Linda Lael Miller's Blog, page 7
December 7, 2011
Fabulous day! Flint's show was a hoot, as always. The e...
Fabulous day! Flint's show was a hoot, as always. The event in the afternoon blew me away. My readers are the best! Family dinner here at the hotel with Lee and Marg, the British Columbia cousins, treated us all...brother Jerry had to rush off to the rodeo. I am definitely sleeping in tomorrow. :)
Hello from Vegas!
Would you believe I'm writing this entry on my cell phone????
Having loads of fun here. Did you catch my Livestream
video yesterday? Check out Harleqin's Facebook page. It will
soon be available on my site.
If you're in Vegas, stop by the Caberet area here at the Paris Hotel at
3:00. All you need is a free card from the player's club to join the fun.
These Caesar's Entertainment folks are spoiling a certain barn goddess for sure!
Will write more ASAP.
Wish you were here!
Having loads of fun here. Did you catch my Livestream
video yesterday? Check out Harleqin's Facebook page. It will
soon be available on my site.
If you're in Vegas, stop by the Caberet area here at the Paris Hotel at
3:00. All you need is a free card from the player's club to join the fun.
These Caesar's Entertainment folks are spoiling a certain barn goddess for sure!
Will write more ASAP.
Wish you were here!
December 5, 2011
I'm Off!
Off to Las Vegas--or, as my dad would have said, "Lost Wages", Nevada.
Tomorrow afternoon, I'll be doing a live video cast from Glitter Gulch--check the Harlequin website for a link. Even if you miss the actual presentation, you'll still be able to access it later on, so no worries.
I'll be blogging right along, and tweeting, too. Not to mention shopping, cowboy-watching, and playing a few slot machines. :)
More later.
Tomorrow afternoon, I'll be doing a live video cast from Glitter Gulch--check the Harlequin website for a link. Even if you miss the actual presentation, you'll still be able to access it later on, so no worries.
I'll be blogging right along, and tweeting, too. Not to mention shopping, cowboy-watching, and playing a few slot machines. :)
More later.
December 1, 2011
Well, Gooooooleee!
Publisher's Weeky reprinted my Veteran's Day blog on their bestseller page for November 21, 2011. Color me might darn proud.
And mighty darn busy.
Book to write, rodeo to attend.
Busy, busy!
And that's just the way I like it. :)
And mighty darn busy.
Book to write, rodeo to attend.
Busy, busy!
And that's just the way I like it. :)
November 30, 2011
A Good Time Was Had by All
I'm back, as the old saying goes, like a bad penny. :)
I flew over to Seattle on Monday and soon connected with my good friend Debbie Macomber at the beautiful Four Seasons hotel, where we dropped our bags, had a quick lunch, and lit out for Nordstrom. :) We both came out with lovely black raincoats, very nearly a match--our tastes have always been very similar.
We did a little more power shopping, then decided to take in a movie. We finally chose "Like Crazy", supposedly a romance, and settled in in the nearly empty theatre for a good time. Lucky we didn't hold our breaths--this movie didn't have a plot, as far as we could tell, and the height of the excitement was the hero building a wooden chair. I don't normally pan other people's creative efforts--I know, after all, how much work and heart goes into a project--but this one is an utter waste of an hour and a half of your life, which you will never get back. If it comes to a theatre near you, move. That said, we had a fabulous time, because we have fun wherever we go. :)
Next morning, we headed to a nail salon down the street from the Four Seasons--Macomber is hell for fancy fingernails--and while I was waiting for her, I had a pedicure. I took a picture, intending to tweet my feet (I'm a poet), but instead wound up leaving my phone behind in Debbie's car. Fortunately, she's overnighting it back to me--thank heaven I didn't leave it at the nail salon, because nobody there speaks enough English to work out a solution. :)
After the manicure/pedicure adventure, it was on to a smash of a Christmas party, with many of our long-time author friends, all smart, successful women. It was a pleasure to talk shop and catch up on what everybody's been doing, and don't even get me started on the delicious food. (Barb, I need the recipe for that chocolate/peanutbutter candy. Or maybe it's better to just have one piece per year. :))
I flew back home last night, and imagine my surprise and delight to find Bernicie right outside the gate, with Jen, waiting to greet me. (We were prepared to swear up and down that she's a seeing-eye Yorkie if challenged.) The Christmas tree is up, and there are lights strung around the railing of the back deck--very cheery.
I'm recovering from all that fun today, and throwing myself straight back into the book first thing tomorrow.
That's the news from my kitchen table, my friends.
