The girlfriend Hour in Hawaii begins...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Hello again!
Well, there's all kinds of big news coming to you from the Hawaiian Islands. First, and most important to the fireflies who make this blog work is this: Kim is here!! That's right, my friend and assistant, Kim Fisk, is here in sunny Hawaii for her first vacation in years. She hasn't let me take her picture yet (keeps shoving her laptop in front of her face when I lift a camera), but I'm committed. Believe me, we will post a picture of Kim on the beach, drinking a mai tai. As it is, she's working hard on the last pages of her book, which as you all know, will be published in early 2010. Any minute I expect her to come stumbling out of her room with a dazed look on her face, mumbling, "I'm done. I'm done. I'm done." That's when I'll hand her the mai tai and snap my photo. :)
And then there's the news about Firefly Lane. I haven't really been keeping you all up on the book's success, mostly because it's almost embarrassing. An embarrassment of riches. But this week, the book marked it's FOURTH MONTH on the New York Times list. Is that absolutely freakish and unbelievable? It isn't even dropping much. It's number six. I'm going to start calling this book the little novel that could. I'm still not quite sure how it's happening, but I guess every woman who reads the book tells her friend about it. It's like that old commercial, "I told two friends, who told two friends, and so on and so on." All I know for sure is that it's magic, and it all started here, with the first readers who came onto the blog and started the word of mouth. I really am so, so grateful.
On last week's blog, Lisa from Texas mentioned that she was stressed out, and I wanted us to divert out book club for a moment to talk about the pressures we women live under. We all have a special opportunity on this blog to help each other and offer suggestions that have worked for us. Obviously we are all readers, but what else do you do to relieve the stress that wife and motherhood, employment, the economy, etc. place on you?
Me, I read, I run, I watch television, I take baths, I cook, and I sit on the beach. And perhaps most importantly, I call my girlfriends. We kvetch about our kids, our husbands, our jobs, our responsibilities, and somehow all that complaining makes us start laughing, and then I can handle it all again. As I get older, I definitely understand how much my friends have enriched my life and help me manage it.
And speaking of television (which, of course, I wasn't, but it's always on my mind), I am LOVING the new Prison Break and can't wait for Fridays, I HATE what's happening on Brothers and Sisters, I am confused by what's happening on Lost, and I can't fathom that Adam was on the bottom three in Idol this week. How on earth did THAT happen? And I'm glad that Tyson is gone from Survivor. now all we need is to say hasta la vista to Coach...
Books to recommend this week: I read and loved Long Lost by Harlan Coben, The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly. I also finally read The Eight by katherine Neville and would love to hear from others who have read it. Next on my pile is a debut novel that hasn't yet been published. I'm also looking for a great gothic. Anyone have any ideas?
I guess that's it for now. Aloha to all---
Kristin
Well, there's all kinds of big news coming to you from the Hawaiian Islands. First, and most important to the fireflies who make this blog work is this: Kim is here!! That's right, my friend and assistant, Kim Fisk, is here in sunny Hawaii for her first vacation in years. She hasn't let me take her picture yet (keeps shoving her laptop in front of her face when I lift a camera), but I'm committed. Believe me, we will post a picture of Kim on the beach, drinking a mai tai. As it is, she's working hard on the last pages of her book, which as you all know, will be published in early 2010. Any minute I expect her to come stumbling out of her room with a dazed look on her face, mumbling, "I'm done. I'm done. I'm done." That's when I'll hand her the mai tai and snap my photo. :)
And then there's the news about Firefly Lane. I haven't really been keeping you all up on the book's success, mostly because it's almost embarrassing. An embarrassment of riches. But this week, the book marked it's FOURTH MONTH on the New York Times list. Is that absolutely freakish and unbelievable? It isn't even dropping much. It's number six. I'm going to start calling this book the little novel that could. I'm still not quite sure how it's happening, but I guess every woman who reads the book tells her friend about it. It's like that old commercial, "I told two friends, who told two friends, and so on and so on." All I know for sure is that it's magic, and it all started here, with the first readers who came onto the blog and started the word of mouth. I really am so, so grateful.
