Debbie's Blog
Minneapolis
It’s my first day on the "tour road," and I’m in Minneapolis. Upon arrival I didn’t go to the hotel, did not pass go, went directly to the Mall of America (on the pretense of checking out the signing location, when in reality I wanted to try out my brand new credit card). It works!
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My Bags are Packed!
My bags are packed, and I'm excited to start off the Hannah's List tour with a signing in Minneapolis. Just think about it–I'm beginning this tour at the largest shopping mall in America. Is this incredible or what?
Wayne lifted my suitcase, and it was so light he asked if I'd forgotten anything. I assured him I had everything I needed. What I might have failed to mention is that all I really need is my credit card.
I hope to see you soon!
Manatees and Fir Trees
I have yet to sit out on our patio for any length of time and fail to see either dolphins or manatees. Lately the manatees have been visiting our dock area. They are such lovely mammals and always cause a bit of excitement whenever Wayne and I see one. This morning we saw three!
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A Helping Hand
I’ve said all along that the most generous, wonderful people read my books. Word came from the New York publicity agency that is handling the Knit 1, Bless 2 initiative that their office is filling up with stunningly beautiful baby items.
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Clear Sailing
Wayne and I have signed up for a boat safety class this weekend. In my upcoming reader newsletter, under the Q&A section, I talk about how I’m a bit challenged in the area of docking a boat. The memory of me crashing the sailboat into the pier lingers in both Wayne’s and my mind. I still have nightmares of people screaming and running for their lives, jumping into the water in order to save themselves. (Okay, I tend to exaggerate . . . Read more
In Love with Pasta
One of our favorite restaurants in Vero Beach is changing its menu. Stella's serves Italian food and is changing over to more American fare. Seeing that this would be our last opportunity to enjoy their specialty Italian dishes, Wayne and I went to dinner with our good friends, Rhett and Barbara, last night. Although my grandparents are German/Russians who immigrated from the Baltic Sea area, I'm convinced there must be some Italian blood in me, because I love pasta so much. Then again, I'm a huge fan of Mexican and Chinese food, too. I guess I'
Testing, Testing!
I had computer problems this morning. If you ever want to see a writer throw a temper tantrum, then watch what happens when their computer decides to act weird. I noticed, however, that I went through at least three of the stages of grieving.
1. Denial. "There's nothing wrong. It's just taking my computer a little longer than normal to boot up."
Cooking for Others
A reader recently asked me what I’ve been reading, and I mentioned Richard LeMieux’s book, BREAKFAST AT SALLY’S, which is his tale of homelessness. Richard’s enlightening book changed my entire perspective of the homeless–who they are, how they wind up homeless, and the challenges they face.
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Sibling Squabbles
Wayne and I had a thoroughly wonderful Easter with our children and grandchildren. It’s always fun getting the grandkids together, as they are the very best of friends. Cameron, who recently turned thirteen, had me laughing so hard I could barely breathe. His sister, the only girl with two brothers, has learned to hold her own. She got into a squabble with her brother, and her parents put her in "time out." Cameron came to me, and with all the wisdom of his years announced, "Maddy’s got issues, but if you mention it, s Read more
Happy Easter!
Wayne and I are flying back to Port Orchard this afternoon to spend Easter with our children and grandchildren. Our big get-together will be Saturday for the annual Macomber Easter Egg Hunt. I’ll start cooking in the morning. A traditional favorite is deviled eggs, only we call them angel eggs, because we don’t want anything to do with the devil. The grandkids will get high on sugar and chase one another all around the house, upstairs and down, and by the time everyone leaves Wayne and I will be ready to fly back to Florida where peace reigns. W Read more
Happy Birthday Cameron!
Our oldest grandson, Cameron, turned thirteen this week. Not only was this a special birthday, but this is a special boy. He’s incredibly intelligent and handsome (but then I could be just a tad prejudiced). I do, however, believe he is destined to be a famous writer. First off, he was born under the light of the comet Hale-Bopp. (Mark Twain was born and died when the Comet Halley passed by earth.) Plus, Cameron lives on the land once owned by Frank Herbert, who authored the DUNE novels, and his grandma is a writer. Born Read more
How to Sound Good on Radio
My friend, Martha Powers, and I are driving into Orlando this morning. I’m recording a radio spot to promote Hannah’s List, which will be released April 27 (although it ‘s referred to in the publishing world as a May book). If you’re interested, you’ll be able to hear it played on Oprah and Martha Stewart Radio (Sirius/XM), Delilah and Pink Channel (Premiere).
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Stacks of Papers!
I accidently spent the morning cleaning my desk. I was looking for something I brought to Florida from Port Orchard and couldn’t find it. With no other option I started sorting through the stacks of papers, letters that need to be answered and other assorted piles atop my desk. I’m basically an organized person . . . or I used to think so until I discovered the January letter I meant to answer last . . . Read more
A New Life, New Adventure
There was cheering in the Macomber household as our baby grandson, Jaxon Paul, was able to leave the hospital yesterday afternoon. He weighs five pounds and seven ounces now, gaining a pound and two ounces his first week of life. I can safely say he eats like his grandma! And so the adventure begins for Dale and Laurie. I pray God will bless this young family, and may Jaxon give them more sleep than Dale gave his father and me!
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A New Grandchild!
This is a red letter day for the Macomber household!
This morning we welcomed Jaxon Paul Macomber into the family. He was born in the early morning hours and is a little tyke weighing in at 4 pounds 5 oz. All our grandchildren are precious, but little Jaxon is God’s special gift to our family after six IVF attemtps.
I’m walking on air and shouting praises to God this morning.
Signs of Spring
My walking partner, Martha Powers, and I, were walking on the track this morning when we heard what sounded like machine gun fire. I ducked (Martha did too!) and grabbed hold of my heart while looking for the drive-by shooter. Vero Beach is a nice, quiet town and one just doesn’t expect this type of random violence. Only there was no car. There was no drive-by driver. The culprit? A woodpecker who mistook a steel pole for a tree! Ah, spring! Read more
Time Just for Us
Wayne and I are going out on a date tonight. We’re going to see a comedy show and then dinner. We started this tradition years ago shortly after the children were born. We were completely wrapped up in raising our family.
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A Full Day
I have a busy day planned today! It starts with Bible Study this morning, followed by a tour of the local homeless shelter here in Vero Beach. Wayne and I have volunteered to cook dinner for 65 (I just haven’t told him yet), so I’m going to take a look at their kitchen. Last year one of the most powerful books I read was BREAKFAST AT SALLY’S by Richard LeMieux. Richard was a successful businessman who lost everything and ended up living out of his car. His book changed my entire perspective of homelessness. It made me realize w Read more
Tickling the Funny Bone
My cousin Shirley recently e-mailed me a list of funny items listed in church bulletins. My favorite was the retreat on fasting and prayer, meals included. Another one that tickled my fancy was about a workshop on low self-esteem with instructions to use the entrance at the back of the church. And the church that held Weight Watcher meetings advising those attending to use the double wide doors. It helps when we can laugh with each other, doesn’t it? I think God must have a great sense of humor, too. Just look at nature if you don Read more
A Fresh Perspective
A friend gave Wayne and me the PBS series The War on DVD. We’ve watched a segment every night and are caught up in the tremendous sacrifice the men and women of our parents’ generation made in the war years. My own father was taken as a POW, captured during the Battle of the Bulge, and held in Germany until the end of the war. I phoned my uncle, a former Marine, this morning and learned he was on Guadalcanal and several other islands in the South Pacific. This series has given me a fresh perspective of what it means to Read more
How Much Do You Love Me?
Wayne and I were in the hot tub with friends last night. Jerry and Ann graduated high school with Wayne and have a long history of close friendship. Ann and I got to talking about the "incredible" gifts our husbands have given us through the years. I believe I won. The zaniest gift Wayne ever gave me . . . and friends I swear this is true . . .
A Time of Celebration
Wayne and I are back in Florida after commemorating Jody Rose’s special birthday. We had an incredible time celebrating our daughter. Her sister organized the party, and her two brothers roasted her. Ted and Dale figured out the day she was conceived, and while I blushed Wayne burst into the Jackson Brown song, "Oh, What a Night . . . " Indeed, the birthday was a time of celebration and family fun. Read more
Happy Birthday, Jody!
Wayne and I are flying to Seattle tonight to celebrate our daughter, Jody’s, birthday. It’s a biggie–one with a zero attached. Many of you might have met Jody, as she manages Springhouse Dolls and Gifts and The Victorian Rose Tea Room, which is directly across the parking lot from my office. If you have, then you already know what a delightful, fun person she is. So although its a day early, Happy Birthday, Jody Rose! I’m so proud to be your mama. Read more
Happy Valentine’s Day!
We’re on our way home from our fabulous get-away trip through the Florida Keys. Because of rough seas and unpredictable weather, we’re going back two days early. Even so, it has been a memorable and fabulous time.
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Day Three of My Kidnapping Adventure
We had a wonderful evening in Marathon Key last night and I slept like a baby. Unfortunately we hit rough seas en route to Key West today. The captain wasn't at all concerned over the choppy weather, but it seemed like a really good idea to tie myself to the mast just in case. Luckily I caught sight of land just in time.