Debbie Macomber Blog

What a Week!

2008-05-09T15:17:31-07:00

I am in Las Vegas, and wow what a week it has been! When I arrived in Vegas, I had to hit the tarmac running, as my flight had arrived late, and I had to get to my signing for the wonderful folks at the Paseo Library in Henderson. I did just make the Carr Chat and signing on time, and it was fabulous!

It was standing room only, and the good librarians surprised me and their patrons with samples of the foods from the recipe cards that I’m giving away with the book, TWENTY WISHES. What a treat! My editor was at the signing, so that was very gratifying. And Wayne is in town, too!

Today I have more signings, and tomorrow I’ll fly home to Port Orchard for Mother’s Day and three more signings before I head out again on Tuesday, bound for Baltimore, Maryland. Keep up with me if you can!

Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms out there!

Summer in the Plains

2008-05-02T10:51:13-07:00

Last night in Kansas City I went to bed while watching TV with warnings of storms and possible tornadoes. I awoke to the sound of sirens blasting around town, so I jumped out of bed, ran around the bed twice, and grabbed my bathrobe. My thought was that if I had to evacuate my room, I’d at least have my bathrobe on and be ready. After all that I was worn out, and having received no instructions from the hotel, I decided to go back to bed and prayed.

When morning arrived there was storm damage around the area. Apparently there were tornados last night. A fellow traveler described hail the size of quarters and fierce wind and two inches of rain He said the rain felt like needles, it was coming down so hard. I’m beginning to feel like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz!

Earning My Road Warrior Stripes

2008-05-01T16:10:00-07:00

Life on the road isn’t all it's cracked up to be. I’m an early riser, but getting up at 4 a.m. to make a flight is early, even for me. I arrived in Kansas City at 8 a.m., only to find the hotel wasn’t able to check me in until 3 p.m.. Not my idea of fun--and there wasn’t a yarn store in sight! But, I did get to have lunch with my brother, and the day picked up after that.

Of course, the best part is meeting my readers. They are by far the most generous and friendly. One gal drove all the way from Chicago to Indianapolis because she mixed up my travel days and missed me in Chicago. Why did she drive all that way? Because she wanted to give me chenille yarn--yards and yards of it!

I’m fully prepared to give a little speech about 20 WISHES, and any of my other titles, if asked, but I’m finding I hardly need to talk about my books at all. I overhead ladies discussing my books, and they’re virtually selling my books to each other while they’re standing in line. Bless you!

I’m in Kansas City through Saturday, May 3. Come on by if you’re in the area—I’d love to see you.

Chicago

2008-04-28T14:28:00-07:00

I’m in Chicago, my first tour city. I’m excited and enthusiastic and I’ve already managed to do some shopping. My hotel is near Michigan Avenue, which is the main street for all my favorite stores: Nordtrom, Nieman Marcus, Macy’s and Sacks. So, I had a nice long walk yesterday, purely for the exercise, you understand.

I’m looking forward to meeting my readers in Chicago. Tuesday evening I will be on my way to Indianapolis, the next stop.

Packing my bags

2008-04-22T12:29:00-07:00

My bags aren’t packed, and I’m not ready to go . . . but I’m getting there. I’ve sorted out the knitting projects I’ll be taking: at last count it was four. I know that sounds like a lot, and I can’t possibly finish each one, but each is necessary.

My books are ready to go, too. Wayne bought me the Sony Reader and it’s a good thing, because five books arrived that need to be read for a contest before June first. And so . . . I’ve got a total of eight books plus the Sony Reader ready for the suitcase. Then of course there are clothes to pack. I’m just not sure if I have enough underwear for seven weeks.

Pieces of Eight

2008-04-21T13:47:34-07:00

Wayne and I had a wonderful weekend—our last before I head out on tour. We went down to the local Farmer’s Market on Saturday, where I picked up a coin found here on Florida’s Treasure Coast—so called because of all the shipwrecks located off shore. It’s a Piece of Eight and minted, if that’s the right word, in 1675. I bought it for Wayne to thank him for his encouragement, support and love during this upcoming tour.

My last weekend at home

2008-04-18T10:26:00-07:00

This is my last weekend before I leave on my 20 WISHES tour and it seems I have a hundred things to do. One of the most important is to fill the cupboards for my sweet husband. He’s already given me a list of what he wants, mostly canned and frozen goodies. Many of you already know Wayne is my hero, supporting and encouraging me while I’m on the road, and because he’ll be here alone waiting for me makes him a real prince of a guy. And I’m not saying that just because he bought me a dozen red roses yesterday.

