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Blogversation: New Year’s Resolutions

2012-01-18T23:22:00.000-08:00

I pretty much turn a blind eye to New Year’s Eve (see my post over atTIWTPITF as to why) but I do like to use the New Year to assess where I am inlife, even if I don’t make official resolutions.

This year, I was invited to a party where we would create vision boards.Now, I usually poo poo the woo woo, but I’ve been working hard to change someof my behavior and thinking. I have worked with a leadership coach for sixyears so I’m constantly thinking about change and vision. But I often keepthings to myself, afraid to say out loud what I want for my life, for fear ofappearing weak or incomplete or silly. Clearly, I haven’t been working “The Secret.”

So I'm outing myself. This year, I’m resolving to work on relationships. Romantic relationships,that is. I’m 43, single, never been married. I want to change that. I want tocreate space so I can let in an amazing man and build an even more abundant, joyful life together.So instead of making a resolution to lose five pounds or work out more or spendless or do this or not do that, I’m working to be open and vulnerable. I’mresolving to let love in, to love myself, to let myself be loved. I think thatresolution sort of covers it all.

Why do I blog?

2012-01-13T17:49:00.000-08:00

I’m excited to have been asked to join the Blogversation, an online conversation with insightful, talented writers, initiated and moderated by Colleen Newvine Tebeau, a force of nature, writer, and fellow Michigander. I secretly aspire to be like her when I grow up.

So here’s the deal. Each week, Colleen or another blogger will pose a question to the group and we’ll all jump into the conversational mix. This week, Colleen kicks things off by asking, “How and why did you become a blogger?”

I wish I had some great story that involved inspiration or an epiphany or some sort of movie moment. The truth is that I started blogging as a business strategy.

I may have started blogging out of a need to market myself, but I’ve continued to do it for more personal, complicated, varied reasons. I initially called my blog Prairie Tales, to complement my book, The Prairie Girl’s Guide to Life. I wanted to discuss the inspiration behind my books, my struggles of being a farm girl turned city slicker, and whatever blew my skirt up.

And let’s face it. I wanted to show off. My writing and my wit, to be exact. But something wonderful happened along the way. I may have already had a voice, but blogging honed it. I discovered things about myself. I was able to showcase not only myself, but the amazing things that my friends and family were up to. And best of all, I tapped into a community, created a whole new circle in the Venn diagram of my life. I am educated, entertained, and inspired by a whole passel of like-minded folks. I started another blog, a snarky piece of work called Things I Want to Punch in the Face, for things that chap my hide on a daily basis, and found more of my peeps. I am tickled beyond belief by the comments from my punchy readers, and the immediacy of the feedback is something I could never get from my books or magazine articles. I earn no money from these blogs, but they feed me in other ways.

I started to blog for my business, but I continue to blog because it feeds my spirit.

How and why did YOU become a blogger?

Apple: A Love Story

2011-10-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

My first glimpse of a Macintosh was in my theology teacher’s classroom.

“You can type up your graduation speech on this,” Mr. Reyes said, as I eyeballed the strange box. “That way, you can make corrections or changes to it.”

In 1986, this seemed like magic.

And the Mac Plus sitting on my hippy-dippy teacher’s desk looked crazy cute. I mean, it even had a handle! I couldn’t resist. I’m sure there were some glitches as I learned how to cut and paste, drag the cursor over text, and use a mouse. I don’t remember any of that.

I just remember I was hooked, what you would call an "early adopter" in today's tech terminology. And when I moved onto a Big 10 university, I was giddy to discover that all the newly created computer labs sprinkled around campus were tricked out with rows and rows of Mac Pluses and Mac SEs. If my eyesight was bad, it went to shit staring at those tiny screens at 2am. But I didn’t care. In fact, I loved it.

By my senior year, I had become editor of the college yearbook and decided to fire our yearbook publisher and take our $100,000 account to Jostens because they promised that we could produce the pages using Pagemaker, a few Macs, and a bunch of 3 ½-inch disks. I still can't bear to crack open the finished product because of all the mistakes up in there, but I am proud that I jumped into the world of desktop publishing feet first.

I didn’t stop there. While Steve Jobs was off working at NeXT, I entered the workforce, getting a job at a small design and production company in Fairfax, Virginia. One of our biggest clients was the National Association of Postmasters of the U.S. (or NAPUS). Every year my boss would handle all its convention planning, including creating a daily newsletter on site. I persuaded Ray to take me with him to the NAPUS national convention in Niagara Falls that year, promising I could edit and lay out the newsletter every day on an SE. It must have worked out okay, because I attended two more conventions before moving on, armed with crack editing and typesetting skills.

In every place I’ve worked since, the computer platform has been Mac, which was normally a dream. Whenever I’ve visited my parents, however, I’ve had to hobble my way through the Windows PC up in spare bedroom-turned-computer room. Right click, what?

And now I’m doing a part-time gig with Microsoft. They supplied me with a laptop—a PC—and I’ve had to learn the logic behind Windows OS, as well as the shortcuts that seem like second nature to my coworkers. But I’ve taught them a few things too, because using a Mac has made me nimble. Some say Apple computers are easier to use, that you can see everything and click on whatever you want or need. That’s true. But there are the secret handshakes, the hidden staircases, the key commands, and typesetting shortcuts that have been in place from the beginning that make me feel as if I’m part of the cool-kids club. Maybe knowing how to make an em-dash or smart quote doesn’t matter in the big scheme of things, but it—as surely as using a Mac for 20-plus years—has shaped how I approach my work and how I regard myself. My professional and personal identity has been colored with the crisp white world of Apple.

And for that, Steve Jobs, I thank you.

(photo: The Michiganensian's sports editor with one of the Mac SEs we were using for editing and design.)

10 cool books for hot days

2011-08-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

This week I tackle books that will help you chill out even if the mercury is climbing. What cold-climate book do you love?

10 cool books for hot days

10 books you really should have read in high school

2011-08-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

10 books you really should have read in high school

Check out my latest piece on today.com, where I detail the 10 books I devoured in school that I think merit a reread. What book do you recommend revisiting as an adult?

Crafting a Craft Proposal

2011-05-24T20:12:00.000-07:00

It's been a while, like, a seriously long time, since I've blogged here. But that's not to say I haven't been spreading my words all over the place. In addition to writing various freelance pieces (my recent favorite is this sea glass essay in the May issue of Horizon Airlines magazine; p. 104), Kerry and I have been helping others to shape their ideas into viable book proposals and overall educating folks on the Business of Books.

Judi Ketteler is helping to spread the word. A fellow craft author, I met a then very pregnant Judi at a craft trade show last summer, where we were doing all sorts of make and takes. And I was just blown away by her book Sew Retro: 25 Vintage-Inspired Projects for the Modern Girl & A Stylish History of the Sewing Revolution, a reading book as much as a project book.

She recently invited me to do a Q&A on her blog about the unique challenges of putting together a kick-ass craft book proposal. If you're crafty at all, I'd recommend checking out what I have to say on the matter, and spending some time on Judi's blog. You'll be inspired in more ways than one.

2011-02-23T22:13:00.001-08:00

We should all be so lucky to find meaningful work that makes us happy. To work with a close friend is just pink icing on a very tasty cake.

For the past decade, I’ve been writing books, usually ones that tickle me, well, pink. Now, Kerry Colburn, my friend of 15 years, and I are imparting our collective knowledge to other authors-in-progress. We delivered a talk last September to a full room at the Hotel Andra and things just started to snowball. We created a proposal workshop and partnered with the Hotel 1000 for a series of publishing talks. In just a few short months, we have a whole new business and it’s more fun than a bushel of kittens.

I mean, I get to help people realize their dream AND do it with a pal. That’s pretty darn dreamy.

If you are interested in finding out more about our publishing talks, workshops, and consultations, check out our blog, The Business of Books. Our next workshop is coming up on Saturday, March 5. If you are ready to develop your book idea into a viable proposal, this 3-hour class is for you!

(photo: Gregg Snodgrass)

Reader feedback: one of life's best gifts

2011-01-27T16:17:00.000-08:00

I got the greatest gift this week: feedback from a reader.

Every time one of my books hits the market, I feel as if I just sent a kid off to college. And the worst thing? I don't know how he's doing or who he's hanging out with. I have no idea if anyone's reading my book, let alone enjoying it.

And then, one day, an e-mail shows up. I don't recognize the name but curiosity gets the best of me and I open it. And my world gets a little—nay, a lot—brighter. A reader talks back, closes the loop, begins a two-way dialogue with me. Yesterday was one of those days.

Subject line: BTFT (for Beyond the Family Tree, my latest book)

I just wanted to thank you for the book. My wife, who is trying to determine family fact from family fiction, is proud that she has filled out all the boxes on your tree page (and then some). The book is kind of turning into the only family heirloom anyone is likely to inherit in her family. Of course, when your great aunt is born in a cave en route from Mexico some things get left behind… Thanks again, Scott

Scott, wherever you are, know that hearts are coming out of my grateful head towards you and your wife. To know that my book is not only being read, but used and cherished, well, I'm a crier so you can only imagine what's going on up in here. Once I kick my book out the door and off to the printer, it's far too easy for me to get caught up in the next thing and the pressures of the everyday. Hearing from a reader is way to take a pause and take in what I've put out in the world. And that is what makes my writing truly worthwhile.

Press for The Business of Books

2011-01-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

As the year gets under way, I'm contemplating a few meaningful resolutions. Being kinder to myself, pursuing a healthful lifestyle, backing away from Bravo, developing deeper relationships with family and friends, and finishing two massive book proposals. I also want to help you with your publishing aspirations. To that end, Kerry Colburn and I are continuing to bring publishing talks, workshops, and private consultations to Seattle's burgeoning authors. You can find our complete schedule of events here. To learn a bit more about our philosophy behind The Business of Books, look no further than Nicole Brodeur's column in the Seattle Times. She quotes me as saying "There's always room for new book ideas and fresh voices. We're taking back the New Year's resolution as something that's achievable, and does not involve self-loathing." Sounds about right. Kick that cabbage soup diet to the curb and get busy writing. You'll feel better and you won't have hunger pangs.

Now I just have to kick my Real Housewives habit to the curb.

Students rock the Simple Gifts globe project

2010-12-20T23:50:00.000-08:00

I just got the best present in my e-mail box! A 4th/5h grade class in the Seattle area just completed the papier-mâché globe project from Simple Gifts. Over the course of three days, they layered gooey strips of paper and dried each layer overnight. When done, they had a cool globe that could be used as an ornament. Jerry, the awesome teacher, said that his kids were elated with how they turned out, and super excited to take them home. Jerry personally liked the project because it wasn't "Christmas" themed but could be used for the holidays if desired. Check out the crafty madness!

Ready to write YOUR book this year?

2010-12-14T11:53:00.000-08:00

I get asked constantly for publishing advice. Constantly. (I'm convinced everyone has a book idea.) Sometimes I mind, mostly I don't. I love, love, love encouraging other writers or folks who simply have a good idea and motivation. But it's hard to find time to meet for coffee with everyone. To that end, fellow author and former publishing executive Kerry Colburn (yep, she gets her own share of queries) and I have teamed up to create a variety of talks, classes, and consultation opportunities to help you realize your publishing dream (or New Year's resolution!).

First, we've partnered with the amazing Hotel 1000 to bring you a series of talks to inspire, prepare, and help you navigate through the publishing process. Called “The Business of Books with Jen & Kerry,” this lively three-part series will illuminate each step of the publishing process from turning an idea into a book proposal to effectively distributing, marketing and selling a book once it’s been published. The schedule is as follows:

Thursday, January 13, 7-9 p.m.: Join us as we help you “Prepare to Get Published.” This talk will focus on how to find an idea and then grow it into a viable proposal. Attendees will learn what makes a good book idea; how to position themselves as a potential author; various ways a book can take shape; what publishers look for in a book proposal; how to research the marketplace and target publishers, editors and literary agents. To purchase tickets for this event, please click here.

Thursday, February 17, 7-9 p.m.: Join us in our next installment as we discuss “Secrets of a Successful Proposal.” This talk will focus on what makes publishers take notice of one book idea over another when they see hundreds of proposals each week. Attendees will learn insider tips as we draw on our decades of industry experience to share the secrets of a winning proposal—and they’ll leave with the tools they need to get their proposal under way. To purchase tickets for this event, please click here.

Thursday, March 24, 7-9 p.m.: Join us in our third installment as we discuss “Navigating the World of Publishing.” We will share our dual perspectives, drawing from our experience as in-house publishing executives and successful authors. Attendees will learn how a book goes from a proposal to finished product; hear publishing options including e-books and self-publishing; gain insight about royalties and contracts; sales and marketing; catalogs and publication dates, and more. To purchase tickets for this event, please click here.

