The Boss and Leavenworth...
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Good evening and happy April!
Last weekend was a rocking good time on a couple of levels. First of all, I had my last book signing for Firefly Lane. It was in a lovely, Bavarian-decorated small town tucked into the mountains not far from my home. Leavenworth, Washington. It's long been one of my favorites places, and A Book For All Seasons is always a welcoming place to spend a few hours. This time, however--like has happened so often with this book--the signing turned into a kind of old friends week. First off, an old friend showed up--I hadn't seen Pam in probably 35 years. Can you believe it? Thirty five years. We were babies back then, singing along with Jim Croce and Carole King and Supertramp. Our fathers were close friends and it was great to reconnect, even if only for a short time. And then a friend from high school showed up with her daughter, and we got to talk about old times and old friends. It was especially great, given that Firefly Lane is set in the town where we grew up.
And thanks to "the girls from Leavenworth" who are such a great support network. Mary, Lori, Heather, Maria, Christie, and Erin. You gals are the greatest, and it was totally fun to spend time with you. Hi too, to Janelle and Sheila and Andrea for keeping me company at the signing.
After the great signing, my husband and I headed across the mountain pass for a once in a lifetime treat. Seats for "the Boss." Bruce Springsteen. Those of you who have read my contemporary novels can no doubt see how important this artist has been in my life. Bruce's song are like markers that remind me where I've been. Dancing in the Dark, I'm on Fire, Streets of Philadelphia, Glory Days. Each of these--and dozens more--have meaning for me and my friends. He's truly a poet as well as a musician and seeing him live was something I'll never forget. So thanks to good friends Gretchen and Lisa for making a memorable night...
When I think about it, it feels as if this whole year has been about friends and memories, and Firefly Lane was the start of it all. The novel seems to be drawing people from my life back to me, and I'm incredibly grateful for that. My letters indicate that I'm not alone in this. I'm glad we're all celebrating the people and places--and music--that matters in our lives.
I don't have any book or movie recommendations this week. I've been a lazy slug when it comes to reading. Too much fun on the road and in the Key Arena, I guess. :) But I'll be back with recommendations soon enough, because...I'm heading back to Hawaii. Back to my favorite pink sand beach...my favorite oceanfront lanai...my favorite tiki bar. There's no place that speaks louder to my soul than Hawaii. If I can figure out how to download photos, I'll send a few along. So, the next time you hear from me, I'll be sipping a pina colada and listening to Iz.
What about you? Tell me what are some of your favorite concert moments? Favorite vacation spots? Where do you go to regroup and recharge?
And now, it's elimination night on Idol. I've got to go make sure that little David Archuleta is safe... fingers crossed.
Aloha for now,
Kristin
Last weekend was a rocking good time on a couple of levels. First of all, I had my last book signing for Firefly Lane. It was in a lovely, Bavarian-decorated small town tucked into the mountains not far from my home. Leavenworth, Washington. It's long been one of my favorites places, and A Book For All Seasons is always a welcoming place to spend a few hours. This time, however--like has happened so often with this book--the signing turned into a kind of old friends week. First off, an old friend showed up--I hadn't seen Pam in probably 35 years. Can you believe it? Thirty five years. We were babies back then, singing along with Jim Croce and Carole King and Supertramp. Our fathers were close friends and it was great to reconnect, even if only for a short time. And then a friend from high school showed up with her daughter, and we got to talk about old times and old friends. It was especially great, given that Firefly Lane is set in the town where we grew up.
And thanks to "the girls from Leavenworth" who are such a great support network. Mary, Lori, Heather, Maria, Christie, and Erin. You gals are the greatest, and it was totally fun to spend time with you. Hi too, to Janelle and Sheila and Andrea for keeping me company at the signing.
After the great signing, my husband and I headed across the mountain pass for a once in a lifetime treat. Seats for "the Boss." Bruce Springsteen. Those of you who have read my contemporary novels can no doubt see how important this artist has been in my life. Bruce's song are like markers that remind me where I've been. Dancing in the Dark, I'm on Fire, Streets of Philadelphia, Glory Days. Each of these--and dozens more--have meaning for me and my friends. He's truly a poet as well as a musician and seeing him live was something I'll never forget. So thanks to good friends Gretchen and Lisa for making a memorable night...
