Thursday 29 July 2010

the One with the Big Caboose

overcast, cool, temps 19

but we still drove home from Cowansville with the top down...loving this convertible.

A day of details. Wrote the interview I'll be doing on stage in BC with crime writer Gwen Southin. that takes a little time and thought since I want it to be good, and comfortable, for her.

Replied to a zillion (roughly) emails. Fine tuned the newsletter. Dear Lord, UPS is arriving...thank God we're not swimming. Trudy barking....

Oh, it;'s the large print edition of The Brutal Telling, arriving from the publishers.

We arrange for a few bouquets of flowers to be sent to friends, celebrating. And spent a fair amount of time discussing logistics with the french publisher. So grateful I'm finished this draft of the book so I can concentrate on these other things. All fun details but they can seem a burden when coupled with writing. I realize, as I suspect you do too, that my big challenge is balance.

And, to not take things too seriously. To remember to have fun. I can sometimes feel overwhelmed. But, you know, a huge thing with me is that I simply adore the people I work with. Not one person, now, whose emails I don't enjoy reading - no one I cringe to communicate with. Professionally. There are still a few on the periphery who seem a little odd - but I try to take a deep breath and pray to just not make things worse.

Cheryl is dropping by in about 15 minutes for a visit. We'd hoped to have a swim too, but I think it might be too cool - but we'll see how she feels. It's been so long since I've had one-on-one time with her. I miss my friends sometimes... how lucky I am they seem to understand that some seasons I need to work really hard...and then when I'm off, we can play.

Tomorrow the army of spca tea volunteers begins to arrive with tents and chairs and food and plates and glasses and cups and saucers... this is going to be great fun. And again - how lucky to really be able to concentrate on it and not feel I'm stealing time.

I feel a bit like a hobo today, though. Keep changing what I'm wearing...adding things, taking things off. And now nothing matches. have shorts, and socks, and slippers, and a tank top, and sweater. All we need is a train out west and the image is complete.

Enjoy the day...speak tomorrow I hope!

6 comments:

PolioQuad said...

Happy and successful tea!

Just finished the hard copy of 'Still Life'- my first in years. Took a very long time but well worth it. Thanks again, so much.

Reine

Brenda Buchanan said...

Hello Louise!

Your outfit sounds sublime, especially the socks and slippers combo. It sounds like quite the look.

Wishing you all good things in the days ahead: with your SPCA tea and the preparation and trip to BC.

Have fun!

Best,

Brenda in Maine

frouch said...

Dear Louise,

What a huge heart Michael and you have... Hosting a tea party for the SPCA...

Put on your socks, and slippers, and halter, and whatever you feel like, you'll still be one of the most beautiful person I know.

God I'm glad you're in my life!

Louise Penny Author said...

Hi all,

Thanks for the positive reinforcement...my rebar! And yes, not many people can pull off this look! Swank is I think the word (and no, that's not a typo)

And frouch, I hear from our mutual friend that you and your husband are dropping by today...she is so grateful for your help. Terrible times.

lil Gluckstern said...

Have a great party. Someone said that animals are some of the best people we know. Your outfit sounds delightful, very existential, enjoy yourself.

Jodi said...

Ah, but are they ordinary "matching" socks, or creatively "unmatched" socks?

Like these:

http://www.littlemissmatched.com/

Good luck tomorrow!!