mixed sun and cloud, warm, temps 80
New York City...
Another terrific day. Had breakfast with Linda Ellerbee - the magnificent journalist and writer. She`d gotten in touch after reading the series and we started corresponding and chatting a couple times on the phone...but this was the first time we actually met. She suggested a place not far from her home...AOC cafe on Bleeker Street. Michael and I got there a couple minutes early since we weren`t sure how long the taxi would take. Less time than expected. One thing that strikes a newcomer to NYC is that for the most part the streets are a sea of yellow...only taxis seem to drive in the city. And there are tons of them!
When Linda arrived we all went to the back of the place, and loe and behold, a terrific little courtyard terrace. Michael was relegated to another table (lovely man is happy to sit on his own and let me meet with various people...then he picks up the tab...such a sweet and generous man). linda and I gabbed away like old friends, then she showed us her stunning brownstone in Greenwich village and her production company, Lucky Duck Productions. Then we said goodbye and made our way up to the Gramercy Park area. Our friend Susan had just written to say we HAD to stop by Union Square since it was Wednesday and there`s a wonderful street fair. We actually were geographically confused and thought Union Square was south and we were heading north...but no, there ahead was the square and the fair...and Susan (not for the first time) was right! What a fabulous scene. We hung around, wishing we could buy some of the produce. Michael drooled over the radishes, which he loves...the size of a baseball. Then off to lunch with Andy Martin, the publisher of Minotaur Books and Matthew Shear, the publisher of St. Martin`s paperbacks division. It was at the Gramcery Tavern. Dear God, it was a terrific meal. And a wonderful setting. We talked about all sorts of things, occassionally touching on my books and the next one to be published, The Brutal Telling - but mostly just enjoying ourselves. Michael got to sit with us this time!!! And I`m very grateful to Andy and Matthew for including him, and recognizing that the equation is clear and simple, `No Michael, no books.``
Then back to the hotel for a relax. heading home via Jet Blue tomorrow.
But also wanted to tell you some exciting news about a great writer and friend - Dolores Gordon Smith - a UK writer of historical mysteries. her latest book is called AS IF BY MAGIC and has just been published in the UK. If you haven`t tried her books yet you really must...and I think this is the best one yet! I wanted you to know that.
Hope you`ve enjoyed the visit to New York City...I think next time we`ll stay at the W - but the one on Union Square...great location. And we`d get to know a different part of the city.
Might not blog tomorrow - traveling. Once we get into Burlington we still have an hour and a half drive home...
We`ve had such fun here!
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Unbelievable
Mainly sunny, lovely day, temps 75
New York City. Beautiful day, in every way. Weather is certainly co-operating. It was just right today...not humid or sticky, fresh feeling. Rain has held off, though we were `misted` on last night walking to dinner...at least, we`re hoping that was rain.
Had a terrific dinner last night at DB Bistro Moderne in mid-town Manhatten...chosen by Hope and her husband Charlie because it`s a bistro, like in Three Pines, and the chef is named Olivier. We had a terrific time...first time meeting Charlie and he`s wonderful. Warm, funny, smart (doctor qualified in every field it seems except pediatrics - so Michael pitched in there). I had the green pea soup, cold, and scallops. Absolutely perfect. Michael and Charlie both had smoked salmon as a starter, then Michael had lamb tagine. Charlie had veal and I think hope had lamb chops. Then we settled on decaff cappuccinos. And yakked and laughed all evening.
Rain had cleared by the time we walked home to the hotel...felt totally safe walking through mid-town at 11pm. Perhaps we were delusional, but no one else seemed concerned.
Oh, Hope brought the Advance Readers copy of THE BRUTAL TELLING. I have to say, it looks spectacular. A fireplace, which on first glance might seem inviting, but the stones are heavy and almost cave-like. I think it`s brilliant. We`re all very excited about this book. Out in october.
