I'm Back!

As many of you must have guessed, there were some connection issues at the hotel this year, and I couldn't get online to blog. My schedule was so packed that I was never in the room long enough to bring in the IT people and solve the problem.

I was wined and dined, and I hung out with a lot of good friends. You never know who you'll run into at BEA--I was at the always-elegant roof-top party Harlequin threw this year, and I noticed a blonde woman with a perky face. It was one of those instances where you just know you've seen someone before, but you can't think where. Not being the shy type, I went over to her and said, "I know I know you!" Her answer? "Well, I was on "The Drew Carey Show" for nine years."

It was Kathy Kinney, who played Mimi! No wonder I recognized her. It just goes to show how characters on TV, in movies and in books become so real to us that we begin to think they're actually part of our circle.

I did a satellite media tour one day, recorded a podcast, and signed books on two separate occasions.

I breakfasted with Robyn Carr, one of my all time favorite people--we never get to spend enough time together. I saw Debbie Macomber briefly; she looks FABULOUS. Fergie was in attendance, bless her heart, but she was so surrounded by cameras and reporters that most of us didn't get so much as a glimpse of her.

There were many highpoints on this trip, but I think the most fun was dining at the Russian Tea Room with my beloved editor, Joan Marlow Golan, and Dianne Moggy, of Harlequin fame. We got a special tour of the second floor--as I understand it anyone can do this if they ask--and that was magical. There is an enormous glass bear in the center of this large room, with goldfish swimming inside. The ceiling is made of the most exquisite stained glass panels, and there is a beautiful golden tree, hung with beautiful bulbs. So quiet. You could just feel all the good-time ghosts from the 30s and 40s, partying up a storm.

As always, I visited two of my favorite stores, MacKenzie-Childs and Kate's Paperie. Due to time constraints, I didn't make it to Lee's Art Supply. Would you believe all three of these shops are within a few blocks of each other?

So, there was all that catching up to do, and no mention at all of Memorial Day.

I'm remembering those who have gone on ahead, though, missing them--Dad in particular--but feeling grateful that they were in my life.

It's all good.

It's Sally's Birthday!

Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to you
Happy birthday, dear Bozo
Happy birthday to you!

Peonies Pop!

I have two lush peony blossoms in the kitchen as of this very moment. They smell heavenly. I am still having camera problems, but hang in there. I'm bound to figure it out pretty soon. :)

Are you getting tired of hearing me rave about the joy of writing "A Creed in Stone Creek"? I was just flying yesterday. I was right inside that story, practically living it right alongside the characters.

I love this job. :)

Free time was spent working on a new batch of ATCs for some online swaps. I had to drop out of a couple, because there was a time crunch. I leave on Monday for BEA in New York and, of course, when I get home I want to start right in writing again.

It's a lovely, sunshiny morning. The weatherman says it will get cooler as the day wears on, and warns that tender garden sprouts should be covered tonight in case of a freeze. Most of my plants are pretty hardy, but I will cover the strawberry pot--remember the cardboard pajamas?

Better get busy. I want to have breakfast before I head back to modern-day Stone Creek. I'll say howdy for you--there are O'Ballivans, Creeds AND McKettricks in this bunch, as well as some new people you haven't met before. (And just wait until you meet Brody and Conner Creed, Steven's identical twin cousins. :))

See you tomorrow.

I Think I'm in Love

With Steven Creed and the whole modern-day Stone Creek bunch, that is. :) I'm just having the best time writing this book. I know I keep saying that, but it's true. I can't seem to contain my delight in this whole magical process.

Still listening to the Churchill letters at night, on the iPod. Winston and Clementine--what a romance. They were so clearly in love, beginning to end, and Clementine is proof of the old saying that behind every great man is a woman. Winston, like many brilliant people, could be rash. He would outline some wild and sweeping political plan in a letter to "Clemmie"--in that way of the English upper classes, they seemed to be apart a lot--and she would respond with calming words and an eloquent opposing argument or a better idea. And Winston, being brilliant, would usually change his mind.

I haven't forgotten my promise to post some pictures; just have a tussel with my phone camera for some reason. The weather is gorgeous and the biggest of my peony bushes is about to pop out with glorious pink blossoms. I've planted the other favorites--zinnias--and a container-bed of lettuce for summer salads. YUM.

Make it a good day.

Blogger on the Loose

Yikes.

I started right in working on "A Creed in Stone Creek" and I got so involved I forgot all about my blog. It was just now, when I went downstairs for a fresh cup of coffee, that I remembered. So here I am.

We're having a rainy day, and it's lovely, actually. Very cozy. If I weren't busy with the new book, I'd be curled up in front of a fire, reading a book.

At night, I like to listen rather than read, generally, and I'm into "Speaking for Themselves, Volume 1" right now. This is the fascinating correspondence between Winston Churchill (one of my heroes) and his wife, Clementine, collected and edited by their daughter, Lady Mary Churchill Soames. It's too bad that people don't write letters like these anymore--so vivid. I am really glad there are two volumes.

And now I must get back to Stone Creek. I'll be missed if I don't hurry.