Thursday, June 18, 2009

Ashland et al.

So, had my book gig in Ashland, and, WOW, what a fun weekend. In between the diabetic dog and parental units and health issues, this spring has been pretty crappy, to be honest. Four days before we are supposed to leave, dog dives into a diabetic freefall. We get her more or less stable and have to head off for book gig, leaving poor daughter with the responsibility of med-ing up the dog. Thank heavens for cell phones. We burned up the wires between Ashland and the Bay Area getting hourly dog updates.

Anyway, had a wonderful, wonderful time, mostly due to Maureen of http://www.booksandoldlace.com/. Had a packed house (!) at Bookwagon, talked about mystery, writing, state of the art (?), and had my five minutes of fame on community television interviewed by Danielle Amarotico of Standing Stone Brewery. She was as nervous as I was, which made us partners in "crime." When you're in town, look them up. I had the Indian Pale Ale, husband had the Double Indian Pale Ale, and both were very fine. They are on Oak Street, right near the theaters off of Main. And yeah, I had dessert and the bread pudding was great! In between author-related events, husband and I saw "Much Ado About Nothing" in the outdoor theater. Despite rain all weekend, no rain that night. Had doughnuts and coffee one morning in Lithia Park. Designed by John McLaren of Golden Gate Park fame, it's green and lush, with water and endless trees and I want to live there.

You know, I've never quite gelled here in this upscale suburb I live in, and I find myself always checking out other places to live. Housing prices might dictate that we stay here once the kidlet is done with high school, but I hope not. I'm not really suburb material. And I liked Ashland a lot. One of the things I can't stand about living here is that I am hogtied to my car. Always. I want to live somewhere I can walk. Plus, Ashland has roughly a bazillion independent bookstores. Seriously? On EVERY block in the downtown there is a small bookstore. I'm hooked.

Thanks, Maureen and Ed, for your wonderful hospitality; the nicest weekend I've had in ages.

4 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Glad you had a good time and a good turnout! Wish, as I always do, that I could be part of it all over there on the fun (if bankrupt) coast. Ashland sounds like Heaven.

Just sent my novel out to an old friend from Columbia who's now a screen writer in LA. We'll see what he says, and then round #(I'm not counting anymore) with sending it to agents.

Elizabeth said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Elizabeth said...

Ooops! that was me. Try again.

Here's a link I think you'll get a kick out of:
Ascot hats

Maria Lima said...

Sounds lovely!! I'm not much for the 'burbs either. Where I live (on the edge of Arlington/Alexandria and within a loud shout of DC proper) is perfect for me. Enough city to be convenient and enough not!city to be less fraught.

Congratulations on a very successful event!