sunny breaks, mild, temps minus 1
Still in Burlington - having loads of fun. Went to Macy's and other shops in the big mall off Church Street to find clothes for our vacation to St. Lucia. Both Michael and I found some great things...very loose...this is an all-inclusive vacation, after all.
We really like Burlington. Unfortunately we were in a bit of a rush. Had to head back to the Essex Inn for an interview with Shelagh Shapiro for her show "Write the Book". Got back just in time for a quick shower and met her in the library of the Inn. She was set up in front of the fireplace. What a terrific woman and interview. It was 45 minutes, which is so rare, and such a pleasure. We could actually talk about things to do with the books and writing.
Then...ta da...I have an 80 minute massage. Heaven. They've just in the last 8 months opened the new spa here and it is stunning. Gorgeous aesthetic - modern, warm, clean, very, very impressive. As was the massage itself.
Sadly, the rest of the Essex Inn isn't up to the same standard. Well meaning - but not very special. Food ok - turns out this is no longer a campus for the New England Culinary Institute. This campus closed last year and it consolidated in Montpelier, Vt. So no students. No teachers. I don't know if the food was better before it closed, but now it is OK, nothing more.
The room, too is a little odd. Large. Very orange. I'm wondering if they're trying for a mid-century modern vibe. If so, they've missed. hard to pull off that look when you're also striving so a country inn feel. But our main problem is that whoever designed or decorated the room did not think how it might be used. Instead of a sofa in front of the electric (!) fireplace there are two comfortable club chairs separated by a large, tall, dining table. The chair I'm in has no lamp so it's quite dim. And there is one plug for the laptop and blackberry chargers...on the wall by the bed...so everything sits on the floor. It seems no one thought it through.
But this got Michael and me thinking about all the hotels, wonderful and otherwise we'd been in last year. Such fun! I adore home, but I also love a great hotel room. they're inportant to me. I guess because I'm a nester. I stayed in a wonderful hotel in Houston. A fun one in Quebec City. But our favorite by far was the Valley Ho in Scottsdale, Arizona. It went for and nailed the mid-century modern. Very cool - but also exceptionally well designed for real people with real lives and needs. Brilliant. Thrilling design. We adored it.
Will not mention the bad hotels - but of course they serve to make the good ones all the better.
Have a Vermont Public TV interview tomorrow (my hair in standing on end after the head massage - so I will look like either Bozo or Phyllis Diller...depending on the amount of make-up they put on. I'm thinking any moment now the publisher will pull the promotional plug.
Back to sutton tomorrow. This has been a fun visit. Must say, Burlington is a GREAT city. Well worth visiting.
Speak tomorrow.
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
My other brother Daryl
freezing rain, snow, temps minus 6
We've fled to the Kingdom to the South. Vermont. And are huddled up in the Essex Inn and Spa. As you can see, it's a soft landing. We were actually booked to come here tomorrow, but the freezing rain kept coming, trees bowed down, power went out. And we skiddadled, which is my Olympic sport. It's actually a triathlon. Skiddadling, Massage, Gourmet meal. Followed by shopping, for those really in shape.
The problem at home, or really the final issue, was when the power went out. I must say it's a little frightening for those of us who went through the ice storm. And this is reminiscent of that. It really should not be freezing raining with temperatures this cold - but it is. An inversion of some sort. The ice has been building up for three days, and today seemed to be the tipping points, where trees started breaking. The pines along our drive had their boughs so low we could barely get the car underneath.
At the same time, it is staggeringly beautiful. A crystal world.
The contradiction we live - where the weather is both gorgeous and deadly.
So Pat and Tony are looking after the house and Trudy and we decided to come down a day early before the weather got really bad. What a relief to arrive. We assumed there was black ice under the road...not a bad assumption. Happily the freezing rain disappeared and turned into snow half way here.
The Essex Inn and Spa is actually the campus of the New England Culinary Institute. So far it is nice, the room is lovely with a fireplace...but the whole place lacks charm. However, the people (students?) seem really wonderful. I think part of the problem is the decoration isn't very inspired. Kind of drab. But the staff is warm and enthusiastic. Looking forward to trying the dinner.
