Still A Blogging Virgin

Yep. I read all the posts, especially those of the savvy ladies above, but I still don't get it—could some dear soul please explain tagging and pinging to me?

I guess I have to read more of the info on Technorati. As noted, I just cleared the way for you, dear reader, to post to this blog, so please be my guest. But be gentle. Us computer and Internet dummies don't particularly like having our stupidity pointed out to us.

Thanks. Meanwhile, I'll be in the garden, digging holes, though I don't do nearly as thorough a job as my dog, Fizzbo, when she is after gophers. If I could only channel and direct that energy! Hmmm...

ML

P.S.: The only reason I'm allowing myself some time to putter is that I've finally, as of today, finished the final draft of my book, Accidental Cowgirl.

YeeHaw!

GottaBook

GottaBook

This is an utterly enjoyable site for kidlit aficionados, or humor aficionados, or both. If you're looking for a lift, visit this blog!

Thanks, Greg

ML (from the wilds of Northern California).

Better Late Than...

Lots of new things on my website soon, but first of all, let me apologize for taking so long to post. I have had two lovely lady friends visiting this week, and what with the holiday, etc., etc., I have been remiss.

I'm in the process of recording my first book, Briarhopper, on CD, so if you like to listen more than you like to read, this is for you. I know I often find I get more learning and entertainment while I'm in my car than I do at home, because it's so hard to find the time (and a quiet place) to read anymore. When I DO read, I feel guilty because I'm not multitasking! What a world we live in...

Please write to me here or by the e-mail address above, and let me know what you'd like to see in the newsletter, on any of the topics above. It's YOUR newsletter, so make it work for you.

Thanks, we'll talk soon.

ML

A Veritable Valentine Whirlwind!

Hello all,

First of all, Happy Valentine's Day to you!

I'm getting ready for a power-packed, really big finish on my newsletter (available free at the website above), say, sometime next week, and then you won't hear from me until mid-March or so.

Why? Because I really must buckle down and finish my book, Accidental Cowgirl, in time to enter it at Book Expo America in NYC in June.

So check out the next newsletter, and wish me luck!

ML

Rain, Rain, Rain

Back from the coast, where all the storms arrive first. It is a truly elemental experience, watching them arrive on land.

I spent the last week there, and without Internet access, I felt really cut off, but there was always the local Internet café, and though I had to buy overpriced coffee for the privilege, I was able to check my e-mail. I'd forgotten how dependent I was on that.

Good to be home. Gotta work on my free newsletter, the next installment coming up next week, I hope.

ML

Tiptoe Through Your Past

We're back from a whirlwind trip to the East Bay to visit four sets of relatives (one visit to ex-inlaws, one to my brother's house to drop off Christmas presents (!), and see two sets of children and their cousins), all in one day! Not terribly satisfying and a lot of driving, but when your kids live out-of-state, you have to see them when you can, even for a few hours.

Dog complained bittely the whole time, as my brother's dog had to stay inside and Fizzbo had to stay outside, except for a quick romp through the flower beds when we arrived.

Ate too much and talked too loud. The usual family gathering.

Back at work on my memoir, Accidental Cowgirl. Will it never end?

ML

Thank God its January!

As many have observed before me, being your own boss means you can write in your pajamas, anytime. That's the good news. The bad news is, that being your own boss means you can write in your pajamas, anytime.

So here I sit in my pajamas, slovenly and content. I think my husband has forgotten what I look like dressed up.

It's mighty cold here in Northern California these days, but it least the Christmas rush is behind us and we can get down to more serious things, which in my case means marketing like mad. I've gotten a few reviews of my book, Briarhopper, and so far they're favorable. This has emboldened me to finally finish Accidental Cowgirl, which I started six years ago. I'm almost done. Then I can market them both at the same time—isn't that what they call working smarter? I hope so—wish me luck.

The garden is under 6 inches of hay and the citrus orchard, which is in pots, has been moved as close as possible to the house for reflected warmth. It was 27° on our back deck this morning. Saw great blue heron on my chilly doggie-walk. Wish us luck tonight. So far only one of our pipes has burst.

Fruity!

I'm pleased to report that we have achieved that most enviable of states for a small ranch: Year-round fruit from our own garden. Right now, we have Fuyu persimmons ripening, as the pears go from ripe to overripe and are recycled into our compost. I still have a handful of raspberries every morning for breakfast, and there are a few winter apples left.

My lavender is ready to harvest, though I missed my chance for rose hip tea, as the first frost took care of that as well as the tomatoes and basil. A few strawberries are hiding in the weeds.

And the cycle continues, with persimmons into spring, and blueberries in May. Something to look forward to.

Here's wishing you a healthy and lovely Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

ML

Winter Winds

You know what they are—those winds that cut to the bone, right through your clothes. Cold feet, cold hands. Time to head for milder climes. It was 28º last night, which may not seem like much to you Easterners, but those of us who live in NoCal (Northern California), forget what winter feels like and are astonished every year when it comes.

Tomatoes are truly dead now, but I still have fresh raspberries from the garden every morning, so it's not too bad here!

I'll be incommunicado until next Monday, so will post again next week.

Ciao!

Mary Lynn

Post-Thanksgiving Blues

Well, it was a quiet Thanksgiving. Our children were elsewhere and we two just made a couple of yummy recipes out of the November Gourmet (the Turkey Roulade and the Brussels Sprouts with Wild Mushrooms and Fried Shallots). It was yummy! Still is.