“The Business of Books with Jen & Kerry” series will take place once a month at downtown Seattle's Hotel 1000. The ticket price is $40 per person/event or $99 for the entire 3-part series. On the evening of the event, attendees can check-in with the host at the hotel's BOKA KITCHEN + BAR to receive a free appetizer with purchase of an entrée. Make an evening of it! Links for tickets to individual events are available in the above descriptions and the complete series can be purchased here. We hope to see you at one or all three of these fun and informative evenings. We're ready to help you move your publishing dreams along!

Hands-On Workshops
We are also offering several 3-hour intensive workshops to help you develop a proposal that will demand attention from publishers. These Saturday morning workshops will be held in a private room at June restaurant in Madrona and class size is limited to 15.

Craft a Winning Proposal, 1/29/11 and 3/5/11, 9:30am–12:30pm, $109
“‘Craft a Winning Proposal’ is a great starting place in the quest to write a book. With lots of ideas, thoughts, concepts, and questions running around my brain, this session has helped me to envision a roadmap and plan to actually get going on my book!” —Cliff

“Thanks for presenting Publishing in English. For the longest time, I thought you needed to learn a special brand of industry-Greek to understand how it all works.” —Mike

This workshop was such a resounding hit that we’re bringing it back for the folks who couldn’t make the first one. During the 3-hour workshop, we detail the key elements of a non-fiction book proposal, providing handouts and sample proposals for handy reference. The interactive style and intimate venue will allow for questions and Kerry & Jen’s feedback on your specific book idea. And not to worry: whether you have an idea nailed down or are still considering the possibilities, you’ll leave this energizing morning armed with the ability to create a focused, salable proposal.

Register for the 1/29/11 session via PayPal here.
Register for the 3/5/11 session via PayPal here.

Polishing Your Proposal, 2/12/11, 9:30am–12:30pm, $109 This more advanced workshop is the place to fine-tune your proposal-in-progress and get it out the door. As former publishing executives and successful nonfiction authors, Jen & Kerry have the experience and the know-how to finesse key details and make your proposal really shine. The intimate size will allow for questions, troubleshooting your specific problems, and talking through any sticky areas that might be holding you back. We will also scrutinize your title and subtitle, talk through the elements of a kick-ass cover letter, and review how to target the right editors and publishers for your book. Attendees are invited to bring in their particular challenges to share and discuss. If your proposal is under way but you need some professional, targeted guidance to finish it, this is the workshop for you. You’ll leave ready to wrap up—and sell!—your winning proposal!

Register for the 2/12/11 workshop via PayPal here.

Two-on-One Proposal Critique, by appointment Deemed “incredibly thorough” by one of our clients, we offer a unique take on the review process. Both of us will review your proposal, making comments in the document and creating an overall assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, missing elements, and overall organization of your proposal. If you’ve got a proposal that’s almost there, we can help you get it into submission-ready shape. E-mail us for more information.

But wait, there’s more!
If you don’t have a proposal at the point of review, we are available to talk through any challenges or questions you may have. Contact us if you’d like to book us for a 90-minute in-person (and yes, you get both of us!) consultation about your project. You can find out more details about all of these talks, workshops, and consultations at our blog, The Business of Books.

(photo: creativeclass.com)

The party's off, but the celebrating is on

2010-12-05T17:48:00.000-08:00

I love a good party and I love to be the center of attention, so you’d think that I’d eat up hosting a big shindig.

Yes and no.

I love creating a great environment for friends to mingle. I love multi-tasking. But between answering the door, introducing guests to each other, and mixing tasty drinks, I sort of forego any meaningful or lengthy conversations.

So instead of throwing a kick-ass open house for the holidays, I decided to kick it with smaller groups of friends. I’m having micro-parties, gatherings of a few pals at a time. And because times are tough, I’m making them a potluck of sorts: I supply the main dish and happily accept apps, snacks, desserts, and drinks. The important thing is not the food (although my spicy lasagna is something to write home about), it’s the friends. And by taking the focus off being an impeccable hostest (that’s the hostess with the mostest combined), I don’t have to: clean the entire house from top to bottom, decorate like I’m Buddy the Elf, shell out hundreds of dollars for booze and artfully arranged cheese plates, send and monitor the evite, and create playlists from my current favorite music (is it just me, or is Bruno Mars dreamy?). By changing up my holiday experience, I’m buying back hours of my time, time that could best be spent in the company of others.

How are you downsizing the holidays? I'd love to hear.

Downsizing the holidays...in a good way

2010-12-03T16:16:00.000-08:00

How did it get to be December 3? And why am I always surprised to find myself behind the tinsel-covered 8-ball when the holidays are nigh?

Last year was hard. I didn’t have a lot of funds for gifts (let alone shipping), and I stayed put in Seattle rather than visiting family in Michigan (or other exotic locales like North Platte, Nebraska and Dahlonega, Georgia). While it’s been a year of personal and professional growth, not much has changed when it comes to Christmas. I’m still financially strapped and I’m not getting patted down by a TSA agent anytime soon.

But I’m not throwing in the towel on the holidays. I still plan on connecting with friends and family in meaningful ways and will be offering up some suggestions all month for you to do the same.

Pulling out a few questions from Beyond the Family Tree is a smart way to change the conversation and the dynamic when you’re tempted to start the snarky monologue in your head or withdraw from the conversation in favor of a Bravo marathon. Try asking older relatives how they celebrated the holidays when they were kids or what their favorite gift was. And ask about high school crushes or how they became a crazy train fanatic (or maybe that’s just my dad). Capture all the goodness on a Flip camera or your iPhone 4 for posterity (and for next year's holiday video, another perfect gift).

Simple Gifts, the other book I published in 2010, features all sorts of gifts you can make on the cheap and on the run. It makes a great gift in itself if you’ve got crafty folks on your list, but before you gift it, crack it open and make a batch of salted caramels, felted wine sleeves, candles, or magnets.

To help you out and prove just how easy these projects are, I’m planning on posting a video tutorial of a craft this month: which would you prefer to see—candles (one of which is featured on the book’s cover) or magnets?

What traditions have you incorporated into your holidays?

Next up: Micro-partying!

Free workshop & wine this Thursday, 11/11!

2010-11-08T16:21:00.001-08:00

As the holidays approach, my first thought is always, "What is tinsel doing in Bartell's already?" My second thought is, "Aw, nuts." While I love, love, love the traditions and gatherings and waves of love that sweep through the holiday season, I seem to be behind the 8-ball when it comes to gathering up appropriate, meaningful gifts.

Sound familiar?

So last year, I seriously switched on my DIY light and made candles, caramels, magnets, pajama bottoms, baby blankets, and assorted other goodies for friends and family. I only spent a couple hundred dollars, leaving me with a generous budget for booze when it came time for my holiday open house.

While I was in Chicago and Michigan this summer, I showed a few friends and family members how to make nifty magnets out of old maps and greeting cards. And they were off! My stepmom hustled me over to Michael's so we could pick out materials so she could whip these up after I skipped town. I think I know what's in my stocking this year...

So, take a deep breath. You can make a lot of gifts this year AND have fun in the process. On Thursday, Nov. 11, I'll be showing you the secrets of these easy-peasy magnets while also signing copies of Simple Gifts. And did I mention there's wine? Come to the free event at Ballard's Secret Garden Books and I promise that you'll have several people crossed off your list within the week. And you know, a signed copy of Simple Gifts makes a grand gift for any crafter in your life.

What: Simple Gifts booksigning and free make 'n' take workshop

Where: Secret Garden Books, 2214 NW Market St., Seattle
When: Thursday, November 11, 6:30pm

Get my Cowboy Cookie recipe

2010-10-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

I shared an exclusive recipe with Fresh-Picked Seattle. The only cookie I ever make is my grandmother's Cowboy Cookie, a chocolate-chip oatmeal bit of perfection that, when paired with a cold glass of milk, is sure to make your day. Get the recipe here, and let me know what you think.

The High Bar with Warren Etheredge

2010-10-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I did an interview with Warren Etheredge on his new show, The High Bar. While sipping on gin and tonics, I talked about my need to connect with family and shared strategies from Behind the Family Tree for how to better communicate with your own family. Check it out for a few tips and giggles.

Simple Gifts book signing this week!

2010-09-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

If you're in Seattle and need some root vegetables and a book of 50 kick-ass gift projects, look no further than the Queen Anne Farmer's Market! I'll be there this Thursday, Sept. 23, from 5-6pm signing copies of Simple Gifts at the Queen Anne Books table. I'll bring along a few of the book's projects so you can see exactly what you can make quickly and inexpensively. As evidenced by the Halloween candy in my grocery store, the holidays are afoot so you'd best get crackin' with the craftin'.

I am; therefore, I write

2010-09-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

In case you'd like to know more about this gal's writing process, I did a Q&A with the lovely, talented (and U-Michigan alum) Colleen Newvine Tebeau, who's a writer and market research specialist for a major news organization. I've always sort of glossed over the writing process when asked, and this is the first time I come clean about how frickin' hard it all is. That said, I also talk about what jazzes me and why I continue to do it.

Check it out here. And let me know what you think? What's the biggest joy/challenge for you when writing? Or heck, even in life?

Goodbye, Oakdale

2010-09-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

I can't stop crying. Seriously. I keep losing it every time I turn on the TV. I just watched The Early Show's retrospective of As the World Turns, which goes off the air today after 54 years. I've been in denial about this day for months. I kept thinking some deus ex machina would swoop down and sponsor the show after Proctor & Gamble pulled the plug ( like Margo did when her stepdad had a terminal illness).

No such luck.

The Bold & the Beautiful is just too ridiculous for me to take to, so I'm left up the TV creek without a paddle.

But between the tears, I did manage to write a couple of pieces that sum up why I loved the show so very much.

Check out my humorous slideshow over at Salon, where I detail life lessons learned from a daily dose of ATWT.

Then on the Huffington Post, I talk about how the show impacted me as I moved from a gawky pre-teen to a successful career gal, all the while looking for cues from the show's themes, characters, and storylines.

Goodbye, Oakdale. You have been loved and you will be missed.

(Video: a recent tearjerker: Barbara's wedding to Henry, in which all the key players are haunted by the specter of Bab's ex and Henry's father James Stenbeck.)

Inside the Book Business

2010-07-31T21:39:00.000-07:00

Join Kerry Colburn and me for an informative and entertaining evening as we—two authors and former publishing execs with nearly 40 books and 40 years between us—demystify the publishing process from start to finish. The talk will include how to hone and pitch your proposal so it rises out of the slush pile—and so your finished book will fly off the shelves.

Learn the scoop about royalties, agents, the editorial process, editors, and more. If you are thinking about writing a book, have one that needs to be sold, want marketing ideas for an already published book, or are simply interested in learning about the publishing world, this evening will be invaluable, not to mention fun.

Who: Jen & Kerry

What: Everything you wanted to know about the book business but were afraid to ask

When: September 29, 7pm

Where: Hotel Andra, 2000 4th Ave., Seattle, WA

Why: You've got a book idea, don't you?

How: $40. Purchase tickets at brownpapertickets.

Support your local farmers, bookstores, and authors!

2010-07-17T14:53:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, September 23 from 5–6 pm, I'll be hanging out and signing books at the Queen Anne Books booth at the Queen Anne Farmers' Market (at W. Crockett & Queen Anne Ave. N). Buy your root vegetables and artisan cheeses, support your local farmers and bookstore, and pick up a copy of Simple Gifts while you're at it!

Simple Gifts contributor kudos: Shanon Lyon

2010-06-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

It takes a crafty village to make a book. I wanted to give a shout-out to the lovely and ingenious Shanon Lyon, a professional writer and author herself, who showed up to my friend's birthday party with the cutest knitted wine sleeve. She told me it was made out of a sweater she accidentally shrunk. A trip to Goodwill later and I was in business. In fact, I even found the same striped Gap sweater she had used for hers! What are the odds?

What have you made out of stuff lying around the house?

Come visit the Facebook fan forum for TIWTPITF

2010-06-24T16:20:00.000-07:00

My humor blog, Things I Want to Punch in the Face, now has a Facebook fan page. I realized that the comments section of the blog really only scratches the surface of the things you'd really like to beat down. Come visit the PITF Facebook community and join the curmudgeonly confab.

Kick off your summer reading program with Simple Gifts

2010-06-22T14:51:00.000-07:00

Simple Gifts hit the market this month and I'm already hearing great things from folks who are trying out everything from the salted caramel recipe to the toy top project (never underestimate the magic of a classic toy). If you do dig the book, I'd love it if you'd consider posting a review on amazon—they really do help.

And if you aren't in a position to purchase a book at this time (it is $14.39 on amazon, fyi), you can request it from your local library. Go to this handy website, find your local library's site, and place a request.

I used to love the summer reading program at the Sodus Township Library. I'd rip through 10 books at a time. I think Mrs. Ribecki started putting a cap on the number of books that could be checked out at a time because I was so ambitious about it. I loved the library so much that I worked in the children's department of the Benton Harbor Public Library when I was a teenager. There, I threaded filmstrips of The Lorax and The Creature from the Black Lagoon and listened to kids report back on the books they were reading for the summer program. These days, I'm not quite as competitive with my reading regimen, but I still manage to take out a pile of books from the library each time I breeze through my branch.