On last week's blog, Lisa from Texas mentioned that she was stressed out, and I wanted us to divert out book club for a moment to talk about the pressures we women live under. We all have a special opportunity on this blog to help each other and offer suggestions that have worked for us. Obviously we are all readers, but what else do you do to relieve the stress that wife and motherhood, employment, the economy, etc. place on you?
Me, I read, I run, I watch television, I take baths, I cook, and I sit on the beach. And perhaps most importantly, I call my girlfriends. We kvetch about our kids, our husbands, our jobs, our responsibilities, and somehow all that complaining makes us start laughing, and then I can handle it all again. As I get older, I definitely understand how much my friends have enriched my life and help me manage it.
And speaking of television (which, of course, I wasn't, but it's always on my mind), I am LOVING the new Prison Break and can't wait for Fridays, I HATE what's happening on Brothers and Sisters, I am confused by what's happening on Lost, and I can't fathom that Adam was on the bottom three in Idol this week. How on earth did THAT happen? And I'm glad that Tyson is gone from Survivor. now all we need is to say hasta la vista to Coach...
Books to recommend this week: I read and loved Long Lost by Harlan Coben, The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly. I also finally read The Eight by katherine Neville and would love to hear from others who have read it. Next on my pile is a debut novel that hasn't yet been published. I'm also looking for a great gothic. Anyone have any ideas?
I guess that's it for now. Aloha to all---
Kristin
33 Comments:
Hi Kristin and Kim (I've been thinking of you there sunning on the beach)!
Congratulations on Firefly Lane being on the list four months now! That's so exciting and so well deserved!
As for the pressures we women live under, I've recently learned how to let go of the pressures I put on myself, if even for a short time. As an unpublished writer, I hold myself to a strict writing schedule and yet, sometimes I need to let myself fall behind. Like this week, for example. I've been feeling the pressure of already being behind ("Oh no, this manuscript might not be finished in time for conference!") but I gave myself permission to take care of me and my family first. Instead of writing, I took my kids for some much-needed mommy-time at the science center. I met a good friend for dinner one night. Sometimes little things like a few hours doing something fun with the people we love the most is all we need to return to our regular lives a little more whole. If a break just isn't possible, then make time by skipping doing the dishes one night and head out for a walk with a friend instead. You get the idea. :-) Preserving our own mental and emotional health has to come first before we can help our family. Just my two cents!
I LOVED The Eight by Katherine Neville. It reminded me a bit of the Da Vinci Code. I wondered if I would have loved it even more if I played and understood the game of chess?
Aloha to you!
Kelli
Hi Kristin -
Hawaii sounds wonderful to me. Of course, up here in Maine, the daffodils and tulips are just starting, so I'm glad the snow is gone at last. :D
Congrats on Firefly Lane - that's fantastic!
How do I unwind? I usually play computer games to unwind from work, listen to favorite music or surf the internet. Odd that I work for 8 hours on a computer typing reports, but I'll turn around and play computer games for an hour or so to unwind! (LOL)
Nothing is more fun and allows me to let off major steam like going to a rock concert with my husband (who's a heavy metal guy) and my friends, to dance and sing along with my favorites. We alternate the rock concerts with comedians - which makes for a good variety. This year we've seen Motley Crue, and coming up next this summer is Jeff Dunham!
When the local minor league team get started, it's always fun to drive down to Portland to catch a game at the ballpark. It's a fun way to people watch on a sunny afternoon.
Once the weather gets nice, the coast of Maine is only a 1-1/2 hour drive for me (where my mother and other family members are). I love to visit my mother and catch up with her. She's like another friend for me ... we have a good time together and she's got a great attitude - upbeat and positive.
I know lots of folks spend $$ to travel to Maine for a week or two in the summer and it's all right here for me to see any time. So in the summer, I generally plan to "act like a tourist", go to museums, local country fairs, visit lighthouses, and try to do something new and different each summer - it's a great way to relax by exploring new places that are close to home. So many people live in wonderful places and never see the great things that are right in their back yard because they take it for granted!
