Sunday, February 08, 2009

No Place Like Home

Be it ever so humble, which, of course, it isn't, really. :) The crew has been working hard, getting the office and studio in shape. Have I ever mentioned that I've got the best bunch of ranch hands in the business?

The sun has only been up for a little while, so I haven't been out to the barn to check in with the horses yet, but Sadie and Bernice threw the usual welcome home party last night. The cats are tolerating my presence with remarkably good grace. :) Sadie is hanging in there with her diet and exercise program--setting a good example for mama. She's a trooper, but still hunting for the missing Beggin' Strips!

I had such a wonderful time out there on the road, I can hardly believe it. When I got home, flowers and champagne awaited me, courtesy of my fabulous publishers, Harlequin.

Except for a grocery run, I'm planning to lay low today. I feel well, and I want to keep it that way. I was slugging back double doses of Airborne the whole time I was out there, and it worked.

Yesterday's flights were easy, on time and uneventful. My bags arrived when I did.

Go figure.

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Leaving San Antonio

I arrived in San Antonio on Thursday evening--but my suitcase didn't. It was already too late to shop for emergency supplies, so I ordered a room service dinner and crashed. I expected to be awakened at any time with the news that my wandering bag had found its way to me, but not so. I was so be picked up at my hotel at 2:30 pm Friday afternoon for a book signing, and the bag arrived at 2:00!

By then, I had been to the Riverwalk, the mall, and the Alamo! I had hit the nearest CVS and loaded up on a lot of cosmetics and toiletries I needed--and some I just wanted to try out. :) I arrived at Books-A-Million for my signing in all new clothes and makeup--the airline had promised my bag would be there before I had to leave, but my motto is, never trust an airline. I had spoken to them at least 4 times the night before.

All's well that ends well, though.

I had a great time at Books-A-Million! I chatted for a long time with Wilma Adams, 83, who used to keep horses when she was younger. Would you believe she's heading for Madagascar in a few weeks??? I hope I'm still having adventures like that when I'm 83!!

Greetings to all my San Antonio visitors--it was a delight to meet up with all of you. Linda Looney, thanks for the book about SA and the list of recommended research books. The Texas McKettricks live near San Antonio, on the land Lorelei owned in "McKettrick's Choice", along with the acreage Holt inherited from John Cavannagh, so maybe I need to come back here for a research trip!

Louise Michelson, you were a delightful escort and companion. My thanks.

I'm planning to spend tomorrow in my pajamas, cuddling with Sadie, Bernice, Cha Cha and Jitterbug.

More on Monday.

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Catching Up...I Hope

I'm writing this at Gate 11 in the airport in Colorado Springs. On to San Antonio in a little while--the last city on an amazing tour. Since arriving in CO Springs, I've been so busy I didn't get around to going online. When I finally had time, I was too pooped from all the shopping, visiting, TV and radio interviews, to sign in!

While here in this lovely city, I stayed with my very good friend, Debbie Korrell. On the first night, we enjoyed a turkey dinner--my all-time favorite meal. Debbie made sure I got to all my interviews and my FABULOUS book-signing at Beth Anne's Book Corner last night. Lots of people came, and I enjoyed getting reacquainted with Beth Anne and meeting her able staff. We had more than one reason to celebrate with a steakhouse dinner after the autographing--"Logan" is #2 on the New York Times bestseller list!!! It will be in the February 15 issue of the New York Times.

I was snuggled up in Debbie's guest room for a badly-needed nap when my dear editor called. After she broke the news about the list, I went hot-footing it down the hall to Debbie's room and yelled, "Are you asleep???? I'm #2 on the NYT!" After that, there was a lot of whooping and jumping around and we forgot all about the naps.

So many wonderful things have happened on this trip, I can only hope I've remembered to tell you about them. Logan's smashing success is your doing, pardners. Thank you from the bottom of this ole cowgirl heart.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Leaving Denver

On to Colorado Springs. As soon as I finish this morning's radio interview, I'll be moving on.

I had the BEST time yesterday at the Barnes and Noble signing in Lone Tree. I met up with Kimberlee Gard and her little buckaroo, Landon. No more than 3 or 4 years old, Landon showed up wearing little Wranglers and a cowboy hat. He took his hat off when he spoke to me, and I about died of the cuteness. Kimberlee brought me a gift, a big smile and the first reader ATC I've ever gotten on the road. I'm sending her one of my ATCs as soon as I get home to Spokane.

I'll be in Colorado Springs for a couple of days, and appearing at Beth Anne's Book Corner tomorrow night at 5 pm. If you live in that neck of the woods, I sure hope you'll come by and say howdy.

"Logan" seems to be striking a chord out there--I learned yesterday that it's the #3 paperback in the whole Borders chain! Looks like this sexy cowboy is going to stay on the bronc for the whole 8 seconds, and I couldn't be more thrilled.

I'm all packed--a wild job this far into the tour--and I've just had the most delicious granola ever. My stuff is downstairs, and all I have to do is close up this laptop and catch the elevator.

That's how it is when you're ridin' for the brand. In my case, Harlequin's HQN imprint.

Joanie, I sure hope you're feeling better. Kimberlee and Amy, you made my day.

Sadie, keep on swimmin'!

Mom, I love you.

Signing out as one happy cowgirl.

Monday, February 02, 2009

Denver

I'm in the mile-high city this morning, awaiting the delivery of my room service breakfast. This is living. Back home, I can't get the trail boss to bring me a tray unless I'm seriously under the weather. :)

I have a couple of interviews today, and a signing at the Barnes and Noble in Lone Tree from 11 to 1pm. I'm not sure how the turnout will be on a Monday, and in the middle of the day like that to boot, but whatever happens, it'll be fun.

I had dinner with an old friend, Dar Tomlinson, last night. We talked a mile a minute getting caught up, as it's been a while since we've seen each other. Dar is an Arizona buddy and a fine writer.

I just heard a room service cart rattle by in the hallway, but I guess it wasn't my food.

Drat. :)

Stay tuned.