If you make a project from the book, shoot me a photo of you and the finished gift. I'd love to see your handiwork!

(photo of ticket garland project: Gregg Snodgrass)

Reader's Digest names me one of America's funniest bloggers!

2010-06-07T05:30:00.000-07:00

In its June/July 2010 issue, Reader's Digest names the four funniest bloggers in America and, yep, I made the list for Things I Want to Punch in the Face! And yep, I'm geeked!

As you may know, TIWTPITF came out of my "Bad January," a suck-ass eight days I experienced last year. I like to think of myself as economical and creative, so I turned my grief and irritation into something that felt productive, cathartic, and even healing.

So I went on a rant, one that has lasted 17 months and shows no signs of slowing down.

But I'm still a nice person. Really. When I'm writing a first-person story or blog post, the "I" that I relate to you is not the real me, or rather, it's the me that I choose to share with you. Chuck Klosterman put it this way (in an essay about the Unabomber in Eating the Dinosaur): "I enjoying writing about my life, but I don't like people knowing anything about me." I don't mind people knowing things about me, but I can't stand when they assume things about me based on what I choose to write about myself. If you only read TIWTPITF, you may assume that I'm a hateful curmudgeon or a bitchy cynic. You may also think I'm funnier than a PT Cruiser full of clowns.

I am, but that's not all I am.

If you read my craft books (like the just-published Simple Gifts), you may conclude that I knock out homemade masterpieces like a machine and that I'm sweet as pie.

I'm currently crafted out. And many of my creations look, to put it kindly, shot in the ass.

However, I just might be the nicest person you've had the pleasure to meet.

Writing about myself has proven to be tricky. I'm a lot of things, I like a lot of things. The current wisdom would be to pick a lane and develop my brand. That would be smart, sure, but it might also make me claw my face off. I like addressing all facets of my personality and writing about my many interests. I like being nimble and able to switch gears. And I sure as hell like punching things in the face. That's a safe assumption.

Check out the Reader's Digest story and congrats to the other bloggers!

Hugo House Writer's Conference this weekend

2010-05-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

You probably already know about this but I just can't help beating a dead horse.

I'm going to lead a workshop on Sunday, May 23, that will help you put together a winning proposal. "The 7 Elements of a Successful Nonfiction Book Proposal" will break down all the components that go into creating a proposal that will win over publishers.

"Black Is Not Your Color (And It's Not Your Brand)" Workshop on May 19

2010-05-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

Check out this great workshop being offered by my friend Darcey Howard. I did a one-on-one phone session with her and it totally transformed how I view my personal style.

By popular demand, this workshop is being offered in both

Seattle and Manhattan at midday & evening times

Darcey Howard

"Personal Branding Through Appearance"

Being your brand takes guts.

Owning your value takes guts.

How do you create a brand that reflects your value and uniqueness in a sea of competition?

You have be ready to own it.

Are you ready to own your brand and stand out from the crowd?

_______________________________________

"Our society wants you to fit in so it can ignore you." —Seth Godin

___________________________

As an expert in building brand integrity for businesses and individuals, Darcey Howard, Personal Branding & Style Consultant, will provide the tools, tips and guidelines you can put into place immediately to make sure you stand out in a crowd versus just fitting in.

Come away with...

Clarity of how your personal brand is conveyed and perceived both visually and professionally.
Tools for bridging the gap between how you feel, how you look and how you sell.
Knowledge on how to leverage your USP (Unique "Style" Proposition) to attract ideal customers.
Guidelines to identify, build and maintain your personal brand and leverage it in your business.

Don't miss this opportunity to get what your personal brand needs to not be ignored. Cost is just $40.00.

Join Darcey Howard, founder of Personal Branding Through Appearance & LifeStyled, Ltd ., on May 19th for one of two scheduled times, either 12:30 pm or 6:30 pm for this 90-minute program.

_____________________

"Black is Not a Color (And It's Not Your Brand)" Workshop

May 19, 2010

12:30–2:00 pm

6:00–7:30 pm

Aspira

1823 Terry Avenue

Seattle, WA 98101

(206) 623-8900

______________________

To sign up or for more information, please contact Darcey at darcey@darceyhoward.com.

Be Thrifty on April 28

2010-04-27T11:10:00.001-07:00

I'm thrilled to be filling in for the hilarious and insightful Warren Etheredge tomorrow night at the Hotel Andra for a timely event brought to you by Kim Ricketts. I'll be doing a Q&A with Califia Suntree and discussing her spanking new book, Be Thrifty: How to Live Better with Less.

During the evening (which kicks off at 6:30), receive a signed copy of the book, appetizers, the conversation with Califia, and the chance to chat with her (and me, if you're so inclined). For $35, it sounds like a nifty, thrifty deal to me! If you are in Seattle, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet an author in a casual, fun atmosphere. You can order your ticket at Brown Paper Tickets.

Write a kick-ass book proposal...and so much more

2010-04-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

Join me during the Richard Hugo House's first writer's conference. Held over the weekend of May 21-23, the theme of the weekend is Finding Your Readers in the 21st Century. They've created three "tracks"—Publishing Choices, Self Promotion, and Writer's Toolbox—that are designed to help you learn more about publishing and promotion, while honing your craft. I'm going to lead a workshop on Sunday, May 23, that will help you put together a winning proposal. "The 7 Elements of a Successful Nonfiction Book Proposal" will break down all the components that go into creating a proposal that will win over publishers.

Hugo House is an amazing hub and resource for writers in Seattle. I encourage you to check it out.

Simple Gifts is hitting the market soon!

2010-04-20T16:36:00.000-07:00

I just got my advance copy of Simple Gifts and after a long, long, looonnnggggg journey, I have to tell you…

It's gorgeous! Since you can only see pictures of the cover, let me tell you a little about the physical book. It's 160 pages of full-color goodness (the talented Gregg Snodgrass took the photos and Michaela Murphy lent her talents as stylist and model; she really is a good woman to know). The matte-laminated hardcover has spot lamination over the title and the paper stock is thick and yummy. The book feels as good as it looks, which is saying something.

The book has a long history, which I won't go into. But it was originally conceived as an illustrated book and when Voyageur Press decided to publish it, it became a book with loads of photography. Which meant I had to make all 50 projects look really faboo for the photo shoot. I can't even tell you all the random places I had to pick up materials, tools, and props but I will say that the men at Home Depot readily helped me cut down a slab of pine so I could make a kick-ass tool box (it may have helped that I was wearing a dress).

The reason that the materials were so random is that the book is chockablock with projects for everyone on your list—mom, grandpa, newborns, kids, pets, hostesses, co-workers, significant others, and anyone you really, really like—and they range from easy and quick to "Hi, can I borrow your table saw?" The projects assume you're a beginner and walk you through knitting, sewing, felting, candle-making, wood-working, hammering, embroidering, book-binding, papier mâché, découpage, cooking, baking, and everything in between. And, heck, if you don't make anything else in the book, the salted caramel recipe is worth the $20 by itself (but with 50 crafts, each project only costs 40 cents!).

I'll be sharing more about Simple Gifts as the books roll in and events get scheduled, but I had to gush a little (and let you know that you can preorder your copy now). I'm always a bit giddy whenever the first real advance arrives.

Skamania Lodge event cancelled

2010-03-09T17:20:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to let y'all know that due to extenuating circumstances, the Skamania Lodge Bed and Bookfest with me has been canceled this weekend. So if you want to learn how to make fizzy bath bombs or bind a book, you'll just have to buy Backcountry Betty: Crafting in Style or the upcoming Simple Gifts: 50 Little Luxuries to Craft, Sew, Cook & Knit.

Bed and Book-Fest Weekend

2010-02-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

Head to the beautiful Skamania Lodge (near Portland) for a weekend of relaxation, crafting, and me! I'll be hosting the lodge's 2nd installment of its new Literary Series.

During the weekend, I'll mingle with guests during a reception on Saturday night, which will be followed by a short reading and chat. Sunday kicks off with a hands-on workshop, featuring projects from Backcountry Betty: Crafting With Style. If that's not enough, I'll sit down with guests over lunch to talk about books, crafting, and pretty much whatever they want.

(photos: mymotels.com)

When: March 13 & 14
Where: Skamania Lodge, Stevenson, WA

The supporting characters

2010-01-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

I recently wrote a post on my other blog, Things I Want to Punch in the Face. It recounted my worst New Year’s Eves. The list is long and varied, and every entry involved other people. One of them, an ex-boyfriend, contacted me after reading the post, saying it was weird to see himself referenced in someone else’s story, even if I didn’t single him out by name or say anything negative about him.

I worry about a lot of stuff, so it’s not surprising that I worry about what my friends and family will think after writing about them (I worry about what they think when I'm not writing about them). I have been thoughtless in the past about oversharing and processing my thoughts and feelings through my writings. A man I was dating mistakenly thought I was referring to him in a column that was primarily about my grandfather, who had just passed away. He brought me to tears over a story that was supposed to be a love letter to my grandpa and his many admirable qualities vs. some of the men I had previously dated. In an article about my high-school reunion, I didn’t even change the names, thinking none of my classmates would see it. I was wrong.

I was wrong in many ways. See, my story isn’t just mine. My perspective and my voice are, certainly, but events, well, they usually involve other folks even if we remember things differently.

I’m working on a memoir, which wasn’t really music to my mom’s ears. Shit happened when I was growing up. And I’m trying to capture it from my point of view, through my eyes. But I’m having a tough time. I can’t help fast-forwarding to family reactions when I spill secrets that might not be only mine to share. Many memoirists (Augusten Burroughs, for example) have left a wake of ill will and severed relationships behind them for the sake of a fantastic, compelling read. I sure as hell don’t want that. Mom told me to wait until she was dead before publishing the memoir. I’m not going to do that, either. One, I want her to live for a long, long time. Two, it feels dishonest. If I’m going to risk someone’s reputation post-mortem, I should be willing to do it while they’re alive and face the music, even if I don’t want to hear it.

What are your thoughts on writing an honest memoir? Can it be done while protecting those who are part of the story?

Fireside Chat demo and book-signing

2009-11-27T18:25:00.000-08:00

Face facts: You'll probably have a headache and few gifts left to buy when December 19 rolls around. Not to worry. Relax as you make last-minute gifts with me (fizzy bath bombs!) and enjoy a cocktail mixed by author Kerry Colburn during this lively evening. We'll also be signing copies of Backcountry Betty: Crafting with Style and Good Drinks for Bad Days—Holiday Edition, which make perfect stocking stuffers and hostess gifts!

When: Saturday, Dec. 19, 4–5pm
Where: Hotel 1000, 1000 First Ave., Seattle, WA

Collisions

2009-09-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I got rear-ended…hard. As I sat on the side of I-5 waiting for the tow truck so I could get back to a book deadline, I started thinking about all the accidents—four, to be exact—that I’ve ever been involved in.

Fresh out of driver’s ed, I was driving to a cast party after a performance of “Don’t Drink the Water.” I was playing Marion Hollander like Edith Bunker and it totally killed, if I do say so myself. For reasons I won't go into, I wasn’t supposed to go to the party; my mom was running interference so I could slip away for a couple of hours. I was on the clock.

As soon as the curtain went down, I changed clothes and zipped across town. As I approached the intersection of Napier Avenue and M-139, I got nervous. Reputedly the most dangerous intersection in Southwestern Michigan, it was a clusterfuck of lanes around the Orchards Mall and the Fairplain Plaza. Impatient, I stepped on the gas in my tiny red Toyota truck and promptly rear-ended a couple. As I got out of the car and scurried over to the pair, I prayed that there was no damage or injury.

“ohmygoshiamsosorryareyouokay?” I blurted out, looking at our bumpers rather than them. Aside from a bit of paint transfer, all seemed intact. Then I looked up. The couple was staring at me, speechless.

I suddenly realized that I never took off my stage makeup. My hair was sprayed gray and I had age lines drawn on with greasepaint. While I was wearing my Guess jeans with the zippers at the ankles and the rad Ocean Pacific jersey I got in Chicago, my face was straight out of granny central casting.

In a word, insane.

Well, after the initial shock, the couple insisted on taking down my digits. Although they never did call, I was on pins and needles during the ensuing weeks, waiting for news that my ass was grass.

After that, I enjoyed a spell of accident-free driving. In my early twenties, I moved to Washington, DC and took a job working at a magazine production company. I lived in Georgetown and drove out Route 50 every weekday into Northern Virginia. Even with the reverse commute, traffic sucked dead bear.

A multi-car pile-up was bound to happen. I was jarred from my NPR reverie by unwelcome impact. Again, rear-ended. I didn’t brake quickly enough, so I rammed into the car in front of me. And so on and so on and so on. While I was fine, the bumper on my Tempo of Doom suffered some damage. This time, I was more concerned about being late to work than anything else.

