San Francisco

Sunny, warm, temps 75

Gorgeous day. Here's the view from where I'm sitting right now. The Regency club level of the Hyatt. Magnificent. Had breakfast here at 7:30 with Marjorie. Here's a shot of us. Not, perhaps, the best photo (we sparkle more) - and you can't see the view in that photo.

Had such fun actually sitting with Marjorie - and Michael joined us. I met her for the first time at the event a couple weeks ago at RJ Julia, in Connecticut. But we didn't get a chance to do more than hug and say 'hi'.

What an fascinating person she is. She told us all about her time in the Turkish prison and as the leader of that biker gang...and of course, as a rockette. No, wait. That was someone else. Maybe...

We're here in San FRancisco for Bouchercon - this massive crime fiction convention organized by and for readers....and we lucky writers get to come and meet the readers - and each other. We flew in from Calgary yesterday and went directly to lunch with Andrew Martin - the publisher of minotaur and Matthew Shear the president of St. Martin's. Great restaurant - greek...huge open fireplace, amazing fish. And so fun to see these two people I so admire and like, whose company I honestly enjoy and don't simply endure. or get all nervous. We've known each other for 6 years now, and feel like brothers and sister. It's an interesting relationship. Publishing is still, in many ways, very old fashioned. Still so dependent on personal relationships. And yet we all know it's a business. They'd drop me in a moment if the Gamache books stopped selling (well, not a moment, but eventually, as they should) and I'd leave if I felt I wasn't valued or respected. But that aside, we genuinely like each other. And that means the world to me. I no longer choose to work with people I don't respect and admire.

Did the old hotel shuffle when we got back...trying to find a room we (I) liked. So far no luck - and since we're staying for a week we're considering leaving....any suggestions on great San Francisco hotels - in interesting, fun neighborhoods?

the view from this club level is magnificent, but the rooms are small, and dark....and there's no bedside lamp on my side. I find that so odd in a room that's been newly renovated. And disconcerting. don't people read in bed? Honestly, that's the big thing driving the move. Sounds so trivial - but I so love lying in bed after a long day, and reading.

Ahhh.

I can't do that here.

Poor Michael - dragged around again. The hotel tour of SF. I'm joking, actually. We don't spend all that much time trying to find a good room....this is way to magnificent a city to waste too much time doing that. Gives me the shivers.

And congratulations to the winners of the Macavity and Barry awards last night!!!

The macavity for best novel went to Reed Farrell Coleman and Ken Bruen. And the Barry for best novel went to John Hart. The Barry for Novel of the Decade went to Stig Larsson.

And my Lipstick's Chronicles sister - hank Phillippi Ryan won the Macavity for best short story. And the terrific Alan Bradley won for Best First Novel - both the Macavity and the Barry....what a year he's having - and deservedly so!

All so well deserving, everyone who won!

Have a small gathering tonight in the hotel Atrium bar, organized by Marjorie, of readers who might want to meet with me informally. As I say, it's a modest gathering - not everyone knows about it - but if you're here and would like to drop by, feel free. It's between 6 and 7.

Off for more San Francisco fun....will blog tomorrow.

There, there

mostly sunny, cool, temps 40

But mild enough to walk to the nearby theatre for the Anthony Awards.

I didn't win - but I sure had a gas. Indeed, so far I have a perfect record. Three noms, three losses. But you know, as much as I love to win, and there is always that little 'ooof' when I hear someone else's name, I know how much mad good luck I've had and do not demand more of the universe.

Having said that, there was one issue that actually hurt quite a bit. I debated saying anything, but thought that this is certainly part of playing in the big leagues...or perhaps not in the big leagues

Michael Connelly won - in a fabulous field made up of William Kent Kruger, Sean Chercover, Stieg Larson and me.

I began to feel a little annoyed when Connelly, as guest of honor, was actually in the lobby when the ceremony began and needed to be called to the front to receive his guest of honor statue...he meandered down the aisle and up the steps and gave a brief speech. He seemed bored. Then when he won our catagory, he again wandered up. Now you must understand, everyone else bounded up - gave gracious talks mentioning the other nominees and the great honor of the award, and seemed thrilled, giddy even, to have won.

Connelly seemed, again, bored. Saying 'thanks'. He did say some nice things about SJ Rozen who was MCing the event. then he sat down.