Oh, it feels so good to be here!
Did a newspaper interview this morning, then Kirk and Jane came by with fabric for the living room (one we all adored but Michael didn't...we were spared having to beat him when Kirk realized the fabulous fabric was pure silk and would not survive long in our home.
Then the power went out. I realize here in Quebec we call power 'hydro' because for the most part it comes from huge power dams, water power, in the north. But someone did point out the rest of the world might not know what that means. I know in Ontario it's called hydro too...but not sure about other parts of the world. Though I'm sure you could figure it out. However, if someone said the 'wind' had gone out I'm not sure I'd conclude they had wind generated power and that's what they meant.
Sadly, the hydro went out about ten minutes before I was supposed to test the Skype for an upcoming conference call with a school. So will try for another test.
Hope you're well...will report on the Inn and Spa activities tomorrow. Have a radio interview with Shelagh Shapiro for her show 'Write the Book'...at 2pm.
Speak to you tomorrow.
We've fled to the Kingdom to the South. Vermont. And are huddled up in the Essex Inn and Spa. As you can see, it's a soft landing. We were actually booked to come here tomorrow, but the freezing rain kept coming, trees bowed down, power went out. And we skiddadled, which is my Olympic sport. It's actually a triathlon. Skiddadling, Massage, Gourmet meal. Followed by shopping, for those really in shape.
The problem at home, or really the final issue, was when the power went out. I must say it's a little frightening for those of us who went through the ice storm. And this is reminiscent of that. It really should not be freezing raining with temperatures this cold - but it is. An inversion of some sort. The ice has been building up for three days, and today seemed to be the tipping points, where trees started breaking. The pines along our drive had their boughs so low we could barely get the car underneath.
At the same time, it is staggeringly beautiful. A crystal world.
The contradiction we live - where the weather is both gorgeous and deadly.
So Pat and Tony are looking after the house and Trudy and we decided to come down a day early before the weather got really bad. What a relief to arrive. We assumed there was black ice under the road...not a bad assumption. Happily the freezing rain disappeared and turned into snow half way here.
The Essex Inn and Spa is actually the campus of the New England Culinary Institute. So far it is nice, the room is lovely with a fireplace...but the whole place lacks charm. However, the people (students?) seem really wonderful. I think part of the problem is the decoration isn't very inspired. Kind of drab. But the staff is warm and enthusiastic. Looking forward to trying the dinner.
Oh, it feels so good to be here!
Did a newspaper interview this morning, then Kirk and Jane came by with fabric for the living room (one we all adored but Michael didn't...we were spared having to beat him when Kirk realized the fabulous fabric was pure silk and would not survive long in our home.
Then the power went out. I realize here in Quebec we call power 'hydro' because for the most part it comes from huge power dams, water power, in the north. But someone did point out the rest of the world might not know what that means. I know in Ontario it's called hydro too...but not sure about other parts of the world. Though I'm sure you could figure it out. However, if someone said the 'wind' had gone out I'm not sure I'd conclude they had wind generated power and that's what they meant.
Sadly, the hydro went out about ten minutes before I was supposed to test the Skype for an upcoming conference call with a school. So will try for another test.
Hope you're well...will report on the Inn and Spa activities tomorrow. Have a radio interview with Shelagh Shapiro for her show 'Write the Book'...at 2pm.
Speak to you tomorrow.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Fiddle-dee-dee
flurries, temps minus 7
Got the car dug out this morning - amazing what the promise of french toast and bacon will do. Do you think that's what motivated the pioneers? Being told there was a plate of French toast and bacon waiting for them in the West? For that I might survive. Step aside Lewis and Clark, coming through...
Did a bunch of chores in Cowansville, then lunch with Cotton at the Cafe Inn...loads of fun. Also stopped by the bookstore. Danny and Lucy, when not selling books, are madly packing Vive Gamache mugs...such fun to think of so many of you also sipping a favorite beverage from them.