I flew over to Seattle on Monday and soon connected with my good friend Debbie Macomber at the beautiful Four Seasons hotel, where we dropped our bags, had a quick lunch, and lit out for Nordstrom. :) We both came out with lovely black raincoats, very nearly a match--our tastes have always been very similar.
We did a little more power shopping, then decided to take in a movie. We finally chose "Like Crazy", supposedly a romance, and settled in in the nearly empty theatre for a good time. Lucky we didn't hold our breaths--this movie didn't have a plot, as far as we could tell, and the height of the excitement was the hero building a wooden chair. I don't normally pan other people's creative efforts--I know, after all, how much work and heart goes into a project--but this one is an utter waste of an hour and a half of your life, which you will never get back. If it comes to a theatre near you, move. That said, we had a fabulous time, because we have fun wherever we go. :)
Next morning, we headed to a nail salon down the street from the Four Seasons--Macomber is hell for fancy fingernails--and while I was waiting for her, I had a pedicure. I took a picture, intending to tweet my feet (I'm a poet), but instead wound up leaving my phone behind in Debbie's car. Fortunately, she's overnighting it back to me--thank heaven I didn't leave it at the nail salon, because nobody there speaks enough English to work out a solution. :)
After the manicure/pedicure adventure, it was on to a smash of a Christmas party, with many of our long-time author friends, all smart, successful women. It was a pleasure to talk shop and catch up on what everybody's been doing, and don't even get me started on the delicious food. (Barb, I need the recipe for that chocolate/peanutbutter candy. Or maybe it's better to just have one piece per year. :))
I flew back home last night, and imagine my surprise and delight to find Bernicie right outside the gate, with Jen, waiting to greet me. (We were prepared to swear up and down that she's a seeing-eye Yorkie if challenged.) The Christmas tree is up, and there are lights strung around the railing of the back deck--very cheery.
I'm recovering from all that fun today, and throwing myself straight back into the book first thing tomorrow.
That's the news from my kitchen table, my friends.
November 23, 2011
Better Today
Except for what is probably a touch of stomach flu, I'm much better today. Yesterday, I wrote a scene in the new book and finally caved in and called it a day.
Thanks for lending a cyber-ear--it's nice to know you're out there, though I do feel bad for whining. I guess the song is right--even cowgirls get the blues. :)
Then they get back on their horses and ride.
Weather is rainy, but the temperatures are mild, so plenty to be grateful for, now and every day. I truly love my life, my kinfolks and many friends, my critters and my career, and certainly my country. For all her troubles--and when have there not been troubles?--America is so blessed, like her sister, Canada.
Thanksgiving will be quiet around here, but nonetheless sacred for that. No big dinner, no fuss--after all, we're planning a MAJOR fuss at Christmas and besides, two turkeys in three weeks is too much for me. If you're gathering with friends and family, savor the together-time. It's ever so precious. If you happen to be parted from loved ones this year, make somebody else smile. I promise you'll feel better.
I won't be going out on Black Friday--I do the majority of my shopping online these days. The tree goes up that day, though, and I'm looking forward to that. It's so cheery to sit and admire the lights and the shining ornaments, each one with a memory attached. It will be a busy season--I'm making a quick trip to Seattle on Monday to attend a party with Debbie Macomber and a flock of good friends--and of course there's the big rodeo coming up soon. That's always fun.
May you and yours be blessed, during the sacred season and all year around.
Thanks for lending a cyber-ear--it's nice to know you're out there, though I do feel bad for whining. I guess the song is right--even cowgirls get the blues. :)
Then they get back on their horses and ride.
Weather is rainy, but the temperatures are mild, so plenty to be grateful for, now and every day. I truly love my life, my kinfolks and many friends, my critters and my career, and certainly my country. For all her troubles--and when have there not been troubles?--America is so blessed, like her sister, Canada.
Thanksgiving will be quiet around here, but nonetheless sacred for that. No big dinner, no fuss--after all, we're planning a MAJOR fuss at Christmas and besides, two turkeys in three weeks is too much for me. If you're gathering with friends and family, savor the together-time. It's ever so precious. If you happen to be parted from loved ones this year, make somebody else smile. I promise you'll feel better.
I won't be going out on Black Friday--I do the majority of my shopping online these days. The tree goes up that day, though, and I'm looking forward to that. It's so cheery to sit and admire the lights and the shining ornaments, each one with a memory attached. It will be a busy season--I'm making a quick trip to Seattle on Monday to attend a party with Debbie Macomber and a flock of good friends--and of course there's the big rodeo coming up soon. That's always fun.