As one of the nominees I was...I was thinking of saying disappointed, upset, baffled by his apparent ingratitude. But I realize I need to be honest. I was angry. Probably have no right to be, and perhaps an over-reaction due to a certain fatigue. I wasn't actually angry that he didn't mention the other nominees - but that he seemed not to care about winning an award that meant so much to me. I felt like standing up and shouting, 'If it means so little to you, then give it to someone who does care.'

It just didn't feel at all good...a kinmd of entitlement. Especially funny after SJ Rozen had commented that the previous winner had been almost faint with excitement and gratitude and how sad the day will be when she's won so many awards she just says 'Thanks'.

And that's what Connelly did. Not to be funny - but because he didn't seem to be able to muster more enthusiasm.

but, after the awards - about 5 minutes later, I went over to him, put out my hand, smiled, introduced myself and congratulatd Michael Connelly. He looked bored, shook my hand, said 'thanks' and looked away. He obviously had no idea who I was and didn't care.

That also hurt. It was very humbling. Not enough to lose, I must now feel two inches tall.

I also debated whether I should tell you so clearly how I feel. part of me thinks I should just tell you about the good stuff, or pretend to a thicker skin than I have. But then I realize it would'd be much of a journey together - and you have been so generous with your kindness - that I felt I really needed to show warts too. I recognize that my pain at this encounter comes from my own insecurity. My hopes that Michael Connelly, a huge name in crime fiction, might know me. But he didn't. And he didn't seem to care.

Anyway, am at the airport, waiting for the flight to Toronto...trying to shake off a funk. I know I'll feel better by the time we arrive. These things are short-lived and part of the price of competing. And living a somewhat public life. You expose yourself, become vulnerable. Sometimes it feels great...as most of this glorious Bouchercon did - but sometimes it doesn't feel so good.

Like most jobs, writing is the whole package. I do want to say that I really don't mind losing. On Thursday when both the Macavity and Barry awards went to someone else, I was delighted...not a problem at all.

The kind of casualness of connelly is what hurt. Just one more award. One more fan congratulating him.

I suppose he's tired too.

But the rest of the day was fabulous. Breakfast with my friend Dan Mayer, of Barnes and Noble. Then lunch with my friend Robin Agnew, who owns and runs the Independent Mystery Bookstore, Aunt Agatha's in Ann Arbor. wonderful store.

Then Robin and I went up to our panel...a riot! Robin moderated, and sitting with me were the great Willian Kent Kruger (known to his friends just as Kent Kruger) and the terrific Sean Chercover. Our topic was the importance of independent mystery bookstores. We ended up trading war stories of life on tour. Kent and Sean were hilarious. Robin moved it along and asked fun, smart questions.

The Nikki taped an interview with me.

Then headed over to the Anthony awards...and did I mention what happened there? Never mind.

I'm already feeling better. Flight about to leave. Speak to you tomorrow. Michael is still in Montreal - going to his McGill Medical 50th year reunion! And coming to Toronto by train tomorrow. I miss him. Wish I could just curl up in his arms and he'd take the hurt away. Probably good for me to be able to do it for myself, shrug it off. Count my considerable blessings.

But it will be good to hold him. And have him hold me. And say, 'there, there.'

Speak tomorrow. Oh and also want to make sure I congratulate Jim Huang, of The Mystery Company in Muncie, for organizing one of the best Bouchercon's ever!!! Fabulous.

Bouchercon

cloudy, rain expected, temps 40

Am in Indianapolis - and back to what seems to be my natural habitat - turtleneck weather. But also see the winter storm in the US Northeast. Wow.

Had huge fun at Murder By the Book in Houston, Wednesday night. Loads of people, great questions...very knowledgeable and passionate about the Gamache books.

BUT - remember from yesterday's post where I describe visiting the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, and how great that the american museums are free??? Well, I was describing this at the event and I suddenly saw a sea of people shaking their heads.

Huh?

'they're not free,' someone called out.

Huh??

Seems I'd waltzed right by the ticket people and into the museum. Without paying!

D'oh.

Arrived at Bouchercon - the huge crime readers/writers conference - yesterday after a very nice, relaxing flight from Houston.

I'd forgotten have enervating Bouchercon is. Walked into the Hyatt Regency - the conference hotel - and before I'd even registered I was meeting people. And it didn't stop. It's both exhilerating and exhausting...but VERY fun. Have a fabulous hotel room too - floor to ceiling windows looking out over the capital dome. Gorgeous.