Choosing Titles

2008-04-17T14:06:00-07:00

My editor and I are struggling to come up with a title for a 2009 reprint containing two of my earlier titles. Both were published in the early 1990s and are two of my favorite stories: THE COURTSHIP OF CAROL SOMMERS and FATHER’S DAY. The books each have matchmaking children and their mothers are widows.

Titles should be easy, and for me they generally are because almost always they come from the work itself. Paula and I were on the phone an hour yesterday and came up with nothing. I’m thinking this morning that LOVE RIGHT NEXT DOOR sounds pretty good. For the other, I don’t remember. Okay, so it’s a stretch, but at this point I’m not nearly as picky.

On the Radio

2008-04-16T09:18:00-07:00

Wayne and I spent the morning on the radio with Rhett Palmer, our friend in Vero Beach. I co-hosted his show!

Rhett does an amazing interview. Over the years I’ve done plenty of radio and usually have five to fifteen minutes air time. What’s incredible about Rhett is that he’s like the Larry King of radio. My first interview with Rhett lasted over an hour. You can listen to me, plus other interviews, at www.RhettPalmer.com. Click on “Shows and Schedule” to find my interview.

A Good Excuse

2008-04-15T08:48:49-07:00

I was out shopping this weekend, and I had an absolutely brilliant excuse: I need new clothes for my tour. I had to keep the fact that I’m going to be doing a lot of television in mind, so my new clothes are mostly solid colors. If you happen to attend one of my upcoming signings, please help me remember to remove all the price tags!

Born to Shop

2008-04-10T11:01:44-07:00

My trip back to Port Orchard for the weekend got cancelled at the last minute (no, I wasn’t flying American Airlines), and so I have a three-day reprieve. Three whole days in which I have nothing scheduled. Oh my, this is such a luxury.

Well, first things first; I do need to write, but I don’t see any reason to be hard-nosed about it. I’m convinced God opened up this time for me to shop. I’m going to need new clothes for tour, after all. Already I can hear my credit cards calling my name. I’m sure there’s a sale somewhere.

I Cannot Live Without Books

2008-04-09T13:03:59-07:00

Like Thomas Jefferson, I cannot live without books. Last year, while on tour, I carted nine books with me. I am not making this up. Nine books. I had my Bible, my journal, (actually, two journals) two or three novels, and then I found a couple of cookbooks I couldn’t live without. You get the picture. By the time I headed home my suitcase weighed more than I did. A few months later I had rotator cuff surgery, which is a good indication of exactly how heavy the suitcase was. In preparation for this upcoming tour my sweet husband purchased a Sony Reader and downloaded the Bible and several other books for me. Technology is a wonderful thing.

Eager to Get Back to Work

2008-04-07T12:57:00-07:00

I arrived dopey and cross-eyed from Europe and struggled with the time change. All day Friday I couldn’t figure out the time, let alone the day. I heard one isn’t supposed to experience jet lag when traveling west, but apparently my body didn’t get the memo.

I slept nearly all of one day and listlessly walked around feeling guilty about everything that I should be doing over the weekend. The good news is I’m feeling more like myself this morning and eager to get back to work. Lydia is calling to me, and she’s upset that I’ve kept her waiting alone on Blossom Street this long.

Paris, France!

2008-03-31T15:02:22-07:00

Bonjour from France!

I’ve learned that the French have a marvelous way with food, wine and perfume, all three of which I’ve indulged in since arriving in Paris from London.

I found my first yarn shop, too, and because of their reduced inventory after my visit, soon there will be several hundred naked sheep wandering the French hillsides.

Am looking forward to meeting my French editor on Wednesday, and then I’ll be heading home after a fabulous European tour.

London, England!

2008-03-28T12:35:48-07:00

In the UK they say “brilliant” instead of wonderful. I’m having a brilliant time here in London. I met with my U.K.publisher and visited their offices in Surrey. Today was the Stitch and Craft Show in Olympia, which was fabulous. I was surprised at the number of people acquainted with me and my books and was delighted to find the auditorium where I spoke to be standing-room only.

At the Craft Show I was surprised to find possum yarn (a blend of wool and possum fur) and immediately purchased several skeins. I was first introduced to possum yarn when I visited New Zealand and have been searching for it ever since. More so than knitting, the hottest thing at the show was needlepoint.

Last night I was treated to the play The Sound of Music. I’ve seen it many times, but this production was truly brilliant. It was so well produced that I had tears in my eyes many times.

Tomorrow I'll be on the Eurostar (underground train) on my way to Paris for a few days of fun. I’m so looking forward to that!

Dublin, Ireland!

2008-03-26T12:49:00-07:00

I’m enjoying Ireland just as much as I thought I would. This isn’t my first visit to the Emerald Isle, but I did experience a first: my first Irish coffee!

I also had my first international phone call using my Blackberry. As usual, nothing is as easy as it seems. I was in such a rush to get ready for my trip that I didn’t follow through on the international calling details I needed to complete, so of course my phone would not work when I reached Ireland. I was finally able to get in touch with a phone tech, who immediately knew that I had not read my manual. I promised I would do phone summer school—whatever it took—to get it working. He made it happen, so I guess I’m going to summer school. And can you guess where this phone tech was located? Nope, not in Ireland—he was in Albuquerque, NM!

Even though I’m enjoying myself, this is a business trip, so I’ve been meeting wholesalers and signing stock. I’ve met some wonderful people, and it was exciting to meet members of the international press.

There was a wonderful shop right around the corner from my hotel that sold hand knit sweaters, and they had a bit of yarn, too, but that’s all I’ve found so far. I’m hoping for more opportunities in London, which is my next stop.

I had to poke fun at myself

2008-03-18T14:46:41-07:00

I spent an incredible four days at Mt. Hermon Christian Writers conference this past weekend. It was a fabulous experience and I would recommend it to any writer. I must have been more tired than I realized when packing for this trip. Mind you, this is a FOUR-day conference, and I packed three pairs of shoes, nine books, two knitting projects, underwear, pajamas, and only one extra set of clothes!

For my three evening speaking engagements, (shared with Dr. Jerry Jenkins of the Left Behind series fame) I ended up borrowing clothes for each night . There is nothing more humbling than begging clothes off of complete strangers! To poke a little fun at myself, I did a little modeling act, saying “clothes by” and named the generous person who loaned me their jacket for that evening. Trust me, I’m packing a lot more carefully for my European trip .

Keys to the House

2008-03-13T14:36:04-07:00

My head is spinning, and, unfortunately, it isn’t always in the right direction. Yesterday Wayne and I flew from Florida to Washington State. Half away across the continent I leaned over and asked Wayne if he had the keys to the house. He gave me one of his dubious looks that said of course he did.

I reminded him it’d been three months since we left Port Orchard, and I wasn’t sure where my house key was. As it turned out, he thought I meant Florida, and I was talking about our Washington home. So we landed without a way into our house. Added to that, we completely forgot we don’t have a car here, either! It made for an interesting return, but fear not, all is well. We slept in our own beds, and I rediscovered that I don’t like driving Wayne’s truck.

Manatees Swimming

2008-03-11T08:50:10-07:00

We were out on the Indian River again last night with two sets of dear friends. We stumbled upon such a sight that it still gives me chills just to think about it. We saw a manatee swimming. Manatees aren’t uncommon in Florida; in fact, a couple of weeks ago I saw four of them off the dock at Joan Johnston’s house near St. Petersburg. However, this is the first time I’ve ever seen a manatee in open water swimming. They are such graceful, loveable creatures and awe inspiring to simply watch.

Alligator Alley

2008-03-10T13:39:02-07:00

On our drive home from Naples, Florida on Sunday, Wayne and I decided to head for the Everglades. We’ve taken the Interstate through Alligator Alley before, but one doesn’t really see much. This time we took Highway 41, which skirts the Everglades. We stopped a couple of times and saw alligators, fish, and more species of birds than we could count or recognize. What an awesome way to end our weekend with good friends.

Like Twins

2008-03-07T09:06:05-07:00

On Saturday we’re taking off to visit our friends, Joan and Bob McKeon (check out the dedication for Back on Blossom Street). Joan and I are like twins separated at birth: We both love the Lord and knit like fiends. In addition, we’re charter members of the frequent eaters club. Between talking about yarn, sharing recipes, and deciding where we’ll go out to eat, I imagine the weekend will fly by. Wayne and I are grateful to have friends like Joan and Bob and Tink and Renelle in our lives.

Lightning Show

2008-03-06T10:57:30-07:00

We had a thunder and lightening storm last night that rivals just about anything I’ve ever seen. The sky lit up with one giant flash after another with thunder so horrendous it set off car alarms in the parking lot. Our friends, Tink and Renelle, are visiting from Washington State. Renelle and I sat in the dark room and watched and cheered God’s amazing hand. One thing is sure—I don’t want to do anything to strike the ire of God. His hand in awesome.

Action, Camera!

2008-03-05T10:11:17-07:00

I was part of a video shoot all day yesterday, which is a whole lot different than a photo shoot. I taped five different videos, each between 30 seconds and two minutes in length. Thankfully, I worked with an incredible crew that made the process almost painless.

The exciting part is, if you’re traveling through the Los Angeles Airport in the early part of June, one of those videos will be playing on the airport monitors! Another one will be up on the Borders Books website (but I don’t know when). If you get a chance, check it out, and if you do, pay special attention to the make-up. They brought in a make-up artist and I’ve never looked so good. In fact, I probably won’t wash my face for a week.

Walking Partner

2008-03-03T09:02:11-07:00

My walking partner, Martha Powers, and I, walked on the track for the first time this winter. Martha has had a number of health issues, and between my travel schedule and her doctor appointments, it took us until March to finally get in our two-mile trek. It was a joy to see her again. In and out of the hospital, Martha’s one complaint, after spending a total of a week there, walking the halls and riding the elevators, not once did she find the cocktail lounge!

Leap Year!

2008-02-29T15:09:00-07:00

Today is the answer to my problems. I’ve been feeling overwhelmed with everything I need to finish before I leave for my short European tour in March. Then right at the end of February God decided to bless me with an extra day so I can catch up. This is great.

I hardly know where to start. First off, I need to finish a synopsis I’ve been writing; it’s well past time for a manicure; there’s this movie I’ve been dying to see; I haven’t had a date night with my husband in weeks; I owe my Aunt Betty a letter; and . . . .gee, I’m beginning to wonder if an extra day is going to be enough. What February really needs is 30 days every four years. Then, just maybe, I can get caught up!

Shopping for Hats

2008-02-27T16:00:09-07:00

My friend Mary Lou Carney is visiting me from Chicago. Whenever we get together, shopping is usually on the agenda. Mary Lou wears hats with panache and style, so naturally we tried on several, all of which were so big they balanced on our noses. Contrary to popular opinion, we both have small heads.

Wildlife in Florida

2008-02-22T12:41:56-07:00

Even after several years of living in this beautiful section of Florida, I’m still awed by the nature we encounter. For example, yesterday we were boating on the Indian River with our friends Rhett and Claudia and happened upon nine dolphins. They swam right up to the boat, and two of them came up to the surface and looked us right in the eye! It was one of the most incredible experiences of our time in Florida. We also spotted several birds I’ve never seen before. I think I need to find a good bird book. I'm looking forward to this weekend and then I’ve promised myself I’ll get back to work.

Warm Up America! Weekend

2008-02-20T12:42:00-07:00

This past weekend’s Warm Up America! Knit Out was my first experience at this event. I was awestruck meeting designers Candi Jensen, Susan B. Anderson, Kristin Nicholas, Antje Gillingham and Karen Thalacker. I’ve knit patterns these wonderfully creative women have published. It was a thrill for this knitter’s heart to rub elbows and hang with them . . . and they were so nice! And not a single one asked me to show them my knitting . . . thank goodness!

The Frozen North

2008-02-19T12:31:00-07:00

I’m back from the frozen north, meaning Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota. I was traveling with my cousin Karen, on our way to the Warm Up America! Knit Out at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. With the wind chill factor, the temperature in South Dakota registered at -100 degrees. You read that right: MINUS 100 degrees!!!

On the way, we stopped off in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The reason for this small detour (thank you cousin Karen for driving!) was to visit our precious 97-year-old Aunt Betty. We had such a wonderful time with her, playing a card game called TIC. Aunt Betty cleaned us out. She’s amazing, and I want to be just like her when I turn 97.

On my way to yarn!

2008-02-11T13:02:52-07:00

Early Tuesday morning I’m heading from warm, sunny Florida to the frigid winter cold of the Midwest. What is it that prompts me to leave this golden sunshine, you ask? I can answer that in a single word: yarn. I’ll be participating in the Warm Up America! Knit-Out, located at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, February 16 and 17. It doesn’t hurt any that the biggest sale of the winter will be happening at the mall, too, but it’s the opportunity to meet my wonderful readers, schmooze with other knitters, and visit with my precious Aunt Betty, that makes the trip worth every moment.