Weekend Contentment
I spent a good portion of my day in the kitchen on Sunday.
Wayne and our son, Ted, carted up pumpkins from the garden–I had six huge ones. I dug up the rest of the carrots and potatoes, so it was the perfect time to make a large batch of stew using vegetables from the garden.
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Young Writers
I’m packing my suitcase tonight to fly up to Rye, NY, and then I’ll head back to our home in Washington state. While in Rye, I’ll speak to the group of young writers who are attending a week-long, intensive workshop as winners of Guideposts’ annual writing contest. It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was one of those eager young writers so anxious to see my stories in print. I hope to offer them encouragement and inspiration and show them that it really is possible for our dreams to come true. Read more
Testing Your City Skills
I’m feeling rather intellectually superior this morning. I took a test via the Internet that shows famous cities from the air. Sixteen different cities. I got 14 of the 16 correct, which gave me a 90% score . Wayne, the great brain of the family (and I’m not kidding; he’s a member of MENSA), took the same test and got 60%. I’ve been glowing ever since. If you’re interested in testing your own skill, go to www.guessthecity.com and take it yourself. Have fun. Read more
Columbus Day
Today we celebrate Columbus Day in honor of Christopher Columbus, who sailed the ocean blue in 1492. Some four hundred years later my grandfather crossed that same ocean, coming from a German-speaking settlement inside of Russia near the Black Sea. As it happens, all four of my grandparents came from the same general area in Russia. My guess is that many of our grandparents and ancestors crossed that same ocean. So thank you, dear Christopher Columbus, for leading the way. Read more
Celebrity for a Day
I had quite a Monday. Once the news was out that I had signed with Random House, the phone didn’t stop ringing and I had three or four interviews. In the meantime I was running up and down stairs doing laundry and making a list for Wayne to take to the grocery store. Bogie wanted my attention, too (he likes me to toss him his toys so he can chase after them.) So between laundry, making grocery lists, entertaining Bogie and attempting to write my chapter, I was a celebrity for a day. Ah, the incredible life of the writer! Read more
Big News
Got news? I do, and it’s big! Effective 2012, I’ll be writing for Random House, specifically for Ballantine Bantam Dell. I will forever have friends with the fine people where I have been published for 28 years. However, in this broader world I have created for myself, Random House is the perfect fit. Because it will be a new beginning, I’ll be starting a new series set . . . 76 trumbones please! . . . Read more
Fall Dessert
I have a notorious sweet tooth. I came by it honestly–my father and grandfather had one,too! The sad fact is Wayne can take or leave desserts. Except this one.
I can’t remember where I got the recipe, but I’m fairly certain a reader passed it along . . . or I might have heard someone talking about it while standing in the grocery line. Either way I’m sharing it with all of you. You’re gonna love it.
Baked Apples
2 apples, peeled, cored and divided into 4 pieces (8 pieces total) Read more
Knitter’s Joy
I’ve got my knitting needles poised and ready for this weekend, starting today. A GOOD YARN, the store below my office (yes, friends, I write above a yarn store and an ice cream parlor–God is so-o-o good!), is celebrating its second anniversary. There’s a Knit-In with me this afternoon, followed by dessert this evening and, what else . . . Read more
Speed Demon?
I’ve been getting regular updates from Wayne "Mario Andredi" Macomber as he completes the safety driving course in Arizona. He has always been something of a speed demon, and these classes have only fueled his enthusiasm for driving. (No pun intended!) We routinely drive between our two homes–one in Washington State and the other in Florida. In case you’re interested, that’s 3,323 miles, door to door. It generally takes us about a week. I have the feeling following this driving class Wayne will figure out a way to get there in t Read more
NASCAR Driver
Wayne is in Arizona this week taking a safety driving class . . . Read more
Meeting Readers
Every now and again I have the opportunity to meet the most amazing, fun readers–women who give my heart a reason to sing. This happens far more frequently while I’m on tour, but it also happened this weekend.
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The Definition of Contentment
It's feeling a great deal like autumn here in the Pacific Northwest, with chilly mornings, overcast skies, and burnt orange leaves swirling about in the wind .
This summer Wayne had our fireplace converted over to gas so he wouldn't have to fuss with building a fire for me. I have to admit, I'm enjoying it a great deal.
