Upcoming Book signings

Back from Vegas and Back to work (more on Vegas later).

Here is my schedule this week. If you have family, friends, and acquaintances in these areas please send them my way. In addition to this, I have an exciting week. I am having lunch with a fan who is going to be in Washington DC on Thursday.

I LOVE meeting you all when I get the opportunity.

Friday, April 1st

Red Oliver Books

307 Williams Street

Fredericksburg, VA

6 - 8 pm

Saturday, April 2nd

Barnes and Noble

Short Pump Shopping Center

Richmond, VA 23233

"If you're going through hell, keep going."

There are many Sir Winston Churchill quotes I like but the above citation is so relevant (for me).

It bears repeating: "If you're going through hell, keep going."

Face it. We all have problems. Some big. Some small. Whatever 'hell' you're going through right now, please trust me....just look straight ahead and keep marching. I don't care if the devil is dancing in front of you, don't look at him.

Just. Keep. Walking.

I had just about as perfect of a life as a woman could have. Overnight things changed, as if often the case. My walk through the fire was four years.

Four, long, hard, anguished years. I didn't know if I'd ever recover. If I ever could recover.

In almost every book club I have attended (and there have been many), it is inevitable that I'll be asked, "Have you gotten to the point that you're happy that this happened to you?"

The first time I cringed, but politely said, 'no'. On to the next book club, and the next and the next and the next. Each time my response is 'no', but each time I cringed less and replied 'no' with less conviction.

Today I look at my life. My beautiful, wonderful, life. And I can finally say 'yes' - I am thankful for all that has happened.

Dreams that once seemed impossible are coming to fruition. Goals that I was sure weren't meant to be are manifesting. All because of what was put before me.

"If you're going through hell, keep going."

I believe in God and I never doubted for a minute that He would come to my rescue if I did not cave in to the pressure to seek revenge. And the pressure was great. I prayed that my wish for revenge would not over ride my love for God - and I won't lie to you my friends, sometimes it almost did.

But I knew - I knew - I'd get through it and I'd some how, some way, make it the best thing that's ever happened to me. And I did.

My bond with old friends is stronger than ever, and for every 'friend' that betrayed me - God replaced them ten-fold.

You see, I don't care much about material blessings, though God has been gracious in that regard, as well. All I want is all I need.

The most important thing in the world to me is people - being surrounded by those whom I can trust, those whom I love and love me back. And I have that.

Ten-fold from what I used to have.

I knew when I was 'walking through hell' that something wonderful was waiting for me on the other side - I had no clue just how wonderful.

If YOU are making that walk right now, please....just. keep. going. Don't look back. Don't look side to side. Stare straight. And just keep walking. I promise you - NO, GOD promises you, that there is a plan for you on the other side.

Without further adieu, put on that fireproof suit right now. Don't wait! Go!

Your reward is on the other side!

(please share with me some of your stories. I'd love to use some of them as examples for some of my upcoming speaking engagements. I won't use names!)

Kathie

April 1st - no fooling! - I'll be back to blogging full-time. While I do have some upcoming articles, what would YOU like to see?

I'm open for suggestions, y'all, so please let me know!

(Also, I'm on Twitter, now. Follow me!)

So what happened with the Wagoneer?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

I sent an e-mail to the young man to set an appointment to do a look-see and a test drive. He e-mailed me back and I quote "I found you on facebook and we can talk better there."

WHAT?? My family will be the first to tell you that I'm not techno-savvy, but facebook is NOT easier than e-mail.

Those red flags (also known as: gut feeling or women's intuition) were flying at full mast. Sure enough when I opened facebook he was there.

To make a long story short I told him we'd communicate through e-mail or not at all. Never heard from him again.

So, back to the begining. I'm going to take my sweet time and get the one I really want. Somewhere out there, my friends, is a beautiful Jeep Grand Wagoneer waiting for me.

Now, changing the subject. I want you all to watch Lifetime tonight (Monday, March 7th) at 9:00 Eastern Time.

"He Loves Me" starring Heather Locklear, is premiering, and it's produced by Anne Carlucci, the producer that purchased the book/movie rights for my novel, "False Victim".

Still no word on when that will happen but we did renew our contract last week.

Til next time,

Kathie

Some of you have inquired about the 1867 Victorian home that I blogged about last October -the one that I fell head-over-heels-hopelessly-in-love with.

Well, we hopped in the car and drove 3 hours south to the most charming little North Carolina town you've ever seen. We met up with our realtor and she gave us the grand tour. This, ladies and gentlemen, was the house I'd waited my whole life for. We came so, so, SO close to purchasing it. But we didn't. ((sigh))

She was in very good shape - especially for her age - but we both (Mr. T and I) knew that we would be spending every waking moment and every spare dollar repairing or replacing something. At the end of the day, even though it was a very romantic notion, we knew that would get old very quickly.

In other news and wishful thinking....

In an effort to resurrect my Hillbilly Debutante persona (aka replacing my long-lost vintage suburban "Dixie) Mr. T and I will be travelling to Fredericksburg, VA on Sunday to check out a Grand Wagoneer woody that I have been coveting for quite some time.

It looks identical to the above photo that I shamelessly pilfered from e-bay in which 20 individuals were involved in a maniacal, frenzied bidding war in which I, most dignifiably refused to participate. (interpret: Mr. T cut off the purse strings. Dang!).

Anyway, that's two things I wanted more than anything in the world that I didn't get (cue up the violins, please) so surely this weekend..... (drying the lone tear from the corner of my eye) well, let's just say I'm hopeful.

On to other things.

Becky Cooper's High School English class
El Dorado Springs, Missouri

January and February were very laid back which allowed me some quality writing time for "The Hillbilly Debutante Cafe" (scheduled for a spring 2012 release).

I was on the road mid-February making a stop in my hometown to give a speech and while there visited my alma mater - El Dorado Springs High School. All the kids were so cute. So young, fresh-faced and seemingly (at least to these eyese) so completely oblivious to the iniquities that wait for them outside the protective walls of what may be the safest place on earth.

They wanted to talk about my book and writing. I put aside my acute longing to give them my 'if I only knew at your age what I know now' lecture and adhered to their wishes.

I wish I could have spent more time with them, but alas United Airlines Flight 3351 to Washington Reagan would wait for no one....

XXXXXXXX

A reminder that I'll be at Kokopelli on Main Street Annapolis, MD Saturday, March 5th 1-3.

Til next time,

Kathie

This Saturday (March 5th, from 1-3) I will be in the beautiful maritime city of Annapolis, Maryland for my book signing.

However, this time it won't be the everyday, run-of-the-mill bookstore. No siree.

It's at Kokopelli.

Now, I love to shop in Annapolis, but this boutique is new since I last visited and after doing my research I am super excited about this venue.

Just look below at some of the items just waiting patiently for little ol' me. (You know every southern lady has to have her Brighton and Vera Bradley)

Kokopelli also has hats (be still my heart), jewelry, gifts and oh yes - books!

Oh yeah - this author is definitely looking forward to Saturday!

Family owned and operated for over 21 years, Kokopelli's purpose is to make shopping in our stores a unique and memorable experience.

Started by Jane & Ron Reifler in 1988, Kokopelli now has three locations: Columbia Mall, Towson Town Center, and now in Downtown Annapolis. Daughter, Jill Lehr, now also helps run the company.

Kokopelli sets itself apart from other stores by offering exceptional customer service and unique handcrafted and designed products from all over the world.

Kokopelli... the place to shop!