So this weekend was nutty; first, I went to Book Expo America, where I wandered the conference hall with Andrea Pickens, a wonderful, smart Regency-set historical author (her new books from Grand Central will be pubbed under a different name, which I will report when I can find). I met up with Amanda McCabe and Diane Gaston at the Met, where we oohed over the Decorative Arts exhibits and had lunch at the cafe. I felt very Ladies-Who-Lunch that day, it was cool. Then, my cousin arrived from San Francisco, and the 9 Year-Old and I went to pick him up at the airport. He was in just for the weekend, wanting to a) hang with us b) see New York c) shop for sneakers and d) catch up with old friends, not necessarily in that order.

Saturday we all went sneaker-shopping, checking into New York’s various cool sneaks shops, places where I was totally intimidated, way too old, and definitely not cool. We stopped at Economy Candy, where we got chocolate-covered halvah and the 9 Y.O. bought more jelly beans than I should have allowed.

We ate dosa–Indian crepes–at a Soho joint, where the Star-Struck, and Slightly Faint Spouse saw Carla Gugino. Then the cousin went off to see Mos Def and Talib Kweli, and we trucked home, where the Still Faint Spouse and I watched Taken, which was surprisingly not cheesy.

Next day, we did errand-y things, but then–!–I went out to meet Amanda, Diane, Hope Tarr and Kwana, the P-I-C, for dinner. It was so lovely to hang out with them.

Monday I took the cousin to the airport, got stuck in some wicked traffic, came home and met the Picky Vegetarian for a day of Chinese food, overwrought cupcakes and much talking. And THEN–no, I’m not done–I went out to Lady Jane’s Salon, where Amanda and Diane were doing readings from their new book.

But today I have a respite. I hope not to talk to anybody for a few hours. I was happy with myself that I didn’t get a panic attack at the thought of seeing and hanging with so many people, that I didn’t get stupid (it happens), that I made good choices and plans.

And back to work, first freelance, then some fiction. Later in the week, a much-needed hair cut. And then more weekend fun, starting with an evening with the Picky V., who is willing to come out to Brooklyn to get her Megan on. Yay!

So the long Birthday Weekend was lovely, much to my surprise (things here at Casa Frampton are not always as shiny-gleamy as they look from the outside. Sometimes people are stressed. Just saying.). The Spouse de Cuisine grilled a whole turkey, which he’d marinated for 24 hours prior, and others remarked that the turkey was “life-changing.” Plus he grilled pork belly, which was just sinful. And I made ginger cake with crystallized ginger frosting, which turned out great.

I’m therefore oddly energetic, something I don’t say very often, and I am hoping to a) kick ass and b) take names. The Book Expo America is this week, and friend and fellow Risky Amanda McCabe (along with RR Diane Gaston) is coming to town. Plus my cousin visits for the weekend, which will be awesome fun.

Hopefully some fiction writing will occur, too, since this story isn’t going to write itself. Even with me helping, it might not get done that well. But, you know, nothing will happen if I don’t write.

And I’ve worked out eight days in a row, which is just crazy. Still weigh the same, but see what I’ve been eating, above, and marvel that I’m not a house right now.

So, yeah, yesterday kinda stunk. Like, not get everything done/have a huge fight with Spouse/eat too much/feel like you’re a bad parent/wife/person/whatever stunk. Although I did have an epiphany while revising the Sexy Novella, so that was okay.

But today I cleared off a whole buncha stuff off the to-do list, and I am feeling much chippier. Yay! I like feeling happy, and honestly, it doesn’t take much to make me so–recognition, a child’s retrieved coat, friends calling/IMing, a smidge of alcohol at the end of the day.

Tomorrow I get to hang with Jenna Petersen/Jess Michaels, so more yay!

It IS March, isn’t it? (Thanks to Carolyn Jewel for pointing that out. She’s smart.)