A daily way for me to unwind is playing with my two cats or watching them play together. We're tripping over cat toys in this house and their antics always make me laugh. My digital camera is always out so I can get some good candid shots of them. My husband and I get more laughs over their playfulness. I also generally make a fool out of myself playing with the cats. I let them sneak up on me and stalk me through the house. I play fetch with them and we have a variety of fun toys to interact with. Sometimes I have to question who's training who in this house ... some days I know they've got the upper hand on me!
Two of my best friends are always there for me. One is single and we generally go shopping, out to lunch, hanging out and just unwinding, chatting about work and family. My other friend is a single mom with a boy 11 and a girl 10. They have a menagerie of pets (1 dog, 3 cats, multiple birds, gerbils, bunny, exotic lizard, etc.) Going to her house is so much fun - her kids wrestle and play games with my husband (who's like a big kid), while she and I chat about work, kids, everything under the sun and we all have a great time together. I really enjoy her kids since I don't have any of my own - they're really wonderful kids.
My husband and I routinely go out shopping together, go for a walk in the neighborhood, work in the flower garden together, get an ice cream, go play mini-golf, walk through the local park, etc.
This past winter, when I didn't think spring would ever arrive, work was too stressful and I was feeling down, my husband did something awesome for me. He booked me for a whole afternoon at a local spa ... I had a full massage, an hour facial, a manicure and a pedicure!! It was amazing - - - I felt like Queen For A Day - and the only decision I had to make was what color nail polish did I want to wear? I was so relaxed that afternoon and it was so much fun. Now, just about every month I go in for a massage to help my back, which keeps me more functional, and I'm going back for more pedicures and manicures throughout the summer. It's so relaxing to feel pampered.
Several times during the summer, my mother has her best girl friends from high school and other friends of hers come down for cookouts or a pot luck lunch. Talk about Girl Time? When my schedule permits, I always join in and it's so much fun. Everyone has great stories to tell about work or families or what silly thing their husband did last week, etc. It's times like these that I treasure that helps me enjoy myself more.
It's so easy to get caught up in the stress of day to day life and forget to unwind and relax - every day can and should be a new adventure!
Debbie
Oh My Goodness Kirstin, are you reading my mind? I've been so busy lately and under a HUGE amount of pressure. It's in everything, everywhere. I'm studing for a test, I have to pass if I want my job, that's the biggest stress right now, and I haven't read in a while- did you know that you can go through reading withdrawals??!!
I'm not doing a great job of dealing with it. BUT, last Sunday, when I should have been studying, I just could not concentrate. No matter what I did. So, I gave up, cooked dinner with the family, watched a baseball game on tv, and just bummed out, and watched the kids play outside. It was wonderful, but ended that night, got back on the study wagon. I am gradually walking again.
Congrats Kim! Hope all is well with you all!
PS-- Did you know your Firefly Lane is one of the covers in the finals for best cover of 2008? I voted for it and am STILL talking about that book to girlfriends!
http://covercafe.com/contest/2008/coverintro.shtml
I hate stress. My desk is a pile of paper. I'm slightly behind or confused and doing things incorrectly. Then, my mother-in-law was hospitalized (turns out to be her gall bladder so she'll be fine after surgery) and it seemed to have fallen on me to take time to watch the baby as my mother-in-law is our childcare provider. I'm happy to do it obviously, but it's still puzzling how it's just assumed that women will make the home run smooth, and I say this with a husband who does truly share responsibilities. Oh and we're entertaining for a Kentucky Derby party tomorrow so I also have to clean the house, iron the baby's dress, and cook (after I figure out a menu and grocery shop). That said, I will say the husband is doing a lot of the cooking and is watching the baby while I see Wolverine on Sunday. I deal with stress by making lists. Sometimes, I just take a moment to do nothing and recharge. I love to read, but I tend to be too scattered to concentrate when I'm super stressed.
As for me, the last book I read was a Sherrilyn Kenyon. A friend is lending me all the Dark Hunter books. I also read American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld for bookclub. I'm currently reading Pat Conroy's Beach Music for bookclub, but I have J.R. Ward's and Nora Roberts waiting for me.
Have fun in Hawaii! This is what Kim gets for hounding you to get your camera ready and post photos to the blog. She had to know it would come back to bite her.
P.S. I KNOW wasn't that a travesty about Adam? But I like Kris. And there's something about Danny. Oh, there's another stress-buster for you... music. And yes, Coach, you pompous person...please leave. Liar!! And what do you think of this season of dancing!!!!!