And now we're home, with absolutely no intention of heading out snowshoeing. Tomorrow, as we know, is another day. Speaking of tomorrow I have a newspaper interview at 10am, Kirk and Jane are coming at 10:30 with fabric samples, and have a skype test at noon for a conference call that is fast approaching.
And then I think I will finally take down the Christmas decorations. Was thinking of going for the record but have capitulated.
Must say it is excruciatingly beautiful outside. The trees are covered in snow...difficult to tell where the forest ends and the sky begins. Everything looks like it has been dusted in icing sugar. or snow.
Off to the bath...or perhaps I should exercise. Damn. Wish I hadn't remembered.
Speak to you tomorrow...stay safe.
Got the car dug out this morning - amazing what the promise of french toast and bacon will do. Do you think that's what motivated the pioneers? Being told there was a plate of French toast and bacon waiting for them in the West? For that I might survive. Step aside Lewis and Clark, coming through...
Did a bunch of chores in Cowansville, then lunch with Cotton at the Cafe Inn...loads of fun. Also stopped by the bookstore. Danny and Lucy, when not selling books, are madly packing Vive Gamache mugs...such fun to think of so many of you also sipping a favorite beverage from them.
And now we're home, with absolutely no intention of heading out snowshoeing. Tomorrow, as we know, is another day. Speaking of tomorrow I have a newspaper interview at 10am, Kirk and Jane are coming at 10:30 with fabric samples, and have a skype test at noon for a conference call that is fast approaching.
And then I think I will finally take down the Christmas decorations. Was thinking of going for the record but have capitulated.
Must say it is excruciatingly beautiful outside. The trees are covered in snow...difficult to tell where the forest ends and the sky begins. Everything looks like it has been dusted in icing sugar. or snow.
Off to the bath...or perhaps I should exercise. Damn. Wish I hadn't remembered.
Speak to you tomorrow...stay safe.
Monday, 4 January 2010
The Donner Party
snow, blowing snow, freezing rain - temps minus 7
I know - freezing rain when it's minus 7? But there's a crust under the fresh snow now and a layer of ice clinging to the trees. When the wind blows it sounds like guests at a wedding party demanding a kiss.
After a day and a half indoors with the blizzard Michael and I took the snowshoes out of the basement and decided to take Trudy around the pond. What a to-do. first we had to remember what clothes we wear (leggings and thermal socks), then we had to adjust the snowshoes to our new winter boots - falling all over each other as we stood on one foot, then the other. Dancing with the Idiots. All the while Trudy is staring at us, her ice-encrusted ball in her mouth.
Finally, after a struggle, we ready. It's snowing and blowing - but we're determined. For the first ten feet. Then I for one was ready to head back in and get a hot chocolate. We weren't even in the snow yet, but still on the driveway.
But Michael thought I was kidding, so on we went. Up to our thighs in snow. Ploughing through it. It was, I have to say, seriously exhausting. I looked back at the house (in the near distance) and realized if I was a pioneer I'd be the first one eaten. I'd just curl up and die. No way could I have done what they did. First canoe portage? Shoot me. First mountain range? leave me here to die.
I'm definitely more of an indoor pioneer. Exploring internal landscapes. They can be pretty scary too. And sometimes, I eat my young.
We made it halfway around the pond, gave Trudy her treat, and retraced our steps, into the wind and blowing snow. That was easier because we'd already broken the trail. Snowshoeing is great exercise. Probably better if you go more than 100 yards. But we did make a discovery. We like it by the fireplace better...but the only thing better than the hearth, is the hearth with a hot chocolate after being out in a blizzard. It was seriously fun.
Then I got on the phone, called our travel agent, and booked another week in St. Lucia. A few more paces through the snow and we'd have bought a place there. So - now it's 2 weeks at Sandals. We are almost giddy with excitement!
Had a nice day. Did some slight updates on the website. Read the mass market pages for The Brutal Telling, to correct any mistakes (16, 17??) - heading out tomorrow for breakfast in Cowansville (once we dig the car out) - and meeting Cotton for lunch in Knowlton.
