I didn't forget...aren't you surprised?
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
We--"the girls" gathered together in the world-famous tiki-port (okay, perhaps that's over stating it a bit--it's only famous in a very small circle). What's a tiki port, you might reasonably ask. It's a car port that lives for mai tais, tiny pink drink umbrellas, pupus (Hawaiian for appetizers), and sudden bursts of ukelele playing. In the tiki port, you know that when the music starts, someone is going to dance the hula...
Now that's the kind of birthday party you can't have anywhere else...
Here I am with the other birthday girl at the party. Turns out Carla and I are friends, sorority sisters, and we share the same birthday. Pretty cool, huh? Carla brought a list of others with the same birthday, and here's a few: Michael Douglas, Catherine Zeta Jones, Will Smith, Barbara Walters, and Mark Hamill.
Since I blogged a bit about running in Hawaii, I thought I'd share this photo of the beach I run on. Sometimes I'm on the sand, sometimes I'm on the road (really, it depends how strong I feel that day--the sand is a killer), but this is always the view. It's pretty inspiring. It makes running as pleasurable as it can be.
And that's the news on my birthday and the end of the vacation in Hawaii. I think I shared with you that I read Pat Conroy's South of Broad, and I really liked it. You can't beat Mr. Conroy for evocative writing about place. In this case, he turns his practiced eye on Charleston, and the novel is a beautiful love letter to that Southern city. It made me want to pack my bags and head for the airport.
I also read the new Michael Connelly. Scarecrow. The man is flat out reliable. He never lets me down.
Favorite book of the vacation, though, was probably Kathryn Stockett's The Help. That is a book that has really stayed with me.
Now, I'm back in the cool Pacific Northwest. Wearing sweaters and drinking tea and hoping it doesn't rain so hard that I can't run outside. And let's not forget--watching my favorite television shows. Can we all send up a thanks for the new season? I was getting tired of reruns. :) Favs so far---Fringe, Search for the next iron chef, Brothers and Sisters (rocking so far this season), Project Runway, and of course, The Biggest Loser. I must admit that the jury's still out for me on Grey's. What do you all think of it so far? 
I wanted to thank you all again for your support of the Firefly Fund. I can't tell you how it feels to see your names come through the donations list. I knew that this blog had somehow managed to garner a following of cool, interesting, caring women, but even knowing all of that, I was unprepared for the response. It's a tough economy, after all, and it's always easier not to get involved. And I know from our conversations that you each have other causes that you support financially and otherwise, so again, thank you so, so much.
If you haven't checked out the Tribute Wall on the site, I really urge you to check it out. The entries are really moving. http://www.kristinhannah.com/content/tributes.php
Above is a photo of me at the Safeway grocery store chain's kick off for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Pictured with me is Trish May; you may recognize her name from the posts about the Firefly Fund. I'm really proud to be partnering with her. And who knew that Safeway gives millions to breast cancer each year. They also sponsor a mobile mammography van that helps women who live in outlying areas. We all know that the best way to beat cancer is to find it early. So, way to go, Safeway!
(Now, you're all going to hear from Kim that she didn't know anything about this outing. All I can say is oops. I forgot. Mea culpa, Kim.)
Btw, I understand from my publisher that I might be touring in February for Winter Garden. I hear often that you'd like me to come to your home towns, so this might be a good time to contact your local independent or chain bookseller and tell them you'd like to see me...
Well, that's about it for now. I'm deep into revisions on the book for 2011. Only a month ago, I think I bragged that I had more than half the book done. Then I gave it to my friend and critique partner, Megan, and thanks to her insightful reading and liberal use of the red pen, I have less. A lot less. :) I keep telling myself that more work will make it so much better. Honestly, I have no doubt about it. Megan and I have been editing each other for more than twenty years. And we've stayed best friends. :) Of course, I curse her name on a regular basis when I'm reading her remarks...
Aloha,
Kristin
15 Comments:
Hi Kristin!,
I'm probably you;re youngest Fireflyer (12 1/2) and your my idol! Happy late birthday! Your cake is gorgeous! Breast cancer is such a horrible thing to lose someone to, any cancer is. I think the Firefly Fund and the Tribute wall are such great additiong to the cause. I'm one of the lucky people and haven't lost a family member to cancer of any kind thatI know of but I have lost family members, and it's a terrible feeling, I can't imagine loseing a mother at such a young age. That must be horribly tramatic. Good luck on the Fund and hope everything goes well in Washington! I know how rainy it can be up there.
That sounds like a wonderful birthday. I just need a menu and a certain (almost) 2-year's birthday party will be completely planned. It'll be in a couple of weeks. On Saturday, the boy and I will celebrate 10 years married.
Safeway actually does a lot of good deeds. They sponsor a lot in this area. I love seeing big companies step in and do more or even little companies.
The boy and I were totally over Grey's last year but stuck it out so we're actually more into it this year, but I think it depends on where you on the hump. Our new favorite show, by far, is Modern Family. So hilarious.
Wow, 2011. I can't even comprehend that far away. I'll just concentrate on Winter Garden. :)
I haven't read any oh-wow books lately. I gave up on my book club book though I picked a light comedy for this month. I like what I've read so far, but I'm reading Shannon K. Butcher now who writes wonderful suspense books with dark violence attached and a little romance thrown in. I'm still not sure about the paranormal series, but I do like her writing so I'll stick with it for now (the second book in that series comes out next month).
Love the photos of your birthday, the beach (so unfair for us midwesterners),and the Breast Cancer Month kick off at Safeway. You're doing good stuff right now!
The stories on the Tribute Wall are growing and I am thrilled with the participation. So many inspiring and touching stories to read.
