I’ve never traveled to the Southwest in the fall before. It was quite an adventure to experience so many different types of weather and see trees changing colors. I had fun at my book events and spending time with friends and family too.

 

AUSTIN, TEXAS – I flew into Austin during a flash flood warning but I was prepared in my new silver rain boots. Fortunately they didn’t set off any security alarms as I was leaving the San Diego airport. I stayed with my friend Debra and we had quite the gabfests. I met her twenty years ago taking modern dance classes. Her mother hosted a wonderful party for me and now I really understand what southern hospitality means. She decorated the table with vintage gloves, pearls and nonpareil candies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO – My brother Todd and sister Leslie both reside in Santa Fe and had a lovely cocktail party for me and my silver shoes. We also went vintage shopping (of course), hiking, and to hear Todd give a lecture about the history of immigration in the United States. The weather was perfect until the day I left as a snowstorm waved good bye.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAREFREE, ARIZONA – Then to the Boulders Resort for a retreat with my publisher Brooke Warner and my She Writes Press sisters. I also got to hang out with Julie Metz, the incredible designer. I always say my books sell well because of her beautiful covers. I experienced some firsts too; saw a roadrunner, in a yoga class the instructor played her ukulele while singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” during shavasana and I spoke on an “As Me Anything” panel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now I’m home getting ready to give a talk at the Women’s Museum of California on December 9 from 4:30 – 5:30. My topic is “How Photographs Have Inspired My Writing.” It would be great to see some of you locals there.