Thursday, July 28, 2011

Enjoying Portland

I came here to Portland a day early because originally I had a radio interview scheduled for yesterday, though it was rescheduled for today. NOTE: This morning from 8:00 to 8:30 am (Pacific), I'll be on The Dove Morning Show out of Medford, Oregon (my old stomping grounds!) with hosts Perry Atkinson and Polina Yemelyanova. (Hope you can tune in!)

Anyway, because I got here so early, my friend Wendy and I spent much of yesterday in a coffee shop, writing. This is always a huge treat for me because there's something so wonderful about the camaraderie of sitting with a friend in such an environment -- and we don't live anywhere near a coffee shop in Idaho.

The shop was right near a huge two-story Barnes & Noble.


At one point, while stretching my legs (and more than a little curious), I went into the store to see if they had my book. And they did!


In fact, the book was facing out which, I'm told by Wendy (who knows more about these things than I do), is a good thing. Makes sense, doesn't it, that a book which has a cover facing out will catch the eye more than a spine facing out?


After we finished our writing, Wendy insisted I go in and ask if I could sign the books, which I did. Then the clerk gave me a business card for the correct contact person to arrange a booksigning. It looks like I'll be doing some publicity stuff in Portland in late October or early November -- a couple of booksignings (Powell's, Barnes & Noble) and possibly some morning television shows. I'll keep everyone appraised!

Anyway afterward we walked briefly through the mall attached to the Barnes & Noble. I seldom see the inside of malls anymore, so this is always fascinating -- especially the bizarre shoe fashions, which gave me a good chuckle.


I always try to imagine wearing these around the farm. Mucking out the barn, anyone? Cleaning the chicken coop? Weeding?


Late yesterday evening Wendy and I took a long walk with her dog around the adjacent neighborhood. She and her husband live right next to an old neighborhood of drop-dead beautiful homes, and half the pleasure of walking the dog is looking at the homes.


As I write this, we're sitting in a different coffee shop not too far from her house, which has internet access as well as this amusing announcement:


A few moments after posting this, I'll be returning to her place and getting ready for my radio interview, which I'll do from their basement.

This afternoon will be my first day of tankard sales. Wendy's husband Tim will be helping me. The weather this weekend is supposed to be perfect -- mid-70's, sunny -- nothing like the hideous 105F we had a couple years ago. Cross your fingers that we have good sales!

8 comments:

  1. Glad you are enjoying Portland!
    Those shoes...oh my! I don't think I could manage 5 steps in them before I would wobble and fall on my rump!
    I do love the coffee shop sign, heh-heh! That would put the fear in me if I had little ones in there!

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  2. it is such a nice thing to have an opportunity to just enjoy a day sightseeing, visiting with a friend and window shopping.

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  3. Very cool! My wife and I will have to make a point to come on down to your book signing then if you give us enough warning :) We have been wanting to check out Bob's Red Mill there in Portland anyways.

    So, just curious but are you guys selling the tankards at a Ren fair or possibly a big SCA event?

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  4. Behold! The pear!

    LOL! and they don't call 'em rat-stabbers for nothin'!

    So glad you're having such a good trip. The weather here is the same as it is there, and, I hope, as it is at home.

    It's possible my tomato plants will revive! lol

    Go forth and sell!

    A. McSp

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  5. How cool is that?!?!?! Seeing your own book Facing Out at a huge Barnes & Noble. I would have screamed with delight if I were there. I am so proud and happy for you! Forgive me not giving you my humble opinion of your book before now but I am still reading it. I am reading it slowly and thoughtfully and am enjoying every minute of it. I was moved to tears by the 'jar of dirt'. Patrice, truly, this book feels like I am visiting with an old friend whenever I pick it up! I hope many, many more people have the same good experience when they buy it and read it. I can't wait for Simplicity Primer #2. 8-)

    God Bless,
    Janet in MA

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  6. I thought for sure we'd get to see a picture of Wendy's dog. Come on....we need a dog fix!
    Good luck with your sales this weekend.
    Kay

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  7. Lol, Patrice, those shoes are for killing weasels to keep them out of the chicken house, doncha know!

    mimi june
    www.learninghowtosew.com

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  8. Those shoe would be just the thing when you are trying to halter break one of the critters. Spike those heels in and you ain't gonna be drug anywhere

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