A tip of the Unusually Stout Parasol

Momma and I were saddened to learn today of the death last month of one of our favorite authors, Barbara Mertz.

I knew her better as Elizabeth Peters, author of the beloved Amelia Peabody books.

As you might remember, Amelia was the inspiration for both my Unusually Stout Parasol and my utility belt.

As posted on her official website:

She died as she had told everyone she wanted to – unexpectedly, in her sleep. Shortly before her death, she had written a line to be posted on this webpage: “At 85, Elizabeth Peters (aka Barbara Michaels) is enjoying her cats, her garden, lots of chocolate, and not nearly enough gin.”

"In the end the clouds will blow away and falcon will fly through the portal of the dawn."

The Falcon at the Portal

RIP Barbara Mertz. You shall be missed, but your characters live on.