I forgot to tell you my mother read Between Sisters and loved it, so you know, your fans (and it seems to be fireflies as well,) are multiplying. She also quite loved Firefly and True Colors.
O.k, O.k, those hot guys are calling...
Hello Kristin!
I just started this blog so I never knew a whole lot about you, but I watch EVERY single show you named on your blog. And, they are all FAVORITES! I agree about Tyson and I WISH COACH would go! I am from Arkansas, so OF COURSE I am a KRIS ALLEN fan! I love all of the contestants that are left though. I do agree with Simon and the Judges when they say this season has the best talent. I cannot watch an episode of Brothers and Sisters without crying anymore! And, Of course I am LOST with LOST as well, but it just keeps getting better. You would think a show about being lost on an Island would get boring, but the writers for that show are amazing.
Now, as for the stress thing. I am only 22 with no kids yet but I do have my fair share of stress. A lot comes from family sickness. My dad is real sick with heart trouble and Diabetes and has been since I was a little girl. Its hard to go through. And, I am in my first year of marriage, which I hear is the worst, and financial struggles are there. What I like to do is drink a glass of wine and go swimming. Just one glass. Swimming calms my nerves and its a hobby I enjoy. A nice hot bath always does the trick as well.
I am glad I found this blog and your books because now I feel like I have somewhere I can talk to women who can give me advise about life and just have some girl talk.
Until next time!
*lindsey* :D
Hi guys - I am insanely jealous but Kim, I am sooooo glad you finally get to see Kauai! Have you had an Ono burger yet?? Or even better the fish Ono (wonderful, trust me). Have you gone snorkeling? Or is it best just lazing around? You will have to tell all.
Happy to hear the next book is done, Kristin, and dying to read it.
Aloha all,
Maudeen, stuck in Port Townsend with the Hood Canal bridge out for six weeks
Aloha,
I just finished "firefly lane". I love the story of friendship that endures everything, from girlhood dramas to bitter betrayal. I knew from the minute I started reading and saw the story takes place in Seattle I was going to enjoy. We are planning a trip in September to the Pacific coast starting in Seattle, Portland, along the coast to San Francisco. And last September we went to Hawaii so we are enjoying some of your favorite places.
And speaking of televison I not sure what exactly is happening with Brothers and Sisters and can't believe that Adam was in the bottom two on Idol.
I am ready to read more of your books.
Mahalo,
Lois
Hi Ms. Kristin,
Just wanted to leave a quick comment concerning Firefly Lane. I saw it at the bookstore a few weeks ago but couldn't afford it (this economy is hell on a student budget) so I had to wait and check it out of the library. I loved it so much I am most definitely going to buy it as soon as I get enough cash.
Seriously, it really struck a chord in me. The way you described Kate and Tully's friendship reminded me of my two best friends and the way the three of us are together. We just started college this year and one of us is on the other end of the state- we miss her so much, and I know we've all privately worried that our friendship won't be the same when she returns. But after reading this book I feel better about the separation. If Kate and Tully can get through everything they went through then surely we can as well.
Thank you so much for sharing this story with us. I hope someday that if one of my books ever gets published *crosses fingers* that it resonates as strongly with a reader as yours have with me. Beautiful job and I can't wait to read more of your books.
~Cen
Hello Fireflies! I can't believe I'm already home. The week flew by! Kauai was...PERFECT. There is no other word to describe it. The weather, the beaches, the people, the gorgeous scenery. And the flowers... Oh, can't forget the yummy drinks! I have a new favorite: Malibu Rum and Pineapple juice. :) Kristin and her husband are the most generous and most fun hosts EVER!! I was treated like a princess--something I adapted to rather quickly!! LOL We shopped, ate, gabbed as we sat on the most beautiful beach!! It was a dream come true vacation. I am one lucky, lucky girl!!!
Maudeen, I did try Ono. It was delicious! And yeah, the bridge closure is awful!!
April, you are right: I should have never encouraged Kristin to post pictures!! I hate seeing pics of me so I really did run every time I saw Kristin with her camera. LOL
I know I'm leaving out so much about Kauai. When my brain returns, I'll post more!