Fast forward ten-ish years. I was again scurrying to my job, this time at a publishing house in Philadelphia. I had an important meeting…with Mister Rogers. Obviously, I didn’t want to be late and I didn’t want to miss a minute of time with him. The light turned, I got the go-ahead, and I started into the cross-walk. Some dim bulb on her cellphone turned the corner and barreled right at me.

She sees me. She has to see me. I’m in the middle of the crosswalk. Uh…why isn’t she slowing down?

As these thoughts raced through my head, I realized that she did not see me and that I was going to get hit. Luckily, my body responded faster than my thought process. I leapt and succeeded in only getting hip-checked. At this point, the driver sort of noticed me. She stopped, rolled down her window, and yelled, “Did I hit you?”

Um…

I bitched her out with signature snark, and kept it together until I got into my office. Then I broke down. And after a good crying jag worthy of Holly Hunter in Broadcast News, I collected myself and went downstairs to meet my hero.

And that brings us to this latest run-in. I’ve been fortunate to have only sustained minor bruising during these collisions. In thinking about them, however, what's been interesting is that I'm always being driven by my passions when an accident occurs. Be it my teenage acting aspirations or my career, I can't wait to trade insurance information, tape up the bumper or my body, and get back to it. Maybe I'm impatient, but it's usually only because I love what I do and I can't wait to stop sweating the small stuff (like a dinged bumper) and get back to what really drives me.

Writer’s block: fact or fiction?

2009-09-21T18:35:00.001-07:00

I’ve long maintained that I don’t believe in writer’s block. Sit down, focus, and knock some text out. I guess it’s my blue-collar, farmer roots. I don’t want to indulge the finicky muse. I just want to get shit done.

I’m revising this belief.

I’m tired. You might even say I’m burnt out. I don’t think I’ve taken a two-week vacation in my adult life. I work every weekend and often am taken unawares by B-list holidays. Recent Christmases have found me sitting at my parents’ dining room table trying to jack a neighbor’s WiFi so I can research a music legend for a possible book collaboration or write content for a retail website. Ho ho ho.

Being a freelance writer sounds idyllic to those on the outside. I get to set my own schedule. I am able to develop passion projects. I have the ability to meet up for coffee or lunch regularly. I can work in my housepants all day.

The reality? Not exactly puppy dogs and rainbows.

Don’t get me wrong. All the above “perks” are true but aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. Scheduling is a bitch. Without meetings and others to report to, I find it nigh on impossible to keep to a routine. I need accountability beyond myself. I don’t draw a regular paycheck, so I take on all sorts of projects to pay the bills. I agree to unrealistic deadlines. I work seven days a week. I know I need to have more balance in theory, but I struggle to create this in practice. And I don’t sit in pajama bottoms all day, contrary to popular freelancer belief. What would Bill, my beloved UPS guy, think?

All this wears on me. And it wears on my writing. At times, my creative cupboard is bare.

Sure, I have techniques to jumpstart my writing when I’m staring at the screen. But if I’m uninspired by a project, it’s hard to make a cognitive shift so that I can plow through it in short order. Often, the projects that make my heart sing and my fingers fly get pushed to the side in favor of immediate, lucrative assignments. If I’m stuck with a claw-my-face-off project, I’ll put it aside for an hour or two and write something else that blows my skirt up. For instance, I’ll draft a blog post here or for Things I Want to Punch in the Face, a forum that provides me pure bliss. It’s an efficient way to re-juice me creatively.

And while I don’t exactly believe in waiting for that wifty bitch of a muse to roll in like Olivia Newton-John in Xanadu (although that’d be dope), I have discovered that my writing needs space to breathe and develop in my mind and heart before I can transfer it to the page. I’ve been batting around a teenage memoir like a cat with a mouse for years. It started out with one focus and I just couldn’t muster up enthusiasm to keep it going. I backburnered it and felt guilt over it for a year or two. Then something happened. I found the heart of the matter. It was only by giving it space that I realized that the real story, the painful one lurking behind my pithiness, was the one I needed to tell. It’s the project I have to write. In this case, writer’s block turned out to be a gift, not an excuse.

Meanwhile, I’m still staring at the screen and working to finish my urgent projects so I can fit my memoir into my schedule. I’m eager to have my heart singing and fingers soaring again but sometimes, I got nothing.

Do you believe in writer’s block? If so, what do you do to alleviate writer’s block? What inspires you?

(photo: ifanboy.com)

Talk talk, all we do is talk talk

2009-09-18T23:45:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, I road-tripped to see Dave Matthews Band with a childhood friend. When I returned to Seattle, I had a houseguest in town for a music festival. After he left, I had a day alone before I flew cross-country. There, in New Jersey and then Delaware and back to New Jersey, I was with a couple housefuls of people for a week-plus.

I felt like I had a radio in my head that couldn’t be turned off.

I suddenly realized why I was screaming in my skull. I hadn’t been alone for more than 24 hours in two weeks when I’m usually alone most of the time. Some days, I talk to a neighborhood barista and that’s it. While I adore my friends and can’t get enough of our sidewinding conversations, I am not trained these days to run the convo course. I can go at it in sprints but I get winded halfway through a marathon.

When I lived on the East Coast, I shone in situations where five conversations were simultaneously going on. I took it as a point of pride to follow all the threads. It was sport.

But it wasn’t connected. It was more about showing off than tuning in. I have been working to change this. And I know I’m different. When someone cuts me off, I can’t take it. I often just shut down and let them talk, figuring it’s more important to them to drone on than for me to interrupt. But I’m equally aggravated when someone isn’t listening to me. I don’t always have something important to say, but I am talking.

I know I do it, too. I might be working on the computer or watching crap Bravo TV (you know what shows I’m talking about) and zone out. I didn’t used to do this. I've been on high alert for most of my life. As a kid in an alcoholic household, I learned to multitask, doing homework, watching TV with the family, and always listening, listening, listening for something that required a laugh, a comment, or a trip to the kitchen for another highball. I guess my coping strategies have slowly melted away. I don’t need to split my mind into different compartments, I don’t need to always impress. Rather, I want to connect, to feel that ripple that flows through my body and causes my eyes to tear up when I am absolutely on the same page, wavelength, whatever you want to call it, with someone. That’s when the white noise stops and I can hear everything crystal clear.

(photo: textually.org)

Flexing my flexibility

2009-09-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

Until a few years ago, I thought I was just a logical person with high standards for myself and others.

Then I realized that I was extremely inflexible. Rigid, in fact.

I expected people to follow through on plans or tasks, no matter what. I was disappointed when a friend consistently, almost without fail, canceled on activities at the last minute. I couldn’t deal when someone blew off a deadline.

And the person I was hardest on was myself, which meant I was anxious and filled with guilt and/or self-loathing pretty much all the time. It’s little wonder I have acid reflux.

But after working with a life coach and gaining a bit of perspective, I realized that being vulnerable and inconsistent is not a failure. It’s human.

I set myself up when I hold myself and others to the highest standard. Take today, for example. I was supposed to travel to New York for a day of meetings (four, to be exact). After taking a red-eye from Seattle to Philadelphia and doing a “planes, trains, and automobiles” thing for 36 hours, I was already compromised on sleep. I woke up with a sore throat and a runny nose and it was pouring outside. But I still got up, showered, prepared to make the trip regardless of the fact that I have a full itinerary for the next week, including my best friend’s wedding shower that I’ve helped to plan. Tromping around in the rain, my health would most likely be further compromised. But I was reluctant to alter my itinerary. I had appointments set up, I had made plans. I felt like a wuss even considering going into the city later in the day, let alone bagging on it altogether.

But when I went to wake up Alison, she was the voice of reason. Finally, talking it over with someone other than the voices in my head, I was able to allow for the possibility of an alternate plan. Within 10 minutes, I realized the folly of the trip in the face of all I have to do in the coming days. I e-mailed all of my appointments and rescheduled a couple for next week. My only regret is that I got out of bed so early.

Being flexible and fluid takes constant practice and I’m slowly learning to give myself and others a break. I am learning to accept when a friend leaves me hanging and be excited when she actually shows up. As the saying goes (attributed to Denis Waitley), “Expect the best, plan for the worst, and prepare to be surprised.” And I’m trying to remember to step outside of myself, look at a situation, and lighten up. The only person who expects me to meet unattainable standards is me.

I’ve got a long way to go to be spontaneous, but that’s okay. Nobody’s perfect.

(photo: petals.i.ph

The work/play tug-o-war

2009-09-07T15:32:00.000-07:00

It seems as if I’ve had vacation on the brain these days. If I can’t take a full-on break, I can at least dream about one. And this rainy Labor Day weekend, I’ve been trying to find my spots of blue sky where I can find them.

Sometimes they only exist in my mind.

On the surface, I had a great weekend set up. My childhood friend Ann, who I reconnected with last year, scooped me up and whisked me away to see Dave Matthews Band at the Gorge, a spectacular outdoor venue in Eastern Washington. We spent the night in Moses Lake, hit the breakfast buffet in the lobby, and hightailed it back over the mountains.

DMB was fantastic; the time spent with Annie was even better.

I continued the tour through my past when I got back to Seattle. My high school pal Kevin flew in from Chicago for Bumbershoot, a three-day music and arts extravaganza. The festival would be overwhelming even if I didn’t have a lot of deadlines. But I do. So I’ve been doing my best to find balance, the middle of the road between work and play, the desire to be a good hostess with the need to be an effective small business owner.

The results are mixed. In trying to do both, I’m doing neither very well. But what I am doing is the best I can. I sent Kevin off in the rain to see the Black-Eyed Peas this afternoon; I’ll join him in a couple of hours to check out some acts this evening. The holiday is almost over and I’m going to be as present as possible in whatever activity I’m engaged in, be it writing, editing, or rocking out. At least I'm going to try.

Do you ever experience work guilt when you play on the weekend or holidays?

Is traditional publishing dead?

2009-08-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

Like many writers, I’ve been utterly gutted by the changing face of publishing. Watching magazines fold, newspapers go online or go under altogether, and book publishing struggle to find a financially viable place in this ever-changing and nutty world has been devastating.

I’ve taken my own hits. A book I finished writing was canceled within a week of the manuscript being submitted. A crafting website for which I was contracted to write weekly blog posts and tutorials cut all their paid content. I, and my fellow writers, fell by the cyber-wayside.

But you know what? I’m picking myself up. I resold my book to another publisher and like the Six-Million Dollar Man, it’s going to be better, stronger, faster. The blogging gig I had was a terrific experience and my takeaway is a huge online community of supportive writers and crafters.

That, however, doesn’t pay the rent. Out-of-work writers and editors are scrambling to find ways to make coin. When I saw the Seattle Post-Intelligencer cease publication and the Ann Arbor News—a paper in which I was thrilled to be published during college—go softly into that good night, I was dismayed. Kindles initially chilled me to the bone, I’m not gonna lie.

Then I started to see the forest through the trees (the ones that aren’t being chopped down for paper and pulp). I started to see opportunity. I don’t know what publishing is going to look like in a year, let alone a few months, but it will survive. It will evolve into something better, stronger, faster.

Publishing is far from dead; it's being reborn.

More people than ever are reading, be it through laptops, Kindles, or traditional mediums. Content is already starting to shake out, with quality writing separating itself from the chaff through user recommendations and trusted online voices, not through conventional publishing gatekeepers. In addition to having written 20-plus books, I was also an editor for many years, so I value an educated recommendation. But isn’t it just as exciting for a piece of writing to be discovered and embraced by the community you originally hoped to reach, or even by an unexpected readership?

My friend Diane Gilleland, a fellow author and blogger who worked with me on the aforementioned crafting website, has found that putting her considerable talent into e-books is an effective way to reach her community in much less time than traditional publishing can accommodate. And she’s able to reap a quicker ROI since she is, in essence, the publisher. She’s one of many writers who are finding ways to transition successfully into publishing 2.0.

Here's Diane's take on things: "As much as I love my traditionally published book, I find it much easier and more authentic to publish my own work digitally. I see no reason to put good ideas on hold until a publisher decides there's a wide enough market for them. An enthusiastic niche audience is in many ways more fun than a mildly interested mainstream."

As for me, I’m putting the social media experience I’ve gleaned as a writer and author to use as a consultant. Over the years, I’ve discovered effective ways to promote my books and other products, build a strong personal brand, and connect with a community that expands daily. And in a similar fashion, I am helping businesses come out guns a’ blazin’ in this Wild, Wild West of Web 2.0. When the smoke clears, let’s be the ones still standing. Let’s be better, stronger, faster.

To become a more powerful publishing gunslinger, here are a few tips:

For the writer:

Certain genres still work in the printed form, such as gift books and children's picture books. Investigate which areas of the bookstore continue to see strong traffic. Retool a book idea to fit into a market that is still drawn to bound books.
Explore new mediums to publish your work, such as e-books and monetized blogs.
Build your personal brand and develop a strong online community (which will enhance your desirability to a publisher) through the use of various social networking platforms.
Write a blog to further solidify your brand.

