Debbie’s Blog
Manly Men
I mentioned yesterday the advice I’d read about training dogs and husbands, and that reminded me of an incident that happened with Wayne and his best friend some years ago. Wayne and his buddy Norm are two peas in a pod. They’re both big and burly and for years worked as construction electricians, driving trucks that required a step ladder. Men’s men. The kind who would feel right at home in Texas. Hunters. Gatherers. Well, Wayne and Norm decided to go in the woods with their guns and their dogs and do manly Read more
Training Incentives
Recently I read a magazine article about the essential elements for training dogs. Apparently dogs respond best to three . . . Read more
Fried Green Tomatoes
That’s what I chose as the top winner at the Kendall-Jackson Heirloom Tomato Festival in Santa Rosa, California this past weekend. Wayne and I flew in on Thursday and met up with our friends. Read more
Heirloom Tomato Festival
Wayne and I had the opportunity to take our first real vacation in years last April, and it was wonderful. We took a cruise down the Rhone River in France on a wine tour sponsored by the Kendall-Jackson Winery. Read more
Let Us Not Forget
Everyone remembers where they were on 9-11-01. Wayne and I happened to be in Spokane, WA, where I was scheduled to do an autographing that evening for the first book in the Cedar Cove series (16 Lighthouse Road). Instead, we ended up spending the day driving back to Port Orchard, tuning in to the radio station and listening intently to any news. Like so many others, we were in shock, grieving for those who were lost and for the pain their families must be suffering. We both felt the need to be close to our own family, to gather together those we loved
Whenever I Get Too Big for My Britches . . .
While on tour, I talked about the ways God keeps me humble, mentioning the time Bogie raced around the swimming pool in front of our friends with my underwear. It seems I have lessons yet to learn, for I so proudly told everyone during my talks that I would be raising the 12th man flag at the September 16 Seahawks home game, only to find out yesterday afternoon that I have been cut from the team. I believe I’m on the practice squad now and may be called up later. Next time I'll wait until I have the flag in my hands!
Thank You!
I’m back from tour and had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful readers. You’re the best. Thank you to all who made the effort to come out and meet me. Your enthusiasm and support helped THE INN AT ROSE HARBOR sail to the #2 slot on the New York Times bestseller list!
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Nelson Mandela
Lift Off!
I feel like an astronaut, nerves all jittery, my tummy aflutter. Why, you ask? Because today is launch day. THE INN AT ROSE HARBOR goes on sale today. Years in the making, with a cast less than a thousand. There will be fanfare, balloons, a tour and autographings set up all across the country. (With a small break this weekend for Wayne's class reunion in Colville, WA). I'm so eager for you to meet Jo Marie and travel with her as she makes a new life for herself.
Packing for Tour
I’m packing my suitcase for my tour and struggling to leave room for clothes. This is always a problem for me when I go on the road for an extended period of time. To my yarn-twisted way of thinking, knitting projects are more important to pack than something I can purchase along the way like . . . Read more
Maeve Binchy
Wayne told me this morning that Maeve Binchy died last week. She has long been one of my favorite writers, and many of her stories have inspired me. One of the problems with writing fiction is that I know too much about the structure of a novel. Read more
A Dog for Jody
My daughter, Jody, is a cat person. She loves her cats, but she's been without a pet for the last few years. After Wayne and I got Bogie, though, she had a turnaround. She loves our Bogie and calls him "Her brother from a different mother." And Bogie loves Jody. Whenever she visits he runs to greet her and she gives him lots of attention. Bogie apparently convinced Jody that she should have a dog. When the opportunity came for her to adopt, she got a Poochon (Bichon Frise and Poodle mix).
Corn Toss
About three years ago, while visiting Wayne’s cousin, Steve Scott, in the Florida Keys, we discovered a corn toss game. It’s a simple piece of wood with a hole drilled in it. The object of the game is to toss a small bag filled with popcorn seeds through the hole. We had such fun that we decided to get one ourselves. About a week later I found the entire set-up for sale at our local Farmer’s Market for $100. I phoned Wayne, and he was outraged. Why, he could build one for half that! Note that was three years ago.&nbs Read more
Rubbing Shoulders with Stars
I'm just back from LA and the Television Critics Association Luncheon where Crown Media announced the pilot for the Cedar Cove series.
Yes, my friends, I rubbed shoulders with Andie MacDowell, Patricia Heaton, Annie Potts and a dozen other celebrities. Because I was asked to be part of the television interviews taking place after the luncheon, Hallmark Channel provided me with a make-up and hair person.
Careful Planning
Our driveway is being replaced, which means for the next six weeks (don't ask!) Wayne and I are parking at the neighbor's house and making the trek around our property in order to leave the house.
This hasn't been a problem as the landscaper anticipated this project and made a pathway for us to walk through. (See photo). I have to applaud those involved for the careful planning that went into this.
Family Ties
Last week was a week for family. That Sunday I flew into Washington, D.C. Read more
Alone with Thousands of Books
I spent all day Monday in Westminster, Maryland, at the Random House warehouse, signing books to be shipped out to bookstores across the country.
Little Women
Heart Pounding Excitment
This morning was filled with a bit of excitement when we got hit by a thunder and lightening storm. I was swimming my half mile in the local pool when we lost electricity. The entire area went pitch dark. I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. Then the alarms started to ring, rivaling a huge burst of thunder, which shook the building. That got my heart pounding loud and strong. A different kind of aerobic exercise, for sure. We like being different on the left coast. While the rest of the country is sweltering, we're
Grandpa Camp
I promised an update on how Wayne is fairing with Grandpa Camp. The best way I can think of to describe his 13-day constant contact with his grandsons is a conversation we had many years ago after I’d returned from a church retreat. This was the first time Wayne had been left alone with all four of the kids for any length of time—all of them eight years of age or younger. I was at camp, having all my meals cooked and served to me, laughing with my friends, listening to inspiring, uplifting messages. Read more
Grandma Camp
I regret it’s taken so long to update a blog. As the saying goes, I’ve been so busy I’ve been chasing my own tail!
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Happy 4th of July!
I can’t think of the 4th of July without remembering a parade we took the kids to when our son, Ted, was about five years old. He was completely enthralled with the marching band and asked all kinds of questions about the musical instruments. I was so pleased our son was showing interest in playing an instrument that I picked him up and asked him which one looked like the most fun and which one he would like to learn how to play. Ted thought it over very carefully and gave me his answer. The whistle!
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How to Prepare to Be a Model
Naturally, before yesterday's video shoot, I wanted to have my hair and makeup done. As I've said before, I look much better on radio—thinner, too–but since I was going to be on camera, I wanted to look my best. While I was at the hairdresser’s, Wayne was at home and took a phone call. A friend asked for me, and Wayne, being Wayne, told them I was out “getting detailed.” Wayne simply doesn't understand it takes a village to get me ready to be seen on camera. Then again, maybe he does!
My Day as a Model
Lights! Camera! Action! If you think I’m talking about the Cedar Cove movie, you’re wrong. Today all the cameras and action took place right here in my office. My publisher sent a camera crew (okay, it was just one guy with a video camera, but he’s like a one-man band!) to take video of me in my offices here and at home. We’re also doing shots of the yarn store and the Victorian Rose Tea Room. Frankly, I think those models for Victoria’s Secret don’t get paid enough. This is really hard work. But don’t expect me to Read more
Honey, I’m Home!
It’s back to my real life now. I was on the movie set last week and met Andie McDowell, who is even more beautiful in person than any woman has a right to be. I’m so excited–the movie is going so, so well. The morning after the set visit, I flew to Columbus, Ohio, for a huge yarn conference, where I met up with my fellow author and knitting buddy, Christina Skye.
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