I realize some of our friends here have strange names, but we get so used to it they no longer seem like anything other than their names. Cotton. Wilder. I once worked at CBC with a guy named Havoc. Indeed, Wilder and I worked together at CBC thirty years ago. This should have been a clue about what I was getting into when two of my co-workers are named Wilder and Havoc.
Speak to you tomorrow - hope you've enjoyed the day!
I know - freezing rain when it's minus 7? But there's a crust under the fresh snow now and a layer of ice clinging to the trees. When the wind blows it sounds like guests at a wedding party demanding a kiss.
After a day and a half indoors with the blizzard Michael and I took the snowshoes out of the basement and decided to take Trudy around the pond. What a to-do. first we had to remember what clothes we wear (leggings and thermal socks), then we had to adjust the snowshoes to our new winter boots - falling all over each other as we stood on one foot, then the other. Dancing with the Idiots. All the while Trudy is staring at us, her ice-encrusted ball in her mouth.
Finally, after a struggle, we ready. It's snowing and blowing - but we're determined. For the first ten feet. Then I for one was ready to head back in and get a hot chocolate. We weren't even in the snow yet, but still on the driveway.
But Michael thought I was kidding, so on we went. Up to our thighs in snow. Ploughing through it. It was, I have to say, seriously exhausting. I looked back at the house (in the near distance) and realized if I was a pioneer I'd be the first one eaten. I'd just curl up and die. No way could I have done what they did. First canoe portage? Shoot me. First mountain range? leave me here to die.
I'm definitely more of an indoor pioneer. Exploring internal landscapes. They can be pretty scary too. And sometimes, I eat my young.
We made it halfway around the pond, gave Trudy her treat, and retraced our steps, into the wind and blowing snow. That was easier because we'd already broken the trail. Snowshoeing is great exercise. Probably better if you go more than 100 yards. But we did make a discovery. We like it by the fireplace better...but the only thing better than the hearth, is the hearth with a hot chocolate after being out in a blizzard. It was seriously fun.
Then I got on the phone, called our travel agent, and booked another week in St. Lucia. A few more paces through the snow and we'd have bought a place there. So - now it's 2 weeks at Sandals. We are almost giddy with excitement!
Had a nice day. Did some slight updates on the website. Read the mass market pages for The Brutal Telling, to correct any mistakes (16, 17??) - heading out tomorrow for breakfast in Cowansville (once we dig the car out) - and meeting Cotton for lunch in Knowlton.
I realize some of our friends here have strange names, but we get so used to it they no longer seem like anything other than their names. Cotton. Wilder. I once worked at CBC with a guy named Havoc. Indeed, Wilder and I worked together at CBC thirty years ago. This should have been a clue about what I was getting into when two of my co-workers are named Wilder and Havoc.
Speak to you tomorrow - hope you've enjoyed the day!
Sunday, 3 January 2010
Quietude
blizzard, blowing snow, temps minus 14
But inside it's snug and warm, fire laid ready to be set. Coffee on the pine table beside me. Laptop open. Surrounded by notes and manuscripts, books. Michael writing. Trudy sleeping - wet and stinky from chasing her ball through the storm, digging for it, finding it, tossing it into the air herself. Rolling on it.
And today is the gift. No one coming. We're going nowhere. Will sit by the fire or the television, or in the bath. Doing what I want to do.
Rock Cornish Game hens for dinner.
Tomorrow...more snow. More quietude. More peace.
Unless...
As we all know - anything can happen! Still, for now while the blizzard snows us in and throws itself against our home, we are inside with everything we need.
But inside it's snug and warm, fire laid ready to be set. Coffee on the pine table beside me. Laptop open. Surrounded by notes and manuscripts, books. Michael writing. Trudy sleeping - wet and stinky from chasing her ball through the storm, digging for it, finding it, tossing it into the air herself. Rolling on it.
And today is the gift. No one coming. We're going nowhere. Will sit by the fire or the television, or in the bath. Doing what I want to do.
Rock Cornish Game hens for dinner.
Tomorrow...more snow. More quietude. More peace.
Unless...
As we all know - anything can happen! Still, for now while the blizzard snows us in and throws itself against our home, we are inside with everything we need.
