Work and Play
My editor is flying in this afternoon for a time of work and play. It’s always a great time when the two of us can get together. I love to bounce plot ideas off her. For sheer fun we’re heading to Leavenworth (the Bavarian town in Washington that several of my Christmas books are based in) for an autographing and Oktoberfest. Then on Monday I’m off to attend career-oriented workshops in California. The folks at 92 Pacific Blvd. Read more
Hot Date this Weekend!
I have hot weekend plans with the grandkids. Jazmine and I are taking a spooky cupcake decorating class Saturday morning and then in the afternoon Maddy and I are birthday shopping and getting our nails done. Sunday afternoon Bailey and Carter are coming to visit. We’re picking apples and making homemade apple cider. It’s going to be busy and fun at the Macomber household this weekend!
Love Matters
Last year I met my neighbor, who just happens to be Delilah—yes, THAT Delilah. She’s the top female radio personality in the country. She happens to live a mile or so from my house, and we’ve gotten to be good friends. Although we make an effort to get together every week, with her schedule and mine that isn’t always possible. She’s quite the character, and if you listen to her radio program you know that she has a wonderful heart. Her book, LOVE MATTERS, is currently available. I had tears in my eyes e Read more
A Blessed Life
I once heard it said there are two types of people in the world. Those who wake and say Good Morning, God! and those who say Good God, morning. I’ve been blessed with the happy gene and generally wake up in a great mood. And with good reason: I live a blessed life.
Read more
Back at My Desk
New York was incredible, fabulous and fun, but after a week away it feels mighty good to snuggle up with my sweetheart. Today I’m back in the office ready and eager to return to Cedar Cove. My characters get downright cranky when I stay away too long. Charlotte is giving me a real earful, so I best cut this short. The dear woman is beside herself with frustration. It used to be my husband and my kids; now I have to contend with my characters!
The Big Apple
I’m off to a women’s retreat this weekend with my dearest sisters in Christ and then Monday morning Renate (my assistant) and I are flying to New York for my annual round of planning meetings for the coming year. A little birdie told me there just might be a couple of surprises in store for me while I’m there, this being my birthday month. Read more
Trying to Stay on Top of Things
September was filled with family and friends. My brother flew in for his 40th class reunion. Our dear friends Marsha and Gary Roche were in town for a visit, too. They live on the east coast, and this was their first trip to the Pacific Northwest. Then last weekend Wayne and I hosted the Guideposts Advisory Cabinet.
Counting Words
For those of you who are following my word count for Unleash Your Story, (www.unleashyourstory.com) I have a semi-final figure. But first, a word from our sponsor . . . .
Read more
Living a Dream
Twenty-six years ago today—precisely at 4:39 p.m.—I sold my first book. Editor Mary Clare Susan phoned to make an offer. I was in such a state of bewilderment and awe that I said a total of four words. Hello. Yes. Thank-you. Read more
Welcoming Visitors
Tomorrow morning I’m heading to Seattle to meet with the Guideposts Advisory Council. Seeing that this wonderful group of 75 supporters is visiting our area, I’m leading a short walking tour. There are some interesting statistics that I want to share with them.
Read more
Cold Books
I got a wonderful letter from reader Reathel Norberg. She wrote to tell me that her daughter had mailed her my book, TWENTY WISHES. Only her daughter had packed it inside an Omaha Steak box. When Reathel received the box she put it inside the freezer until some time later when her daughter asked how she enjoyed the book. Only then did Reathel discover that she hadn’t received steaks. She did mention that TWENTY WISHES was one of her favorite books, but for some reason the pages seemed to be especially cold! Read more
A Fashion Show
Sunday morning I received a phone call from one of my yarn store partners regarding the knitted fashion show that was to be held that afternoon. “How many models did you get?” she asked. I was supposed to supply the models? Yikes! I’d completely forgotten.
Read more
A Dream Come True
Today is magical for me, the realization of a dream. This morning A Good Yarn Shop opened here in Port Orchard. I have five incredible investors who have put their hearts into making this a reality. Our mission statement is Friendships Formed and Traditions Taught.
Read more
Oh, the Joy of It!
My sleeves are pushed up to my elbows , and I’m gearing up to dig into 92 Pacific Blvd, the title for next year’s Cedar Cove installment. We’ve had guests, family, social events and beautiful weather, all of which have kept me from plowing ahead with the book. To me, writing is sheer joy, so I’ve been feeling deprived and a bit frustrated this month. All that’s about to change! I’m forging ahead—my friends in Cedar Cove are anxiously waiting for me to retur
Jersey Boys
Wayne and I are headed back to the Puyallup Fair this afternoon–we have tickets to a Frankie Valli performance. Last year I had the privilege of seeing Jersey Boys on Broadway, and it was sensational. The thought of going to hear the real thing is just thrilling!
Judging berry pies on Monday, which was more fun than a person should be allowed, and seeing Frankie Valli in person on Wednesday. Boy oh boy, life is good!
Here Comes the Judge!
Wayne and I, along with the Roches, who are visiting from Pennsylvania, are headed to the Puyallup Fair today. Normally I wouldn’t take a day off from writing to attend the local fair, which just happens to be the tenth largest in the country. However, I’ve been asked to be one of the pie judges. You read that right–I’ve been asked to sample and judge berry pies. I have to ask you, does life get any better than this? It’s a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest, the sun is out and I’m headed to Read more
Spending Time with Friends
Our dear friends, Gary and Marsha Roche, are joining us for the next week. Gary is a Battlefield Guide for Gettysburg. He has willingly shared his passion for the Civil War with Wayne and me. For two years running we’ve ventured to Pennsylvania to tour Gettysburg with Gary and his friend, Bob Mullin, who’s also known as Mr. Read more
Cedar Cove Cookbook
This week I’ve been working on the text for the Cedar Cove Cookbook. A few years back my cousins and I collected our favorite recipes for a family cookbook. Read more
Busy, Busy, Busy!
I had quite a day yesterday. I was in the pool swimming my half mile at six in the morning, had a conference call with my publisher at eight and two lengthy radio interviews before I had to rush off at noon to speak at the Senior Center here in Port Orchard (aka Cedar Cove). Then I went home to cook dinner for twelve. Will someone please play the sound track from the movie Rocky!!?
Read more
40th Anniversary
Forty years ago this Sunday I was a teenage bride with stars in my eyes as I gazed upon my hero, Wayne Macomber. He’s still my hero and the love of my life. We’ve had good years and bad ones—all marriages do. It amazes me that it’s been forty years since we said our vows and started our life together. God has blessed me many times over in my life, but perhaps one of the most profound blessings was in the husband He chose to give me.
Time to Celebrate!
A huge thank you to all my wonderful readers! I am over the moon. Yesterday afternoon I received word that 8 SANDPIPER WAY soared to the number one slot on the New York Times list its very first week out! I want each one of you to know I appreciate the fact you spend some of your hard-earned dollars to purchase my books. Your constant support is a wonderful encouragement to me.
Read more
Labor Day Weekend
Grandma Camp was a huge success. We had so much fun camping that when it ended, I understand both girls went home and took naps! But then, so did I, for three days in a row–the entire Labor Day weekend!
We cooked and baked, and I taught them to knit, too. We had so much fun that we’re already planning camp for next summer. Only next year I think I’ll start taking naps a week in advance.
Grandma Camp
My two nine-year-old granddaughters, Bailey and Maddie, are coming to Grandma camp this week, starting today. I have an entire itinerary set up for the three of us as I share my passions with my two youngest granddaughters. We’re starting off this afternoon with a pedicure, followed by cake baking and decorating. (Jazmine and I have now completed the cake decorating class—although I have yet to master making roses and clowns out of frosting. Still, it’s been great fun.)
Read more
Purling in Another Language
I’m back from STITCHES, and am proud to tell you that I can now do the purl stitch in three different languages—German, English and Norwegian. Knowing how large my stash of yarn already is, Wayne said, when I got home, "Surely you didn’t buy more." I assured him I didn’t buy a single skein and then asked if he’d be willing to roll the multiple skeins I did purchase. ( He should have known better than to ask! )
Read more