Got up at 6am today and went over to the Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza. Arrived about 7am and took our places, by then we were way far away from any possible action, but it was really fun to watch. Then we had breakfast at Rock Center Cafe, below the `mall`area. Was going to go to the Popover place, but it was quite far away. Settled on a lovely window seat at the cafe. French Presse coffee, crepes, bacon...relax.
then walked the 20 blocks up Fifth Avenue to the Frick collection...an amazing museum across from Central Park in the former residence of the Frick`s. My god, the collection was stunning. All these paintings I`d seem all my life and was suddenly, unexpectedly, faced with the original. Especially the one of Thomas More, across the fireplace from Cromwell, his mortal enemy, both by Hans Holbein.
constables, Turners, Whistlers, Rembrandts, Degas, Vermeer. ``Ùnbelievable`` Michael kept saying, and he was right. and so peaceful.
then we went across the street, deep into Central Park, and had a picnic. I`d brought along a couple sandwiches and a coke.
Then to Brooks Brothers on Madison Avenue to get Michael a few shirts and a hat. And now we`re back home, having napped, and ready for dinner at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station.
Such fun. How fortunate we are. Speak to you tomorrow!
New York City. Beautiful day, in every way. Weather is certainly co-operating. It was just right today...not humid or sticky, fresh feeling. Rain has held off, though we were `misted` on last night walking to dinner...at least, we`re hoping that was rain.
Had a terrific dinner last night at DB Bistro Moderne in mid-town Manhatten...chosen by Hope and her husband Charlie because it`s a bistro, like in Three Pines, and the chef is named Olivier. We had a terrific time...first time meeting Charlie and he`s wonderful. Warm, funny, smart (doctor qualified in every field it seems except pediatrics - so Michael pitched in there). I had the green pea soup, cold, and scallops. Absolutely perfect. Michael and Charlie both had smoked salmon as a starter, then Michael had lamb tagine. Charlie had veal and I think hope had lamb chops. Then we settled on decaff cappuccinos. And yakked and laughed all evening.
Rain had cleared by the time we walked home to the hotel...felt totally safe walking through mid-town at 11pm. Perhaps we were delusional, but no one else seemed concerned.
Oh, Hope brought the Advance Readers copy of THE BRUTAL TELLING. I have to say, it looks spectacular. A fireplace, which on first glance might seem inviting, but the stones are heavy and almost cave-like. I think it`s brilliant. We`re all very excited about this book. Out in october.
Got up at 6am today and went over to the Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza. Arrived about 7am and took our places, by then we were way far away from any possible action, but it was really fun to watch. Then we had breakfast at Rock Center Cafe, below the `mall`area. Was going to go to the Popover place, but it was quite far away. Settled on a lovely window seat at the cafe. French Presse coffee, crepes, bacon...relax.
then walked the 20 blocks up Fifth Avenue to the Frick collection...an amazing museum across from Central Park in the former residence of the Frick`s. My god, the collection was stunning. All these paintings I`d seem all my life and was suddenly, unexpectedly, faced with the original. Especially the one of Thomas More, across the fireplace from Cromwell, his mortal enemy, both by Hans Holbein.
constables, Turners, Whistlers, Rembrandts, Degas, Vermeer. ``Ùnbelievable`` Michael kept saying, and he was right. and so peaceful.
then we went across the street, deep into Central Park, and had a picnic. I`d brought along a couple sandwiches and a coke.
Then to Brooks Brothers on Madison Avenue to get Michael a few shirts and a hat. And now we`re back home, having napped, and ready for dinner at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station.
Such fun. How fortunate we are. Speak to you tomorrow!
Monday, 22 June 2009
A Grand Time
partly sunny, warm, temps mid-70`s
A perfect day! Rain has disappeared for the moment - apparently it`s rained for almost 20 days solid. We arrived yesterday between rains - but it teemed down on a street fair we were about to visit, and washed it out, yesterday.
this morning we met Dan in the W for breakfast, then scooted out into the sunshine. Perfect temp. And not humid. Went to the Waldorf-Astoria (just across the street) to visit and pay homage to the Cole Porter piano in the lobby. Ooohed and Aaahed our way across all the great avenues...park, Madison...then on to Fifth Avenue and Saks. Michael bought four fabulous bow ties (the kind you tie yourself, of course!) I hope he wears one out to dinner with Hope and Charlie tonight.