Saturday, 2 January 2010
16
steady snow, mild, temps minus 2
Just fed the birds...the feeders are thick with blue jays, wood peckers, doves and blackcapped chickadees. Lost Trudy's ball in the snow, but after much mutual digging, and against all odds, we found it. In spring, when the feet of snow melt, we find all sorts of things in the snow. Some more pleasant than others.
blizzard warning out for tonight and tomorrow. What fun.
Nancy came and got both Michael and me all hooked up to Skype on our laptops. Now when I do book clubs the option is there to do it via skype. What a great piece of technology.
Am going out tonight, as we do every Saturday night when we're home, to the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in Sutton. Today I'm celebrating 16 years without a drink. Sober. Free. I realized this morning that I have now been sober longer than I drank. It feels significant.
But mostly it feels gentle. Feels right. Feels like me. Life, while full and often hectic, is really very simple now. No need to lie. Or hide. I have a private life, but not a secret one.
And my needs are simple...I need my beliefs and my sobriety. Everything else stems from there. If those are gone I have nothing. No love, no friends, no creations. Just loneliness.
How lucky I am. Lucky to have been a drunk, and even luckier to be in recovery.
I don't talk of this often. Once a year on the blog I mention it, out of gratitude. But my sobriety, and what I have learned in the 12 step programme, informs everything I say and do and think.
Be well, my friends. Thanks for the company.
Just fed the birds...the feeders are thick with blue jays, wood peckers, doves and blackcapped chickadees. Lost Trudy's ball in the snow, but after much mutual digging, and against all odds, we found it. In spring, when the feet of snow melt, we find all sorts of things in the snow. Some more pleasant than others.
blizzard warning out for tonight and tomorrow. What fun.
Nancy came and got both Michael and me all hooked up to Skype on our laptops. Now when I do book clubs the option is there to do it via skype. What a great piece of technology.
Am going out tonight, as we do every Saturday night when we're home, to the Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in Sutton. Today I'm celebrating 16 years without a drink. Sober. Free. I realized this morning that I have now been sober longer than I drank. It feels significant.
But mostly it feels gentle. Feels right. Feels like me. Life, while full and often hectic, is really very simple now. No need to lie. Or hide. I have a private life, but not a secret one.
And my needs are simple...I need my beliefs and my sobriety. Everything else stems from there. If those are gone I have nothing. No love, no friends, no creations. Just loneliness.
How lucky I am. Lucky to have been a drunk, and even luckier to be in recovery.
I don't talk of this often. Once a year on the blog I mention it, out of gratitude. But my sobriety, and what I have learned in the 12 step programme, informs everything I say and do and think.
Be well, my friends. Thanks for the company.
Friday, 1 January 2010
2010
light snow all day, mild, temps hovering around freezing
So far I love 2010. Quiet, peaceful, gentle. Even had a nap on the sofa in front of the fireplace. No year can be bad that starts so well.
Cafe au lait and the last of the Christmas cake. Editing mass market edition of THE BRUTAL TELLING. Heaven.
Having a wonderful time reading and responding to the flood of quotes from subscribers to the newsletter. A reader sent a quote recently and I put it on the top of the January newsletter and decided to hold an on-going contest. Every month I'd place a new quote at the top, sent by a reader, and if theirs is chosen they get a small gift as thank you. I adore quotes, and clearly lots of other people do too. What fun this is.
Indeed, Cathy in Toronto just sent this quote and it seemed appropriate to share it with you now:
"Write it in your heart that every day is the best day of the year" Ralph Waldo Emerson
This being the start of a new year and new decade one becomes reflective. I've had such great fortune in the past year. A Rule Against Murder came out in January in the US and hit the NY Times list...the first of my books to do it. A thrill I will never recover from.
Michael and I had a fabulous, quite miraculous month in Quebec City researching Bury Your Dead - the 6th Gamache book. that got written through the late winter and spring - editing through the summer and into the autumn.
The Cruelest Month won the Agatha. Cannot begin to describe how exciting that was!
