along, I did get to meet the owner of the castle ruins property (see pic up there) and take a tour. It was lovely. The cottage was adorable. It’s a lot of land and trees for just me so I pressed pause on that one. I have a few others I’m waiting to hear back about. It makes more sense for me to live in town, plus that allows me to be closer to my favorite library, coffee spots, park, and the train.
Okay, so let’s get into a fun Pining For You location post. Its extra fun for me because it includes MUSHROOMS! The Dimmick Library had an event at Mauch Chunk Lake, just west of Jim Thorpe, and I did some swimming, which was so refreshing. I see a lake season pass in my future. And I would be remiss if I didn’t share an important tidbit about the regulations I found on their website. I had a bit of a giggle about how specific it was. Please be aware of the following when selecting your swimwear if you decide to visit:
The following is not permitted: Regular Diapers, Snorkels, swim fins, SCUBA equipment, street clothing, thongs, any swimsuit that does not cover the male or female genitals, pubic area, female breast below the top of the nipple, or buttocks. Swimwear must cover those areas with a fully nontransparent covering.
You know, my first thought was—what happens at Mauch Chunk Lake stays at Mauch Chunk Lake. LOL
Anyway, I also had the opportunity to go foraging for mushrooms. Guys…I love mushrooms. I love cooking them, eating them, observing them. I just love them. My favorite jigsaw puzzle is mushrooms. That’s me working on that puzzle up there. My enthusiasm for fungi is a bit of a joke now. I believe someone said, “We’ve found Melissa’s ADHD obsession.” It’s true.
Anyway, check out the pics up there. I took a lot more pictures than that, but this was a good variety. I did find what I believe (I am no expert) were chantarelles and turkey tail. As it turns out, Mauch Chunk Lake is the perfect habitat for mushrooms. It’s wet and there’s lots of tree cover. I was amazed at the extent of variety I saw. It wasn’t just the same species over and over. There were so many different sizes, colors, and shapes. It was like being in a mushroom preserve or something. I can’t even put into words how exciting it was to see so many specimens. I know, I am so weird. I get it. I’m also okay with it.
Mushrooms are also a big part of Pining For You. My main characters talk about mushrooms, and Nicole gets Everett a mushroom ornament on their first date. It’s such a simple yet romantic gesture. Mushrooms also play a major part in a plot twist. Yes, romance doesn’t just have to be all kissing, although I quite like the kissing. Sometimes there are riddles and mysteries that can be really fun. Oh! Also, there’s this super romantic line about foraging for mushrooms toward the end of the book…ahhh…makes me melt every time I think about it. The mushroom theme in Pining For You reminds me of an important message about love. Mushrooms are whimsical and enchanting, but they are also earthy with a variety of textures and imperfections. Love isn’t about finding someone that’s perfect. No one is perfect. Love is finding someone that’s perfect for you—someone who sees the true you, with all your quirks and imperfections, and loves you for simply being who you are.
Okay, my romantic heart has gotten carried away. I do write romance novels after all. Anyway, if you have the chance, check out Mauch Chunk Lake for swimming or camping. Then, while you’re there, check out some ‘shrooms—they’re everywhere.
Until next time…
Comments