I just read your past couple posts and it had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I can't wait until the next installment comes so I can find out about the rest of your trip--although I am glad you are taking a short break as I have been out of it for a while (at the hospital with my mother which is where I am now as well) so I have been behind in my reading. Good luck with all you have going on and I look forward to reading your next vacation installment!

Okay, Miss Heidi.

Pax, a hand shake and a big ole hug. I'll be back!

Joy--I'm sorry about your Mom! I hope she is better soon! Melanie--a big ol' hug back at ya!

I'll have to catch up on your murder and mayhem story in a bit, but first I want to ask you a question...I've never been able to ask an actual author of a book I'm reading about this. Who do you imagine playing your lead characters? I sometimes cast actors or people I know in the books I read to make it more real for me. My imagination can't just make people up apparently. So, when the Dowager entered all scolding and severe, I immediately cast Aunt Agatha (the first Aunt Agatha - she was played by two different actresses) from Jeeves and Wooster to be her. Am I way off? Are there any specific people I would know, whom you imagined as your characters?

Rachel, SUCH a great question--yes, Aunt Agatha would be perfect and she probably influenced me, however, my writing teacher at the time was a very tall skinny version of the dowager--red hair, blue eyes, brooks no nonsense, that type of thing. But Aunt Agatha is very very close. Sir Anthony and Ginny both came to me as fully developed people with faces, personalities, backgrounds, hopes, dreams--they are almost like real people to me. I have a bit of a hard time picturing Sir Anthony completely--Ginny is more clear. I would guess that they are idealized (read: much better looking) versions of myself and my husband. When I read books, I tend to focus on specific things, like eye color, hair color, the lips, or whatever is involved in that particular sentence--I never really try to picture someone (with a few rare exceptions). So, I guess that's why I don't more fully describe my characters either--I let it be up to the reader to decide. Having said that, Lucinda IS a character from Jeeves and Wooster, specifically, old what's her name, I wish I could remember it. She was engaged to Gussie Finknottle but she was a brunette--later her part was played by a blonde gal with a lisp--do you remember her? I love that character to death! (the brunette played her okay but the blonde was way better) Lucinda is an idealized version of her. I do have a book started that has a heroine in it that is very much like a 1940's black and white film star--Jeanette McDonald, I think is her name. Or maybe not. Anyway, I can see her very clearly--she also appeared but she appeared looking like someone I had already seen, if you know what I mean.

Was it Eleanor Glossip? I can't remember who was engaged to whom , because they were all falling in and out of love so quickly. But now I'm inspired to watch the series again - starting right now while folding laundry :) I guess I'll have to come up with my own for the rest...thanks.

Sir Lawrence Olivier is always my Mr Darcy and Heathcliffe, btw.

Just from your tiny photo of yourself I see...I think that kids looks like YOU, your eyes. I haven't started your book yet, I have to finish up this other one first.........but I am sure it will ALL be my favorite parts. p.s. I gave the other 2 away to my daughters in law for valentines day.

I haven't started reading it y et. :( I am a horrible bloggy friend.

Rachel--could be! Anyway, the blonde version in season three or four, not the brunette in season one and two (or thereabouts). Wendy, what a great idea! I'm glad you don't have them hanging on your hands. Thanks about my kids--it is so hard to tell about the eyes b/c my husband's eyes are almost exactly like mine. It's why I married him--I knew my kids would get good eyes (sorry if that sounds like bragging but a girl has to have one good quality!) Kristina, you are not! I wouldn't want you to read it before you were wanting to--obligation is not fun and this book is all about fun.

I've never had to do a reading at a signing. I think I'd pass out. Good luck--be sure to tell us how it goes!

First I have to speak, THEN do the reading. I'm passing out already!

I'm sorry Heidi, I haven't read your book. Not because I don't want to, I just haven't gotten around to buying one yet. With my bad luck, I hardly ever win anything so I just didn't want to bother with the giveaways...but I promise, I will read it as soon as I get my hands of one. I am big fan of novel and I know this book is going to mean a great deal to me since you wrote it.

In the meantime, I hope you take some time out for urself.

What a day, what a day.

Unfortunately, his evil eye is pretty darn cute.

Anjeny, you are so darn sweet! Thank you! Erin--no kidding, huh? He's going to get even more spoiled than he is already. sigh Oh, and Rachel--it's Honoria Glossup and yes, that's her!!

I just watched the first episode and realized I had the first name wrong - was close though. It was the episode in which Bertie and Bingo shove Honoria's little brother off the bridge so Bingo can save him and make Honoria fall in love with him :D

What a great photo of a beautiful child!!

Rachel--that is a great one (wrong Honoria, though) Heather--thanks!

I like the hold-up scene (pages 29-31) especially the quote "I understand it is the way such men earn their living" :)

Been out of the house ALL DAY and just now getting to my daily blog ritual. You do sound pretty swamped. I'll be thinking about you on Saturday! Best of luck with the speech. Your little guy is one handsome dude!

T--thank you! Actually, that's the direction I'm leaning towards. Kazzy--isn't he? Thanks for all of your encouragement and support--it means a lot!

Wow! That kid has eyes-a-poppin! They're GORGEOUS! Wow. Way to grow 'em, Heidi!

I think the Snow Murder post should be put off for just one more day because I think we're all dying to know how the book signing/reading goes. OK--I am! I really want to know how it goes and how you ended up liking it.

I don't have my copy of Miss D. (loaned it to my lil' sis) but one of my favorite parts to read is the banter in coach just before they get to the inn. (The hole-y hat part.) That's my take on it anyway. Doesn't give up too much of the story--perfect for readings--but shows a lot of character in a small moment.

Best of luck tomorrow! I'm sure you'll do great!

What an awesome picture and and incredibly sweet boy. Really. That is innocence and beauty personified.

And the quilt is lovely, too. (I actually have one VERY much like it as my bedspread!)

And I forgot to say WOW! About the book signing and your speech and reading! WOW!

You're really so famous. I've heard there are even people who dream about getting to meeting you! ;)

I adore those little eyes. That is a great picture.

Oh good luck Heidi. I hope all goes well. That sounds like something that would make me want to crawl under a blanket ;)

You will do great though. I haven't read the book. It sounds like something I need to look into now. I am just getting to know you and now I can see that you are very talented as an author.

Ah, geez, you guys make me blush! Laura--maybe I should start with that part and finish up with the part T suggested. Yeah. Sounds good. And waiting to finish my story--yep, I think I have to agree, I have SO much to do (crawling under a blanket, included, Jan) Lisa--you are such a funny girl! Too bad everyone else doesn't know why what you said about the dreaming thing is so funny! Oh, and Jan, I agree--you must read it (bwwaaahhaaaaa!!)

I like the tension when the Barringtons show up and "rescue" Ginny and Sir Anthony. And I like that Ginny must tell Sir Anthony that he must ride up top. That introduction to the Barringtons is very telling of their personalities.

OH!! And good luck tomorrow!!! Jami is supposed to give you a hug for me! She had better remember!!!

Hooray that you have a signing! Hooray that they also want you to read! (Easy) And Hooray that you're not afraid to speak! (I know you're dying of nerves, but honestly, once you get up there that will all go away.)

All the best tonight! I'm so excited for you! Let us know how it goes (of course)

p.s. The photo is precious!