I'm still sad that I can't access the donation site -- just Susan G. Konan and the IBC. Nothing else. I would like to make a donation but I don't know how or why I can't. I donate online to other charities. I even went to Athena Partners website online and it wouldn't open.
As for reading, I've been plowing through books and about to start "Comfort and Joy." I'm finishing Picoult's "Handle With Care" which isn't grabbing me like her other books. After reading you "Magic Hour," nothing has gripped me so completely -- you were so right April.
Am waiting also for Caroline Myss' new book "Defying Gravity" to come out next week -- have been listening to audio streams about what she will be teaching. I've studied with her for years in Chicago and I love to watch her spiritual growth as she takes her students along with her.
One last thing. My husband and I went to see Greg Mortenson, author of "Three Cups of Tea," in Columbus last Sunday at OSU. His talk about building schools for girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan was so inspirational. OSU is rallying 60,000 students to support his work. A good book to read. He's been nomainated for the Nobel Peace Prize, which will be announced on Friday.
I just finished listening to your book, Firefly Lane, on my ipod. I was so moved by its message, that I decided to google you and I discovered both your website and blog!
I'm not surprised that your book "spoke" to me, as does your blog. You see, I too was born in 1960, August to be exact. I too have family members who have had breast cancer, my mom (who has since passed away) and my younger sister to be exact. I too love Hawaii, I lived there for 32 years and hope to someday move back.
I admire what you are doing to educate women about breast cancer and I wish you much success with this. You, having the courage to step up and act upon something that you believe in, is an inspiration to all of us.
Kristin - your birthday party sounds like loads of fun! That cake is the most beautiful pineapple upside down cake I've EVER seen! YUM!
Speaking of Kim - - where are you? I was wondering if Kim's upcoming book release has made her too famous to be your assistant anymore. You both need one now! If you run out of applicants in the NW, and will take a remote assistant, I'll never let you ladies down. HA!
In book news - I finished South of Broad, really liked it. I'm currently reading Time Of My Life (Patrick Swayze & Lisa Niemi). I am truly forcing myself to read slow. It's that lovely. There is nothing like true love, and hard work. Those two had love and worked so hard for success. Such a tragic, premature end.
In movie news - I'm a loser. There are lots I've missed, and am not making time for that lately. Uuugghh. Must improve on that right away. It's a rainy Sunday in Texas. If I can pull my husband away from the Cowboy game, maybe we'll go to a movie. Yeah, and right after that, it will rain pigs! =)
Upcoming excitement - my family is walking in the Alzheimer's Memory Walk this Saturday. Our 5th year, and I'm proud of how my husband and kiddos have stepped up to join in something that is so important to me.
That's about all I've got this morning. I hope everyone is doing well, and making time for YOU!
Boni - WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME! You will find such joy by dropping into Kristin's site/blog, and sharing with so many new friends. My heart goes out to you in the loss of your mom. I am glad you found us!
See you guys!
Lisa
Erin---
Welcome to the blog! You must be a wonderful and very mature reader, so good for you. Do you read much YA (young adult) fiction, particularly fantasy? Because if you do, I could recommend some really good books.
April----
gosh, I can't believe that lil miss is going to be 2 already!! Time sure flies, doesn't. You'll have to tell us all about her party.
And I'm with you on Grey's. I'm sticking it out for now, but it's not looking good for the long haul. I think the show might be DOA this season. :) I sure do love where Brothers and Sisters is going though...and Project Runway continually entertains...
Patricia---
So sorry you are still unable to donate. Maybe it will work itself out somehow in the future. Tell us a little about Defying Gravity. I haven't heard of the book or the author and it sounds like something I'd be interested in.
Welcome to the firefly blog, Boni. We're practically sisters---I'm September of 1960. So we have the same terrible fashion photos from our past...
What are your favorite Hawaiian spots?
Keep in touch!
Lisa,
You'll have to tell us about the Swayze book. I have so many favorite films with him, so many memories. And everytime I saw the two of them together, it looked like a remarkable love story. Is it just unbearably sad or is it uplifting, too?
And way to go on the Alzheimer's walk. You are really so giving of your time and your efforts. You're definitely making the world better one sweaty step at a time. :)
I really need to learn how to make pineapple upside down cake. That looks amazing! I'm glad you had a great birthday and spent time with good friends doing fun things. that's the way to spend a birthday in my books. :)
I'm finding I have less and less time to actually watch TV so I've cut a few shows. I'm down to How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory, Castle, Glee, CSI, Bones, The Mentalist and Dollhouse (tho it may not stay on my list). I'm happy with most of the shows this season so far.
I've been reading a lot of dark fantasy/urban fantasy lately and was really blown away by Meljean Brook's first full length novel. Of course, I can't remember the title. :) I'm now reading the long awaited Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon. It's book 7 of her Jamie and Claire series and it's making me feel like I need to reread the series. Such a hardship. LOL!
Still itching to get Winter Garden in my hot little hands, but I guess I can wait a few more months. *g*
Hey Ms. Hannah,
Just going through my weekly reading of the blog and noticed the little blurb about the inspiring running on the beach in Kauai. I remember running on the road. Yes the company was nice, but the only inspiration I had was to not run again...ever. Maybe if I had the chance to run on this inspiring beach, my view towards running would not be so tarnished and I'd be willing to give it another go. Instead, my body hurt so much from the rough and tough road, I had to go take many Tequila Straight Shots to ease the pain. Hope all is well.
Kristin,
Hi! Getting back a bit late on your comment, sorry! Yes, I read tons of Young Adult book and most are fantasy and I wold greatly appreciate any reccomendations you could give me, I just can't get my hands on enough books!
That looks like a seriously fun time!! Great cake too! Happy Birthday to you! :)
Dean---
A pseudonym??? No wonder I didn't recognize you. :) What was that about tequila? I'm unfamiliar...
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