The six pre-press samples of Life and Times on Pleasant Pond arrived May 27. I must admit, when I opened the first book, I cried. It is so beautiful, I can't believe it . . thank you Greg. To every who collaborated on this project, “We did good!” “We look great in print,” and “We have done ourselves proud.” Doesn’t seem possible, but this project was started exactly one year and six months ago, November 27, 2008.
Now to market this book! Since I am Van de Bogart Publishing, back to Maine I go. This trip will find me, not only marketing Life and Times on Pleasant Pond, but also house/condo/ apartment hunting. But before I leave, I must say good-bye to my friends in Palm Springs, Palm Desert and Desert Hot Springs, California, my home for the last six months: Dr and Ambie Henderson and your wonderful staff, a most sincere thank you for everything; the Rancho Mirage Library,”Yes, that’s me you are missing chatting on the phone with her book designer.” I do have all the computer log-on slips for proof of my many hours spent in your beautiful library; Sandy Swift, a person can’t have too many “sisters from the heart”; Johnny and Louie, “Yes, life is grand!” Richard Kay, “How many bearings can a person sell?” The yard sale in Palm Springs was so much fun. Who knew it could be so cold at 7:00AM? And Luciano, at Latino Books, thank you for the advice and counsel. Oh yes, Marsha, at Raymond’s, my hair is fabulous!! I will see you all in November when I come back for my book signings.
May 26
Now it’s time to leave and the books aren’t here. Buggers! They are being shipped over night to Phoenix, my first stop. Everyone in southern California, you’ll have to wait until November, or order now.
My first stop back to Maine is Pebble Creek, Goodyear, Arizona. n over 55 community just outside of Phoenix. Everyone one I meet here loves it! What is not to love: golf 365 days a year, no snow, a fantastic arts and crafts building where anything from woodworking and stain glass is done along with sewing, quilting and ceramics? The homes might not have enough room for crafts, but this building more than serves its purpose. And the gym, no wonder everyone is in such great shape! Just as I am getting ready to leave Phoenix, I learn of a new town up in the mountains with water!! Phoenix, water? This I have to see. True enough, Estrella has two lakes for kayaks! Gorgeous and the little house I tour, in Canta Mia, has an art studio! Kayaking and art studio for all my art stuff . . . imaginative possibility. Not ready to make a decision, I head for Santa Fe, New Mexico, by way of USA Route 10 through Tucson, AZ and Las Cruces, NM. Not dawdling but night fall gets in my way and I only make it to Deming, New Mexico. Who cares, I am still in my beloved New Mexico.
Deming, New Mexico . . . The Silver Spike was driven here in 1881 to commemorate the meeting of the Southern Pacific with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe railroads. Cute, and the Grande Hotel has a great bed and great food in the attached restaurant with such a fun cook and wait staff.
The next morning, May 29, I head for Las Cruces but the bells the Basilica of San Albino in the town of Old Mesilla ("Little Tableland") draw me to this quaint historical community in Southern New Mexico. Since its beginning, around 1848, Old Mesilla has had a major influence on the economic, cultural, historical, and political life of the Mesilla Valley. From the Gadsden Purchase, to the Civil War, to the Butterfield Stage Coach Trail, to the trial of Billy the Kid, to being a lively social center in the 1880s--Mesilla has been a prominent part of the rich history of the Southwest.Remember, I grew up in New England, home of quaint, cute and charm. Old Mesilla has cute, quaint old New Mexico charm! Solamente de Mesilla is a perfect example of “got to have southwest” - rustic furniture, delicious salsa stations, the perfect dishes for anything, stomach burning hot - Got Salsa? Do they have salsa! (http://www.solamentedemesilla.com/)
Next stop, Josefina’s old gate- café/inn/antiques. This place is imagination and creativity gone wild. Kathleen is the granddaughter of the original owner of this old adobe home and she has restored, and with her family, maintained this property with unbelievable southwestern charm, love heritage, and flowers! Driving past, I was drawn into this oasis of potted flowers winding up and over bricks, water fountains trickling among the adobe walls, and laughter of the diners sitting in the outdoor café of colorful tiled tables and bright colored umbrellas magnifying the New Mexico sky. All this, and if you are lucky enough, you will hear the bells of Basilica of San Albino.Old Mesilla is also home to the bar where the Billy Kid was tried and sentenced. This is a town of full of charm and intrigue . . . what fun!!
Forcing myself to leave, on to Las Cruces I go for the Old Town Las Cruces Street fair. Here, in the Southwest, due to weather conditions, street fairs happen all the time, drawing artisans from all over. Whenever I find a street fair, I hunt out photography to learn how and see how the photographs are being shown. In Las Cruces I am introduced to Tom Green and his artful way of framing a Giclée. Gorgeous! Lucky me, I get a mini lesson.
Time is short, it is nearly 3 in the afternoon and Santa Fe is calling! Wait, I have to go to Hatch, the chili capital of the world where Gilly’s Hatch Valley Chili Company has the best of the best homemade chili. Being a green horn chili eater, I get a lesson in chili preparation from Gill and learn the health benefits of chili. Who knew, what burns your stomach is so good for you. For me, wildly hot-killer chili doesn’t sit well with my Italian loving Mediterranean diet system. One has to love the southwest - lots of sunshine, great new friends and chili. With chili, you can have your choice . . . green chili for chicken, red for pork or beef, and if you like both red and green, you get Christmas!! Please, just don't give me a Breakfast Burrito with Christmas!Santa Fe, here I come. Oops, next stop Truth or Consequences. With a name like that, I have to stop and see Elephant Butte Lake.
Santa Fe
I have made it, Santa Fe! Hi, Al!
It’s Memorial Day weekend, and we have so much to do. With such gorgeous weather, our adventures will be on his motorcycle!! What fun. I know I am suppose to be working on marketing the book, but it’s a holiday, and I need a break. While in Phoenix and along the way I have sent off review copies. I have booked more book signings. I gave a copy to the University of Maine Alumni Association auction - it sold! When I meet old or new friends, I give them either a postcard or business card in hopes they will check this blog, and have interest enough to purchase a book. Thank you.