Had dinner last night at a terrific Greek restaurant called the Avra - wonderful fish. Strolled home arm in arm.
Having dinner tonight at the DB Bistro Moderne on 44th street near Fifth Avenue.
Tomorrow we`re up bright and early to go to Rockefeller Plaza to watch the Today Show, then off for breakfast at a place Marjorie recommended (see comments). We have all day to walk and marvel. Want to visit the Frick Museum, and walk in Central Park.
Have reservations tomorrow night at Michael`s favorite restaurant in New York. The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station. Such fun! Mind you, we`re not exactly specialists in NYC restaurants, so if people have recommendations, please send them along. If we can`t do it for this trip I`ll save them for the next.
By the way, you`re having just a wonderful time in New York!
A perfect day! Rain has disappeared for the moment - apparently it`s rained for almost 20 days solid. We arrived yesterday between rains - but it teemed down on a street fair we were about to visit, and washed it out, yesterday.
this morning we met Dan in the W for breakfast, then scooted out into the sunshine. Perfect temp. And not humid. Went to the Waldorf-Astoria (just across the street) to visit and pay homage to the Cole Porter piano in the lobby. Ooohed and Aaahed our way across all the great avenues...park, Madison...then on to Fifth Avenue and Saks. Michael bought four fabulous bow ties (the kind you tie yourself, of course!) I hope he wears one out to dinner with Hope and Charlie tonight.
Had dinner last night at a terrific Greek restaurant called the Avra - wonderful fish. Strolled home arm in arm.
Having dinner tonight at the DB Bistro Moderne on 44th street near Fifth Avenue.
Tomorrow we`re up bright and early to go to Rockefeller Plaza to watch the Today Show, then off for breakfast at a place Marjorie recommended (see comments). We have all day to walk and marvel. Want to visit the Frick Museum, and walk in Central Park.
Have reservations tomorrow night at Michael`s favorite restaurant in New York. The Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station. Such fun! Mind you, we`re not exactly specialists in NYC restaurants, so if people have recommendations, please send them along. If we can`t do it for this trip I`ll save them for the next.
By the way, you`re having just a wonderful time in New York!
Sunday, 21 June 2009
New York City!
cloudy, showers, temps 70
Happy Summer! Happy Solstice!
we're here in NYC - what fun! Left home about 8am - got across the border into Vermont and got gas and picked up some coffee...then off to the wonderful Burlington airport. Terrific. Modest size, very efficient. Easy to get through security - or at least it's fast.
I was worried with the weather forecast (rain and possible storms) that the flight would be delayed...especially since we were on a tiny prop plane. Even considered driving instead - but it was just too far, and too much trouble, and Michael said NO. Turns out flying was the right decision - easy flight...no delays. Only problem were two kids and their mohter who seemed totally incapable of dealing with them. One child was about 3 and kept teasing his brother, who would cry whenever Mom was more than an inch away from him.
Prop planes are quite noisey things...but that huge industrial roar was drwned out by the shrieks of the youngest child. Indeed, it sounded as though the plane was powered by that young fellas lungs. That and the whithering looks of the other passengers, including me.
But I put on the headphones, listened to music, and stared out the window...and watched the earth move by. We were in NYC within an hour. Such an easy trip.
Got to the hotel. Did I tell you I'd booked it through Hotwire? First time we tried it. We're at one of the W hotels in New York...and I got worried before we left that they'd, understandably, put us in their worst room, since we'd booked through a discounter. So I called the manager and told him my concerns. He agreed that rooms bought through disounters are the worst ones in the hotel. I asked if maybe, since we"re staying 5 days, we might get an upgrade. He gave me one.
I almost always ask - never, ever demand. Never make the person feel I'm whiny or spoiled or needy. Simply asking, with courtesy.
though this is an even more embarrassing admission given book 4 - and the Gamaches who are content with what they're given, and the hideous Finney family who ALWAYS ask for upgrades. Sadly, in this case, I'm a Finney!
When we arrived the room was OK - certainly acceptable. And this was the upgrade. So I discussed it with Michael, then called down and thanked them for the upgrade and said I was a little embarrassed, but is there another upgrade possible??? I closed my eyes against the vitriol. Instead the nice young man said yes - same catagory but a larger room.
