Not reaping, not sowing...just vegging

sunny, mild, temps 20

ahhh - finally a sunny day! Not exactly summer temps, but lovely sitting here on the screen porch looking out over the swimming pool and gardens and across to the field and pond - the forest and the mountain beyond. How beautiful it is. And the gardens are in full and fragrant bloom. All the better, I think, for the cooler weather and rain. And now with the sun everything is popping.

Had a great birthday...blessedly quiet. Our friend susan was supposed to come but as her gift to us, she realized we were stressed and needed just a few days alone. So we agreed on a raincheck. How wonderful to have a friend so close and so dear that she knows what we need before we even say anything.

Went to Cowansville for breakfast, did some work here at home, getting caught up still on details that weren't done while concentrating on the second draft. And now have spent the past two hours on the porch with Trudy, enjoying the quiet and the view...and googling apartments in London and Paris. My guilty pleasure. We need to get to the UK this fall and thought we'd go early September, until the Quebec publisher very kindly, but firmly, explained that with the first book coming out at exactly that time she'd have to come to London and eviscerate me (well, that was implied). So we're staying. To promote En plein coeur...which as you know, I'm thrilled about. The French version of Chatelaine, an influential Canadian magazine aimed at women, is giving it a great review - so that's a relief. You never know (at least I don't) how a book like this might be received here. Since I'm an anglo writing about English, but also French characters...and settings. Just never know if the Francophones will not be interested, or amused - or accepting. But, so far so good. Will let you know.

But this means our trip to London to do book stuff and meet publishers etc is pushed to November...early to mid. Looks like we'll arrived back home in time for the Montreal Book Fair one day then off to the Miami Book Fair the next.

As you know, I set the fall aside for touring - so the next book has to be finished before the traveling begins. On paper it looks like the deadline is far away, but in reality it is almost here.

Off to NYC for a few days next week - and when we return I'll plunge back in to the next edit. Each gets easier. At least, that's the theory.

Someone on Facebook suggested sending books to the actors you're suggesting (my books, not someone else's). I think that's a great idea...if you can figure out how to do that. Very difficult, understandably, even discovering who is the agent for anyone.

I'd love to get a few books to Ciaran Hinds - if anyone can figure out how. I imagine my agent could - but she has other things to do. So I'm appealing to you and the detective in you...if you can find him, or his agent - please let me know. I'll give it a whirl too. These things are very fun...the hunt!

Having breakfast tomorrow with Joan and Cheryl, Michael and Gary (makes them sound like couples - but Michael is mine and Gary is Cheryl's - and Joan is Gary's mother...oh, never mind...) Gary's birthday is Monday - born the same year - so we celebrate together.

Forecast for the weekend - get this - is for sunny and hot!!! Right through to Tuesday. Yippeee!!!! Summer. And trying to clear the decks.

What a lovely day today...the dream day. Just indulging...doing nothing. Vegging. I am a turnip. And proud of it.

Happy vegging to you too, my fellows in the garden.