Debbie Macomber's Blog, page 39

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 and  hold them close to our hearts.  We went to church that night, seeking comfort and answers.  Those answers didn't come easily.  It seemed 9-11 was a huge victory for terrorism, but the radical terrorists were wrong.  Instead of tearing us apart, 9-11 drew us closer together.   Let us never forget.

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! 



Regardless, the Seahawks have my full loyalty and without a doubt will have a spectacular season.

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!



It feels mighty good to sleep in my own bed and cuddle up with Wayne.  He missed me, but not quite as much as Bogie, who will barely let me out of his sight.  Wayne is kidnapping me on Thursday (although I'm not putting up much of a fight) and we're heading to Nevada for hot air balloon races and to celebrate our anniversary.

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 . . . oh, say, underwear.   Thankfully I have my e-reader so it isn't necessary to bring along the five or six devotional books I read every morning, although I still tend to pack books.  My Bible, my journal, a couple of Sudoko books . . . you get the idea.  At any rate, I'm heading out bright and early Wednesday morning after my 6:30 p.m. signing Tuesday evening at the Barnes & Noble in Silverdale, Wash., and I'm looking forward to meeting my wonderful readers!

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. If the pacing is off or if the characterization isn't right, then it bothers me.  This is a little embarrassing to admit, but as a result I'm a terribly picky reader.  I’ve never had a problem with Maeve's books, though.  She was a master storyteller and will be sorely missed by those who grew to love her and her books.

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). His previous owner had named him Carlos and Jody decided to change it to Jasper, but she forgets and calls him Bogie.  I can see it all now.  This poor dog is going to need pet counseling for an identity crisis.  How can he not? 

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.  Well, my dear, wonderful husband finally got around to it.  At last count he has now spent $573 for our corn toss.  He needed a special saw, a new sander, paint . . . need I go on?

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.  Her name was Pamela, and she was a kick. She's Greek all the way to her roots and one of the funniest people I've ever met.  But as I've said before, God has ways of keeping me humble.  Pamela sized me up, looked at her sizeable bag of cosmetics and asked, "How long do we have?"

Careful planning

[image error]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. 



They saw to every detail . . . except one.  I leave for swimming at 5:45 a.m., which is the precise time the sprinklers go off.