Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars...

Here's a bonus button. This one is from Lynne's collection, but I think I may have one like it deeply buried in my container o' buttons.

I chose this button even though I'm not a big fan of pies (sorry, Agent Cooper) because Wednesday provided a spontaneous pie night with friends. On a whim, Tom called The Brides to see if their tight schedule allowed for dinner, and it did, as long as Lindsey could later use my kitchen for baking. So we had a raucous evening with Tom, Tim, Rhonda, Lindsey, me, Margot, Guinness, Rex, Pixie, Sugar, and Puddles--the puppy also known as Pixie's Mini Me.

Later, while I sewed, the house filled with the aroma of baking. Lindsey was making pies in a jar, which involved a lot of cutting apples into cubes and some apple-cube eating (The bowl was right in front of me! I couldn't help myself! There were plenty!). There were also a couple of side trips to the grocery store and Starbucks in there. And when Lindsey finally filled all the jars, there were enough apple cubes left over (SEE?) to fill a couple of ramekins. One of which is still in my kitchen, looking adorably edible.



More Thankgivingy stuff to come, but for now, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone who celebrates it, and for those who don't, just know I'm thankful that you're part of my life.

I am a big dork who managed to forget that since Greg was going to be in Houston for a signing, it might be a good idea to order a couple of hardcover copies of his new title. Of course there were paperback copies available at Murder By the Book, and Tim and I each bought one there to give as gifts, because we'll always support our local independent bookstore. But when Insight Out makes special-edition hardcovers available, we indulge ourselves. Anyway, as you can see, they arrived today, so the next time we see Greg, we'll get them signed. As Greg has pointed out, the cover photo is clearly from the French Quarter, whereas the title informs us that the murder is in the Garden District. Vexing to an author, but very few of us have input or approval of our covers. And as Greg also pointed out at his signing, at least it's not a Chinese takeout cover on a novel that has nothing whatsoever to do with Chinese takeout. Our writer fiends friends never tire of mocking our poor Three Fortunes cover.

Here are a couple of photos from Greg's signing:

Writers Gavin Atlas and Greg Herren; me with Greg and Timothy J. Lambert

This past Thursday, we not only didn't have Survivor night (which I still haven't seen, although it's recorded), but I didn't get to see the first episode of the Project Runway finale. We were attending Scout's Honor Rescue's Movie Night and Silent Auction. The Epicure Café provided space for the auction, and California Pizza Kitchen was the site of an after-party. It's always fun to see a movie at the historic River Oaks Theater, and I'll admit that I giggled all the way through Beverly Hills Chihuahua. It's amazing how the Scout's Honor volunteers put such a great night together, and how many donors contribute art, sports memorabilia, culinary treats, jewelry, wines, and other items to the auction. The event is underwritten by the fantastic Don Puryear of Happy Tails Dog Spa and RE/MAX Metro.

More photos from the evening:


Tim and his boss point out some alluring auction items and guests.
The Big H is obviously exhausted from her hard work.


Lindsey, Rhonda, Kathy, Tom, and Tim
Tim holding one of the gift bags given to all the guests



I've been working a lot on the setting for my Runway Monday final collection, but I wasn't willing to start designing and sewing until I saw what challenges/guidelines the Project Runway contestants would be given. I have a theme and some fabric and was thinking I'd be doing five, maybe six, looks. Imagine my surprise when we watched the recorded episode Friday night to learn that the designers were expected to do twelve looks! Then, at the last minute, they were told they'd be doing a thirteenth! Some of the eliminated contestants came back to assist them, but I don't have any cutting and sewing elves. However, last year's runway judge Michelle Hors scoffed at the idea that I couldn't design a dozen-plus outfits. She's right; I can do it. But I can't promise when they'll be done. The PR designers get several months. I may need at least a couple of weeks, but I won't let you down. And neither will my own version of Mood. Wish us luck!

You probably don't have to be the child of a soldier to understand what it's like when they come home. But in case you want to see complete joy, check out this link 'Nathan posted to my Facebook wall with videos of dog and service member reunions. Beautiful and perfect for Veterans Day.

Today is Scout's Honor Pet Adoption Event in the Heights, so Pixie is on an outing. If you're in Houston, go by and see all their wonderful animals available for adoption. This is a great photo Lindsey took of Pixie sleeping on top of her BFF, Sugar. These two have such a fantastic time playing together. Lindsey hopes that Pixie's forever family will want to set up play dates for the two of them.

Going to your local brick-and-mortar store would be a great way to celebrate National Bookstore Day. Remember to be kind to your booksellers, who provide the best links between you, writers, and the nourishment of your imagination.

It's a good day to post a photo of your favorite local bookstore or tell a story about why it's special to you. My favorite Houston independent bookseller, Murder By the Book, will be hosting Greg Herren's signing for Murder in the Garden District at 4:30 today. That's where The Compounders and The Brides will be. Join us!

