GOING HOME

I'm sitting in a comfy chair at the O'Hare Airport terminal, waiting for my flight to bring me back home to New York and the Village of Pultneyville.

It's the last flight of my year long trek promoting my last book, and also a way to visit most of my family scattered across these great United States.

It's been a great time and a learning experience as well. Although I kept my events contained to either a Barnes & Noble or a Borders book store, each event was unique to itself.

Every CRM (Community Resource Manager) sets up their event differently. Sometimes I've been seated in the back of the store, other times right so close to the entrance you could trip over me.

There have been readings which required either a wireless mic, other times a podium where I stood for three hours before rows of half occupied white folding chairs. Sometimes I am seated at the Starbucks Cafe, my short legs dangling from the stools against the high top tables.

Once I was placed in the children's section in the rear of the store, clearly the premise of my book misread by the CRM. It's ok, though - I always make it work and I always sell the books. Most importantly, I always have fun.

All in all, I'll be ready to do it again at the beginning of 2010 in order to promote my next book. For now, I am taking the long awaited break to get ready for the Red Neck Luau on July 25th, a great time to unwind and enjoy what is left of hopefully a dry summer.

The holidays will be here before we know it, the leaves turning crimson and gold and the lake a joyous backdrop and reminder of how this all started in the first place.

I will be home on the lake - with my Beloved, my Boys, and my Books.