Up we went, and it's a fabulous room! I'm so pleased. Will give the manager a card of thanks and a gift. What a huge difference this makes to us and we're so grateful.
We sat in the lounge - Michael with a cranberry-orange cocktail and I had a Shirley Temple. Read the sunday Times!
Am taking him out to a mediteranian dinner tonight - to celebrate Father's Day. Breakfast tomorrow with my friend Dan. He's also in the book biz...head mystery buyer for barnes and noble in the US. But as soon as we met in a business meeting last year we hit it off, and now email and chat and visit when we can. Most of our talks have nothing to do with mysteries...and certainly not my books. But friend stuff. Mostly dogs, actually. Dan is a lovely man, who writes things like, `Gosh, it`ll be fun to see you again.`
Then Michael and I have dinner tomorrow with the wonderful Hope Dellon, my editor at Minotaur, and her husband Charlie. So looking forward to it.
We`re off for dinner...such fun to celebrate Michael!
Happy Summer again!
Happy Summer! Happy Solstice!
we're here in NYC - what fun! Left home about 8am - got across the border into Vermont and got gas and picked up some coffee...then off to the wonderful Burlington airport. Terrific. Modest size, very efficient. Easy to get through security - or at least it's fast.
I was worried with the weather forecast (rain and possible storms) that the flight would be delayed...especially since we were on a tiny prop plane. Even considered driving instead - but it was just too far, and too much trouble, and Michael said NO. Turns out flying was the right decision - easy flight...no delays. Only problem were two kids and their mohter who seemed totally incapable of dealing with them. One child was about 3 and kept teasing his brother, who would cry whenever Mom was more than an inch away from him.
Prop planes are quite noisey things...but that huge industrial roar was drwned out by the shrieks of the youngest child. Indeed, it sounded as though the plane was powered by that young fellas lungs. That and the whithering looks of the other passengers, including me.
But I put on the headphones, listened to music, and stared out the window...and watched the earth move by. We were in NYC within an hour. Such an easy trip.
Got to the hotel. Did I tell you I'd booked it through Hotwire? First time we tried it. We're at one of the W hotels in New York...and I got worried before we left that they'd, understandably, put us in their worst room, since we'd booked through a discounter. So I called the manager and told him my concerns. He agreed that rooms bought through disounters are the worst ones in the hotel. I asked if maybe, since we"re staying 5 days, we might get an upgrade. He gave me one.
I almost always ask - never, ever demand. Never make the person feel I'm whiny or spoiled or needy. Simply asking, with courtesy.
though this is an even more embarrassing admission given book 4 - and the Gamaches who are content with what they're given, and the hideous Finney family who ALWAYS ask for upgrades. Sadly, in this case, I'm a Finney!
When we arrived the room was OK - certainly acceptable. And this was the upgrade. So I discussed it with Michael, then called down and thanked them for the upgrade and said I was a little embarrassed, but is there another upgrade possible??? I closed my eyes against the vitriol. Instead the nice young man said yes - same catagory but a larger room.
Up we went, and it's a fabulous room! I'm so pleased. Will give the manager a card of thanks and a gift. What a huge difference this makes to us and we're so grateful.
We sat in the lounge - Michael with a cranberry-orange cocktail and I had a Shirley Temple. Read the sunday Times!
Am taking him out to a mediteranian dinner tonight - to celebrate Father's Day. Breakfast tomorrow with my friend Dan. He's also in the book biz...head mystery buyer for barnes and noble in the US. But as soon as we met in a business meeting last year we hit it off, and now email and chat and visit when we can. Most of our talks have nothing to do with mysteries...and certainly not my books. But friend stuff. Mostly dogs, actually. Dan is a lovely man, who writes things like, `Gosh, it`ll be fun to see you again.`
Then Michael and I have dinner tomorrow with the wonderful Hope Dellon, my editor at Minotaur, and her husband Charlie. So looking forward to it.
We`re off for dinner...such fun to celebrate Michael!
Happy Summer again!
