Well, what a day!  I got home about 6:30 AM, slept almost three hours, got up, picked up Ken McConnell from his hotel, and we navigated downtown Moscow on a Saturday morning for our book signing.  We got to the book store early, and they told us they still needed to set up.  We went to a bakery next door and got some breakfast, talked, and people watched.  During the summer and early fall, Moscow has the Farmer's Market, which fills downtown up nicely with people!  A band was playing in Friendship Square, kids were playing on the playset nearby or in the fountain across the street.  People were everywhere, most of them with dogs on leashes.  We didn't get to actually go to the market, but it does help the downtown businesses.

We made it back to the bookstore, where we read our stories to a  small, but kind, audience, and anyone else who was in earshot.  The audience members asked some very tough, good questions, to which we had no choice but to reply honestly:  "Um, I hadn't realy thought of it that way..."  But it went very well.  I have to say, the writer's grapevine worked very well for us.  I belong to one writer's group.  Some of the members belong to other writer's groups.  They did a wonderful job spreading the word to different groups, and the bookstore sold many copies!  I didn't even look to see how many copies were laid out for public inspection, but there were only two copies left when the event was over.  I don't know if the store owner had more copies in the back, but I think he sold over half of his inventory of Barren Worlds.

It was really nice to see friends there.  They were very supportive, and made me feel good.  Ken did his usual fantastic job, and the audience really enjoyed talking with him about his background, how he came up with the story, and the other projects he was working on (Starstrikers plug!!)

After we said our goodbyes and thanked the store owner, I dropped him off back at his hotel so he could start his drive home.  I got home myself about 2:30 PM, ate, and slept!  I crashed!  I got up about 7:30 PM, when the family tromped back into the house, and I was greeted with "Mom!  Can my cousin spend the night?"  Like I care, I have to work tonight!  Dad's problem!  :)  So the boys are plotting how they can stay up all night, despite our warnings to go to bed.

I think I even got some fan mail.  Kind of strange, actually.  I got one email from a friend, who had CC'd an email she sent to someone I didn't know, giving my email address.  Well, that friend emailed me and congratulated me on today's success, even though he wasn't there.  Does that constitute "fan mail" ?  But I answered him back and thanked him for his thoughts.  My husband said it might be someone who used to go to our church.  Won't my face be red if it turns out to be someone I DO know, and just haven't seen in years, and therefore didn't recognize the name?!  So sir, if you read this, and we do know each other, I apologize for not recognizing you!  I hope we can get reacquainted!

So another day, another feeling of accomplishment, and my day is really only beginning.  Soon, I will go to work, and deal with the flotsam of Saturday night revelry that always happens post-home game.  My family will be on the back of my mind, hoping the boys don't give my husband too much trouble!  I hope I won't be too busy to feel that baby kick, since I'm still waiting for something a little stronger than a "gas bubble" sensation of movement.  Have a great night, everyone. 

Ken McConnell and I will be signing copies of Barren Worlds at BookPeople, the local independent bookstore in Moscow, Idaho.  My husband and I met him for dinner tonight, and had a great conversation.  The schedule will be pretty hectic for the next day or so.  Tonight, I work graveyard shift.  Get home at about 6:30 tomorrow morning.  Get a couple hours of sleep, and then get ready for the book signing.  Do that for about two hours, go home and sleep again, and then go to work for another graveyard shift.

So I'll be tired, but I'm excited about the signing!

Well, and 'I'.  Pickles, popcorn, and ice cream.  This baby is so weird.  But I think I'm starting to be able to tell the difference between the baby's movement, and the hunger pangs, and gas.  Before, it all felt the same.

Munchkin started soccer today.  He loved it!  I hesitate to say he loved it more than baseball, but that may apparently be the case.  Sigh.  At least he's having fun.  And speaking of my precious, innocent, darling child:  Yesterday we were talking about which of his friends he wanted to practice his soccer with.  I suggested one friend, and my son replied, "I can't, he'll kick me in the balls!"

Did I mention he's six?  I don't think he was referring to soccer balls, either.  He saw the look on my face and quickly amended his statement:  "I mean nuts." 

He's six, people.

And I've had to give up my jewelry.  Now I know that sounds like a very vain statement.  You need to understand something.  Any jewelry I wear is not for vanity's sake.  I had to give up the necklaces my husband and son gave me, because I was so busy with morning sickness that anything around my neck made me very sensitive.  And now, I've had to give up my wedding  ring, and a graduation present ring my sister gave me.  Swelling fingers.

There is silver lining, though.  This Saturday, Ken McConnell and I will be attending a book signing  for Barren Worlds at the local independent bookstore in my home town!   Yeah!!  Friends have been putting out the word for me, and I have some posters to distribute. 

I could go on all night with all the anecdotes and funny things that have happened this week, but tomorrow is a rather busy day.  My thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by Hurricane Ike, as well as the current financial crisis.  How long has it been since we've had major natural disasters and financial collapses all in the same week that were independent of each other?  I forget.

Hello to my family in their various locations.  To family in Florida and the midwest, I hope Ike didn't kick your ass too much!