flowers from Pearl!

Josi

Sorry I have been negligent in blogging updates. It’s been a lot of time on the trail and when I get in, I am so exhausted, I seem to crash rather than spend much time on the computer. Sunday was a great day of rest–sooooooo needed. We stayed with Melanie Jacobson who is just the bomb. She lives in Huntington Beach just a few blocks from the ocean. I LOVE the ocean. Her husband made us these awesome inlaid wood ornaments commemorating our tour and they welcomed us in with absolute warmth and kindness. Melanie had us over for dinner at her in laws house and we went for an evening ride in their boat through the harbor. Her whole family was amazing and her sis-in-law, Jill, is a complete kindred spirit. I laughed myself hoarse and felt like part of the family. Melanie was an amazing host and made us feel so welcome! And I cannot believe I left without her chicken chowder recipe!!!

Monday morning, I walked down to the ocean and took some time out to actually write. It was wonderful to stretch those writing  muscles that aren’t getting much use through this tour because we’re so busy. We had breakfast with Melanie, and her cute as heck son, at Ruby’s on the end of the pier and went home to get ready for our next book signing.

Monday’s signings were in Newhall and Fountain Valley. Again, great employees, great stores, and great times. It’s fascinating to me that the people who come into these bookstores all seem to know each other. These stores are genuinely a part of their communities and they play a role in social gatheries and feelings of community and togetherness. It’s something I hadn’t realized until taking this time to visit them.

That night we were supposed to sleep in Lake Havasu where we had a reservation for our hotel. But all the locals in the LA area gasped audibly when we told them that was how mapquest had planned our route to the Mesa area. Apparently this route took us an extra four-five hours out of our way. We’d had no idea. The moral of this story is check mapquest against an atlas before making reservations. We were seriously so tired. It’s a lot of time in the car and that seems to suck energy away from us. We made an executive decision to just take the 10 to mesa and throw ourselves to the mercy of Janette Rallison, who we were supposed to stay with the next night.

Janette is twenty shades of awesome. She totally took us in and made us feel welcome in spite of the fact we’re a wee bit like transients. Janette’s home is beautiful and her cute daughter gave up her room for us (which we totally appreciate).  And Janette is one of those people who is not only nice beyond measure, she is just naturally funny. I’ve laughed a lot and enjoyed our conversations.

Tuesday’s signings were at the Glendale Deseret Book, and the Mesa Seagull. Between the signings, we had lunch with Peggy and Cindy who manage the Seagull store. They treated us to this spectacular place called the Landmark. Beautiful. The lunch was supreme, the company even better, and I loved getting to know them. Peggy and cindy were interesting and fun and just delightful. We were supposed to have been joined for lunch by Kerry Blair and Janette Rallison, but alas, it was just us. I really missed not being able to see Kerry. Kerry is darling and any chance to see her is a treasure.

After lunch we had the mesa Seagull signing. To my great surprise, I had a delivery at this signing. A big beautiful flower cookie bouquet was waiting for me. Pearl, my sister in law, sent me a treat for the road. Pearl also sent me a care package before we even left with things like chips, nuts, and dried fruits so we had something to snack on in the car. Seriously. So. Awesome. I shared the wealth with the seagull employees and with Mary, who had come to the signing to see us. Pearl is big on sharing and doing nice things for others, so I am certain she would approve.

Peggy has a stuffed chicken that dances the chicken dance and gargles if you grab it by its neck. I want one of those, and have to be honest . . . I really liked Peggy before she brought out the chicken, but I absolutely love her now.

Last night we spoke at a book group with Janette Rallison and had a great time. I met a young girl who was smarter than any kid I’ve ever seen. She let me know I used the word awesome a whole lot. I’m still laughing at that. So cute.

You know how when you meet people, it takes only a few moments to decide they’re your friends? I’ve met, and spent time with, lots of people like that on this trip–people who have proven to me how good humans can be to one another–people who prove our world is a beautiful and miraculous place to live. It’s been truly humbling at the same time it has been inspiring. People are good.

 Awesome! So. Seriously. Awesome.

Book Group with Josi and Janette

Joy

making bubbles on huntington beach