THE BRUTAL TELLING came out and went immediately onto the New York Times Bestseller list and stayed there for 3 weeks! And was chosen an IndieNext pick by the Independent Booksellers, but also by Barnes and Noble as their Main Selection. It was thrilling - I cried when I heard the news I was so dumbfounded and happy.
Lots of great professional news, and on the personal front Michael and I continue to be blessed - with a few hurts along the way, of course. Losing Maggie was hard...such a brave puppy. Lose John was harder. Such a brave man. As was Michael.
But Michael's eyes, always fragile, underwent a delicate procedure that would either cure it or leave him blind in that eye with the other threatened. I cancelled touring with THE BRUTAL TELLING (with the full blessing and support of Minotaur Books in the US - which I will never forget)...and the operation was a complete success.
I know many of you have seen loved ones struggle with ill health. Some of you have seen bad news turn worse. And been there at the end. I know some of you have received dreadful news about your own health. And continued to put one graceful foot in front of the other.
this time last year I could never have predicted what would happen. The moments of joy, of delight and gratitude. And the others. The sorrow.
I wonder what I'll be writing about a year from now? All I really hope is that Michael is healthy and happy - and that whatever comes we can accept, and make everyday the best day of the year.
Here in Quebec there's an expression. Bien Etre. Well Being.
I wish you all, and myself, Bien Etre as we head into 2010. I must say, it sure sounds like a good year. Not sure why...it just does. 2010.
So far I love 2010. Quiet, peaceful, gentle. Even had a nap on the sofa in front of the fireplace. No year can be bad that starts so well.
Cafe au lait and the last of the Christmas cake. Editing mass market edition of THE BRUTAL TELLING. Heaven.
Having a wonderful time reading and responding to the flood of quotes from subscribers to the newsletter. A reader sent a quote recently and I put it on the top of the January newsletter and decided to hold an on-going contest. Every month I'd place a new quote at the top, sent by a reader, and if theirs is chosen they get a small gift as thank you. I adore quotes, and clearly lots of other people do too. What fun this is.
Indeed, Cathy in Toronto just sent this quote and it seemed appropriate to share it with you now:
"Write it in your heart that every day is the best day of the year" Ralph Waldo Emerson
This being the start of a new year and new decade one becomes reflective. I've had such great fortune in the past year. A Rule Against Murder came out in January in the US and hit the NY Times list...the first of my books to do it. A thrill I will never recover from.
Michael and I had a fabulous, quite miraculous month in Quebec City researching Bury Your Dead - the 6th Gamache book. that got written through the late winter and spring - editing through the summer and into the autumn.
The Cruelest Month won the Agatha. Cannot begin to describe how exciting that was!
THE BRUTAL TELLING came out and went immediately onto the New York Times Bestseller list and stayed there for 3 weeks! And was chosen an IndieNext pick by the Independent Booksellers, but also by Barnes and Noble as their Main Selection. It was thrilling - I cried when I heard the news I was so dumbfounded and happy.
Lots of great professional news, and on the personal front Michael and I continue to be blessed - with a few hurts along the way, of course. Losing Maggie was hard...such a brave puppy. Lose John was harder. Such a brave man. As was Michael.
But Michael's eyes, always fragile, underwent a delicate procedure that would either cure it or leave him blind in that eye with the other threatened. I cancelled touring with THE BRUTAL TELLING (with the full blessing and support of Minotaur Books in the US - which I will never forget)...and the operation was a complete success.
I know many of you have seen loved ones struggle with ill health. Some of you have seen bad news turn worse. And been there at the end. I know some of you have received dreadful news about your own health. And continued to put one graceful foot in front of the other.
this time last year I could never have predicted what would happen. The moments of joy, of delight and gratitude. And the others. The sorrow.
I wonder what I'll be writing about a year from now? All I really hope is that Michael is healthy and happy - and that whatever comes we can accept, and make everyday the best day of the year.
Here in Quebec there's an expression. Bien Etre. Well Being.
I wish you all, and myself, Bien Etre as we head into 2010. I must say, it sure sounds like a good year. Not sure why...it just does. 2010.
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