For the publisher:

Embrace alternative channels of publishing. Kindle content may be inexpensive to consumers but it creates another income stream for you and your authors.
Create a strong social networking presence to build a loyal community around your company and your authors.
Use every possible avenue online to market your books. This includes blogs, forums, chat rooms, e-mail blasts, Facebook fan pages, YouTube videos, aggregate sites, and Twitter.
Once you set up profiles and accounts online, actively participate by posting interesting content and connecting with your community.
Partner with authors to achieve wide-ranging online publicity. We have skills far beyond being fabulous writers.

For more on the state of publishing, give a listen to Diane's Craftypod podcasts about publishing, here and here.

Vacation, all I ever wanted?

2009-08-21T18:14:00.000-07:00

I’m on a mini-vakay at a gorgeous South Florida resort. They have 23 pools, I can hear and see the waves breaking gently on the beach, the balmy air kisses my skin.

I’m seriously freaking out.

I have a book manuscript due, not to mention all sorts of other deadlines and responsibilities that are sticking to me like sand on wet skin. This isn’t a new problem. I’ve always had a hard time relaxing and over the years, working for myself, it’s hard for me to even take weekends off. There’s always something that I think demands attention. There’s always something (or to be honest, a litany of items) that works to keep me from falling asleep.

Does this sound familiar?

While I hope not, I suspect some of it rings true for you. It’s hard to turn off the worry and the responsibility and let yourself relax. Here at this wondrous place, I don’t feel I deserve what the resort and the time off has to offer. I don’t deserve peace of mind.

I haven’t worked hard enough. I didn’t get enough things off my plate before I came. I can’t just turn off a chaotic life that I created. Or can I?

I often go around thinking that there’s a magic wand that I can just wave around and suddenly, I’ll be in a Florida state of mind. It doesn’t work that way. In fact, I have to consciously work and make choices to give myself this break.

And I also have to cut myself a break. I’m committed to social media and for me, that means tweeting around scheduled events, sharing photos of the amazing things I’m experiencing in real time, and turning my iPhone to vibrate, not off.

I’m making choices that will help me to be present in paradise while still staying linked in.

Maybe my next trip will be to a destination sans a signal (I’ve already got an invite to a remote cabin in Maine next year) but for now, vacation isn’t quite like the Go-Gos said.

Vacation, all I ever wanted. Yes.
Vacation, had to get away. Okay. I’ll buy that.
Vacation, meant to be spent alone. Nope, not without my tweeple.

(I'm staying at the Amelia Island Plantation. Book a trip now.)

The social media revolution

2009-08-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

"Social media isn't a fad. It's a fundamental shift in the way we communicate." I couldn't have said it better myself, and I certainly couldn't have shown it better than this short video filled with mind-blowing statistics about the increasing power of social media. Please take the 4 minutes and 23 seconds to watch it. You won't be disappointed.

Is authenticity the new transparency?

2009-08-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

I've been all up in social media's grill for quite some time now and it's very easy to start talking the talk. But I have a high bullshit sensor and really hate "bizspeak." Masterminding, low-hanging fruit, and taking a conversation offline all make me want to claw my face off. I realize that some work-specific vocabulary is necessary but much of it strikes me as pure posturing.

These days, I've been hearing a lot about the importance of "authenticity" and "being authentic." These words are being bandied about with as much abandon as "transparency" was last November. I admit that I've used these terms. Who hasn't asked an antique dealer if an oak clawfoot table is actually authentic? And, yes, I've used them when describing the importance of real, true social networking and communications, because there are a lot of phonies, blowhards, and chuckleheads out there in cyberspace. You can't see, hear, or reach out and touch someone when he sends a tweet. How do you know if it's worth your time to click on a link? Is it going to be a blog that touches the soul or captures the imagination? Or is it going to be an ad for penile implants? Sometimes you just don't know.

But you can increase your chances of striking cyber gold if you are engaging in social media regularly (and by engaging, I mean having conversations, reading your streams, posting your own compelling content, and not just stalking your twitterfeed and facebook home page). You can see someone's tweets, status lines, and thoughts over time and get a sense of their credibility, their authenticity.

And what speaks to me as authentic may not resonate with you at all. We have to find our own tribes, or twibes, as the case may be, and work on building our own, ugh, authenticity within them. Don't retweet everything you see. Don't hashtag people for #followfriday unless you really are digging on them. There is a buttload of quantity out there (which is admittedly hard to stomach if you're a professional writer like me who values great writing and likes to get paid for it); help yourself and your tribe sift through it. Recommend the things and people you truly like, write to your personality and not your bottom line, and seek out strong voices within the social media din. You'll come through loud and clear.

But remember: please use "authentic" sparingly or I might have to cybersmack you.

What's your definition of "authentic?" Are you fed up with this or any other buzzword these days?

You can find me on twitter @Jennifer_Worick or on Facebook. Follow me, friend me, join my tribe/twibe.

(A great book about building credibility within social networking is The Whufffie Factor by social media maven Tara Hunt, @MissRogue on twitter.)

Changes are afoot

2009-08-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

As you can see from the new masthead, I’m tweaking this blog. I initially called it “Prairie Tales,” as it tied in nicely with my book, The Prairie Girl’s Guide to Life. In addition, it conveyed my desire to talk about how I navigate through the world as a crafty urbanite with blue-collar background.

Write about those things I did…and do. But as I and my work have evolved, so too has my focus for this blog. I’m a crafty prairie girl, sure, but I’m a whole lot more. I’m a humorist, a lecturer, an author of wide-ranging nonfiction, and a social media consultant.

Prairie Tales is too limited a focus to convey all the hats I wear. Believe me, my hatboxes contain a whole lot more than a sunbonnet!

To that end, this blog will now be called “Word: The World and Word of Jennifer Worick.” In it, I’ll get into anything and everything that’s on my mind, from publishing and writing, to social networking to crafting, to things that strike my fancy or stick in my craw. And I want to hear from you. "Word" is a great forum to talk about the good, the bad, and the zeitgeisty stuff that intrigues us.

I look forward to the conversation.

Bath bomb: the musical

2009-08-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

Not really. But here is the TV spot I did on KOMO4 back in June. Learn how to create bath bombs in this televised tutorial.

Bath bomb demo was the bomb!

2009-08-03T17:13:00.000-07:00

By the looks of the happy faces on vendors and customers, the Urban Craft Uprising was a huge success on all fronts. My friends Susan Beal and Sister Diane conducted workshops and signed books on Saturday. I had the pleasure of doing the same on Sunday.

A baker's dozen of crafters gathered in the demo area to learn how to make bath bombs (one of the many nature-based projects in Backcountry Betty: Crafting with Style). In short order, participants were sniffing essential oils and mixing up their bombs. After packing ice-cube trays with crafty goodness (as Sister Diane would say in her craftypod podcast), they gently twisted the trays to pop out their fizzy treats. There were a few casualties, I'm not gonna lie, but overall, everyone was pleased to learn how to make these easy and inexpensive bombs. Thanks to the great staff at the Uprising, my friend Jessica Campbell (who originally showed me how to make these lovelies), and everyone who stepped up to the table to get their hands dirty, at least temporarily.

Tacoma or bust

2009-07-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

If you are in Tacoma, or know someone crafty who is, come on out tomorrow night to the Wheelock Library. I'll be talking about Backcountry Betty: Crafting with Style, describing methods for optimal beach-glass hunting, and showing you how to do an easy project or two with stuff you find on the ground. Seriously, what's not to dig?

When: Wednesday, July 29, 7pm
Where: The Anna Lemon Wheelock Library, 3722 N. 26th St., Tacoma

For more information, check out the library site for details. Mapquest directions here.

The Urban Craft Uprising is going down next weekend

2009-07-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

The Urban Craft Uprising brings you the best and brightest indie crafters and, this year, the UCU is adding a summer show so you don't have to wait for the holidays to get your craft on. Next weekend, August 1 & 2, head to the Seattle Center's Exhibition Hall to shop, participate in demos, and meet your favorite authors and crafters.

Like, for instance, me.

I'll be leading a workshop on Sunday where you'll learn how to make your own fizzy bath bombs. They are suprisingly cheap and easy to whip up. That's going down at 12:30. Then from 2–3pm, you can get your very own signed copy of Backcountry Betty: Crafting with Style so you'll have the directions to make the bath bombs and 49 other projects using outdoor and found items.

Be honest, you'll only really go hiking or kayaking for one day next weekend so head to some air-conditioned shopping on the off day for some kick-ass crafts. Diane Gilleland, Susan Beal, Jenny Hart will all be in the house signing books and doing demos. What more could you ask for?

Betty hits the University Branch library on Tuesday!

2009-07-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

I'll be hitting the University Branch (5009 Roosevelt Way NE) of the Seattle Public Library this Tuesday (7/21) for a talk and demo about Backcountry Betty: Crafting with Style.

Hear about my beach glass obsession! Learn about how to forage for craft materials in the wild! See a plain baby onesie be transformed into a work of art before your very eyes! All this magic happens at 6:30pm. Friends of SPL will be on hand selling books, in the event you want a signed copy (and I promise to write something pithy, cheesy, or heartfelt in it). Hope to see you there!

A few photos from my birthday

2009-06-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

I had a magical birthday weekend, kicking off with a small cookout at the CoSos. Rob, Kerry, Piper, and Molly—my Seattle family—opened up their backyard for some great play (including bocce ball), conversation, and all-around fun. Strange songs were sung in lieu of the "Happy Birthday" song, baked beans and bratwurst were shoved in the piehole, and there were cupcakes.

Yesterday, my actual birthday, I went with a couple of dear friends to Whidbey Island for the day. We followed my usual route: Greenbank for pie, Coupeville for salmon & chips at Toby's Tavern, beach glass hunting (check out the two bags of glass booty!), just over Deception Pass for espresso shakes at the Shrimp Shack (love the photo of Michaela and Jessica; they look like they are up to no good)... We added in a stop at the Tulalip Casino (truly, the number-one place for fun), which blew Michaela's mind. She kept looking up at the ceiling like she had just gone down the rabbit hole. Sadly, I was not the Queen of Hearts but I was queen for a day. The best part about the entire celebration was the insightful, funny conversations I had with my friends. I am so blessed to have such an amazing urban tribe; that really is the best gift and I get it on a daily basis.

Notes from the G-Wood

2009-06-23T23:21:00.000-07:00

I had a fun time talking Backcountry Betty: Crafting with Style tonight at the Greenwood Branch of the Seattle Public Library. Friends and strangers came out for the promise of hugs, salted caramels, and crafty tips. And I loved hearing from library patrons how to make paper and chocolate leaves out of found items. And to cap off the evening (not counting the drinks I downed later at Gainsbourg), a librarian bequeathed to me a bin of plastic register tape rolls, CD jewel cases, and library card templates to repurpose into something. We'll see what magic awaits with these goodies.

Make a gorgeous paper flower bouquet

2009-06-23T14:23:00.000-07:00

Over at Etsy, my favorite designer Jeff Rudell shows us how to make an ingenious paper bouquet. Check it out.

Next up: Greenwood Library

2009-06-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

I know you must be dying to discover the world of inexpensive and ingenious craft projects in Backcountry Betty: Crafting With Style. You're in luck! Come see me tomorrow night at the Greenwood Library. I'll be there at 6:30, talking up beach glass, pine cones, and all sorts of treasures you can find on the ground. I'll discuss my current state of craft dementia and my dream for a Battle of the Beach Glass Stars someday. I'll do a demo of one of the projects in the book, and Friends of the Seattle Public Library will be on hand to sell books. What's not to like about that?

A weekend of projects and Piper

2009-06-22T09:54:00.000-07:00

I had a super weekend. After a fun Backcountry Betty: Crafting With Style talk and signing at the West Seattle Library on Saturday, I spent some time whipping up crafts for my upcoming book of gift projects. I made some salted caramels late on Saturday night and they are delish, if a tad hard. I am just going to have to make another batch this week, and pull out the caramel at the "soft ball" rather than "firm ball" stage. I made a quilted easy-peasy baby blanket yesterday and now I have the perfect go-to gift for my legions of expecting friends. I wonder if I can make a quilted Snuggie knockoff…

And I also made a charming framed silhouette of my favorite little pal Piper. Another perfect gift for a little one's room and a gift project that can be done, swear, in under an hour). Speaking of Piper, who's almost 4, I played dress-up with her for hours yesterday, meaning she was my Sarah Jessica Parker and I was Patricia Field. I'm most proud of two outfits: I wrapped a giant scarf around her so that it crossed in back and tied at the neck oh-so-smartly. Add to that a satin pencil skirt (from her Disney princesses dress-up kit), some mules and a floral lei worn as a bracelet and she was every bit as chic as Kate Moss on holiday in Ibiza. The other outfit was pure girly fun. I pulled a frilly pink skirt with lots of tulle layers up so that it became a strapless top (like SJP wore during that season of SATC when she was trying to cover up her baby bump). I added a slim pink skirt, a burgundy wrist band, and a pink headband worn Olivia Newton-John style and she was ready for Mr. Big/Prince Charming, not to mention a fancy lunch date with her girlfriends at a swanky place like Trophy Cupcakes.

