It was one of those days--
It started with my continuing saga of plumbing issues. The hot water heater for one side of the house is located in what used to be the garage and now has been remodeled into what we call the studio. The hot water heater was 18 years old and the life span is about 10 years. I kept telling assorted family members what would happen if the seal on the hot water heater went (that's usually what happens when they die) Not too bad a problem when it was a garage, but a major problem now that it is a spiffy room. They argued don't fix what's not broken. With the help of our plumber who by now seems like a member of the family, I got them to see the light.
So, he called yesterday about putting it in today, which was fine except we had an appointment at noon to sign some papers for a refi in the studio. The plumber said he' be done by 11, but that was before he discovered that the shut off valve didn't work and needed to be replaced.
As it turned out, he left to get another part just before the notary showed up. Papers were signed and then it was on to my afternoon plans.
By chance I had two virtual events. One at 3:00 for a bookstore in Ohio that was having a craft meet up and then a group one with some other Crooked Lane authors at the Poison Pen bookstore in Arizona. I'm always nervous when I do any appearances and added to it, they were the first virtual ones I was doing. One was Skype and one Zoom, but it was Facebook Live. I tried to set up a nice backdrop with a bookcase. Everybody seems to have books in the background. I had to removed some of the excess and added my Sherlock Holmes doll and the crocheted one I made for one of my books. My son liked it so much now he wants to use the spot -- without the toys, of course.
I managed to sign on and was in the middle of the first event when the plumber showed up. Luckily I had given it over to another family member to deal with. I'm my worst critic and thought I was boring. By the end of the hour, I was drained. And then it was time for the next one. It was easier as there were questions to answer. It's been a long time since I've been on a panel and I found it harder than when the audience is live. I talk a lot with my hands and well, they were out of sight on the screen.
And then the hour ended and the screen went off. Then found out the plumber left a crack in the wall of the studio. Letting somebody else deal with that.
I finally got the stuff together to update my website and it should be done by next week. Now I can get back to what I really like to do, write the next book. I love the plot of the next Writer for Hire book, but it's taking some figuring out how to structure it. A woman hires Veronica to write her memoir which will reveal a secret at the end, but there are clues to it all along. While I was rearranging my backdrop for today, I found a bunch of books on my Chicago neighborhood that will help with the book so it ended up being sort of a two-fer.
6 comments:
Is there any place where there are photos of the crochet work you talk about in your books? I would love to see some pieces. I'm an avid crocheter which is what brought me to your books from the start. I'm especially interested in Sheila's work as you describe it so beautifully.
I'm also enjoying the Writer for Hire books. I'm from Chicago so I love that backdrop.
Have a great weekend.
Sally, the only photos are of the projects in the books on my website. I'm afraid Sheila's pieces are only in my imagination (except the "hug" which there is a photo of.
When I first tried making mixing the colors of yarn, I discovered something the hard way. I had bought a bunch of different yarns in the colors she uses, but when I went to mix them, found that really had to stick to mohair like yarn for at least two of the yarns otherwise three yarns was just too heavy. Three strands of mohair worked the best and gave the impressionist kind of look.
I love writing about Chicago. Were you North side or South side?
Thanks. I'll take a look at your website.
My husband and I are both North siders. We enjoy our new home in Florida but miss some of the great Chicago restaurants. Most of our friends have left the area for warmer climes and cheaper taxes as we did. I'm hoping to visit Chicago in the next year or so.
I was scrolling through Facebook when I saw you on a panel. I was so excited!!! It was late so I couldn't watch but I know how to find The Poisoned Pen on YouTube so I can watch.
I just finished If Hooks Could Kill. I loved it! I love the characters and the story. I would love to have a bookshop like the one in your book in my neighborhood.
In my building we have to replace our water heaters every ten years. I do because I live on the third floor and I don't want water running down to the first and second floors.
Chkntza, It was different talking to a computer. Not that I'm stellar on in person things. I always come away thinking how much more interesting and articulate everyone else is.
I'm so glad you enjoyed If Hooks Could Kill. I wish there was such a bookshop near me, too. I can't believe the change in bookstores since I started the series. Borders is gone and so many Barnes & Nobles have closed.
That's why I wanted to replace the one we did. If it went it would have made a real mess. The plumber told me there are sensors you can put under the hot water heater that will notify you if it starts to leak.
Don't know why things always seem to happen at once, but sounds as if you dealt with it well, Betty. Plumbing issues are no fun. But virtual appearances can be.
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