Day Ten was Wednesday. We awoke at Janette’s house where she helped me with the revision of the ending of a book where the ending vexed me, but I couldn’t figure out how to fix it. Janette is brilliant and someone I just genuinely love. I hated saying goodbye to her.
From Janettes, we went to Thatcher Arizona to the bookstore called Bookworms. It’s always fun to have a line of people waiting when you arrive! It was nice to see a few faces who used to live in my home town and now abide in Thatcher. Great signing and AWESOME owners. I tried to sneak and buy josi a present since she loves chocolate covered cinnamon bears and they had a whole ton of them in cute little gift bags, however the sweet staff refused to let me pay. So though I was thwarted in my moment of gift giving, I think they are all awesome in Thatcher. The owner’s are amazing. Their daughter, Megan, was perfect. You’ve got to love a kid who opens her arms up with a big smile on her face and says, “I’m a hugger!” Me too, Megan! Me too!
We spent the night with Alison Palmer’s parents, the Preys and were treated with tons of hospitality. They even made Josi’s favorite, Hello Dolly’s, and packed her up a plate of those and brownies for the road. They were fascinating people and I loved hearing about their mission in Africa. And the cute pictures of Alison as a youth were way fun to peruse.
Day 11: We left bright and early (sigh. There were a lot of bright and early mornings.) so we could make it to brunch? with Marsha, Connie, and Marjean. I only get to see Marsha once a year if I’m lucky and the last time I saw Connie was at the writer’s cruise we went on several years ago, so it was a huge treat to spend the morning with friends.
From breakfast we went to Deseret Book, where we were greeted by an incredibly lively staff. FUN! Simply just fun! We took a picture for Craig’s (there were two Craigs) wife with a sign letting her know we missed her since she couldn’t join us for the signing. We really did miss her too. I laughed myself hoarse and hated leaving. Great fun store.
Then we drove for eternity to get to Nevada in time for a book group. Book group was great in a very lovely home where they made lemon tea cookies from Josi’s english Trifle book (I love that Josi’s book got us fed all the time. Way to go Josi!) These cookies were the total bomb. I think I might break down and actually bake because I want to eat these things again.
To the hotel with us where we entered the fitful sleep of two women who were seriously exhausted. Josi should have strangled me this night but to my good fortune, she’s better than that and she put up with me instead. There really is not enough to be said for best gal pals.
Day 12: woke up and got another page written in my WIP. I really believed we’d have tons of free time to do things like, oh I don’t know . . . WRITE! I had no idea how all time consuming this trip would be. We packed up the car and headed to our Vegas store signing at Deseret Book on Sahara. We got a way cool tour of the new Distribution Center area they have upstairs. After that signing, we hurried to St. George for the signing at the Deseret Book there. Loved Paul. I’ve done sigings at this store before and all signings there have been successful which I think can be attributed to the immense great staff. They were great! And we got to spend time with Alexes who drove up from Mesquite just for the occasion.
After the signing, I got to be with my daughter and my mom and dad. I really miss my daughter and so love every chance to be with her. Josi fixed my dad’s problems with his Ipod and is now worshipped in my parent’s home.
Day 13: We had breakfast with Heather Horrocks and her sister and had a good time chatting about books with her. Next stop was Deseret Book in Cedar City. The last bookstore on the tour. It was a great way to end. We sold lots of books, Josi was a rockstar surrounded by friends and family and Lee Modesitt surprised me with a visit. Lee is amazing and I was so glad to see him! He came bearing gifts that only Lee could give: the first few books of the Recluse series in . . . SWEDISH!!! So now I can read about Lerris nar han har det trokigt! These books hold places of serious rank on my bookshelves. That was a great way to end this tour!
But it wasn’t over . . . not really. We went to lunch with Josi’s family (who were great) and my daughter. Then we finished our sojourn home.
I cannot begin to describe how it felt to hug my kids and kiss my husband’s cute face! The house didn’t even look too bad if I didn’t scrutinize too hard. The first thing Murks had to say to me was, “We even did our own laundry!” The guys had fun being bachelors, but Mr. wright said they were pretty much to the end of their rope and were glad to have me back. I am certainly glad to be back.
Josi and I each now have a sign (gifted to us by her talented sister, Crystal). The sign reads, “We’ll be friends forever . . . You know too much!” That is certainly true after two weeks of conversations in a car. I could never have pulled off such an amazing two weeks without Josi. She is steady and funny, and great conversation. we talked about books, writing, publishing, life, our pasts, our hopes for the future, our great husbands, and our firm belief in all the things that are right in the world. She made signings effortless and kept us organized and on time. She is awesome!







Thanks Josi . . . for everything
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