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Sparrows song
partly cloudy, showers at times, mild, temps 20
We're back in Sutton! Feels terrific. First thing I did yesterday was take Trudy around the pond, pick some lupins and peony and made arrangements. Heaven.
What a week...exciting and exhausting. But so many weeks are like that. And how wonderful to have this tranquil place to return to. We had breakfast on the screen porch, listening to, and watching, a soft rain fall. Everything smells sweet and looks so fresh and new, and quiet.
This is the calm before New York City. We head out tomorrow - staying until Friday. Have some breakfasts, lunches and a dinner planned with publishing friends. I don't consider this a work trip - just friends...and mostly Michael and me wandering the city. And eating.
I don't like shopping (I keep telling Michael how fortunate he is to have married a woman who doesn't duck into every shop. I'm sure he loves being told how fortunate he his. However, I financially make up for it by insisting on terrific hotel rooms. I LOVE hotels - but only nice ones. Even as a kid I wasn't much in to roughing it. I don't need first class flying, or limos, or Michelin starred restaurants, but I do enjoy a splendid hotel room. Fingers crossed for NYC.
Had a 7:30am dentist appointment yesterday for the two of us. I didn't realize dentists work at that hour, but they do. Then we drove to Radio Canada and took our friend Mike out for breakfast. He's leaving the morning show - next week's his last on-air - and moving back to London to take over the news section of Guardian.com. Very exciting.
After that we drove home and unpacked...collapsed. Then I had an 8pm conference call with a book club in Baltimore. Wonderful questions. It was A FATAL GRACE (DEAD COLD) they'd read and they wanted to know about El's comment on Clara's art - the Arnot case - and lemon meringue pie, among other things.
As I write this I can hear a cacaphony from downstairs...all sorts of shrieks and calls...like a jungle. Went down to check it out. A year or so ago I gave Michael a bird book (he loves birds) with pictures, descriptions and a button to hit that plays that particular bird's call. He's been going through them trying to find what we call the 'Oh Canada' bird.
I've called it that since childhood - everyone I knew called it that. Its song sounds like the first few notes of our national anthem...sort of. But I've never known what it was actually called.
Michael just found it! It's the white throated sparrow.
And, all the nominees for the Barry Awards have been announced. As I mentioned in my last post, I was fortunate enough to be nominated for Best Novel, for THE CRUELEST MONTH. Here's the complete list in that catagory...and congratulations to all the nominees!!!
BEST NOVEL
Trigger City by Sean Chercover
The Draining Lake by Arnaldur Indridason
Envy the Night by Michael Koryta
Red Knife by William Kent Krueger
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Dawn Patrol by Don Winslow
Like the Anthonys and the Macavitys, the Barry Awards will be given out at Bouchercon in October. This year it's in Indianapolis.
We're taking the laptop to New York, so will probably do a few blogs from there. Hope you enjoy this trip.
Oh, and since I almost certainly won't blog tomorrow...Happy Father's Day to all the father's out there. Such a crucial part you have in the family. Enjoy the day!
We're back in Sutton! Feels terrific. First thing I did yesterday was take Trudy around the pond, pick some lupins and peony and made arrangements. Heaven.
What a week...exciting and exhausting. But so many weeks are like that. And how wonderful to have this tranquil place to return to. We had breakfast on the screen porch, listening to, and watching, a soft rain fall. Everything smells sweet and looks so fresh and new, and quiet.
This is the calm before New York City. We head out tomorrow - staying until Friday. Have some breakfasts, lunches and a dinner planned with publishing friends. I don't consider this a work trip - just friends...and mostly Michael and me wandering the city. And eating.
I don't like shopping (I keep telling Michael how fortunate he is to have married a woman who doesn't duck into every shop. I'm sure he loves being told how fortunate he his. However, I financially make up for it by insisting on terrific hotel rooms. I LOVE hotels - but only nice ones. Even as a kid I wasn't much in to roughing it. I don't need first class flying, or limos, or Michelin starred restaurants, but I do enjoy a splendid hotel room. Fingers crossed for NYC.
Had a 7:30am dentist appointment yesterday for the two of us. I didn't realize dentists work at that hour, but they do. Then we drove to Radio Canada and took our friend Mike out for breakfast. He's leaving the morning show - next week's his last on-air - and moving back to London to take over the news section of Guardian.com. Very exciting.
After that we drove home and unpacked...collapsed. Then I had an 8pm conference call with a book club in Baltimore. Wonderful questions. It was A FATAL GRACE (DEAD COLD) they'd read and they wanted to know about El's comment on Clara's art - the Arnot case - and lemon meringue pie, among other things.
As I write this I can hear a cacaphony from downstairs...all sorts of shrieks and calls...like a jungle. Went down to check it out. A year or so ago I gave Michael a bird book (he loves birds) with pictures, descriptions and a button to hit that plays that particular bird's call. He's been going through them trying to find what we call the 'Oh Canada' bird.
I've called it that since childhood - everyone I knew called it that. Its song sounds like the first few notes of our national anthem...sort of. But I've never known what it was actually called.
Michael just found it! It's the white throated sparrow.
And, all the nominees for the Barry Awards have been announced. As I mentioned in my last post, I was fortunate enough to be nominated for Best Novel, for THE CRUELEST MONTH. Here's the complete list in that catagory...and congratulations to all the nominees!!!
BEST NOVEL
Trigger City by Sean Chercover
The Draining Lake by Arnaldur Indridason
Envy the Night by Michael Koryta
Red Knife by William Kent Krueger
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Dawn Patrol by Don Winslow
Like the Anthonys and the Macavitys, the Barry Awards will be given out at Bouchercon in October. This year it's in Indianapolis.
We're taking the laptop to New York, so will probably do a few blogs from there. Hope you enjoy this trip.
Oh, and since I almost certainly won't blog tomorrow...Happy Father's Day to all the father's out there. Such a crucial part you have in the family. Enjoy the day!
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Barry nomination - etc!
rain, cool, temps 16
sorry i haven't blogged in a few days - busy but fun time...lots of things happening. the latest news - just in this morning - is the The Cruelest Month (book 3) has been shortlisted for the Barry Award - decided by the editors of Mystery News and Deadly Pleasure's Magazines in the US. I don't yet know who the other nominated authors are, but I'll let you know when I do. This is a terrifically prestigious award and I am beyond thrilled. It will be given out, along with the Anthony and Macavity at Bouchercon in October. This year Bouchercon is in Indianapolis. Hope to see you there!
In our personal lives, and the reason I haven't blogged, is because we moved apartments in Montreal. A smaller place - fits in with our desire to simplfy and get something more fitting to our needs - but better located.
But what a hassle. We came in on Sunday - the computer and lots of other things had been packed away...Monday and Tuesday we had services hooked up - and went to find garden furniture for our balcony. We ended up with stuff called Plicker. Plicker. Never heard of it. Turns out it's plastic whicker. I was surprised and kind of disgusted. Surgusted. In principle. In reality, it was perfect. Very comfortable, quite attractive, if you didn't look too close - and extremely practical. It could be rained on. Indeed almost anything could happen to it and it would survive. Totally flies in the face of my environmental beliefs - but I'm beginning to suspect some of my ethics are situational. This stuff will never biodegrade and the only thing it might conceivably be recycled into is gummy bears. Which means, in a pinch, I could eat my garden furniture.
Wednesday (just yesterday??) was the actual move. I find waiting for the movers the most stressful. So I sat on the sofa beside Michael - who was calmness itself - trying to remember to breathe. Then I saw, like a burning bush, a message. Written on one of our gazillion boxes. Serenity. Serenity it said. How perfect is that? Exactly what I needed. So I concentrated on that...then looked at the box a little closer...what was the product that it was called Serenity?
Adult diapers.
Which - I have to say - are also useful on moving day.
The fellows came...were on time and polite and strong...and most things went perfectly until we arrived at the new apartment and they brought in the bed. Boxspring was fine. The mattress, however, looked as though James Gandolfini was nesting in it. The middle had exploded out.
The mover - Emille - said he'd never in all his 20 years seen anything like it. It was the moving equivilant of Ooops. They turned it over...nope - Gandolfini was there too. Clearly this was a mattress that was never going to be slept on again.