Kim
Hi Kristin,
I just barely picked up "Firefly Lane" two weeks ago on impulse while killing time at Target. I had just finished my classes for my master's degree and had not felt the desire to pick up a book for weeks. I have to give major kudos to whoever did the jacket art and back cover summary. I had never heard of you as an author, but the idea of a novel about best friends over multiple decades sounded like the best plot line for someone trying to forget she had just spent the last two years writing research papers and studying inferential statistics.
Despite having household chores to do, I just haven't been able to put it down. I finally finished it this morning while I was supposed to be eating breakfast. I'm planning to pick up the rest of your novels when I get the time and money. Thank you so much for becoming a writer.
KateandTully's story made me think of my best friend, Sarah, and how she's as close to me as family. Before I had even finished the book, I called her to tell her she had to buy it. She's going to hate me for it because it'll make her cry, but that's something I can live with.
On a quick side note, I'm so glad you wrote about IBC. I have done numerous blogs about it in the last couple of years and when able, have posted articles about it in the Health section of my church's newsletters. There can never be enough information on breast cancer.
As for the television shows, I haven't watched any of the ones you mentioned, except Brothers & Sisters. I watched "Brothers & Sisters" for the first two seasons, but I got frustrated with the plot about the time Kitty started trying to adopt a child. I got sucked into "Castle" and "Chuck" this year and I've been laughing my way through every Monday night, so far. Laughter, I find, is a great stress reliever.
Speaking of which, I'm sure it's an extremely obvious answer, but I relieve stress with coffee/tea/hot cocoa and a call to my best friend. Not too long ago I gave up smoking and traded my cigarettes in for mocha or caramel lattes. To date, there's nothing a little coffee and a long-distance call can't fix.
Dear Kelli---
Great post about the pressures of juggling mother-and-wifehood with the dreams of an unpublished novelist. Honestly, I think we women all too often get so caught up in the everyday realities of chores and responsibilities and schedules, that the thing we let go of is our ability to dream for something personal. So good for you. Keep dreaming, keep believing, and most of all, keep working to make those dreams come true. And you're right about balance, too. To be a writer, we have to have real lives. We have to kick back and slow down and go out with our husbands and our friends. We have to see movies and watch tv. This week on the Biggest Loser, Jillian talked to the contestants about balance and truer words were never spoken. So I say bravo to you for making time in whatever way you can, for slowing down and enjoying the journey. The irony is, the more we slow down and enjoy, the more energy we ultimately have to take on tasks.
Keep us up on how your writing is going...
aloha,
K
Dear Debbie--
Wow! You really have it all nailed down. In so many ways. I mean, first and foremost, it's great to remind us all that we need to remember to see our own backyards as magical worlds. Wherever we live. There are always places to see, adventures to embark upon. Just because we don't have the time or money to travel doesn't mean we can't see a new corner of the world.
And your girfriends weekends, and your spa days. You've really got it going on. Good for you!!! Your advice will probably resonate with a lot of us fireflies. It sure hit home with me. And I love Maine--at least from a distance. I set a book there once and fell in love. I can't wait to visit there one day. After twenty five years of reading stephen king, I feel as if I've already seen it's dark side. :)_
aloha,
K
Dear Cindy W--
I am so sorry to hear about the stress you're dealing with. There's nothing like studying for an important test to mess with your mind. I'm 48 years old and I still have that nightmare where it's the day of the test and I haven't gone to class all semester or studied. I especially have it when I'm at the end of a deadline.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is exactly what you did--pull the plug on the workaday world and just chill. Baths are great (I used to long for thirty minutes in the bath with a good book and no one knocking on the door). Also, meditation works well for me. Ten quiet minutes of breathing can work wonders. I'm sure the fireflies will have more good tips, too. Just know that we're here and we're sending you good thoughts and good luck and best wishes.
aloha,
K
ps: I didn't know about the cover of FL, btw. How cool!
Dear April---
Jeez, I'm exhausted just reading your post. :) And you have a baby in addition to all of that. You definitely need a spa day.
And you're right about Kim. She ducked every time I picked up a camera, but don't worry. I got her in full color and will be posting it soon.