Now, my sweetie has me out fertilizing the roses (we have about 100) before the rain which is promised tomorrow. It better happen, is all I have to say! But I think about the thousands of lovely blooms we will have in May, and I am cheered.

Hope your holiday was wonderful.

—ML

Rain and Publicity

I can't get enough of Joan Stewart—She's a genius!

Anyway, she's helped me so much with my marketing. She's been at it a lot longer than me, and it sure shows...

Tomorrow is the Big Launch! My press release goes out all over the country. Scarey! But I'm ready. I just hope the world is ready for me!

My book sales go okay, but I really need them to climb, to pay off my book expenses. If you've ever published a book, you know what I'm talkin' about. Whoee. But it's fun.

Rainy and gray in Northern California. I hate it, but it's great writing weather.

Later.

ML

Here Comes the Sun!

Today finds me, little freelance writing beaver that I am, writing about alternative energy systems for one magazine, and tiny hamlets in Sonoma County California for another.

It's a good thing it's not difficult for me to switch gears, even on a burnout Saturday, but I can't complain. I get paid for the articles, the sun is shining, (appropriate don't you think?) and soon I plan to be out in it, pulling weeds to my heart's content. To add to the thrill, my house is finally clean and my desk is nearly organized.

I find when my weeds are pulled, my book is published, and my house is clean, I'm happy little freelancer.

How about you?

—ML

More Tomatoes, Plus a Rumination on Blogs

We still have tomatoes, even outside. I hear it's getting more difficult to find them for sale, according to our local paper, the Press Democrat, which I write for from time to time (usually quarterly, and lately in the weekend Simply Real Estate section, where lately my writings have been about local history—a little column called, "Hamlets."

But on to blogs. How do people find time to read them?

That is the question of the week.

Also, my erstwhile newsletter should be appearing on my website later this week, so keep the faith!

ML

Tomatoes

Folks are starting to wonder what to do when the fresh, garden-raised tomatoes are gone. Some have already had enough frost to kill their tomato vines.

We had a surplus this year, and I froze some for soups and stews as the weather cools. Rain tomorrow, or the next day. We need it. I already miss the extra sunlight, though.

The folks at Simple Living have some terrific gardening expertise. Check 'em out. And if you've got any tomatoes left, pick 'em now, before it's too late. There's always spaghetti sauce.

New Technology

Well, I finally bought what is now called a "thumb drive," but what is actually a SanDisk® Cruzer® Micro USB Flash Drive. Reminds me of Pampers™, but will, I hope, serve me better than those!

Now I can put both of my books (Briarhopper: A History, available so far at my site www.winecountrywriter.com, booklocker.com, and barnesandnoble.com) and Accidental Cowgirl: Six Cows, No Horse and No Clue, on this handy 1 GB storage device that I can carry on my key ring! Quelle miracle!

I'll let you know how it works.

Meanwhile, have you tried acupuncture for what ails you? I don't get migraines any more (though I've suffered from them since I was fifteen—right after the earth's crust cooled).

That's got to be a miracle: one in which I participate once a month, for the balance that's in it (I am a Libra, after all!)

If you've had a similar experience, please let me know.

ML

Thoughts on Aging

I happened to be thinking about aging the other day, as it was my birthday.

Also, I'm about to have another publicity picture taken, to promote my new book, Briarhopper. I worry about this, as I have noticed recently that I don't take good pictures anymore.

I try to be philosophical, but even my dog looks at me with pity.

Will nanotechnology rescue me from the knife?

Will it rescue you? If you're a good deal younger than me, it's possible.

ML

Another Reflection on Aging Gracefully

On the other hand, even though nobody asks me for my ID anymore, I sat next to a woman recently whom I thought to be nearly 10 years my senior, and she said she was the same age. I was shocked.

Guess I should just be happy with good genes (and maybe good jeans, as well).

ML

The Book!

I almost forgot! My memoir, Briarhopper, is finally at Booklocker.com, for viewing and/or buying. Check it out, at: Booklocker.com or BarnesandNoble.com.

She's Baaack!

Well, NYC was a mixed bag. Weather was great, Ground Zero was profoundly depressing and difficult to comprehend, train trip was a blend of equal parts gorgeous scenery, lateness and mediocre food.

The dog was mildly glad to see us, but since she had been allowed into her host's bed in our absence (something we never allow), she was ready to go back to her house where the accommodations are better and the treats show up more frequently.

Back to the grind, and getting caught up!

ML

Greetings from Sunny New York

Big storm last night, but all is mostly sunny today.

Took the train to Newark from Martinez, CA. 3 1/2 days of terrible food and gorgeous scenery, but it was worth it. I love the train, and I've got the bruises to prove it!

Met a lot of nice people on our travels. We had a roomette. This is a compartment so small that you need to be well acquainted with your fellow traveler or it is terribly awkward, especially when you go to sleep.

More expensive than a plane, for sure, but feels safer. NY skyline looks naked without the Twin Towers. So unbearably horrific, what happened here 5 years ago, it strains the mind's credulity.

Change of subject: If you can, get your flu shots, and soon. People over 50 are especially vulnerable (not that I'm admitting to anything, you understand).

Back to CA on the 14th. Many heavy-duty family affairs between now and then. Wish me luck!

My first book, Briarhopper, has just been uploaded to Booklocker.com. Yay! It's a memoir, and a long time coming. Wish me luck on that one, too. Anyone want to review it? If you do, it's free!

Best,

Mary Lynn