When I think about it, it feels as if this whole year has been about friends and memories, and Firefly Lane was the start of it all. The novel seems to be drawing people from my life back to me, and I'm incredibly grateful for that. My letters indicate that I'm not alone in this. I'm glad we're all celebrating the people and places--and music--that matters in our lives.
I don't have any book or movie recommendations this week. I've been a lazy slug when it comes to reading. Too much fun on the road and in the Key Arena, I guess. :) But I'll be back with recommendations soon enough, because...I'm heading back to Hawaii. Back to my favorite pink sand beach...my favorite oceanfront lanai...my favorite tiki bar. There's no place that speaks louder to my soul than Hawaii. If I can figure out how to download photos, I'll send a few along. So, the next time you hear from me, I'll be sipping a pina colada and listening to Iz.
What about you? Tell me what are some of your favorite concert moments? Favorite vacation spots? Where do you go to regroup and recharge?
And now, it's elimination night on Idol. I've got to go make sure that little David Archuleta is safe... fingers crossed.
Aloha for now,
Kristin
17 Comments:
I still remember two of my first concerts I went to as a young teen with my sister: Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Tears For Fears. Good thing I didn't appear to know what most of "Frankie's" lyrics really meant back then. :-) But I still get nostalgic listening to both those bands' songs. The one group I would have loved to have seen, but never got the chance, is Duran Duran. My walls used to be filled with their posters.
As for places I love to go on a regular basis to regroup and re-energize, one is most definitely Sunriver, Oregon. It's a quick hour-long Horizon flight down and yet you feel so far away from the hustle of typical daily life, as you're totally surrounded by nature--forests, wild deer and coyotes around the house (preferably not at the same time). I get a lot of writing done down there, too, which is an extra bonus.
Hi Kristin!
It sounds like you had a great week! My week has been great in terms of my new puppy. She has brought a lot of joy into my life, and I am really glad that she is here. I can't say that I enjoy The Boss like you do.. :) Sorry about that. He has a few songs that I really like. Specifically the one that was in Jerry MaGuire, but I only like the version that has bits of the movie script in it. I think it is called Secret Garden.. I think that the radio stations have played Glory Days to death, and when it comes on.. I just want to turn the volume down until it is over. That isn't so much because of Bruce.. but rather because it has been played so much that I could use a break from it.
On to your post..Kristin wrote:
There's no place that speaks louder to my soul than Hawaii. If I can figure out how to download photos, I'll send a few along.
So, the next time you hear from me, I'll be sipping a pina colada and listening to Iz.
**Downloading/uploading photos really is much easier than it seems. I don't know what manufacturer your camera has, but you should be able to learn how to do it through the manual that came with your camera.
It would be very nice to see your favorite spots in Hawaii! I have never been there, but I do have some friends that have. They all rave about it.
What about you? Tell me what are some of your favorite concert moments? Favorite vacation spots? Where do you go to regroup and recharge?
**My absolute favorite spot that I love to visit is in the mountains in NC. I admit that I haven't traveled a lot in my life. I did go to the Netherlands with my husband in 2002, and it is a wonderful country to visit. I was definitely ready to get back on American soil at the end of 2 weeks, though. If you ever get a chance to go, there are some absolutely beautiful places there.
The Blue Ridge Parkway in NC is so beautiful. I have dreams of one day visiting the Swiss Alps.. I just love mountainous regions. I am very fair skinned, so the beaches are not my friend. I burn far too easy, and it is WAY too hot for me.. Is Hawaii very humid?
And now, it's elimination night on Idol. I've got to go make sure that little David Archuleta is safe... fingers crossed.
**I knew that both David's were safe.. I thought that Ramielle would be going home..She has a beautiful voice, I will give her that.. but she doesn't have a stage presence.. and that is very important in this competition. I think that Kristy Lee is next. Although, I don't think anyone will go home next week if they do the same thing that they did last year during Idol Gives Back. If you remember, last year, they went through the elimination rounds like they would normally, but they did not send anyone home because of the fund raiser. I guess we shall see. Now, I want to know who you think is going to take the #1 spot? Who do you think will get into the top #3?