I tried to make her up as a pirate but she was having none of it. Eye patches are not for her. However, her gypsy fairy look was a bit hit with her parents. She told a few fortunes with her Magic 8-Ball.

Anyway, it was a welcome respite from work and financial stress, and recharged me to come home and keep plugging away on the gift projects.

Craftin' my life away

2009-06-15T21:30:00.000-07:00

I've been crazy busy promoting Backcountry Betty: Crafting With Style and tomorrow, Tuesday, I'll be talking about all the great projects in the book on Whole Living with Terri Trespicio on Martha Stewart Radio. I should be on around 10:30am ET so check it out. I'll also be talking all things Betty at the Vashon Island Library on Wednesday and the West Seattle Library on Saturday.

Meanwhile, I'm furiously cranking out gorgeous projects for my next book so they can be photographed. Writing the manuscript is the most challenging part of the publishing process but it's certainly not the end of my job. Sometimes I just have to review edits, illustrations, and page proofs. But in this case, I have to create 50 projects that are ready for their close-up. At the moment, my apartment looks like a craft bomb detonated. I don't work well in chaos so I keep cleaning up after each craft is completed and then I start the mayhem anew. Not the most time-efficient strategy…

How to Kill Your Favorite Website. (Or Magazine. Or TV show.)

2009-06-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

Please read this terrific article from Sister Diane on Craftypod. She discusses the state of old and new media, and the challenges of monetizing content. I am one of the bloggers who is affected by CraftStylish's decision to cut the budget for content (my final article posted yesterday), and while I'm excited at how publishing will transform itself during this exciting time, I'm also affected financially by both print and online publishing decisions.

How do you think publishing will come out on the other end of this digital revolution?

A look back at Maker Faire

2009-06-03T23:32:00.000-07:00

"I went to Maker Faire and all I got was this awesome t-shirt."

Okay, I got a lot more but one of the highlights of the weekend was hanging out in the Provo Craft booth, chatting with people about how to make shrink plastic jewelry using the Cricut and silk-screening t-shirts for myself and tote bags for the public with the Yudu screen-printing machine.

Yeah, it pretty much rocks.

And the weekend rocked as well. From watching the Mentos/Diet Coke guys set off a huge demonstration to music, to watching a giant Rube Goldberg contraption, to perusing the indie crafter wares at the Bizarre Bazaar (including Erika Kern's loverly log pillows), to rubbing elbows with freaks and geeks, it was a crafter's and nerd's delight. Needless to say, I was in hog heaven amongst all that interesting eyewear.

So I thought I'd provide a few highlight photos of this techie Renaissance Faire. Enjoy!

NYC crafty storytelling this Thursday

2009-06-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

My gifted friends Michaela Murphy and Jeffrey Rudell will be telling crafty tales this Thursday at The Lion Brand Studio in NYC @ 6:00. This show will feature first-time storytellers spinning yarns and it promises to be a fun evening. Seeing as I live across the country, I can't make it but if you're a crafter, you'll dig this.

Check the Lion Brand blog for more details and reservation information.I was with Michaela and Jeffrey this weekend at Maker Faire and will be posting some highlights and insights in the next few days. It was, hands down, the coolest festival/faire/large gathering I've ever attended.

(photo: flickr.com/photos/muggingovercoffee/3530849713/)

See you at Maker Faire this weekend

2009-05-28T01:51:00.000-07:00

I've been playing in a crafty sandbox for quite some time. I've just wrapped up a year of weekly blog posts for CraftStylish and will be turning my attention to other crafty pursuits.

To that end, this weekend I'll be heading to San Mateo to Maker Faire, the granddaddy of DIY gatherings. You can find me at the Provo Craft booth, showing off all sorts of cool things I've been whipping up with their machines (the shrink plastic necklace I made with the Cricut is redonc it's so cute). I'm also enchanted with the yudu, a screen-printing machine that you can set up in your home. I just printed a favorite Bon Jovi quote ("You live for the fight when it's all that you've got," in case you were wondering) around the hem of a t-shirt. Yes, the t-shirt and the machine are as rad as they sound. Stop by the booth if you're attending—you can get a Things I Want to Punch in the Face t-shirt. Yep, also totally rad.

Stay tuned for news from the Maker Faire floor…

Betty Does Ballard this Thursday

2009-05-26T21:10:00.001-07:00

I'll be talking about Backcountry Betty: Crafting With Style on Thursday at the Ballard Public Library. I'll do a little demo, wax poetic about beach glass, and talk about how to turn found items into glorious craft projects. This is a great event for kids and families, if you can pull them away from dinner and Dora.

Books will be available for sale by our friendly neighborhood bookstore, Secret Garden. For more on the event, check out the Secret Garden site. I hope to see you there.

Where: Ballard Public Library
When: Thursday, May 28, 6:30pm
Why: Uh…

Make party favors for a bridal shower

2009-05-18T09:07:00.001-07:00

This week's tutorial has me making seriously cute party favors using Hambly Studios' Rub-Ons (they also make great papers and overlays). They are super easy to use and the results are guaranteed to delight. Here, I sassed up some plain white tea tins.

Tutorial: Make a Bridesmaid's Necklace

2009-05-11T09:11:00.001-07:00

My latest tutorial at CraftStylish is a super-simple necklace using awesome colored SoftFlex. Showcase the beading wire and a special bead with this ten-minute project.

CraftyPod reviews Backcountry Betty: Crafting With Style

2009-05-11T08:50:00.000-07:00

Sister Diane gave Betty a great review over at CraftyPod and is giving away a copy of the book. If you want to know more about the projects, Diane gives a thorough overview of the various projects, necessary skill level, and production value of the book.

Head over to CraftyPod to register to win a copy.

Craft Quest: Seattle

2009-05-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

My latest post for Craftstylish features my favorite craft haunts around Seattle. Whether you live here or are just passing through, you might want to check out some of the well-stocked craft stores the city has to offer.

The Space Needle is pretty cool, too.

Make a leaf-printed onesie for your little sprout

2009-04-27T09:16:00.001-07:00

With a little fabric paint, a leaf, and some embroidery floss, you can wow the women at the next baby shower with this one-of-a-kind onesie.

Make a Leaf-Printed Onesie for Your Little Sprout - CraftStylish

Posted using ShareThis

Soft Flex your creative muscles

2009-04-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

The folks over at Soft Flex (my favorite beading wire) are running a fab beading contest.

Here's the skinny:

Soft Flex® Company is looking for colorful designs that showcase your creativity. Design entries must include all three Soft Flex® Wire colors from one of their ten Trios. There is no limit to the number of designs that you may enter. And go crazy—feel free to feature beads and findings from your local bead shop.

Prizes Include:

GRAND PRIZE: $500 Gift Certificate
Runner Up: $250 Gift Certificate
Honorable Mention: $100 Gift Certificate
TOP 10 WINNERS: Free 30-foot spool of their choice

The top 10 winners may be showcased on the Soft Flex website, in magazine ads, in direct mail pieces, and at Soft Flex Company Glass Art & Bead Festivals. Your name and design could be seen by hundreds of thousands of beading enthusiasts!

Click here to find out more details.

Beautiful Disasters - CraftStylish

2009-04-13T09:58:00.001-07:00

Beautiful Disasters - CraftStylish

My latest post on CraftStylish deals with Those Crafts that Shall Not Be Named, namely failed experiments. I particularly love Heather Mann's soap that turned out looking like slabs of Spam. What'd she'd do? Find out at the new collective blog, CraftFail.

Posted using ShareThis

Craftonomics

2009-04-06T11:04:00.001-07:00

The weekend in Portland was truly great. I met some fabulous people in and out of the craft community. After seeing a screening of Handmade Nation (a film by Faythe Levine about the indie craft movement), I was really curious to explore more facets of crafting. Today on Craftstylish, I get into the business of crafting. How do you sustain yourself financially through your craft? Is it even possible?

I'll write more about the weekend but I thought the conversation could start here.

The craftgasm roadtrip

2009-04-03T10:23:00.001-07:00

I'm headed to Portland (or PDX as the cool kids call it) this afternoon for what has been dubbed "craftgasm", a weekend of all things crafty. I'll be driving down with Craftstylish managing editor Michaela Murphy and her man Greg and we are going to join in festivities already under way. The weekend came together around the Northwest premiere of Handmade Nation, a documentary exploring the rise of the indie craft movement. (Check out the video of the fun opening credits.) I'm so excited for the screening tonight at the Museum of Contemporary Craft.

But wait, there's more!

Button It Up author and craftstylish blogger Susan Beal will be on a panel before tomorrow's afternoon screening and then we'll all convene for a crafting session at Susan's amazing home. Hanging out with her daughter Pearl is just the icing on the cake. Mmm, cake.

The weekend also involves a trip to a tiki bar and the Little Blue Waffle Wagon. As much as I'm looking forward to the waffle, I'm even more excited to be hanging out with such amazing and talented folks.

Follow the weekend on twitter by searching for the hashtag #craftgasm.

Make Beach Glass Earrings

2009-03-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

It was a busy weekend but I still found time to take a breath and do some crafting. It's amazing how I can become laser-focused and calmer when I pull out my chain-nose pliers or knitting needles. My weekend experimentation resulted in these beach glass earrings. Thanks to my Dremel tool, they really didn't take long. I started rocking the Dremel last summer when I was writing Backcountry Betty: Crafting With Style (out this May from Skipstone).

I feel like a serious bad-ass when I flip the switch and start drilling holes in things. And after some experimentation and a special diamond bit, I'm happily drilling beach glass of all shapes and sizes.

Cute as a Button

2009-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

I just discovered these lovely pillows from Letter Perfect Designs. I just love the monogrammed button letters on the pillows.

It's just another great way to repurpose buttons! For more button inspiration, see Susan Beal's new book, Button It Up.

Crafts I Want to Punch in the Face

2009-03-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

In honor of my new blog, Things I Want to Punch in the Face, I thought I'd write about the top craft things that bug me, such as running out of bobbin thread just as I'm about to finish a seam. Grr. Here's the article, posted over on CraftStylish.

What gets your goat when it comes to crafting?

The real Pearl district...

2009-03-09T14:52:00.000-07:00

I spent a great 24 hours in Portland this weekend, where I had a magical, relaxing time talking and crafting with Susan Beal, Michaela Murphy, Diane Gilleland, and Lee Meredith. Susan and her husband Andrew were so lovely and gracious, hosting Michaela and me, and I was just enchanted with her home and her handicrafts, not to mention her sweet baby girl Pearl.

After a fat dinner on Friday night at Sub Rosa to celebrate Susan's new book Button It Up, we all retired to Susan's living room to craft, sort buttons, and pick Diane's brain about Twitter late into the night. Michaela and I happily retired to the guest room and woke the next morning to more delights.

First up, the waffle wagon. Sitting under a tent with a heat lamp and patio furniture, we ordered up our waffles and chowed down. I hoovered a waffle, wrapped like a taco and filled with eggs, rosemary mushrooms, parmesan cheese, sautéed onions, and maple bacon. Holy moley. (The photos are of Susan, the wagon's order window, and my waffle.)

Then Susan zipped us over to the Knittn' Kitten, a craft supply thrift store and one of my favorite places in Portland. I combed through buttons, bins of fabric, vintage patterns, yarn, and all sorts of crafty odds and ends. Heaven. Michaela and I ended the trip with a three-hour coffee klatch on the train. A more civilized 24 hours was never had.

I can't wait to visit Portland and my crafty friends next month, when I return for the Portland premiere of Handmade Nation and Crafty Wonderland. And the waffle wagon, of course.

Make a Buckle Choker

2009-03-09T09:03:00.000-07:00

This week's tutorial over at CraftStylish is a feminine choker that will make you feel flirty and just a bit French.

Mani watch: day 11

2009-03-05T19:27:00.000-08:00

While I didn't technically have any chips in my 11-day-old manicure, I threw in the towel today and changed up the manicure. I'm now sporting a metallic navy blue (I think it's called Russian Navy) from Spa Scotta. Think about it: 11 days without a chip. That's 5 times as long as a usual manicure for me. Seriously.

Axxium Gel Lacquer, I love you so.

Mani watch: Day 10

2009-03-04T08:57:00.000-08:00

Still no chips! Day 10! I cannot wrap my mind around this. I have seen some pulling away at the edges where the nail has been growing out and has pulled away from the cuticle (see close-up). This manicure has been simply amazing, seeing as the nail technician was doing this on me for the very first time. She did an terrific job.