Fisherman’s Wharf & Ghirardelli Square
I’m in San Francisco with my friend, Mary Lou Carney, who wrote the children’s book THE TERRIBLY HORRIBLE SWEATER . . . THAT GRANDMA KNIT, with me. We discovered dim sum in China Town and ate sum! In fact, we ate a lot! The shopping was incredible. I’m now decked in stone- flowered necklaces. We’re enjoying every minute of our mutual birthday celebration. (True, we’re celebrating a little early–we’re two days apart in October—but that doesn’t matter!)
A Toast!
Wayne and I, along with our friends, the Wilson’s, spent the weekend celebrating our anniversaries. Tink and Wayne met in first grade in Colville, Washington, and have been the best of friends ever since. Tink and Wayne were roommates in Seattle when I first met Wayne. Then Tink and Renelle were married a week after Wayne and me, so it's become something of a tradition to celebrate our anniversaries together.
Poker, Pool and Partying
Wayne and I are taking a short anniversary trip over Labor Day and getting an early start tomorrow morning. I’m excited to get away and spend some time with my husband and another couple who are friends. We’re doing a short wine tour in Oregon and then heading to Reno (Wayne loves to play poker). While I’m not much of a gambler, there’s always lazy time by the pool, shopping and fabulous dining. I hope you enjoy your Labor Day weekend as much as Wayne and I plan to. Read more
Cable Cars & Cabled Yarn
I spent a girls’ weekend in San Francisco with my friend,Candi Jensen, who produces Knit and Crochet Today for PBS, and my writer friend, Christina Skye, who wrote the Code Name and Draycott Abbey series. The three of us are all addicted to yarn, and where do you think we spent our time? If you guessed China Town or on the famous San Francisco Wharf or even the shopping district, you guessed wrong. We did a yarn crawl followed by a wine tasting. We had an incredible three days. There’s nothing better than girl time with good friends. Read more
Family Feud
I’ve been spending a little time each night straightening out my library. I have piles of books all over the room that I’m sorting through. I find it excruciatingly difficult to give up a book, so I’ve been transporting them downstairs . . . Read more
Second Chance Contest Winner Announced
For those of you who’ve been asking . . . yes, Virginia, there is a Santa . . . oh sorry, wrong season. A final selection by vote for the Second Chance Essay Contest has been announced. And the winner is . . . drum roll, please . . . Tina Salomonson from Louisville, TN. Congratulations, Tina! Read more
2 a.m. Discussion
Bogie got us up at 2 this morning, wanting out. The discussion between Wayne and me went something like this.
Wayne: "Bogie wants out."
Me: "Why are you telling me this?"
Wayne: "He’s your dog." Read more
My Trip to Turkey
Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz claimed there is no place like home. Although my daughters and I had a tremendously wonderful and fun trip to Turkey, I have to agree with Dorothy. I’m happy to be home!
The highlights of our trip included the experiences of shopping, eating and visiting the yarn mill that produces the Blossom Street Yarn Collection. Our hosts and the people we met were incredibly warm and welcoming.
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A Report from Grandma Camp 2010
My three granddaughters and I have shared a week of fun and adventure. This is my third annual Grandma Camp in which I share my passions with my granddaughters. We spent time cooking, shopping, knitting, practicing gratitude and swimming every day. I feel this year, more than ever, I’ve come to know them as individuals–each so different and so incredible. I feel blessed in every way.
On the Set of Call Me Mrs. Miracle
This is Doris Roberts and me on the set for CALL ME MRS. MIRACLE, which is currently being filmed for Hallmark Channel's Christmas programming. I was able to visit with both Lauren Holly, who plays one of the characters, and Doris Roberts, who is returning as the wonderful Mrs.
Good Luck Omen
I found an eagle feather in our front yard yesterday morning. According to my Native American friend, Sharon Frelinger, this is an indication of good luck. I already feel incredibly blessed. Tomorrow I’m flying to Canada to visit the movie set for the second Mrs. Miracle movie titled CALL ME MRS. Read more
Stitch and Pitch Fun
It was the annual Stitch and Pitch Night for the Tacoma Rainiers last night. They asked me to throw out the opening pitch, which I did, and I’m proud to say the ball made it over home base. Okay, I’ll admit I advanced a bit from home plate . . .
I’ve been practicing with Bogie, who loves to play fetch with me. And he’s so enthusiastic about it. I wonder of other ball players know this secret? Read more
Holiday Road Trip
Wayne and I are back from our road trip to the family reunion in Aberdeen, SD. We had a wonderful time with family from far and wide, but it was most memorable as it was also a celebration of my Aunt Betty, who is turning 100 this year.
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