I love holiday anthologies. Until my thousand year-old landlord threw them out (and it was my fault–I’d left them in his basement too long), I had quite a collection. So I am starting my collection anew with this book, featuring fellow Risky and awesome friend Amanda McCabe (whose nickname cannot be revealed here, but not because it’s naughty, just because):

I am in the land o’ the lakes, basking in the no-nonsense love of my relatives (”We like you. You’re one of our favorite relatives. It’s hard to believe you’re so normal, given your mom.” Which is better than what some of her other siblings say, such as “I can’t believe Abby’s still alive.” (my mom doesn’t take great care of herself.))

My son is out power-washing the deck with my uncle. How much more suburban does it get?

I am contemplating getting to bed not too late and having time to write my synopsis, which a new kick-ass friend just bitched me out about (”Wait. So you’re holding your career up writing this other thing because you don’t want to write a synopsis?” “Uh. Yeah, I guess so.” “You know how dumb that is, right?” “Uh. Yeah, I guess so.” Notice what a sparkling reply I give.).

Then onto something resembling a career, right?

After some sleep. And, perhaps, a little Cherry Garcia frozen yogurt.

Visit Marianne Mancusi and Liz Maverick to see me in pure idiocy. And to see very nice pix of MM, LM, EKM and Leanna, whose birthday we were celebrating.

I don’t feel so bad anymore, though, ’cause of your nice comments, and the ebbing of time (Cindy, the story about your friend asking for more is just mind-boggling. WTF? I don’t think I’ve ever been so rude).

I sent my agent the partial of Road to Desire/On Bold Adventure on Sunday; we’ll see what she says. It’s much more traditional romance-y than That Subtle Knot/Road to Passion, but it’s still edgy.

I started reading Lover Enshrined yesterday. Already love it, already have rolled my eyes in several places. Isn’t that what a guilty pleasure is all about?

So, in a once-in-a-millennium event, I went out last night with a group of friends. It was fun, but the best part mighta been right before the main event:

Bartender, asking me and my friend where we were going next: What’s after this?

Me and Friend: Jekyll & Hyde.

Bartender: No, really. Where are you going?

Us: Really.

Bartender: Where’s your friend from?

Me: You’re gonna say New Jersey or something, right?

Bartender: Or Connecticut. Some place like that.

Us, sighing: Yeah. Jekyll & Hyde.

So despite Friday’s Riskies post, I didn’t actually start writing Road To Desire–I did start reading a friend’s book, which I am loving (for feedback, not just ’cause I love to read), and did a whole bunch more HouseWork, to which Amanda can attest.

And I figured out what my heroine looks like. And the first line, and the first scene. So I will start actually writing when I have finished said friend’s book and life is a smidge calmer, probably tomorrow.

Amanda’s visit was lovely, I think our Beau Monde workshop this summer is going to kick serious booty. Go us!

It’s the best feeling to walk into a bookstore and pick up a friend’s book. Yesterday, I went to the B&N in midtown and got a copy of Deb Marlowe’s Scandalous Lord, Rebellious Miss:

And I’ve got Meljean Brook’s Demon Night on order from Amazon:

I also, unfortunately for the TBR pile, went to TWO libraries and checked out a total of four books. What is wrong with me?!? I’ve got plenty of unread material here, why must I get MORE?

To the in-laws this weekend, wish me luck. And wine.

1. My Marie Claire essay got approved, so is going to run in March, I think.

2. I wrote yesterday, am in the middle of the second of last three (plus epilogue) scenes. I WILL be done by Friday, or heads (namely, mine) will roll. Not that I have two heads, but ‘head will roll’ sounds weird.

3. Almost all of the Christmas discs have been uploaded into the Mac. If played continuously, all the music we’ve got on the computer would play for 143.8 days (thanks for giving me the scoop on that info, Goedi. I didn’t realize that data meant that). I wonder how much you would actually like?

4. I wore a dress on Saturday. No-one mocked my knees.

5. I have a new friend. No nickname yet, though.

6. I am seeing the faux critique group this week. ANOTHER IN-PERSON EVENT, and I am looking forward to it.

7. Steak is for dinner tonight!

8. The Super-Smart Lawyer is coming over this weekend to see a bad movie and drink red wine.

9. The Son is getting what he most wants for Christmas.

10. I got a refrigerator. Yay!

11. And this book: