A Shot in the Dark!
I was back to see the physician (the one who left his signature on my hind end). He explained that this wasn’t actually his name, but instructions on which side to give me the shot. This shot was for the last injection of the series for back pain I’ve been experiencing.
Had I been smart enough I would have had Wayne write him a little note, just for him, penned on my derriere: a smiley face, perhaps an arrow pointing in the right direction or, better yet, a note telling him…THE END IS NEAR.
Random Act of Kindness
One of the nicest things happened yesterday and it started with an accident. I was in the Newark airport, waiting to catch my flight back to Seattle. It was an early morning flight, so I stopped at the Starbucks stand to get a cup of coffee. Unfortunately, I spilled the entire contents when I sat down in the seating area. I cleaned up my mess and decided I wasn’t going to wait in that long line again.
Read more
Twenty-Five Years
Yesterday I celebrated 25 years with the same publisher. The thrill of the sale and publication of my first book will always be with me, even now after all these years.
What is a joy for me is to watch the many talented authors who are just starting out. One new author to watch is Geri Krotow, whose first book is currently on the stands. Look for Rendezvous To Remember, a November title from Harlequin Everlasting Love.
New York
I’m heading to New York City early Sunday morning. I love visiting The Big Apple, especially this time of year when the autumn colors are in full display and the air is crisp. It doesn’t hurt any that some of my favorite people in the whole world will be there. Naturally, I’ll squeeze in a bit of shopping and more than one fabulous dinner, and a friend managed to get us tickets to the hottest play in town—“Jersey Boys.”
Read more
Shared Birthday
My granddaughter, Maddie, and I share a birthday, which just happened to be yesterday, October 22.
My daughter told me Maddie woke up in the wee hours of the twenty-second and with gusto shouted “I’m eight!” I’m here to tell you, my friends, I slept through the entire night and didn’t once think to toss aside my warm covers and declare to the world how old I am. It must be an age thing!
Luxury Bath
My two eight-year-old granddaughters, Maddie and Bailey, spent the night with me Saturday. Tradition insists that we take a luxury bath with bubbles, scented water, bath oil beads—the whole nine yards.
Read more
Renaissance Yarns
Wayne is nervous, and with good reason. I’m making an appearance at Renaissance Yarns in Kent, Washington, this afternoon. Any time I’m in the close proximity of a yarn store, Wayne knows there’s trouble. I simply love to buy yarn. In addition, knitters are my kind of people. We can chat all day long. I did promise my wonderful, patient husband that I would use restraint . . . as best I could. As a reward, I’m treating him to his favorite dinner . . . in a restaurant. I don’t have time to cook–I’m knitting!
Yarn Harlot
I’ve been working on my knitting lately, finishing up a number of small projects and getting ready to knit others. I finished the socks for my son, added the fringe to an afghan I knit for my brother, did the last of the beading work on a scarf project, and finished up two hats.
Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is known as the Yarn Harlot, and I know exactly what she means. I hate to admit it, but I’m one, too.
Read more
One of Those Days
Have you ever had one of those days in which everything went wrong? And I do mean everything! That happened to Renate, my personal assistant, and me yesterday.
Read more
Haut Chocolat
Speaking of chocolate, my friend Christina Skye brought me the most unusual chocolate I’ve ever tasted. The small Vosges Haut-Chocolat bars came with detailed instructions on how to eat, savor and enjoy this treat—I swear I’m not making this up.
Read more
Chocolate!
I have the most wonderful readers and some of the most responsive, too. When I returned from South Bend and Knoxville late Friday afternoon, I discovered that Pam and Barbara, a mother and daughter, had mailed me three Cadbury dark chocolate bars to replace the one Wayne ate.
Read more
The Volunteer State
Tennessee is known as the Volunteer State. If I understand this correctly, the term goes back to the time of the Alamo when a large number of men from Tennessee volunteered to fight. From what I can see, the tradition continues. I’m in Knoxville as part of the Literacy celebration and have been touched and encouraged by the dedication of these volunteers. Knoxville is experiencing summer-like weather. Yesterday it hit 91 degrees. I brought autumn clothes. That’s OK; I look good with a sheen on my face.
I’m in Knoxville, TN
I’m in Knoxville, Tennessee for the annual East Tennessee Writers Hall of Fame literacy event, which will take place the evening of Thursday, October 4. I flew in on Monday from South Bend, Indiana. When you’re trying to fly from one small town to another, sometimes you hear, "You can’t get there from here.” But indeed I could, thanks to small commuter planes. Read more
A Lesson Well Learned
Wayne claims that since I let the word out about how he ate my Cadbury dark chocolate bar, he’s the most hated man in America. That’s only a slight exaggeration. I’m shocked that after all these years of marriage he apparently doesn’t know the problems associated with getting between a woman and her chocolate; especially dark chocolate. He might as well tangle with a mama bear protecting her sweet, little cubs. Go gently on him, my faithful readers. I believe Wayne has learned his lesson and learned it well.
The Rules of Chocolate
I have a crime to report. My dear friend Lois Faye Dyer (check out the February 2006 anthology, Hearts Divided we both had novellas in it, mine a Cedar Cove story) stopped by to visit recently. Along with a get well card, she brought me a number of goodies to aid the healing process. Included in this package of treats was a chocolate bar. Not just any off-the-counter chocolate; this was a Cadbury bar—dark chocolate. In my humble opinion, dark chocolate is the very best.
Read more
Therapeutic Naps
A Knitting Weekend
Tea and Knitting Needles
I forgot to mention the Cedar Cove Tea that was held this past weekend at the Victorian Rose Tea Room in Port Orchard and what fun we had. As I traveled from table to table to greet everyone. I was astonished to meet women from Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Indiana, California and Oregon. What a thrill that was!
Read more
Meet and Greet
Out of the House!
Still Celebrating
This has been a wonderful week, as my editor, Paula Eykelhof, has been visiting. We’ve been celebrating (think champagne and seafood) but also working. Today we’re having lunch with my friend Ann DeFee, who has a book out this month in the Harlequin Everlasting Love imprint titled SUMMER AFTER SUMMER. Anyone looking for a great story will love Ann’s writing.
I’m continuing with my visits to the Little Shop of Horrors, also known as physical therapy. I know perseverance will pay off in the long run, but right now it’s a daily struggle. Read more
Celebration Meal
I feel like the fatted calf. Dinner, compliments of my publisher to celebrate the #1 placement of 74 SEASIDE AVENUE—was divine. Chef Grant Matsuno and Amy Igloi (of Amy's on the Bay) came to our house and, even though Gant was in an unfamiliar kitchen, he managed to cook up a delectable meal that was the highlight of the most incredible week of my career.
Harry Potter Who?
Move over J.K. Rowling—Debbie’s readers have spoken. If you happen to read the USA Today this morning, take note 74 SEASIDE AVENUE has replaced Harry Potter in the No. 1 position.
Read more
A Wonderful Nurse
Wayne has turned out to be a wonderful nurse. He's been tender and patient and hasn't complained once about cooking or doing dishes. The only time he showed the least bit of hesitation was when it came to dressing me in my bra the first time. The doctor suggested I wear a bra that connects in the front. Wayne stared at it in absolute horror. What followed was a comedy of errors.