HOME SWEET HOME.....

The trip didn't start off too well. My Washington flight took off an hour later than scheduled which caused me to miss my connection in Memphis. I was re-routed to Dallas by the 'ticket guy' who assured me he'd take care of everything. (I told him I'd wait for what I needed and he practically pushed me onto the plane all the time saying, 'don't worry. I promise it will all be taken care of'). After coming THISCLOSE to missing my Dallas to KCI flight (he did not take care of it) I finally made it to my destination safe and sound.

That was Wednesday and since I didn't have anything scheduled until Thursday I sat and revelled in the utter beauty of my surroundings.

This is the view from my parents back porch and even though I've witnessed many a sunrise here it seems like each time I come here I'm witnessing it for the very first time.
As the scorching sun (it was over 100 degrees) started to set and dusk began to settle over the trees the faint sounds of the frogs and locusts crescended into a full-blown chorus. The darker it got the more visible the full moon became until it cast a silvery, shadowy glow over the lawn, softly outlining the backdrop of the forest. The singing of a lone, far-off whippoorwill blended into the harmonic soft sounds of the night. Perfect.

Thursday morning started off with a beautiful drive through the countryside ending at KWTO radio in absolutely beautiful Springfield, Missouri. (If you were to ask me my favorite city in the entire world it would be Springfield.) My driver then sped me across the city for another interview to be aired later (details to come).

The above picture is my Dad at the gorgeous Wayside Inn Museum in El Dorado Springs, where my book signing and reception was held on Friday night. Mom isn't in the picture because she's in the back with the catering.

As most of you know El Dorado (population: 3800) is my old stomping grounds. Even though I grew up there and my family and best friends in the whole world still live there I was as nervous as a whore at a tent revival. I had no idea what to expect especially in this economy. I thought I'd probably sell 15, 20, 25 books at the most. I sold almost 5 boxes - that's well over 100! And the best part is I got to see soooo many people I haven't seen in ages! That's the beauty of a small town. Everyone knows everyone else and we always support each other. (Of course I was so busy talking, hugging and shaking hands that I didn't get a single picture of the actual book signing.) The board of the Spring City Revitalization Group and the Preserve our Past Society made this event so special and made me feel like a Queen!! Thank you everyone!

El Dorado Springs has a city orchestra band that plays every Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday afternoons in the park and it just happens to have the honor of being the oldest city band in the U.S.

Below is the view from the front steps of the high school. Every single morning during my senior year I would watch for Jay to come walking up this sidewalk into the school.

And this would be the view from his direction. As he walked towards the school from the bus line he'd find me sitting in the middle, 4th step up leaning my right shoulder on the red hand rail, impatiently waiting for him.




McFadden Arena where I used to show my horses and compete in rodeos, named after Bert McFadden who was the voice of the sport throughout southwest Missouri and Eastern Kansas. His voice was so classic and while most of you are probably too young to remember this, he reminded me of Rex Allen, the voice of the early Disney nature movies. Bert and his lovely wife Lou dedicated their life to every aspect of youth agriculture. Sadly, Bert passed away last winter.

This is the Powderhorn Restaurant, where I ate two huge down-home southern meals! This is the best place in the universe to eat - I kid you not!! Their mashed potatoes and gravy put mine to shame and that's saying a lot as I am famous for mine.



If you ever find yourself on Highway 54 between Collins and El Dorado Springs, Missouri you MUST stop here. It's all good!


Way, way back, a looong time ago - even before I was born - it was called 'Jack's.' That's it - just 'Jack's.' A bar. Tavern. And it's where my parents met.

You know what they say. Nothin' ever good comes out of a relationship that starts in one of 'those' places. At least that's what I was always led to believe. Hmmph.

Life has settled back down and I'm busy working on my next novel which revolves around the quirky characters of ta-da - -El Dorado Springs! Relax all you Eldoradoans - it's purely fiction!

I'm home for about another month before "False Victim" release date (August 3rd). Then I'll be heading out again for another tour.

Until then,

Kathie

I LOVE you El Dorado Springs

I'm headed to the airport to catch my flight back to DC. I have so many pictures and so much to tell you.

My first event was an incredible success. I'll tell you about it when I get home.

In the meantime have a great weekend. Meet me back here on Monday.

Kathie

Things that have just been buggin' the HECK outta me lately.

I'm not talking about the general things that drive me nuts. You know -the woman at the grocery counter talking incessantly on her cell phone while she's rummaging through her purse to dig out her money then realizes she's forgotten the mustard, puts the phone down just long enough to ask if she can run back and get it, then goes ahead and treks back to the aisle without waiting for an answer and hey! while she's back there might as well just stop in aisle two and ....you get my drift.

No. These are worse. I'm guessing if you'll take a quick peak at these, some of them just might set off your 'peeve-o-meter' as well.

PLEASE NOTE: These are in random order, not necessarily what bugs me the most.

I can't stand men who wear eensy, teensy bikini bottoms (i.e. speedos).

On what planet does the female species find this attractive? Please. Let me know because then I will run for Congress and make it a law that any man that wears one of these things will immediately be exiled there.

Next.

Cyclists who think they are in the same league as cars. Huh? I am all for bike riding. It's good for the environment and it's a better way to commute for so many reasons. But please use the bike lane when it's available. And really bikes do NOT belong on a road without shoulders. I have seen more car collisions and head-on accidents by vehicle drivers trying to avoid hitting a cyclist.



'Why Kathie, what on earth could bug you about Kate Gosselin?' you ask. I love Kate. Really, I do. I am one of the few who criticize her for gallivanting all over the country. Good grief, the woman has 8 kids. She has to make a living and unfortunately there aren't too many jobs that can cut it. I was on her side until she started whining that her book had only sold 10,000 in the first week. Give me a break. I am hoping I can sell 10,000 books in a year.

The above is a picture of Danielle Staub of Real Housewives of New Jersey and while yes she does bug the heck out of me I can't really count this one because I choose to watch her trainwreck of a life all played out on the screen. What this picture reminds me though is women who are pushing 50 (I can say this because I'm there) should not be dressing like hoochie-mamas. Regardless of how hot you are.

I've changed my mind. I can do that you know, since it's my blog. The above and below pictures are probably the numero uno thing in this world that just drives me batty.

So, what bugs the heck outta YOU?

The District Dish

This is Kate Michael and the crew setting up to film "The District Dish". No divas here. The all-girl crew don't (doesn't?) mind getting their hands dirty, filtering through wires, cords and lighting. (All you English majors out there please advise on the proper word - 'don't' or 'doesn't'. I think it should have been 'doesn't').

Doesn't, er, I mean Don't judge Beverly (seated) by the picture. She is one of the hosts of the show and had just arrived and was trying to get her bearings, looking over the script, getting acquainted with the guests.

Speaking of which...This is me with Jason Wright, a professional skydiving trainer. As a matter of fact he is so awesome at what he does that he trains navy seals. (Don't know about you, but I'd definitely jump off an airplane with Jason!)

He is also an artist. Check out his website at jasontwright.com. Starting July 29th his work will be featured at Gallery Plan B, 1530 14th Street, NW 20005. Some of his paintings were inspired by an unfinished, abandoned subdivision he ran across in Phoenix. Hmmm...Now wouldn't he have a field day in the Ozarks with all those big, beautiful abandoned barns. I'll plant that little bug in his ear when I see him next month.

I was on next and of course got to 'dish' about my book. Oops! I forgot to mention that this episode was being filmed at my son-in-law/daughters restaurant Floriana, which I will write about at a later date! (THE best Italian food - EVER!)

The only bad thing about my night? I was so tired I fell asleep right smack dab in the middle of Real Housewives of New Jersey!! Did Teresa throw any more tables? Yikes! What did I miss?

Anyhoo, The District Dish will be aired in mid-July. When I find out exact dates you, my friends, will be the first to know.

Gotta go! I have to 'google' last nights RHONJ!

Kathie

Film at 11.....

At 6:00 actually.

Tonight I'll be one of the featured guests on Kate Michael's "The District Dish". I don't know if it's being shot live or is being taped. Either way she usually has each episode on her blog so I'll let you know when it airs.

Kate is a beauty (a former Miss D.C.) and quite the socialite in town. That girl is everywhere!

It's been about 15 years since I've been on camera. I meant to take a media training course to get myself back up to speed but of course I let time get away from me.

I received a phone call from Washington Flyer magazine telling me that they will probably do a book review.

I am also adding an August 7th booksigning to Borders in Woodbridge, VA. More details on that later!

This is pretty much the last week that my time is my own. My life is about to change!

I am looking forward to meeting some of you in my travels!

Until next time,

Kathie

A whole lotta "I wishes"....

It happens every time I put in a CD of The Wailin Jennys. I get weepy. Their sweet, 3-part harmony, bluegrass-y sound takes me back to 19 again, which could explain why I have a bad case of the 'I wishes.' You know what I'm talking about. 'I wish I had done this' or 'I wish I done that.' What's funny is that I don't believe in 'regrets', 'looking back', or 'if only's'.

thewailinjennys.com

(Listen on youtube.com A Beautiful Dawn and Glorybound are my favorite)

But lately I've been thinkin'....

I wish I'd learned to play the bango. Or the drums.

I wish I'd gone to Nashville and tried to make it as a backup singer. (I'm not a good soloist/lead singer, but man, I can do a meaannn harmony).

I wish that I had planted my 17-year-old self on the roof of the Cruce Mansion and threatened to not come down until the El Dorado Springs City Council promised to raise funds to restore it instead of tearing it down. If I had pushed aside my fear that my parents would tan my hide for causing such a ruckus then maybe it would have started a revolution and it would still be standing for generations to enjoy.

I wish that I hadn't cared what my mother or mother-in-law thought and worn the red velvet wedding dress anyway!

I wish that I'd homeschooled my children and never let them get within an arms reach away from me. Now they're both grown and I wonder where the time has gone.

Oh don't worry about me. I'm fine. Really. If these are the only regrets I ever have in life I'll be lucky.

But maybe I should change my choice of music for a while. Something that makes me happy for all today offers.

Let me see...where is that Lady Gaga cd?

Until Next Time,

Kathie

A very glamorous weekend

It's the weekend. Friday night. Will is at a friends. Daughter and her family are in Italy. Husband is travelling. I'm home alone. No one to cook for. House is clean. Laundry caught up.

Great! Time for a much-needed girls weekend.

Woo-Hoo!

But apparently my idea of a party and the girls idea of one is completely different.

No gossip, cuttin' up or dancin' on tables with this crowd. No loud music or stayin' up all night. Bummer.

Instead I pour a big ol' glass of sweet tea, slap on a mud pack

and pick up a new issue of one of my favorite reads.

I am ready to rock.

So. How was your weekend?