My votes are for David Cook, Carly Cookson, David Archeletta, and Brook White. I predict that one of these 4 folks will be America's next Idol, and then other 3 will bring up the rear. Syeshia has a wonderful voice too.. It really is the best season so far in terms of talent.
Take care, Kristin..How long do you stay in Hawaii when you go? Is it 6 months there, 6 months wherever your Washington State home is?
I have a friend that lives part of the year in the Phillipines, and the rest of the year in Los Angeles.
Have a lot of fun! Oh, and drink about 10 Pina Colada's, a few Strawberry Dacquiri's, and a couple of Margarita's for me, would you?
Linda
http://stores.ebay.com/AmazingAudiobooks-Softflex-Gloves
http://musingsofadayinthelifeof.blogspot.com/
Hi Kristin,
Thank you for writing!
I'm a 23 yr old student at the Univ of WA, and was born/raised on the Kitsap peninsula.
All throughout FireFly Lane I kept on smiling at all the references that are so much a part of my life. I felt like I was right there...because I really was! The cherry trees are blooming in the quad right now actually!
And shopping at the Silverdale mall?! You took that page right out of my life :)
I felt like I grew up with Tully and Katie - I also decided I should be nicer to my mom!
I really enjoy how many of your books are set in this area, I love where I'm from and I hope other people get a sample of how great the PNW is.
Heh, if you're looking for some Washington based story ideas, you could write about a girl from the peninsula who goes off to veterinary school in Eastern WA - story of my life : )
Anyhoo..
I haven't been to a concert. I'm lame.
My favorite recharge spot is my grandma's house. It's my rehab. 3 square homecooked meals a day, work in the garden, and fresh pies. Doesn't get any better than that.
Hello Kristin! I just got your response to the friends contest. Thanks for responding...I was not expecting that!
Bruce is definately a talented artist. It is great that you were able to go to his concert. I love seeing artists that you really have a connection with. There is one artist that I must see whenever he is in town and that is Josh Groban. He is amazing and so so talented I can never get enough of him. Adorbale too!
I will hopefully be sipping on some pina coladas at the end of May when I go on my very first cruise. I love getting away as much as I can and mostly the places that help me to regroup and recharge are anywhere I go camping. I love being in the outdoors with no tv, no bills to worry about at that moment, no drama...just the peaceful surroundings.
As for you comment on never actually meeting Marianne...if you go here you can see a picture of here. http://cbs13.com/bios/Marianne.McClary.Good.9.479971.html She is actually very tall in person. I happen to see her once in public at a resturant. Good Day Sacramento is definately a morning show that gets you up in the morning. You can roam around the website and see some clips from the show too.
Well hope you have a great time in Hawaii...I am sure you will!
Hi Kristen,
I went to Cher with my best friend Will on her last concert tour it was fantastic! I just love Cher and my friend and I have a ton of things that conect us to her. I also went to the Hollywood bowl with my wonderful husband who suprised me with my first concert. He's just a great guy.
I love to go home to British Columbia Canada to recharge. I can't get enough of the mountains, lakes and rivers. I love the freedom of riding my bike forever and not having to stop at a traffic light or stop sign every block. I think that's why I love your stories so much it brings me back to the places I love. I also love your discriptive writing of how you describe things. I'm so glad you picked up the pen and paper and started to write, you help me forget about the real world for a while.
Kiawah Island outside of Charleston, SC is without a doubt my favorite vacation destination.
Venice, Italy is hands down the most beautiful city I've seen thus far. If time and money were not an object, it would be my vacation destination of choice.
If I need to relax and recharge without leaving the house, I've found that sharing a warm bath with a bottle of Calgon, a glass of wine, and an amazing book works wonders for my inner tranquility.
On a side note, thank you so much for your reply to my contest entry. It truly made my day to receive a positive response from an author I consider to be one of the best around.
Ahh, Hawaii sounds great about now. Too much rain and cold here at the moment. My MIL goes to Hawaii almost every year as well - reading, swimming and recharging. I got island fever the one time I went. And honestly, the plants freaked me out. I know, it's odd. But growing up around sagebrush, then living in Seattle, I wasn't ready for all the spikey, palmy plants.
My favorite canocert memory was the Bare Naked Ladies at the Gorge in George. Some friend have a house down there by the river, and I was 6 months pregenant in the summer time in the heat. My lovly hubby had to PUSH me back up the slope after it was done. Literally - I was so tired, I had to stop half way up and breathe, then he pushed my behind as I walked up the hill. But the baby was kicking and moving and dancing, and to this day she loves music.
My favorite unwind place is Walla Walla, WA. My grandpa had a dairy farm then a hay farm out there. Just few hills, no people, no noise, blue sky and the dirt. And a historical monument of a barn that looks more like an airplane hanger than a red farm barn. My sister keeps telling me I am a frustrated farmer living in the city - I try to irrigate my lawn, not water it!
Have a great time in HI!
Becky
Dear Single chick:
Love your e-name! And Tears for Fears!! Haven't thought of them in a while. Isn't it amazing how a band's name or a song can remind us of so much? Hope you get to sunriver soon and keep in touch...
aloha,
kristin
Hey Sheila--
Great to hear from you! I have been repeatedly surprised by how deeply Firefly Lane resonates with younger women. I guess we all live versions of the same life after all. Different music, same score, I guess. Anyway, good luck with vet school--my next book is set on a ranch and a vet figures prominently in the story.
Aloha,
Kristin
Dear April--
thanks again for entering the best friends contest. It was so fun to read all of the entries--although many of them made me cry, too. Be sure and check out some of the ones posted on the site. I couldn't post them all--there were just too many--but you can definitely get the feel of what they were like from reading the site. Will you be going to RWA this year?
aloha,
K
Hey Lisa--
I'm a big fan of BC, too. When I was a kid, we used to vacation in Kamloops and Hope. I still remember those places fondly. No wonder they "recharge" you. That's some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Thanks so much for checking in and for the kind words about my books.
aloha,
Kristin
Dear Becky--
Walla Walla, huh? Now THAT's one I haven't heard before. :) Although one of my best friends lives there (she was a bridesmaid at my wedding, in fact), and I hear from a lot of people that it's one of the prettiest places in the state, just a little out of the way. then again, maybe that's why it stays so special.
thanks for saying hi...
aloha,
K
Call me insane, but I am about to buy 2 more copies of Firefly Lane for 2 of my friends that have been my best friends at different stages in my life, and they are still friends with me now.
Ya know, you really should consider making a Pampered Chef order for me so that I can contribute to the Help Whip Cancer fundraiser that happens in May.
Pampered Chef sends tons of money during the month of May to the American Cancer Society, and the focus is on breast cancer from what I am told. I am working with my local dealer to raise awareness of this silent killer, and she has asked me to help her turn in a huge amount of the Whip Cancer Items in May. They have 3 different items that are pink/white and for each of those items that are sold during the campaign month, PC sends $1 to ACS.
If you would be interested in doing this, please write to me and let me know if you can.. I would so appreciate it!
www.pamperedchef.com
Thanks so much!
Linda
Dear Linda--
As always, your posts are endlessly entertaining. :) Thanks so much for that. I'm guessing on Cook, Arhuleta, and White, too. Carly better stop rocking out and start picking better songs, don't you think? And poor Michael Johns. That was a REAL shocker.
aloha,
K
Dear Pricers--
Thanks for entering the contest! Loved the photos on your blog. i always look forward to your posts...
aloha,
K
Dear Linda--
I don't quite understand what the pampered chef program is. What exactly is it and how can I help?
My brain is probably fried from too much time on the beach... :)
aloha,
k
My first concert was Andy Gibb "I just want to be your everything", I was with my sister in 8th grade and we got to rush the stage, girls passing out next to us and i got to touch his red boot. It was awesome. But my favorite , hmmmm tina turner, george michael, madonna, melissa etheridge, indigo girls, brandi carlile, kd lang, sinead o'connor, heart, natalie merchant, and I had 4 tickets in 1984 to see Bruce and couldn't go. Ended up giving the tix to some poor college students. My loss cuz that was his big year with "born in the usa", I was so excited then couldn't go. :(
Thanks for coming to Leavenworth, it was really awesome. So very jealous you are in your comfort zone of hawaii. You deserve it. Jealous, jealous, jealous. xxooxo
Mary in Malaga
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