Don't you LOVE Prison Break???
aloha,
K
Dear Michelle---
Phew !! Adam made it into the final three, but we lost Allison, who I also adored.
And what hot guys are calling????
:)
aloha,
K
Dear Lindsey---
WELCOME to the blog!!! We are so glad to have you join the conversation, aren't we girls??
Gosh, twenty-two seems so young, but you're definitely on the big road---first year of marriage, all the compromises and excitement and nerves that go along with that. When you're young, you tend to think about weddings, but marriage is a whole different thing. And even with the best of them, there are tougher times and this economy certainly isn't helping anyone. You just have to believe in yourself, in love, in the future, in the commitment you made. And surround yourself with girlfriends and things you enjoy doing. As someone who has spent decades in a marriage and raised a child, I definitely encourage swimming. Exercise is one of the best stress relievers.
And I'm so glad you loved my book. It's amazing to find how much friendship means to all of us, no matter our age or the years in which we grew up, or even the location. We women are lucky to have some much in common.
I hope to hear from you again.
aloha,
K
Dear Maudeen--
Don't think I didn't try to get Miss Kim out for an Ono Burger (my favorite on the island, btw), but she was absurdly dedicated and professional and had to finish her book. So I didn't even see her for the first few days. But, the good news--no, the GREAT news--is that she finished her first book on time and made the revisions on time and is now in bonafide almost published limbo. I'm so proud of her! I say a round of applause from all of us for her---its no small feat to finish your first published novel. I can't wait for her to see it on the shelves. :)
aloha,
K
Dear Lois---
Will this be your first time in the beautiful Pacific Northwest??? When exactly will you be here? When the illusive sun is shining, I hope. I'd be happy to give you some of my insider secrets, if you'd like. And which Hawaiian island???
aloha,
K
Dear Cen---
Welcome to the blog conversation. And a big firefly congratulations on starting college. What a wild, crazy, scary, wonderful time. I still remember packing my bag and driving to the dorms and wanting my parents to leave and stay...
Don't worry about friendships enduring time/place separations. Real friends are those that stay in your heart. In fact, when I was on tour recently, I saw one of my best college friends for the first time in almost a decade, and we picked up our friendship as if no time had passed at all. Just keep at it, keep in touch. Nothing gets us through the hard times of life like the girlfriends who stand beside us. I hope you love college. And don't worry a bit about buying FL. Just get on a list at the library and spend your money on lunch with your friends. :) Good luck with school? Where are you going, btw?
aloha,
k
Dear Kim---
I miss you already!! It's morning and the waves are breaking and the gardenias are blooming and the roosters are crowing. (Yes, we have chickens on the island). :)
And just so Maudeen won't be confused, you had a bubba burger, not an ono burger. That's for next time, I guess...
The pics are coming...
aloha,
K
Dear Asheley--
It's great to e-meet you! Welcome to the firefly blog. I'm glad to hear that you stumbled across the book based on the cover. To be honest, I wasn't sure about whether it was the right artwork (which just shows that I should stick to writing and let the art department do it's job, since they are so great). There's always something about best friends which speaks to so many of us. I hear over and over again that women bought the book and passed it along to their friends. I'm sorry that it makes people cry (Ireally am), but I'm thrilled that it makes people remember the women that mean something to them. As a writer, that kind of reaction is a real gift. And lucky. I hope your friend enjoys it. And that we all join in the campaign to get the word out about ibc. It still isn't known enough.
Keep in touch!
aloha,
K
Dear Emily---
thanks for the happy mother's day. Believe me, this is one holiday I grab for all it's worth. I make everyone bend to my will, if i can. :) A small repayment for all those sleepless nights... :) lol
aloha,
K
I didnt have a growing up girlfriend but now that I'm grown up I have 2 girlsfriends - the types of friends I had never had before. But I'm in trouble right now. I have a sick child and the stress of maintaining the friendship is proving difficult for me so I am pulling away from my friends. They are trying to bring me back but I'm resisting. I just finished Firefly Lane and, I'm sure like every reader, cried through most of the final chapters. It has showed me I need to make the effort to maintain those ties before they are lost. Thank you.