It was 4pm - and we had no bed. I quickly called Au Monde du Matelas...got Rejeanne, who after some calls said there was a queen mattress we could have - called the Everest.
I thought that was a fun name, and almost certainly hyperbole.
No. It arrived at 9pm - we'd been ready for bed for 4 hours. This mattress is immense...almost square! I swear it's ten degrees colder on top of it. Little snow-capped peaks and milk maids yodeling. OK, no milk maids - I put that in for Michael.
This morning we were up at 5am to drive down to Sutton where some of the excess furniture was delivered.
And now we're back in the new apartment - unpacking boxes and organizing...and exhausted. But happy.
Oh, while all of this was happening I also met a great friend who was in Montreal from Winnipeg - Pat. She was only in for Tuesday and Wednesday - so I snuck away from the packing on Tuesday and we had lunch. She was in town presenting the keynote address at the assembly of Human Rights Organizations of Canada. I'm so proud of her and the important work she does.
Need to head off...thank you to all the people who wrote, worried we'd falled off the face of the earth, or swallowed by our mattress. Or chocked on a piece of plither.
We're back! speak to you tomorrow, I hope. Be well.
sorry i haven't blogged in a few days - busy but fun time...lots of things happening. the latest news - just in this morning - is the The Cruelest Month (book 3) has been shortlisted for the Barry Award - decided by the editors of Mystery News and Deadly Pleasure's Magazines in the US. I don't yet know who the other nominated authors are, but I'll let you know when I do. This is a terrifically prestigious award and I am beyond thrilled. It will be given out, along with the Anthony and Macavity at Bouchercon in October. This year Bouchercon is in Indianapolis. Hope to see you there!
In our personal lives, and the reason I haven't blogged, is because we moved apartments in Montreal. A smaller place - fits in with our desire to simplfy and get something more fitting to our needs - but better located.
But what a hassle. We came in on Sunday - the computer and lots of other things had been packed away...Monday and Tuesday we had services hooked up - and went to find garden furniture for our balcony. We ended up with stuff called Plicker. Plicker. Never heard of it. Turns out it's plastic whicker. I was surprised and kind of disgusted. Surgusted. In principle. In reality, it was perfect. Very comfortable, quite attractive, if you didn't look too close - and extremely practical. It could be rained on. Indeed almost anything could happen to it and it would survive. Totally flies in the face of my environmental beliefs - but I'm beginning to suspect some of my ethics are situational. This stuff will never biodegrade and the only thing it might conceivably be recycled into is gummy bears. Which means, in a pinch, I could eat my garden furniture.
Wednesday (just yesterday??) was the actual move. I find waiting for the movers the most stressful. So I sat on the sofa beside Michael - who was calmness itself - trying to remember to breathe. Then I saw, like a burning bush, a message. Written on one of our gazillion boxes. Serenity. Serenity it said. How perfect is that? Exactly what I needed. So I concentrated on that...then looked at the box a little closer...what was the product that it was called Serenity?
Adult diapers.
Which - I have to say - are also useful on moving day.
The fellows came...were on time and polite and strong...and most things went perfectly until we arrived at the new apartment and they brought in the bed. Boxspring was fine. The mattress, however, looked as though James Gandolfini was nesting in it. The middle had exploded out.
The mover - Emille - said he'd never in all his 20 years seen anything like it. It was the moving equivilant of Ooops. They turned it over...nope - Gandolfini was there too. Clearly this was a mattress that was never going to be slept on again.
It was 4pm - and we had no bed. I quickly called Au Monde du Matelas...got Rejeanne, who after some calls said there was a queen mattress we could have - called the Everest.
I thought that was a fun name, and almost certainly hyperbole.
No. It arrived at 9pm - we'd been ready for bed for 4 hours. This mattress is immense...almost square! I swear it's ten degrees colder on top of it. Little snow-capped peaks and milk maids yodeling. OK, no milk maids - I put that in for Michael.
This morning we were up at 5am to drive down to Sutton where some of the excess furniture was delivered.
And now we're back in the new apartment - unpacking boxes and organizing...and exhausted. But happy.