May you and yours be blessed, during the sacred season and all year around.
November 22, 2011
I Still Miss Someone
Maybe it's the approach of the holidays--which promise to be joyous this year--but I'm sort of teary today. I miss my beagle-dog, Sadie.
I miss my friend Dale, and I miss my dad.
Yes, it hurts, but even as I cry, I'm smiling at all the precious memories.
Love the ones you're with, my friends.
Love the ones you're with.
I miss my friend Dale, and I miss my dad.
Yes, it hurts, but even as I cry, I'm smiling at all the precious memories.
Love the ones you're with, my friends.
Love the ones you're with.
November 21, 2011
Letting It Snow
As if I could make it stop. :) It's quite beautiful, actually, but I'm not sure people who don't work at home, as I do, would agree.
Bernice and I did take our walks, wading through the white stuff, on both Saturday and Sunday. It was a slog for me--no plowing has been done yet--but Neecie-bear found a tire track and hit her stride right away. It was so cute, the way she trotted along--pranced might be a better word--and when she encountered deeper snow, she did that hop-plunge thing dogs are so good at. This morning, she stood on the deck with her head back, lapping up the flakes as they fell.
The food in Toronto was truly excellent, but, as expected, I am very glad to be back on the plan. Looks like my weight stayed the same, which is good. :) My goal was simply to have a good time on the trip and to enjoy everything about it, and I did, without going overboard. (Well, there was that extra glass of wine---) :)
I spent the weekend relaxing and keeping warm. I'm reading Sue Grafton's new book, "V is for Vengeance" and enjoying it tremendously. I've been with Kinsey Millhone since "A"--I love her dry sense of humor and her resourcefulness. What's not to love about a gal who kept a pair of pantyhose under the seat of her Volkswagon and wriggled into them when she needed to dress up on the spur of the moment? I think her dress was wadded up in her handbag. :)
Note the jacket I was wearing in the picture I posted yesterday. Would you believe I bought it on QVC? :) Love the Bob Mackie jackets. Since it had horse spit on one shoulder when I got home from Toronto, I popped the thing into the washer and dryer and now it looks as good as ever. The price was right, too. Gotta love it.
Today, I'll be writing away.
And so it goes.
Bernice and I did take our walks, wading through the white stuff, on both Saturday and Sunday. It was a slog for me--no plowing has been done yet--but Neecie-bear found a tire track and hit her stride right away. It was so cute, the way she trotted along--pranced might be a better word--and when she encountered deeper snow, she did that hop-plunge thing dogs are so good at. This morning, she stood on the deck with her head back, lapping up the flakes as they fell.
The food in Toronto was truly excellent, but, as expected, I am very glad to be back on the plan. Looks like my weight stayed the same, which is good. :) My goal was simply to have a good time on the trip and to enjoy everything about it, and I did, without going overboard. (Well, there was that extra glass of wine---) :)
I spent the weekend relaxing and keeping warm. I'm reading Sue Grafton's new book, "V is for Vengeance" and enjoying it tremendously. I've been with Kinsey Millhone since "A"--I love her dry sense of humor and her resourcefulness. What's not to love about a gal who kept a pair of pantyhose under the seat of her Volkswagon and wriggled into them when she needed to dress up on the spur of the moment? I think her dress was wadded up in her handbag. :)
Note the jacket I was wearing in the picture I posted yesterday. Would you believe I bought it on QVC? :) Love the Bob Mackie jackets. Since it had horse spit on one shoulder when I got home from Toronto, I popped the thing into the washer and dryer and now it looks as good as ever. The price was right, too. Gotta love it.
Today, I'll be writing away.
And so it goes.
November 19, 2011
In Toronto
Still a ways to go with the D.I.E.T., but feelin' good!!!
Saturday Snowstorm
Arrived home from the Toronto trip exhausted but happy yesterday in the early afternoon. I fed and fussed over Bernicie and the kits, ate one of my D.I.E.T. meals, took a hot bath and vegged in my beloved microfleece pajamas. I also opened the several boxes that arrived while I was away--lots of beautiful new encaustic (wax) paints. Yum. After admiring the new supplies, I went to sleep early. (It was only about 6 pm here, but 9 in Toronto, and I was still on EST.) Excellent rest, then arising this morning to fluffy snow.