In other news, I gave myself a pedicure with regular old polish the other night and didn't have to worry about getting nail polish remover on my fingernails. Totally not affected. In fact, you could paint over the gel lacquer with nail polish and when you're ready to go back to your gel lacquer color, you can just remove the polish with acetone. Nail polish remover does not affect the gel lacquer. Nutty.

I love you, Spa Scotta, and your Axxium Gel Lacquer manicure!

Make a sushi button bracelet

2009-03-02T09:12:00.001-08:00

My new tutorial is up on CraftStylish. Isn't it cute?

Mani watch: day 8

2009-03-02T09:05:00.000-08:00

Still no chips.

The cuticles are a bit raggedy, but that's my fault, as I pick at them.

Mod Beauty Squad

2009-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

I'm spoiled. I admit it and I love it. As part of my gig writing Seattle directory listings for Allure, I have to submit myself to all sorts of beauty treatments.

I adore being a guinea pig.

And I was in heaven last week when Lisabet de Vos, chief glam master of Mod Beauty Squad, made a house call and performed a Super Power Peel facial on me.

I know; I hate me too sometimes.

Anyway, the peel, which used Dermalogica products, was fabulous, gentle but effective. My skin has been getting better and better this week. And I love the Mod Beauty Squad business model: a mobile beauty unit in Seattle that will come to your business or group and perform facials, brow waxes, and airbrush bronzing. For the busy woman (and face it, we are all crazy swamped these days), this makes great sense. The services are excellent and I'm confident that it won't be long before you see a fleet of MBS Smart Cars zipping around your city, estheticians dressed like the hippest retro flight attendant you've ever seen ready to keep you looking polished and pretty.

Scenes from Puyallup

2009-02-28T18:00:00.000-08:00

I headed down to the Sewing & Stitchery Expo in Puyallup to check out the sewing scene. Okay, I admit was also lured by the prospect of fair scones and onion cheeseburgers.

I was not disappointed on any count.

I must admit that Michaela and I sort of looked like urban aliens amidst the patchwork vests and comfortable shoes in the halls, but we had good fun eking out the newest trends and technology. I thought I'd emerge with only my food expenses but toward the end of the day, I spied buttons at Marci Tilton's booth, remarkable, unique works of art from Paris' last button factory. My favorites are a sheet of six carved shell buttons that have a ring of velvet embedded in each one. I look forward to making button creations for CraftStylish this month (in honor of Susan Beal's new book, Button It Up); I'm newly inspired.

I also bought some quirky patterned organic cotton fabric from Pacific Fabrics. It's got "cute summer skirt" written all over it.

I've included a few photos to give you the fever for the flavor of the Puyallup. Got an extra $12K laying about? Maybe you'll be interested in the new Bernina...

Mani watch: day 6

2009-02-28T08:40:00.001-08:00

Still no sign of a chip anywhere on any of my 10 nails. The most I can say is that the tips are getting slightly worn down from my typing, but it's not visible to the naked eye. My left thumb makes me weep it's so beautiful. And I'm not my only admirer: I was at a sewing expo yesterday and got several compliments on my nails, mostly because they are so darn shiny.

Axxium Gel Lacquer continues to blow my mind.

Mani watch, day 4

2009-02-26T10:18:00.001-08:00

Day 4: No chips or scratches! Not one.

The Axxium Gel Lacquer manicure at Spa Scotta seems to be living up to the hype.

More to come...

Mani watch: day 2

2009-02-24T20:29:00.000-08:00

It takes a lot to blow my mind.

Spa Scotta's new manicure made my head explode. I don't usually rave about spa treatments but I have to gush for a minute and spread the word and the love.

I rarely get manicures because I hate spending money on something that only lasts a day or two. My polish always chips and I cannot stand looking unkempt with even one chipped nail so I always take it off when I spot a chink in my fingernail armor.

Yesterday, I got to experience a manicure with Axxium Gel Lacquer, a process that uses a gel-like color and UV light on each coat to cure the color. After each coat, the nail was completely dry. After the entire process, the color was dry and hard. The best part about this is that it is supposed to last TWO WEEKS! Can you wrap your mind around this? Think about it: workaholics, brides about to honeymoon, women about to give birth, harried moms, frequent travelers, chicks like me who don't like to spend on a transitory service can all enjoy a long-lasting manicure without fear of it chipping or dulling.

I'm only on day two of my Big Apple Red mani but I'm the eternal optimist about beauty products and I have every confidence that this manicure service (only available in Seattle at Spa Scotta) is going to go the distance. Meanwhile, I'm going to heed Spa Scotta owner Jessica Campell's advice to treat my nails as "jewels, not tools."

The Artist's Shui

2009-02-23T09:14:00.001-08:00

Over at CraftStylish, I talk about restyling my desk with a Feng Shui eye. Embrace the bagua!

And while it might seem a bit counter-intuitive, check out my new blog, Things I Want to Punch in the Face. It makes me giggle. Maybe you'll get a kick out of it, too!

Shui to go

2009-02-21T10:28:00.000-08:00

I've been a feng shui fool lately. Ever since Sandra (an amazing event planner, seamstress, and busines woman) came over, eyeballed my home, and plotted out my bagwa (the weird illustration at right), I've been moving things around, chucking crap that is harshing my chi, and shifting energy. I put a purple orchid in my prosperity corner (the bathroom, which explains a LOT), I painted a mirror red for my bedroom (and use dry erase markers to write mantras on it), and have relocated the booze from my love and relationships corner (again, certain things make sense now)

I'm even burning incense.

I feel the change working. I'm caring for myself, I'm bringing intention to my life. I don't know if the red tape around the pipes in my bathroom are working, but I know that every time I put the toilet lid down, I think about prosperity. And new business and personal opportunities are making my head swim.

I can't wait to see what the universe and future are going to bless me with next.

Have you ever tried feng shui? I highly recommend Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life by Karen Rauch Carter. It's a very practical, non-woo woo approach to feng shui.

Make a magnetic makeup palette

2009-02-16T13:42:00.000-08:00

My latest post went live on CraftStylish, a tutorial on how to make a magnetic palette to house all your makeup (or in my case, a small selection of my cosmetic collection).

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T12:00:00.001-08:00

I took this walking back from Darcey's pad last week. I love happening upon a great photo opp.

Whether or not he or she is into you, love yourself. As Oscar Wilde said, "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance."

Make note cards featuring your pet

2009-02-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

It's pet month at CraftStylish. Having had to put my cat to sleep last month, I wasn't exactly excited or inspired by the thought.

But I rallied and created fun note cards featuring Mac Daddy. The tutorial just went live so you too can make up cards on your computer to give as a gift or to use as your own stationery.

Cooking with condiments

2009-02-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

Last night, I trotted over to my friend's house for chili and cornbread. Darcey Howard is not only an accomplished, stylish business owner, she's a mean cook. I always admire folks who can whip up incredible dishes from stuff they have tucked away in their cupboards and fridge. Darcey is one of these talented people, to say the least.

As I was leaving, I suddenly remembered that she loves to collect condiment and spice packets during her travels. Beyond ketchup, mustard, and mayo, I wondered what sort of packets she picked up so I asked her to show me her stash. Out of the fridge came a large plastic container chock full of Sriracha, lemon juice, taco sauce, Tabasco, sweet and sour sauce, wasabi, chopped onions, honey, relish, peanut butter, and Nutella (amongst other things).

My jaw dropped.

As Darcey sorted through these treasures, she showed me which packets came from Germany and displayed a wide variety of taco sauces (girl likes her Mexican and Asian food, if her condiment collection is any indication).

Darcey once told me she wanted to experiment with the different packets, perhaps making pad Thai with a few (peanut butter, honey, Siracha, soy, and vinegar) or a spicy shrimp glaze with another group (sweet and sour sauce, ketchup, lemon juice, and horseradish). I'd love to see this sort of kitchen McGyver action go down and I have every confidence that Darcey could whip up some seriously tasty vittles with these packets as her only seasonings and sauces.

What could you imagine cooking up with condiment packets?

"Dope" Valentine's Day gift

2009-02-02T15:12:00.001-08:00

I have a deep aversion to Valentine's Day. I go out of my way to ignore both V Day and New Year's Eve. Like many of my past boyfriends, they consistently disappoint.

Anyway, I was scrolling through various tweets today on twitter and found a link to Team EcoEtsy, a group of eco-friendly crafters on etsy. I was skimming over the creations page and was intrigued by the "Geekery" category. I clicked through and found this great store. Created by a scientist-turned-artist, Molecular Muse creates jewelry in the shape of different molecules, including caffeine, seratonin, and estrogen.

I was drawn to the dopamine earrings. I could use some pleasure in my life, or at least a reminder to seek it out. I ordered the sterling version in short order. Happy Valentine's Day to me.

Crafting Your Personality

2009-02-02T09:10:00.000-08:00

What does your chosen craft say about you? This is the question I ponder this week in an essay on CraftStylish. As someone who knits, sews, makes jewelry, whips up lotions and potions, and dabbles in various other handcrafts, I'm certainly a bit ADD, but I'd also like to think I'm traditional, cutting-edge, cool, and earthy, as well as a passel of other great adjectives.

How do you think your craft has shaped your personality or defined you?

Craft industry insight

2009-02-01T22:55:00.000-08:00

Check out this Craftypod blog post from Diane Gilleland. It offers some amazing insight into the disconnect between the mainstream craft industry and the indie craft community. When I read a newsletter that the show put out about indie crafters, I was amazed at how poorly they scratched the surface of such a rich, creative, and diverse group of crafters. Diane mulls over the topic with her usual thoughtfulness.

Where's the crafter in the craft?

2009-01-30T10:58:00.001-08:00

As I mull over the CHA convention and trade show, I've come up with a few observations and thoughts.

First of all, scrapbooking is huge. I mean ginormous. I venture to guess that 60 or 70 percent of the show was comprised of scrapbook vendors. That's a lot of paper, my friends, not to mention cutters, stamps, inks, paints, bindings, and paper punches.

Let's be honest: I think scrapbooking is sort of considered the red-headed stepchild of the crafting community, at least to indie crafters. Or maybe that's just me. When a friend's husband assumed I liked scrapbooking because of my crafty nature, I was offended.

Now I'm asking myself why that is. And the show provided an answer, at least in part. I saw a lot of products geared toward crafters who don't actually like the process of crafting. Seriously. There's the Cricut and Cuttlebug (FYI: I just had a hard time writing those product names, as they are just so treacly), machines that allow you to cut and emboss by pressing a button. The finished product is attractive, sure, but where's the crafter in the craft? Part of the joy for me when creating something is the pleasure I get out of the process, whether it's tens of hours knitting a sweater or 30 minutes wire wrapping earrings. I like manipulating materials, seeing genius (and yep, failure) unfold in my fingers. I can't jones on a machine-made card in the same way. I'd rather just go buy a $6 letter-pressed card that someone else made with love. (Now let me also say that I think there are loads of scrapbookers who do enjoy the process of designing and building each page, but the industry is just making it easier to step away from the hands-on part of the process, and when you are crunched for time, it's tempting to just press a button. Scrapbooking winds up getting a bad, and perhaps undeserved, rap.)

Now, for fear of being a hypocrite, I must confess that I did fancy the Yudu, a home silkscreening machine that the maker of the Cricut, Provo Craft, also introduced at the show. They were churning out custom t-shirts like nobody's business. The stencils and designs that came with the machine were not, as my mom would say, my cup of tea, but the machine offered a lot of possibilities for the artistic crafter. I am tempted to add it to a wish list.

I realize that I may offend some people by talking about all of this, and I certainly do not mean to demean anyone. After all, if crafting gives you any pleasure or satisfaction, then it's worthwhile. I'd love to hear your thoughts on scrapbooking, electronic tools, and the creative process. What do you enjoy or dismiss about various crafts?

Oh, and I also included a few photos here of the over-the-top and just plain weird stuff I saw at CHA. The mosaic mannequin was exquisitely crafted but whatcha gonna do with a mosaic mannequin? Duncan has some incredible new products and to demonstrate one glitter paint, they made a crazy camouflage hoodie. Check out their site in the coming months, as they are planning to add projects, expert tips, and a community feature. Then there was the grown woman who dressed up like a baby doll and sat in a giant chair, talking to evweeboddy wike a wittle girl. It was so not cute.

My Expanding Craft Community

2009-01-29T11:14:00.000-08:00

I’m beat.

I’ve been in California since Sunday working the CHA trade show on behalf of Craftstylish. I was hoping that this show and being surrounded by crafters, craft tools, and cool materials would recharge me, provide an antidote to the sickly few weeks I’ve had.

Yeah, not so much.

No matter where I go, I’m still there lugging around all my baggage. But I made the most of it. I loved, loved, loved meeting my fellow Craftstylish bloggers and other various craft authors. I have craft crushes on them all. So I thought I’d take some space to write them a virtual thank-you note for what they gave me this weekend.

