Okay, I am just back from New York—attempting to recover. I felt like a country bumpkin gone to the big city! I have lots to share but the first task is to recover from the journey home and non-stop activity…boy am I tired.

Highlights? Well, I got to meet my myspace.com friend Mignon Fogarty—whose podcast landed her a deal. I didn’t realize she was at BEA and was excited to actually connect in person.

Mignon also goes by GG so don’t get us confused! *snicker* GG was friendly and I loved her session filled with great tips and little known information about grammar. Imagine! Drop by and check her out.

I also got to meet Lindsay (director of A Place for Books) and learned a bit more about myspace.com and other communities. I am done with the book tour and will be embarking on a virtual tour in the next week or so now that my schedule is opening up. Still on the early learning curve.

After a panel with a bunch of radio producers, I saved the day during the panel with the producers of several large television shows such as GMA (Good Morning America), the Early Show, and the Today Show. Which made one producer ask me for the name of my new book, which I shamelessly yelled out. Anyway, I was unofficially dubbed “the techi” and at least might be remembered for that when pitching for segments!

One of the other great things about going to New York (there are many) is that I finally met my agent Sheree Bykofsky in person. She is a great advocate for me and a writer, too. Wouldn’t you know it, Dan from the RA has been attempting to lure her to Big Bear for a visit. Small world.

One of the big highlights of the trip was to meet my favorite author, Mary Alice Monroe. I am not one to get really excited over celebrities or notable people but I was _so_ excited to meet her finally. She is keynote speaker at a conference this fall so I might try and arrange my visit with my family around the same time and tie the two trips together.

Mary Alice Monroe combines conservation messages within her books and I was delighted to discover her a few years ago. Her most recent book, Swimming Lessonsis a sequel to the first book I read of hers The Beach Houseand takes me back to my very early days working as a naturalist for the Cabrillo Beach Marine Museum (now aquarium).

Be sure to check out her website and links for information on how to help birds of prey, sea turtles, and to get the latest information on what she is doing. The great news is that she will release a children’s book on sea turtles this fall and it is GORGEOUS.

I have to say that I also caught my first
Broadway Play—Spring Awakening. It was so fantastic that is left me breathless. The audience laughed and embraced the cast—you can catch a glimpse via video on their website (or below but it does not compare to the live version) and look for them to perform at the Tony Awards 2007 next week.

Here is a snap of me with cast member Lea Michele from Spring Awakening(Mecla)

Hope to chat again soon with some hints and tips for bargains in Manhattan…in the meantime I am trying to recover!

Liar, liar, pants not on fire…I said I wouldn’t have time to post as I am busy in NY but of course I found a moment to email you.

Wouldn’t you know the feature story about Blessing of the Animals came out today in the Press Enterprise (which we don’t get here in the rural mountains).

Local Fawnskin residents are in the article too and photos were at Captain John’s Marina aka Fawn Harbor.

I am currently in New York at the big Book Expo America and enjoying the diversity and all the great sights and choices. Although I don’t want to live in a big city, I sure do find it to be a good shot of energy and fun.

Anyway, here is a link to the feature story about my new book, Blessing of the Animals check it out online.

Hey all. I am heading out to NY today for Book Expo America. Lots to do and little time to get it done. I took my morning amble and found that the trash levels are not as bad as they have been during other holidays but I still had to pick up a bunch and despite the new signage, trash bags are piled up outside of bins. No wonder many locals walk with trash bags. Do people not get that they should pack out their garbage. The local wildlife will have a field day…

In other news, this just in: The Catz in Hats debut release of Resilience on the Rhombus Records label has been submitted to the Academy of Arts and Science for possible Grammy nomination for their original songs.

The Catz have scored top 10 and top 20 chart action from Las Vegas to London England according to Jazztimes.com and even placed on the billboard chart earlier this year. The Catz became Internationaly known when their songs went to the charts in Paris, Canada and New Zealand last month.

The release I received said that a recent review in the Los Angeles Times called the Catz “One of the most entertaining and energetic jazz bands since Louie Prima.”

If you have not seen the The Catz, the group members are Terry Copley, Steve Johnson, Mike Wiens, Steve Boggio, and Skip O’Donnell. The group plays at the Mandoline Bistro every weekend.

I’ll be out of town until the 5th and doubt that I will be posting until then. Feel free to leave your comments.