🙂 I meant to blog on my trip to California–I truly did. But my MacAir laptop and the various local wireless networks did not seem to want to cooperate.
On the first morning, I rose at the unGodly hour of 3:15 am (early even for me) and stumbled downstairs to meet my publicist, Leslee, and tumble into the back of a waiting car. Leslee is a dear friend as well as a colleague, and her bright, shiny smile was as good as sunrise. We rode to a nearby studio, where I was made up (repeatedly) and my hair was pouffed about a jillion times. I looked like another Linda, from some parallel universe–would that I could have pouffy hair and studio makeup every morning but, alas, a cowgirl is a cowgirl. At home, it’s jeans and sneakers, etc., and “writer’s hair”, meaning if it gets poufed, it’s because a high wind came through or I’ve been jamming my fingers through my golden tresses over some knot in the story.
Following the interviews, I did several “spots”–just little chats for various people, including the Humane Society of the United States and the Harlequin sales force, which just happens to be the very best in the world! And I have proof–not only did “Dylan” debut at #3 on the Times list, “Logan” was still hanging in there at #14!!! Two books on the list! Yowzer, that news blew back this cowgirl’s hair.
Once I’d finished at the studio, I went back to the hotel for my things, and the driver so graciously provided for me took me to my daughter’s place in Santa Monica. Wendy and I spent a lot of time together, much needed, laughing and sometimes crying a little, shopping and visiting our favorite restaurants. Of course we hit several book stores, too, and I found several dandies. If they pan out, I’ll be describing them here on this blog.
Perhaps our favorite stop–mine, anyway–was a huge Pearl Art Supply store. I really loaded up, and back at home, Wendy and Jeremy and I spent many happy hours at their table, gluing and painting and talking, talking, talking. I left the supplies with them, and hope they’ll continue making glorious messes with acrylic paints and mediums of various sorts. It’s therapy.
When I left, Wendy came down with a cold. I can’t help thinking it was because her old mama wore her out a little. Wish I could be there to make chicken soup, but life moves fast. In a very short time, I’ll be heading for Prague, for a week’s vacation with my sister, Sally. Yeehaw!
Sadie kept up her program while I was gone, and there is a noticable difference in her. She’s lookin’ good–no more big belly. Bernice had had a haircut and a bath–I wasn’t the only one who got poufed, I guess!
Last but not least, thank you for the success of “Logan” and “Dylan” and all the books that came before. You made the difference, with your loyalty and your love of a good yarn. On March 27, the final story of the trilogy, “Tyler”, will be available. Meet me back at camp–we’ll sit around the fire and I’ll tell you a one heck of a story….