I feel I could be lifelong friends with Diane Gilleland. A fellow Northwesterner, Diane exudes intelligence and quiet confidence from every pore. A thoughtful speaker, I hang on every word, as I know it’s said with consideration and deliberation. I can’t wait to roadtrip to Portland with Michaela to hang out with Diane and Susan Beal.

Erika Kern is downright wackalicious, which makes her downright delicious. Wildly talented, I found her to be a partner in crime for my snarkiness and irreverent chatter.

I want to move to New York in the hopes that I can rub elbows with Jeff Rudell upon occasion. He doesn’t know it but he’s my new gay boyfriend. Okay, I just got so excited that I spilled cold water down my shirt (I’m on the plane as I write this). He’s a genius, sure, but he’s got miles of personality and a huge heart to match his height (dude is tall).

Kayte Terry is so talented and style just exudes from her, so it's no wonder that she's a stylist as well as crafty gal. After hanging out with her, I want to start tucking my jeans into knee boots and growing my hair out.

Deana Tierney is so self-possessed. Her poise and calm will serve her well as she takes over the reins at Threads magazine and continues to post for Craftstylish. I'm glad I got to spend some quality time with her at Buca di Beppo (I wish I could also say I enjoyed their Celebration Cake, which is definitely NOT a red velvet cake. Yuck!).

Jessica Aframe did an exceptional job with show logistics and keeping everyone on schedule. While she works behind the scenes much of the time, she worked the booth like the rent was due and learned to crochet in her "spare" time.

Crafty Chica Kathy Cano-Murillo was working tirelessly at the Duncan booth for much of the show but she still managed to pop over to the Craftstylish booth and chat with us. I'm going to bring a lot more glitter into my life, both literally and figuratively.

Creative Juice hosts Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza were also working hard at the show, doing "make and take" projects with show-goers. But they were sweet as pie (mmm, pie) and are a great example of why the craft world is so generous and supportive.

Speaking of generous spirits, Sarah Hodsdon of sarah*n*dipitous delighted us all with her giving, giddy personality. She works a lot with teens in Michigan and they all helped to build her amazing cardboard booth, a showstopper and show winner for best booth. She helped to remind me that whatever you put out into the world will come back to you tenfold. While crafting is serious business, it's also about passion and joy.

And then there's the driving force behind Craftstylish. In less than a year, storyteller, writer, editor, and crafter Michaela Murphy has become one of my closest friends and mentors. Her indomitable spirit makes her a formidable, larger-than-life woman who doesn't see the limitations, only the opportunity. She makes life big, and I can't help but be inspired and energized whenever I'm lucky enough to spend time with her.

I'll post more on the sights and sounds of the show in the next few days.

Make a Mantra Mirror

2009-01-27T00:20:00.000-08:00

As promised, the Mantra Mirror tutorial is finished and up on CraftStylish.com. It's amazing what a little paint and a Vicodin can do.

I'm currently at the CHA show in Anaheim, surrounded by talented, funny, and supportive crafters and writers. Once I do a brain and photo dump, I'll take you through my adventures in Disneyland, I mean, Craftyland.

Beware the Vicodin

2009-01-24T16:51:00.000-08:00

Initially, I cursed the Vicodin. Instead of extra-strength Ibuprofin, I accidentally took one this morning for some slight discomfort (residual pain from some recent surgery).

Normally, this gaffe wouldn't be a problem. I could have just laid down and weathered the nausea and drowsiness that ensued. However, I have a few deadlines to wrap up before I leave for the Craft and Hobby Association Convention & Trade Show tomorrow, including a craft tutorial that requires several coats of paint and drying time between coats.

In addition, I went with some friends to a tasting at Seastar, an Asian fusion restaurant opening next week in the Pan-Pacific Hotel. Things did not go well. I was heavy-lidded, nauseous, and overall a hot mess. When I started to slur my speech, I officially became the comic relief. Think of Molly Ringwald's sister coming down the aisle in Sixteen Candles.

Thankfully, things improved as I nibbled on salmon poke and Thai seafood salad. In fact, the food (from Chef John Howie) was absolutely incredible and I can't wait to go back when I'm not drugged up.

But toward the end of lunch, I started to fret about my craft project waiting at home. Thanks to a bit of brainstorming with Leslie Cohan, I came up with an even better idea for my craft project. It's amazing the kind of creativity that is borne out of desperation. I often feel that my creative cupboard is bare but then, when my back is to the wall, I come up with something that I truly love and that can hopefully jumpstart someone else's creativity.

Look for my tutorial Monday morning on CraftStylish, and stay tuned for posts from the CHA convention floor.

Looking forward to Chinese New Year

2009-01-23T14:17:00.000-08:00

I'm calling a do-over on the New Year. To that end, I'm looking forward to Chinese New Year, which is Monday, Jan. 26. This is the year of the Ox, and as someone born in the year of the Monkey, I'm encouraged to slow down to Oxen pace, vacationing and paying attention to fitness and health. I should trade in my twittery nature for a more restful one, and use the year to assess where I am with career, health, love, family, and life in general.

That sounds good to me.

What's not so good is the prediction of a hair-raising accident sometime in the spring. That I can do without. That I'm choosing to ignore. At present, I can't bear any more unsettling or upsetting news.

For now, I'm planning on wearing some red on Monday and, in a nice meeting of the Asian minds, I'm painting a mirror red to bring a bit more Feng Shui into my home.

For more information on your Chinese horoscope in this year of the Ox, check out this site. And for more on Chinese New Year, there's always wikipedia.

Make a Creamsicle Body Polish

2009-01-19T09:58:00.001-08:00

I spent part of the weekend concocting this yummy body polish. Raid your pantry and you too can have silky skin that smells like a creamsicle. The tutorial is up on CraftStylish.

Enjoy!

Through adversity comes strength and beauty

2009-01-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

It's been a bad couple of weeks, I'm not gonna lie.

Putting Mac Daddy to sleep was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. This week, I found out that a book project that I've labored to finish with a crazed deadline was being canceled, along with a group of other titles, for budgetary reasons. Yesterday, I had surgery. But by the time I donned the hospital gown, I figured the procedure was the least of my problems. Indeed, it was a snap.

Along with my friends and family, knitting has helped me. Keeping my hands busy somehow stills my mind. After working on a feather and fan shawl for months—through a bachelorette weekend on Whidbey Island, on Election Night, and through my grief—I finally bound off and blocked the sucker.

Here's the result. Lovely, don't you think? I can't wait to drape it around myself and think of all the comfort and joy it has given me over the past few months.

I'd best start a new project before the next raft of challenges hits. Any suggestions?

Mac Daddy: A Love Story

2009-01-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

Mac Daddy picked me.

Ten years ago, I went with my friend Heidi to the Humane Society in Seattle. She was in the market for a dog. While she was reading a book on breeds, I strolled through the cat area looking at one adorable ball of fluff after another. Toward the end of the row, a black paw darted out and signaled to me from the cage.

It was love at first sight, or maybe bite.

So began my co-dependence with a cat. Mac Daddy wasn’t just any cat. He was lousy with personality, sporting a goatee, notched ear, and more attitude than a sixteen-pound feline has a right to. If he was a dude, he’d have had a gold tooth, platform shoes with fishes in the heels, and a sweet gig as a pimp.

He was a bit, um, cranky from the start. While he cuddled with me, he also got overstimulated in short order and would bite or scratch until blood was drawn. This happened frequently. Like memories, I have scars that will never fade.

Shortly after bringing him home, I moved across the country, stopping for a week in Michigan and then living in a hotel while looking for a new home in Philadelphia. Mac Daddy handled the transition with grace and nonchalance, wandering around mom’s farmhouse or lounging under the hotel bed when the maid came in to vacuum. When we moved into a trinity house on Delancey, Mac Daddy and I discovered a new family. Nan and her brood of cats (and French bulldog Bogart), along with Janine and Barry, loved visiting with Mac Daddy, if only to chat with him as he sat in the bay window, offering up silent pink meows in greeting. He never fell down the steep stairs (unlike me) but he did manage a perfect somersault off the bed more than once. And the deep windowsills were perfect for his big-boned body.

Nan got Mac Daddy’s essential chi. This past week, when I told her of his passing, she wrote to me. “How blessed I am to have shared life with him; the many times I would walk back through our quaint little breezeway and see him basking in the window pillows…if only each of us could soak in all that is good in life as he did.”

Yeah, he was a sensualist, that’s fo’ sho’. Whenever I brought sushi into the house, he’d wrap his paw around my chopstick and try to redirect the roll to his gaping maw. If I wasn’t vigilant, he’d chew through a bread wrapper to carbo-load. When rubbed in the right spot, his purr was kickstarted like a lawnmower. While he fiercely protected his catnip cigar, clamping it between his paws if not his lips, he equally relished chasing an old phone cord to and fro.

But only if he felt like it. Make no mistake, no one could tell Mac Daddy what to do, even though my pal Jared has tried more than once to make him do his bidding. Silly Jared, tricks are for kids, not Mac Daddy.

Mac Daddy even had his own theme song. My friend Justin, a former pop singer, scatted an appropriately badass ditty that suited him to a T. “Ma Mac Daddy. Scat a wadda doodle a dee YEAH.”

When I decided to move back to Seattle, my chief concern was transporting my little guy. I medicated him and watched as his carrier was taken away to the cargo hold. I cried the entire flight, partly for my conflicting feelings about the move but in good measure in worry for Mac Daddy. My friends Kerry and Rob met me at the airport, unprepared for the tears running down my face. I was only consoled when at long last, an airport staffer lugged out the cat carrier with a smirk, saying, “Here’s Mac Daddy.”

His name never failed to elicit a smile, especially at the vet’s office. Soon after our move into an empty apartment, Mac Daddy became deathly ill, his bile ducts blocked and his bilirubin number soaring. Surgery ain’t cheap, for humans or our little critters. When I got the call about the severity of his condition, as well as the rough estimate, I was in a coffee shop with Kerry. As I sobbed, she asked me, “If money wasn’t a factor, would I have the surgery?” “Yes.” There was no question. She said that she and Rob would lend me the money for his treatment. Since then, whenever she came over to my place, I’d say, “Mac Daddy, it’s your benefactress.”

He recovered like the miracle he is. And I don’t say that lightly—during his surgery, Dr. Johnson discovered he had two gallbladders, both functioning and connected by a conjoined bile duct. Since they were both functioning, he left them in. Whether you view him as a miracle or freak of nature, he was undoubtedly a gift.

After the surgery, he became slightly diabetic and needed a couple of other meds to keep pancreatitis at bay and his liver functioning properly. Others helped out with his care when I had to travel. Thank you Liz, Jenna, Wendy, Kerry, Rob, Kerry, Laurel, and Marlena for helping him feel loved even when I couldn’t be there.

He had two other serious trips to the vet and bouts at home with subcutaneous fluids (my bedroom will forever have a saline splatter pattern on one wall) and pills, but damn if he didn’t pull through over and over. Each time, areas of fur that had been shorn away slowly grew back and he quickly put on weight, topping out at around 16 pounds. You may think he must have looked like a sickly cat. No way, José. He was a large mound of rebound and he felt like a furry bowling ball when he crawled onto my lap.

He soothed me when I wasn’t well. When I went under the knife last year, I was concerned that he’d pounce on me while I was sleeping, so I shut the bedroom door. That was ill-advised. As my mother watched from the other side of the door, he first meowed politely. He threw his considerable girth against the wood. Then he figured out that the door swung out so he slipped his paw under the door and tried to pull it toward him. Mom’s exact words? “That little shit is smart.” Yep, he was, and he probably sensed that I needed his comfort…like always.

Mac Daddy spooned me through more than one heartache. He was my true love, the one who never dabbled with cross-dressing, belittled me, or strayed. He was true. The last time he had a serious infection, I was a world away pursuing a doomed-from-the-start love affair. This week, he fell ill as my romantic allusions about a new man were unexpectedly freefalling away. He seemed to sense my roiling tumult and forced me to turn my attention back to what mattered: him, naturally.

And so I come to the hard part: I had to let him go. It was time. We both knew it. Trying to nurse him through this sickness would not have been fair to him, and I was finally ready to say goodbye, strong enough (I hope) to carry on. I can never thank enough Darcey, who went with me, or Dr. Westerdahl, who cried along with me as we watched him slip away, or the staff, who hugged me and shared stories of how they made out with Mac Daddy over the years or had been made a member of the club by receiving a not-so-pleasant love bite from my little beast. Mac Daddy was more of a curmudgeon than a cuddle monster but he won everyone over. He slayed me with a narrowing of those sea-green eyes. He calmed me by pressing his plushy body against mine. He aggravated me by waking me up each morning with a bat on the face or a nip on the nose. He amused me with his Diana Ross “I love you. Don’t touch me” attitude.

Kim called him The Perfect Gentleman. Dan greeted him as Buddy. Jared liked to say Mac the Daddy. