Groundwaters Publishing, LLC

What’s Pat Been Doing?

July 2, 2009 on 3:54 pm | In This 'n That, Updates | No Comments

Well, now that you’ve had a chance to catch-up a bit on what we missed posting in the last two months, I want to bring you up to date. I still need to report on the Groundwaters‘ sponsored Chateau Lorane Fine Art and Wine Festival Authors’ Table, but I’ll have to do that in the next post.

The last two months have been extremely busy and stressful for me and I’ll be glad when things can settle down a bit. Some of the things — the poetry chapbook, the author’s table, preparing the July issue of Groundwaters and submitting a new grant application — have all been very enjoyable, too; but, with them all being overlaid, one upon the other, without any break in between, it kept me jumping. Add to all of that was the fact that a very special brother-in-law has been very ill for the past two months, in almost constant pain and misery. Our whole family has been trying to help John and his wife Vicki keep their animals fed and their yardwork done so that when he returned to good health, their home life would not be in ruins. I’m glad to report that John is home from the hospital and although he’s not well yet, he’s on the road to recovery. Thanks to all of you who have been sending your prayers his way.

Haying season is now upon us, as well. In fact, I’m using a little time to write this blog before heading to Coastal Farm Store to buy some baling twine. Then, I’ll climb aboard our tractor for a day of raking hay in our Lorane fields.

We finished folding and stapling our July issue on Tuesday and I dropped them off at most of the distribution points that same day. We still have to make runs to Cottage Grove and Creswell. The subscription and contributor mailing has gone out, as well. This issue is jam-packed with poetry this time… much of it submitted as “extras” by those contributing to our book of poetry. I was very very impressed by the quality of the the submissions, poetry and prose alike, and I think that you’ll enjoy this issue. We have several new contributors and many of our regulars. I must apologize for the print quality of this issue. We are experimenting with using some “compatible” or “remanufactured” toner cartridges. The authentic HP cartridges which we have always used are skyrocketing in price… $180 to over $200 each when you add in shipping… and we use three cartridges each issue. Our regular supplier, in fact, did not even have any of the HPs on hand this time and most are going to the compatibles. The compatibles sell for half that price. Some of them work just as well as the HPs, but many do not. The one we tried this time was not one of the good ones and the pictures are not as sharp and the print is lighter than I like. Fortunately, it was used for only one-third of the printing. So, if your copy looks a little dim, that’s why and I apologize! I promise to figure out something that will maintain our normal high-quality print standards.

Well, it’s time to head for town. I’ll see if I can do a better job of keeping you posted on what’s happening with Groundwaters. And, please send us your feedback on the July issue. We love to hear from you!!

Come see Jen and I at the Art in the Vineyard celebration at Alton Baker Park on Friday, July 3. We’ll be at the author’s table!