Debbie's Blog
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.
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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.
A New Diet Plan
Surgery Successful!
This is just a quick note to let everyone know that Debbie’s surgery was successful and she’s recuperating at home. She is grateful for everyone’s prayers!
Renate
Hot off the Press
How was Your Day, Honey?
On Monday I crammed as much as I could into a single day. After three radio interviews, a videographer took footage of me for a one-minute video greeting and then he and I traipsed about town for the last of the Cedar Cove Readers’ Group questions, also for video. I visited the doctor for my pre-operation appointment, had blood work done, managed to actually work on the revisions for 20 Wishes (my 2008 hardcover) and then raced over to Bremerton with my daughters Jody and Jenny to meet my dear friend, June Scobee Rodgers.
Home Again
I'm back! My intention was to blog every day that I was on tour for KNIT TOGETHER, but so much for that. There was plenty to write about, too. I ran into tornados, flash floods, rain like I’ve never seen – well, other than Florida, plus lightning that put the Fourth of July fireworks display to shame. And that was just Chicago. The storms followed me to Cincinnati and St. Louis, too, with spectacular thunder and lightning displays.
On the Road Again . . .
I'm off for the next ten days on business, starting with meetings in New York City. From New York I head for Detroit and the start of the tour for KNIT TOGETHER. I’ll be in five cities in as many days. This is a form of speed touring, which should work well. I have a secondary goal, other than meeting my wonderful readers and autographing as many books as possible. My quest is to find a baked potato. As I wrote earlier in the week, the much-loved baked potato has disappeared from
From a Cell Phone to a Blackberry
I might not have a technical mind but I am not a stupid person . . . or so I thought until I purchased a Blackberry. I should have recognized I was in way over my head when the “phone” came with not one but two instructional CDs. It required an entire CD to show me how to turn the phone on. (I am not making this up.) As for voice mail and text messaging . . . I’m going to need college level classes.
Bring Back the Baked Potato!
I’m wondering if anyone else has noticed what’s happening in restaurants all across America. They’ve done away with the baked potato. I wonder if Idaho knows about this. Read more
A Frustratingly Good Week
I’ve had the most frustrating and yet wonderful week of my year. Frustrating because I really haven’t accomplished much of anything work-wise. On the other hand , it’s been a good week because I’ve been enjoying meeting with family and friends.
How to Avoid Temptation
Reader Bonnie Arnold mailed me a chatty letter about her summer adventures. She mentioned she’s on a new diet, and in an effort to avoid temptation she avoided the route to work that took her directly in front of the town bakery. Then one day she forgot and drove past. Sure enough, the bakery window was loaded with delicacies. Her resolve wavered, Read more
Be Sure to Moisturize!
I’ve been reading Nora Ephron’s book I Feel Bad About My Neck and laughing myself silly. The book bemoans the problems of aging and what we do as women to slow down the process.
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Gettysburg
I’m really not much of a Civil War buff, but Wayne is and he jumped at the opportunity to tour Gettysburg with our friends the Roches from Florida. I figured I’d ride along with Wayne and Gary, who is a certified guide. Thinking I’d probably be bored, I brought along my knitting to help occupy myself while Gary explained the details of the battles. It didn’t take long for me to set my knitting aside and get caught up in the tales of the conflict that so divided our country.
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Too Old for Bingo
I’ve often wondered if any of my children would develop the desire to write. All four are wonderfully creative, but to this point none has shown any inclination toward the written word. Just recently, however, my eight-year-old grandson James, started writing stories.
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Debbie Throws out the First Pitch!
A New Knitter in the Family!
I signed my granddaughter Maddie up for Knitting Camp this week. The way I figure it, I need to turn at least one other family member on to knitting so she can inherit my yarn stash. I have more yarn than any one person could possibly knit in a single lifetime.
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Chicago
Chicago was fabulous. I signed my knitting pattern books at the Leisure Arts booth at the Craft and Hobby Show. Walking around the show was an insight into what’s hot in crafts in America. Definitely, scrapbooking is king. Who knew? I visited with the good people at the Lion Brand Yarn booth. They have some wonderful new yarns coming out that really impressed me. What can I say? So much yarn and so little time . . .
On the Road Again!
I finally unpacked fromReno and was carting my suitcase downstairs when I realized I’m leaving for Chicago in the morning. I swear, I’m meeting myself coming and going.
I’ll be at the Craft and Hobby Show in Rosemont, autographing in the Leisure Arts booth. I’ll be signing the pattern books based on the Blossom Street series. (This is a trade show, so I’m sorry to say unless you’re a member of the Craft and Hobby Association, you won’t be able to attend.)
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Beef Roast and Coffee
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before, but as often as possible I swim in the mornings. Unfortunately, I wrenched my arm on tour while carting my 100-pound computer (that’s only a slight exaggeration), so lately my swimming has been slow and painful. I mention all this to tell you that there’s an entire group of us who water-walk after swimming our laps. We visit and exchange recipes. I tried a new one r
A Reno Weekend
Wayne and I had a glorious weekend in Reno with seven of the grandkids. I’ll admit it was a lot like herding monkeys and we were grateful our two daughters and one daughter-in-law were there to help. The highlight of our trip was in Virginia City where the two oldest boys got T-shirts from the Bucket of Blood Saloon and we watched a staged Old West shoot-out. We returned from Circus-Circus with an entire suitcase filled with stuffed animals and memories that will last a lifetime.
The Cleaning Bug
Wayne caught the cleaning bug. I’m proud to say all the sorting and organizing I’ve been doing appears to have rubbed off on him. Last week he decided to go through the garage. I was grateful. While I was able to park my car, it was becoming increasingly difficult to open the door and climb out.
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