All My Bags are Packed . . . (cue John Denver)

It's not a great clip, but the song is one of my favorites. And, in this case, quite appropriate!

It will be quiet around here for a couple weeks while I'm in Scotland, but I'll have TONS of great pictures for you when I get back. I'm planning to visit many of the places in the first few Highland Guard books, so you'll be able to see some of the things you've read about. Most of you already know about these, but if you are new don't miss the "picture books" on my website where I try to highlight portions of the novels with pictures.

Slainte!

And the Winner is . . .

Mari M! Please contact me here with your snail mail addy to claim your prize. If I hear from you by Saturday, it will be ready to go in the mail next week. If not, it will have to wait until I get back. Congratulations!! I know you will enjoy Veronica's book.

Would you take this job?

Talk about a perfect set-up for a gothic novel! How would you like to live in a lighthouse on a tiny island in the San Francisco bay? I heard about the job posting in our local paper. You would be responsible for running the lighthouse and small inn on the island, as well as ferrying guests back and forth to the island. The pay is good: $60-100k a year, but you also need have a commercial boating license. The good news is that there is electricity and internet. Bad news is that water is dependent on rain. Any takers?

I've always loved lighthouses (and gothic novels), but I think even aside from the job responsibilities this would be too much for me. Although it could be romantic, I think the romance would wear off for me in a couple days and stir craziness would set in.

What about you . . . does this sound like paradise or a nightmare?

And speaking of paradise, in honor of my upcoming trip to Scotland with fellow romance author Veronica Wolff-appropriately dubbed Mommy Abandonment Tour #2--I will be giving away a copy of her latest release DEVIL'S HIGHLANDER. It's the first book in her new Clan MacAlpin series (kind of a Party of Five meets the Highlands--with claymores, LOL) that you guys are going to love. I loved the first book and am already looking forward to book #2. As a travel partner, I deserve an early copy don't you guys think?

I'll pick a winner from the commenters on Friday.

USA Today and NYT!!!! (Think that's enough exclamations?)

Erik hit the bestseller lists today, debuting at #23 on the NYT and #58 on the USA Today. I'm absolutely THRILLED! A huge thank you to everyone who raced out to purchase the book the first week, I truly appreciate all the support. You guys are the best. I'll be toasting you tonight. :)

It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This

The hubster and I spent a relaxing labor day basking in the sun, drinking beer, and eater lobster sandwiches (delicious!) at the ballpark. As you can see, we had some pretty cool seats. They are literally right on the field--you can see how close Chone Figgins was--and come with all you can eat food and non-alcoholic drinks. Funny enough they had nothing to do with being a former player, but came though a business contact of Dave's. Wish we'd had seats like this when Dave played, LOL.

It was actually a busy weekend. Aside from the A's game today, we went to the Highland Games yesterday (always a blast) with fellow Scottish author Veronica Wolff and her family, and Saturday was the first Stanford tailgate--I mean football game--of the season. I was able to try out my new tailgating margarita machine, which, you'll be happy to know, performed beautifully.

True to form we are FINALLY getting some warm weather in NorCal. It's been pretty cold this summer, but it was gorgeous this weekend.

Anyone take in any games this weekend? Hit the beach? Do anything else fun? Labor Day always feels like the end of summer to me. Tomorrow it's back to reality. :)