Yesterday is a bit of a blur in my mind...I remember snippets of meeting all sorts of people, going to the book dealers room and meeting Lynn and Chris and Mike and Barbara etc, etc...signing a bunch of books. Meeting more people. Feel a bit like being pulled in all directions, but for someone like me, whose worst fear is not fitting in or being excluded, it sure feels wonderful. Like falling into the middle of a huge family.

Then grabbed a salad for lunch about 4pm - and went to the ceremony for the Derringer, Shamus, Macavity and Barry awards. It was packed...and very warm feeling.

And congratulations to the winners...which you might have gathered by now, did not include me. But that really is OK. I never expect to win, and it was really, genuinely lovely to see the joy of the people who did. In my catagories, the fabulous Deborah Crombie won the Macavity for best novel. And in the Barry for best novel, well this is embarrassing but I can't spell his name...a swedish writer. Andur Arn - something. But I'm sure his book is brilliant. Better be - to beat The Cruelest Month!

Congratulations to Andur and Deborah!

We have one more award to go - the very prestigious Anthony (unless I don't win, in which case it will become just another award...((kidding))

At 7pm Sarah Melnyk, from Minotaur Books swept me up and off we ran to the hotel lobby to meet Hector (head of publicity) and Andy Martin - the publisher...and a fabulous limo...hired to take us to the Barnes and Noble in Greenwood, Indiana - about 20 minutes away. We were late, so whizzed along. Arrived just in time for this terrific panel the B&N Greenwood people had organized to coincide with Bouchercon and Mystery Month at Barnes and Noble. Also on the panel were Donna Andrews, Chelsea Cain and William Kent Kruger. It was such fun...and if you were among the many people who came out, then thank you. And brilliantly organized by Laura and the rest of the B&N crew.

It was also the first time I'd seen the huge displays of THE BRUTAL TELLING set up at Barnes and Nobles across the US. As you might know, THE BRUTAL TELLING was voted by B&N employees their latest Main Selection. I was overwhelmed and moved...all these emotions surged up. Gratitude. Astonishment. Up until that moment last night I knew it was happening...I was excited and a little stressed (not knowing if it would fall flat)...but I think a little removed, since I live in Canada. To actually be there and see it - WOW.

Got back to the hotel around 10:30. Ordered a burger and fries and rice pudding - comfort food...called Michael. then turned on the TV and vegged out for an hour. Went to sleep, feeling pooped but very happy. What a life. this is a GREAT job. - Though I suppose you know, it doesn't really feel like a job. work, yes, but not a job.

Busy day today. 10:30 coffee with Sarah, my publicist. 11:30 signing at the Mystery News table at Bouchercon. 12:15 - lunch with Andrew martin - publisher of Minotaur Books, Sally Richardson - publisher of St. Martin's Press, Matthew Shear - publisher of St. Martin's paperbacks. Hope I don't dribble anything. Or say anything terribly stupid.

Have a panel then on 'Ordinary people rising to the occasion' at 3pm. Coffee with the wonderful Anthony Bidulka - a Canadian crime writer from Saskatchewan - at 5pm...then the Minotaur Books cocktail party at 6pm at another hotel...and finally dinner with Lynn Kaczmarek, of Mystery News - at 7:30. Back in the hotel by 10. And glorious sleep.

then it begins all over again tomorrow, with a breakfast meeting with Dan Mayer, the mystery book buyer for Barnes and Noble nationally.

As Linda Ellerbee would say - And so it goes...

Just spoke to Michael again...his sister Carol was having a big operation on her back in London this week. He called with an update...the operation was a success. Phew. Carol is such a nice person.

Hope you're well...hope you're enjoying the book tour and Bouchercon. Carb up! (that's my excuse)

Oh - in all this excitement - did I mention that THE BRUTAL TELLING is STILL on the New York Times bestseller list??? Third week in a row. It's the extended list - number 33...but still there. That's my baby!

Speak to you tomorrow, I hope.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Overcast, cool, temps 13 - this is exactly the weekend when STILL LIFE is set!

Back home! Does it ever feel great. But what a wonderful time I had at Bouchercon in Baltimore. Everyone seemed to have a fabulous time - Congratulations to Ruth and Judy for their amazing organization.

The flight back yesterday was smooth, easy. Stunning countryside...brilliant, clear skies. As we flew north we could see the colours changing below. Until it was a mat of reds and oranges, up and down mountains and into valleys and thick, flat forests. Broken only by lakes.

Hoped into the car and did the 2 hours home. Got to Canada Customs a milli-second ahead of the rush. Behind me there must have been 20 cars. Sutton was packed...never seen it so crowded. Fun, though. It was sunny and warm and everyone was walking, and talking, and buying breads and cheese and going into shops.

Turned into the driveway and felt my spirits lift even further. What a beautiful home we have. And - even better - as I walked in I could smell turkey! And Michael had set the table with such creativity.

The UK publishers, Headline, had sent a beatuful bouqet of autumn flowers, and they looked fabulous in the kitchen. We have a large country kitchen (not unlike Clara and Peter's in the books) and we mostly entertain there.

Michael and I hugged and kisses and hugged again, then got softdrinks and sat and yakked away at each other, with news. Then Bal, Linda and Bethany Mount arrived for Thanksgiving dinner, with their 3 dogs, Tara, Trevi and Ivy. It was a mad house - perfect. Linda, wonderful woman, had made a salad and the dessert - of fruit and chocolate to melt for a fondue.

What could be better?

We know them so well, and love them - it was like family. Everyone helping out, and helping thmselves, and doing the dishes and cutting fruit. Bethany, who's 13, is brilliant. A writer. We tried to take the 5 dogs around the pond, but they kept playing, and running away we ended up just talking. And she told me all about the stories she's writing. For fun! Had I known it was possible to have a child like her I'd have order three of them.

After dinner we all divided the left-overs, chatted some more, then the Mounts returned to the guest house and we went up to bed, to laugh and talk and read. It feels so great to be home.

Spent today doing the smoothing out of the book - making the changes Michael found necessary when he read The Brutal Telling. Mostly grammatical and spelling mistakes...and a few names that changed suddenly and needed to be consistant. My brother Doug is also reading the manuscript. Doug - if you're reading this - hurry up!!! Doug reads about as quickly as I* do - which is about 2 pages a day. I write faster than I read. don't tell my editors.

Must be off...a ton of emails to respond to, and mailings to prepare. But life is good. Must take the dogs out - Trudy is clawing at me. Be well - talk tomorrow.

Louise, the Goddess of Pooped

sunny, warm, temps 75

A glorious day in Baltimore. Just got back from lunch with Bonnie and Joe. They used to run the Black Orchid bookshop in New York City - fabulous place. They closed it almost exactly a year ago - but we've kept in touch. Lovely people. We met at a seafood restaurant at the harbor. I was late - hard to get out of the hotel, so many people to talk to. But finally managed it. What a lovely walk to and around the harbour, though I was hurrying.

Spent 2 hours over lunch - had great seats looking onto the sparking waters. I'd had crab cakes last night at dinner with Rhys Bowen and Lynn. So decided to have the lobster penne for lunch, and we shared an apple pie with cinnamon ice cream. As good as it sounds!

Had breakfast this morning with the St. Martin's Minotaur team, including publicists Hector and Sarah, and the president of the imprint, Andy Martin. The president of the paperback division joined us...Matthew Shearer. We discussed sales (excellent) and strategy.

The Murder Stone (UK/Canadain title for book 4) continued to be the bestseller in the Bouchercon bookroom, which made me happy, but the US publishers less happy since it was the Canadian version everyone was buying. The US doesn't come out until January and will be called A RULE AGAINST MURDER.

Am getting worn out. Yesterday was exhausting - thrilling - but exhausting. Had breakfast with Dan Mayer, who's become a friend but also happens to be the person who buys Crime/Mystery books for all 700 Barnes and Noble stores across the US. We had a riot - both being dog people. After breakfast we went to the B&N at the harbour and signed. Then back in time for lunch with Julia Spencer Fleming, her husband Ross, Robin and Jamie Agnew, of Aunt Agatha's Bookstore in Ann Arbor, and the amazing Jim Huang, one of the organizors of next year's Bouchercon in Indianapolis. Then at 1:30 I met Lee Ann for a coffee. Don't know if you remember, but I had a message from her last month. She lost her son, Thomas, in the Iraq war and wrote to comment on a passage in The Cruelest Month that had moved her. Well we arranged to meet for coffee and she brought an album she and her friends made up after Thomas's death...of him from birth to the very last picture of him. I think you can imagine how that coffee felt, for her, and for me.

She's a lovely woman and she'd signed up for the conference...I'd see her after that every now and then, deep in conversation with her favorite authors, having a great time.

Then had to run to make my panel, with Rhys Bowen and Deborah Crombie. It was called Three Goddesses Talking. No moderator. Just us. This format is extremely unusual. But it worked. Turned out to be a riot. I think it helped that we all have real affection for each other and respect, at least I have that for them, and it seemed to be mutual. It was a genuine honour to be grouped with these two amazing writers. And generous women.

The room was packed...and afterward, in the signing room, the line up for autographs went all around the room. That felt good. As you know, I've sat behind desks when no one wanted my book or my signature. so when this happens I really savor it!

In fact, it was so successful the organizors of next year's Bouchercom have asked Rhys, Deborah and me to do The Three Goddesses at the Indianapolis convention, and we've all agreed. In the meantime we will take mortal form.

By the time the panel and signing was over it was 4:45. At 5:30 I had a party called Authors Without Borders to go to, then at 6pm the Minotaur Party at another hotel. Fabulous party - everyone there. Then Lynn and Rhys and I walked back to our hotel and had a quiet dinner. We all looked like zombies. Met Donna Andrews in the lobby and she looked like she couldn't get out of her chair!

Quiet night tonight, by choice - then head home tomorrow in time for Thanksgiving dinner with Michael, Linda, Bal and Bethany. Big week coming up. We officially launch The Murder Stone.

Right now I just want to curl up and read People Magazine. But, if anyone asks, I'm reading The Economist.

I might not blog tomorrow, but will Monday. Take care of yourselves.

Bouchercon

sunny, temps 70

Baltimore! Bouchercon. Such fun. Left home (and Michael) at 9am - drove to the Burlington Airport. First time using it. There are two huge advantages to using it over the Montreal airport - especially for trips to the US. I pass through customs on the road, don't have to do the awful Mtl customs, especially coming back. a nightmare. And it was hundreds of dollars cheaper. Flew AirTran. Direct from Burlington to Baltimore. What are the chances there'd be a direct flight, but there was.

Was a little concerned about AirTran, never having heard of it before. Expected it to be like AirBob or AirLouise. Some guys former cropduster or bush plane. But it's a wonderful airline. Big 717 jet. I got to upgrade to Business for 50 dollars. Which, of course, I did. Also upgraded my hotel room to Club level.

Ah, luxury. Anyway, the flight was smooth, fun. Relaxing. Only took slightly over an hour. Then waited an hour for the luggage. But it finally arrived and I wasn't in a hurry. Didn't have anything until the book signing at the Mystery News desk at 4pm.

The Sheraton hotel seems good. My room is wonderful. Big corner King...21st floor. Windows on two sides - great view. very bright.

I only had time to drop the luggage, register for Bouchercon and head to the dealers room. For those of you who've never been to this convention, it's a riot. Thjousands of mystery readers and hundreds of mystery authors. The authors are put on panels, then sign their books afterward. There's a dealers room filled with mystery booksellers from the US and Canada. It's like a candy store. For anyone who adores mysteries it's heaven. And, of course, being surrounded by people who also adore the books is wonderful.

Did the signing - met up with the wonderful Chris and Lynn who own and publish Mystery News, a real agenda setter in the crime writing community. They also sponsor and organize the annual Barry Aards, given out tonight. Lynn and I are having dinner together tomorrow night. She's a wonderful woman, and someone I'm glad to call a friend.

Next door at Mystery Mikes they managed to get in hardcover copies of The Murder Stone, so I signed three cases for them and they said The Murder Stone was far and away their bestseller today at the convention. I'm thrilled to hear that.

I should be going to the ceremony tonight to open Bouchercon and give out awards but I'm a little tired and tomorrow's a hectic day - so have just ordered a burger and key lime pie.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Never mind

sunny, cool, temps 19

Beautiful day - but cooler than usual. We turned the heater off in the pool while we were away and now it's got a long way to make up.

We're actively exploring solar power for the home and perhaps for the pool too. Gary dropped off a 20 page print out - along with season 3 of Saturday Night Live! I watched Steve Martin be a 'wild and k-ray-zee guy' and read all about solar heat. We're also considering thermal heat. Before long we might also have windmills, and be sending strange packages through the mail. I seem to be growing the survivalists beard. I wonder if I get to keep my blueray and cappuccino maker?