Oh, while all of this was happening I also met a great friend who was in Montreal from Winnipeg - Pat. She was only in for Tuesday and Wednesday - so I snuck away from the packing on Tuesday and we had lunch. She was in town presenting the keynote address at the assembly of Human Rights Organizations of Canada. I'm so proud of her and the important work she does.
Need to head off...thank you to all the people who wrote, worried we'd falled off the face of the earth, or swallowed by our mattress. Or chocked on a piece of plither.
We're back! speak to you tomorrow, I hope. Be well.
Friday, 12 June 2009
Literary facts
light rain, humid, temps 15
Sticky day, but mild. Looks like it might clear.
Watched The Queen yesterday afternoon...that wonderful film with Helen Mirren as the Queen, over the days of Diana's death. I'd seen it before but decided to rent it again. Really enjoyed it.
Sent interview questions off to Alan Bradley, who wrote, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. I'm doing a feature interview with him for Mystery News. That's a fantastic publication about crime fiction, with really extension reviews and lots of interviews and column. If you don't subscribe, and you love mysteries, I'd highly suggest it. But when Still Life first came out Lynn Kaczmarek, one of the editors, interviewed me as a debut author. It was such a thoughtful, intelligent interview I was impressed. I've since met Lynn many times and see why it was like that...she's thoughtful and intelligent. And kind.
At one stage she asked if I would like to interview a debut author in return. I thought about it, and finally chose Alan. For a few reasons. I really like his book, and I like him (though we've never met - only corresponded). He's Canadian, from Saskatchewan. Wrote for many years but never really got anywhere...then, at the age of 70 he wrote Sweetness...and it took off. Won the Debut Dagger in the UK -is published all over. He persevered, and his dream came true.
Great story...so I'm doing it for Mystery News.
The editor of Canadian Literature got in touch. They'd like to publish part of my speech from Bloody Words...the part where I talk about a Golden Age for Canadian crime writers...but also the annoyance of being asked if, maybe, someday, I'd like to try my hand at literary fiction. As though what I write, and other crime writers create, can't possibly be literary fiction.
I'm happy to contribute to this discussion, especially in a review called Canadian Literature. We'll see.
Off to Knowlton for breakfast. My hero, Michael, finished the page proofs for the US edition of The Brutel Telling. Amazing amount of work!! Lovely man.
Must go...talk later. Be well.
Sticky day, but mild. Looks like it might clear.
Watched The Queen yesterday afternoon...that wonderful film with Helen Mirren as the Queen, over the days of Diana's death. I'd seen it before but decided to rent it again. Really enjoyed it.
Sent interview questions off to Alan Bradley, who wrote, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie. I'm doing a feature interview with him for Mystery News. That's a fantastic publication about crime fiction, with really extension reviews and lots of interviews and column. If you don't subscribe, and you love mysteries, I'd highly suggest it. But when Still Life first came out Lynn Kaczmarek, one of the editors, interviewed me as a debut author. It was such a thoughtful, intelligent interview I was impressed. I've since met Lynn many times and see why it was like that...she's thoughtful and intelligent. And kind.
At one stage she asked if I would like to interview a debut author in return. I thought about it, and finally chose Alan. For a few reasons. I really like his book, and I like him (though we've never met - only corresponded). He's Canadian, from Saskatchewan. Wrote for many years but never really got anywhere...then, at the age of 70 he wrote Sweetness...and it took off. Won the Debut Dagger in the UK -is published all over. He persevered, and his dream came true.
Great story...so I'm doing it for Mystery News.
The editor of Canadian Literature got in touch. They'd like to publish part of my speech from Bloody Words...the part where I talk about a Golden Age for Canadian crime writers...but also the annoyance of being asked if, maybe, someday, I'd like to try my hand at literary fiction. As though what I write, and other crime writers create, can't possibly be literary fiction.
I'm happy to contribute to this discussion, especially in a review called Canadian Literature. We'll see.
Off to Knowlton for breakfast. My hero, Michael, finished the page proofs for the US edition of The Brutel Telling. Amazing amount of work!! Lovely man.
Must go...talk later. Be well.
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