Monday, March 29, 2010

Singing is good for the soul!

I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I belong to a singing group. Actually, I belong to two singing groups, a very large one -- approximately 80 women -- and a smaller group of about a dozen women. I love them both!

My life (like so many of us!) is hectic and stressful. Some people have told me that adding yet one more activity to the mix is downright foolish -- okay, so some have used stronger words than that, but I don't feel it's appropriate to mention them here. But they're wrong. Singing truly is good for the soul. When I'm singing my head feels better and so does my spirit. Ironically, after three hours of practice, I come home feeling rested and rejuvenated. Funny, huh? Not only is it liberating to belt out some catchy tunes, but I'm surrounded by wonderful friends, women who share the same love for music as I do. It's very special.

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my life as a mystery writer. But when you sit at a desk all day, usually by yourself, it can get lonely after a while. What a great release to join with a group of like-minded women and sing your heart out.

I just got home from my Monday night rehearsal tonight, and I feel so much better for it. As I drove home, I was still humming some of the songs we'd practiced. It was pouring rain outside (I do live in Eugene, Oregon, remember), but there was truly a song in my heart. A great way to celebrate the release of my new book tomorrow. Sing! Sing! Sing!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Less than a week to go!

I just realized yesterday that my new Sarah Woolson mystery, SCANDAL ON RINCON HILL, will be released next Tuesday, March 30th! This last month has really flown by. Still so much to do, and even less time to do it in!

For those of you who live in the San Francisco Bay Area, here is the schedule for my book signings/talks, etc.

Thursday, April 8th, 12:00
Lunch & Book Signing at TOWNE CENTER BOOKSTORE, 555 Main St., Pleasanton
Phone: (925) 846-8826
Website: http://www.towncenterbooks.com
Email: info@towncenterbooks.com

Thursday, April 8th, 7:00
San Francisco Mystery Panel, BOOKS INC, 3515 California St., San Francisco
Phone: (415) 221-3666
Website: http://www.booksinc.net/SFLaurel
Email: inystrom@booksinc.net

Friday, April 9th, 1:00 pm
Book Signing/Chat BOOK PASSAGE, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera
Phone: (415) 927-0960 , (800) 999-7909
Website: http://www.bookpassage.com
Email: kwest@bookpassage.com

Saturday, April 10th, 2:00 pm
Book Signing/Talk M IS FOR MYSTERY BOOKSTORE, 86 E. 3rd Avenue, San Mateo
Phone: (650) 401-8077 , (877) 405-8077 (toll free)
Website: http://www.MforMystery.com
Email: info@mformystery.com

I'd love to see as many of you as possible at one of these events. If we haven't met already, it's time that we did. Come prepared to have a lively discussion about Sarah, Robert Campbell, Pierce Godfrey and life in 1880s San Francisco. Most of all, come prepared to have fun!

Just a reminder! You still have until March 30th to enter to win an Amazon Kindle, a $75 Amazon gift certificate, a $40 deluxe day planner, and a $20 Flex book light. Just click on the "Contest" link on the Welcome Page of this website to enter. Good luck!

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 31st.

Monday, March 22, 2010

A Beautiful Farewell

On Sunday, Bob and I attended the funeral of our son Mike's mother-in-law Beatrice Aceves in Sacramento, California. It was a long ride down from Eugene, Oregon, but we were determined to be there in order to say goodbye to a truly wonderful lady.

The funeral service was one of the most touching I've ever attended. Mike and Norma's four beautiful and talented older children -- our grandchildren Melissa, Vaneza, Danielle and Mikey -- played their violins, filling the church with music that seemed to come straight from the angels. When Melissa played the piano and Danielle sang a particularly poignant song for her late grandmother, I doubt if there was a dry eye in the entire, overflowing crowd.

After the funeral service and reception, Bob and I got back in our car and made the long, sad drive back to Eugene. But though we feel her loss keenly, we know in our hearts that Beatrice was with us all in spirit. I know that she heard the heavenly music played by her grandchildren, and felt the waves of love coming from her family and many friends. It was truly a celebration of a life well lived.

Goodbye, Beatrice. We're going to miss you!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Sad News

I'm sorry to announce that my son Mike's much loved mother-in-law, Beatrice Aceves, passed away early this morning after a long illness. Beatrice was a wonderful, caring woman, who devoted her life to her husband and family, including her six grandchildren. Although she'll be greatly missed, we're fortunate to be left with so many loving memories of this great lady.

Mike, Norma and kids, all our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Still in Lake Tahoe

Wouldn't you know it -- my sore throat developed into a full fledged case of SICK! Three days in bed running a fever and hurting all over, and three days further behind on all my projects. But at least I'm up and around today, thank God! Although with the bad weather right after we arrived, then coming down with this "bug," I didn't get to ski, worst luck.

On the plus side, you'd be hard pressed to find a nicer spot to be sick in than beautiful Lake Tahoe. Watching the snow fall in front of a blazing fire is pretty darn hard to beat. Putting it that way, it's hard to complain. And I have to say that I got a lot of reading in, mostly audio books on my iPod, since my head hurt too much to actually use my eyes. Something else to be grateful for!

We were supposed to head back to Eugene, Oregon, last Sunday, but obviously I was in no fit state to travel, so we're going to try for this Thursday or Friday. If I didn't have so much on my plate, I'd vote to stay here for another week, in the hope I could yet hit the slopes. But then I guess I'd better to stick to counting my blessings.

Anybody have any home "cures" for this cold/flu/virus thing I've latched onto? Believe me, any and all hints will be gratefully accepted!!

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Friday, March 5, 2010

SORE THROAT IN LAKE TAHOE

Unbelievable! I've waited since before Christmas to get in some ski time, and here I go and get sick in beautiful Lake Tahoe. My husband Bob took to the slopes this morning and said it was absolutely glorious! There ought to be a law against a husband bragging about how great the skiing was when his wife is stuck in the cabin!

Yesterday it snowed all day, and tomorrow is supposed to be more of the same. Oh, well, maybe next time. At least I'm getting some publicity work done. And, glory alleluia, I'm actually making some progress on the 5th book in the Sarah Woolson series. (Between sneezing, coughing and blowing my nose, that is).

Sorry, if it sounds as if I've got a good case of the "poor me's", you're probably right. Then again, when will another "perfect ski day" come along? (When I'm here to enjoy it, that is).