I took my time getting going--plenty of coffee, another BistroMD meal (even though the food in Toronto was fabulous, I'm so glad to be back in my regular routine)--a short chat with Chris, here to look after the horses on the weekends so the Canadian Wrangler can have some time off, and a brisk walk with Bernicie. She's short, but we followed the tracks in the snow, and she trotted along like a pro. She loves to be outside in all but the very worst kind of weather--a hurricane, say. Or a tsunami. Nothing else seems to deter her. :)
Jen and I flew to Toronto, via Minneapolis, on Tuesday, arriving late. We checked into our magnificent hotel, the Westin Prince, and ordered light room service. Beautiful flowers awaited--roses, accent flowers of various kinds, and PEONIES. My favorite. In November, no less. Obviously, my fabulous publishers, Harlequin, take very good care of me. :)
We had plenty of time to ease into the day on Wednesday, had a nice lunch at the hotel with two of my favorite Harlequin people, Katherine (KO) and Michelle. From there, we headed for a place called Sunnybrooke (spelled?) stables, which is right in the middle of Toronto, though you'd never know it to be there. Seems like miles out in the country. There, we took a whole bunch of new photos and even some video, which you'll be seeing soon. It was very hard work, and a bit on the cold side, but I beamed the whole time. I was in the company of horses, after all, which is heaven to me. Margie Miller and her colleagues, Michael "Big Daddy", the photographer and Goh, the very charming video guy, make a fabulous team. When the light was gone, we all headed for the Miller Tavern, where we did some convivial celebrating. I had the game hen--delicious--and probably one too many glasses of wine.
Thursday was Social Media Day. Jen and I arrived at Harlequin's impressive offices in the morning and spent much of the day learning about Facebook and Twitter, and also viewing some of the publicity photos taken the day before AND checking out the cover designs for "Big Sky Country" and the two books to follow. Trust me when I say, "YEEHAW"!
That evening, my agent Irene Goodman and I went to dinner with Donna and Loriana, and it was luxury all the way. I had sea bass--never had better. It was unbelievably good. The four of us shared a couple of desserts afterward--Creme Brulee and a truly exquisite coconut cream pie, the restaurant's signature dish.
It was up early the next morning, in order to leave for the airport at six. The flights home were pleasant and uneventful, which is the way I like them. :)
It's good to get away--I feel refreshed and inspired--but it's even better to come home.
Bernice, the kitties and I agree--there's no place quite like it.
I took my time getting going--plenty of coffee, another BistroMD meal (even though the food in Toronto was fabulous, I'm so glad to be back in my regular routine)--a short chat with Chris, here to look after the horses on the weekends so the Canadian Wrangler can have some time off, and a brisk walk with Bernicie. She's short, but we followed the tracks in the snow, and she trotted along like a pro. She loves to be outside in all but the very worst kind of weather--a hurricane, say. Or a tsunami. Nothing else seems to deter her. :)
Jen and I flew to Toronto, via Minneapolis, on Tuesday, arriving late. We checked into our magnificent hotel, the Westin Prince, and ordered light room service. Beautiful flowers awaited--roses, accent flowers of various kinds, and PEONIES. My favorite. In November, no less. Obviously, my fabulous publishers, Harlequin, take very good care of me. :)
We had plenty of time to ease into the day on Wednesday, had a nice lunch at the hotel with two of my favorite Harlequin people, Katherine (KO) and Michelle. From there, we headed for a place called Sunnybrooke (spelled?) stables, which is right in the middle of Toronto, though you'd never know it to be there. Seems like miles out in the country. There, we took a whole bunch of new photos and even some video, which you'll be seeing soon. It was very hard work, and a bit on the cold side, but I beamed the whole time. I was in the company of horses, after all, which is heaven to me. Margie Miller and her colleagues, Michael "Big Daddy", the photographer and Goh, the very charming video guy, make a fabulous team. When the light was gone, we all headed for the Miller Tavern, where we did some convivial celebrating. I had the game hen--delicious--and probably one too many glasses of wine.
Thursday was Social Media Day. Jen and I arrived at Harlequin's impressive offices in the morning and spent much of the day learning about Facebook and Twitter, and also viewing some of the publicity photos taken the day before AND checking out the cover designs for "Big Sky Country" and the two books to follow. Trust me when I say, "YEEHAW"!
That evening, my agent Irene Goodman and I went to dinner with Donna and Loriana, and it was luxury all the way. I had sea bass--never had better. It was unbelievably good. The four of us shared a couple of desserts afterward--Creme Brulee and a truly exquisite coconut cream pie, the restaurant's signature dish.
It was up early the next morning, in order to leave for the airport at six. The flights home were pleasant and uneventful, which is the way I like them. :)
It's good to get away--I feel refreshed and inspired--but it's even better to come home.
Bernice, the kitties and I agree--there's no place quite like it.