I don't know how fashion photographers do it. Even when your models are dolls, they're hard to photograph in a group. You know nobody will have her eyes closed, or be making a weird face, or sneeze, but during this shoot, I had several hair disasters, a couple of models who insisted on falling over (if they were real, I'd be wondering, poor nutrition? substance abuse?), and two bracelets broke and had to be repaired. Then I thought I had them all posed the same, and only after I saw the photos did I realize a hand is misplaced here, the legs aren't the same there--even plastic models are a pain! Of course, most photographers have assistants to take care of the details, and I only had Margot and Guinness. While they offer loads of moral support, they can't ensure that no model has a stray hair in front of her face.

Here are the Birthstone Barbies I used for my Halloween shoot in order of the months of the year. I combed out the ridiculous curls Mattel gives the dolls and put them all in black body suits that I sewed for them. (I like the way the models on Project Runway look so uniform in their black slips; this is my version of that.)

Patricia, Katie, Dandy, Natalie, Tajma, Toni,
Olivia, Emily, Sarah, Gina, Lily, Ava

If you click here, you can see an embiggened version. Lisa asked the other day how I remember their names, and the easiest answer, for these twelve and the thirteen Top Models I own, is that I give them names that mean something to me, and once named, they become characters. Their characters aren't fully developed with storylines, but every name has a few details connected to it, and enough of them are named for real people to make those connections more memorable to me.

I had the greatest conversation in Jo-Ann Fabrics with a four-year-old boy the other day who was just dumbfounded that I had a doll with me and NO DAUGHTER. That's YOUR doll? You PLAY with it? And though I assured him that I don't play with her, just dress her, I did realize later that in a way, I do "play" with the dolls, and that my year of not writing hasn't really been that at all. The writing is going on in my head as I make stories to match these dolls and their fashions.

I've stopped feeling guilty about all the e-mail that's come to me and Timothy James Beck this year about what's next, when another book will be out. In ten years, I've written or partially written nine published novels, gotten a couple of short stories into print, written some unpublished poetry, co-edited an anthology, and edited or copy edited several writers' novels and short stories. I've come to understand that it's okay--even necessary--for a writer to take a break. One thing this break has allowed me to do is to read novels in wide-ranging genres. While I've enjoyed all this reading, I've found that I still don't want to "write one like Author X." I can only write what I write. But I haven't retired. I don't have writer's block. I'll write when the next story is ready to be told. I assume Timothy James Beck will, too.

That's the most honest answer I can give.

Thanks for lunch! And, er, what were we just saying about the need to stay vigilant?

Nausea. Nausea and sporadic, severe stomach cramps with no other problems. I don't know what this is, but I don't like it. Happened Monday, then I thought I was over it. Ate a BLT after the gym Tuesday morning and was fine. For hours. And then I wasn't. AT ALL. However, since there are no other symptoms, and Lindsey gave me some anti-nausea pills, I'm taking a wait-and-see attitude. Those of you who I've promised to put in my will? I didn't. So get that gleam out of your eyes.

My hair is so terrible I refuse to look at myself in the mirror. I have an appointment for a cut on Thursday. This little stomach thing had BETTER NOT interfere.

Speaking of getting my hair did...

Lynne went out of town for a few days on business, and we got to keep Minute and Sparky at Camp Compound. Those of you who know of Margot's very emo, get-the-hell-away-from-me-you-freak personality (she may or may not take after me) might be surprised, but she and Minute played hard every morning. Outside. In the dirt. And Minute is white. Or she's supposed to be. Then in the afternoons, Minute played hard with Pixie and Rex. In the dirt. With the addition of Pixie saliva.

Would you let a friend come back to find two fuzzy mudpies at the end of the leash (Hi, Jeffrey!)? I thought not.

Before the groomer:

After the groomer:

Minute following a shampoo and comb-out, and Little Blind Sparky following a full grooming. Sparky was SO PLEASED with himself! Minute hated her bow. In spite of being little and white and fuzzy, Minute thinks she is a wolf. She does not want to be cute and pink.

Bonus photos, because you're nice and will patiently allow me to try to sleep off this pestilence (Hi, Greg!) and so not do a Hump Day Happy post for a few hours.

Guinness ponders whether or not she will ever get another meal. Margot denounces as slanderous any implication that she ever plays.


Pixie is happy to demonstrate a playful attitude. Rex watches over his harem. And would also like a ride in the CAR! please.

Today, Tim and his boss had to do an off-site inspection. Afterward, they dropped by The Compound, where The Big H immediately took over the conference table and had a meeting with Rex. I was there to document their interaction.

I think she likes him.

After The Big H gave a brief motivational speech to Rex and his assistant, Pixie,
it was back to work for Tim and the boss.

Current Photo Friday theme: Fast Food

Wendy's bacon cheeseburgers (and fries), hold the onions*.
Gone in forty seconds.

*Onions are toxic to dogs.