HI Kristin
First-congrats on fire fly lane,and olso to Kim.I am so proud of both of you.Just started true colours,and it has kept me reading.It is indeed stressful times we live in,and I am so glad I am retired,and have my kids raised.Some of my best stress busters are I love to walk-to old to run.I enjoy time with the kids and enjoy the grandsons sports baseball,hockey ect.Enjoy amateur theater and music.My two sister are great fun to spend time with.But the best thing for stess for me is my rescued cat Molly,She was a mess when we got her,but you should see her now.I olso voleenter at our hospice,and that keeps me in touch with my roots.Sounds like Kim had a great time with you,and Ben.
Question Kristin
What do you do with the hores when you travel.This computer causes me stress.
Happy Mothers Day
Big Hugs
Sharon
Aloha Kristin,
This will be our first time in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. We will be flying to Seattle on September 4th, then onto Portland for a few days, along the Oregon Coast, ending in San Francisco. I would absolutely love some insider tips. I am still working on the itinerary.
We were on the magic isle of Maui with a day on Moloka’i. It was like being in paradise. I wish we would have an extra day to take the ferry over to Lana’i. Since our trip to Hawaii I have heard so much about Kaua’i and would love to visit some time.
Lois
P.S. Did you like the Private Practice ending? Will Cooper return and save Violet?
Happy Mothers Day to all my Firefly friends! I hope you all have a wonderful day.
Dear Gail---
How lovely to hear from you! I can't tell what it means to hear that Firefly has subtly encouraged you to keep in touch with your friends. It's so often true that life gets so busy/crazy/sad/frightening, etc that we are almost afraid to reach out, afraid that if we have one more thing to do, we'll drop everything, but really, that's when we need support the most. So I'm glad you're going to reach out and let people help you. Way to go! And I'll send some prayers your way that you don't have more than you can handle.
Aloha,
k
Dear Gail---
Oops, hit send too soon. This computer is still tricky for me. :) Anyway, I wanted to pull all the fireflies together to pray for your sick child. Maybe if we all send white light your way it will help.
My very best wishes---
xo
K
Dear Sharon---
You sound like you have lots of good ways to deal with stress, and like you, this computer causes me stress, too. :) That's why I write longhand and let Kim deal with the danged machine.
aloha,
K
ps: we have housesitters and yard people who take care of the house, property, and horses while we're gone. It's a lifesaver.
Dear Lois---
What an absolutely perfect time to visit the Pacific northwest. Here are a few tips, depending on weather...Bainbridge island is a great place to spend an afternoon (the ferry ride is beautiful--its the boat ride one sees on Grey's anatomy all the time); obviously the Public Market is fabulous, as is a trip up the Space Needle. If you have young kids, the Aquarium is great. In Oregon, I absolutely adore the Stephanie Inn (I think it's adults only-very romantic), and Cannon Beach. My favorite restaurant in San Fran is Farillon (pricey--definitely for a special occasion), and I love the tour of Alcatraz.
As to the Private Practice, it was pretty creepy. I'll be okay as long as she gets saved...we'll see.
You?
aloha,
K
Dear Gail;
My heart goes out to you. My daughter has struggled with serious health issues for seven years. There is nothing worse than watching your child suffer. I know how hard it is to maintain friendships when things are the darkest but, if possible, hang tight to your close friends--I was so thankful to have them near. Maudeen--remember the party we threw together for Rachael in a day? We still talk about that!!
And Gail, if you ever want to talk privately, please just reach out and let me know. Sending you hugs and prayers!!
Kim
Aloha Kristin,
Thank you for the tips. We did have the Space Needle and Pike's Market on our list for Seattle.
Cannon Beach looks beautiful and wanted to spend a day there. We were looking at Stephanie Inn. Not sure if we want to stay over night in Cannon Beach or start down the coast and stay over in Newport.
Tour of Alcatraz is a must see in San Francisco. Your favorite restaurant in San Fran I am now looking at.
Researching Seattle to San Francisco I have found so much to see and do. I am looking forward to our trip.
I thought Private Practice was a little creepy as well, but like you said if she is saved it won't be so bad.
Disappointed Adam didn't win American Idol. Will miss the anticipation each week of what he would do next.
Lois
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