Debbie's Blog
Debbie, the Actress!
For three days last week I was part of a large photo shoot for the Cedar Cove Cookbook, which will be available in September 2009. On Thursday I stood holding a plate of muffins for four hours! As far as I’m concerned, models are grossly underpaid. I also did a cooking video for one of the cookie recipes, which will be on a number of websites. (I’ll let you know when I find out where.) The video was a whole lot of fun, and you know what the best part was? Sampling the completed cookie! I will say one thing about this
Veterans Day
When I was a kid, growing up in Yakima, Washington, Veterans Day was a big deal. My dad marched in the parade with fellow veterans and proudly carried the American flag. Both my parents were part of the war effort during World War II. Mom served as a welder, building ships in the Portland shipyards while Dad was overseas. Dad was captured by the Germans in the Battle of the Bulge and spent the remainder of the war in a POW camp inside Germany. My parents knew what it meant to serve their country as countless men and women continue to Read more
Moving is Not for Sissies!
Our plan was simple. Wayne and I were to fly to Florida, sign closing papers on our new house, pack up the condo, tag items for the movers, and meet them at our new place. Sounds simple, right? Haul a carload or two of clothes and maybe a few boxes of books, some knitting paraphernalia and a bottle or two of wine.
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Lunch and Laughter
Bogart Beauregard
Over the weekend Wayne and I purchased a dog. Not just any dog, but a fluffy black-and-white puppy about six weeks old and the size of a very cute rat! He is a mix of Pomeranian and Shih Tzu, and his name is Bogart Beauregard Macomber. He is as smart as his foster daddy, Wayne, and as cute as any of the grandkids. Pictures to follow next week!
Birthday Wish
My staff took me to lunch today for my official birthday. Renate, Wanda, Heidi and Carol all know me so well and their gifts to me reflected that. Heidi gave me a plaque with an Erma Bombeck saying that I thought I would share with you. It read: When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say. “I used everything You gave me.” My wish is that I will be able to say the very same thing.
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.
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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 . . . .
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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