Had breakfast in Cowansville this morning, dropped Mackinac Island fudge off at the bookstore for Danny, Lucy and their three boys. Dropped Michael off at home so he could continue writing his book - then headed into the loft/office in Sutton.

We've decided to close the office since we work most of the time from home anyway. That's why Gary's here - building bookshelves.

Brought the desktop computer, printer, and a couple boxes of books from the office. Little by little it comes over. the home looks like a survivalists camp - if what we were trying to survive was an apocalypse of books.

My cold is much better - not a bad one after all. Drugs help. Little yellow pills during the day and little blue ones at night.

Heard from Bouchercon. they've asked me to be on a panel with the wonderful Deborah Crombie and the amazing Rhys Bowen. Just the three of us. Probably Friday afternoon. In a sort of free-form talk - without a central theme. Can't tell you how thrilled I am about that. LOVE their books. And love them. Really fantastic women. Not only gifted mystery writers but wonderful women.

Bouchercon's a huge mystery readers/writers annual convention. It's in a different city each Ocotber. last year it was Anchorage, Alaska - loads of fun. And this year it's Baltimore. Now, I wonder if they'll be doing the whole alphabet? Cleveland next year? Actually, it's Indiannapolis next year, organized by one of the true gentlemen of the mystery community - Jim Hueng.

I'm off - fresh corn to shuck and a Weekend Update to watch. God wasn't Gilda Radner brilliant? Rosanne Rosannadanna - never mind.

snow storms and schedules

partly cloudy, mild, highs minus 4

I was wrong about the weather yesterday. When I let the dogs out I thought it was bitterly cold (and God knows it was clear - almost a sure sign it's extremely cold). But it wasn't cold at all! It was one of those amazing days when it's sunny and very mild. Temperature must have been hovering around freezing. Gorgeous.

Today is similar, though not quite as bright. And a little windy, so the windchill comes into effect.

Another storm forecast for tomorrow and Wednesday - and of course we have lots to do on those days. We're trying to figure out our schedule.

So far this is the plan;

Drive to Hovey Manor at 8 tomorrow for breakfast and to discuss the possible launch of the next book there. It's a stunning Inn on the shores of Lac Massawippi, about an hour from us.

Drive 1 1/2 to Cowansville for Michael's test for new glasses.

Try to get to Montreal (about another hour drive) before the snow storm closes in.

Stay night in Montreal. Write Wednesday morning in Montreal. Then Michael has a hearing test Wednesday afternoon. Will probably stay the night Wed. too. Drive back Thursday.

I'm also feeling a little overwhelmed by the degree of details descending. Thank God for Lise. But with all the mystery conventions I'll be going to in the next year I'm having difficulty remembering which one's I've registered for. And if I can't also register for hotel rooms at the time I register for the convention, then I can forget that too.

So far we'll be going to:

*Malice Domestic in Washington (flying direct from London for that) at the end of April
*CrimeFest - in Briston, UK, in June
*BookExpo Canada in June (flying direct from UK to Toronto for that)
*Wolfe Island Festival - in August in Kingston, Ontario
*Bouchercon, in Baltimore, in October
***Magna cum Murder in Muncie in October - I'm the guest of honor with delights me
*Left Coast Crime, in Hawaii, in March 09

I'm normally quite organized, and Lise is ulta-organized - but woke up at 3am wondering about Bouchercon. Sure don't want to miss that.

And, have to say how thrilled I am to be asked to be Guest of Honor at Magna. It's a fantastic, intimate, smart festival run by Katherine Kennison out of the Univeristy in Muncie. It's three days (really 2) and you get to meet and mingle with some wonderful mystery writers. It would be fun to see you there.

On another topic, we received the Russian copies of STILL LIFE late last week. What a thrill. Though a little odd since my name doesn't appear to be on the cover. It is, of course, only in Cyrillic - so I can't read it. So it could be by anyone. But I know whose book it is. And it sends shivers down me to see my first baby translated into Russian. This book no one wanted.

Life astonishes - if we just keep breathing, and trying our best.

Thanks for reading - not sure if I'll be able to write for the next few days, as we battle schedules and snow, but will try. Be well.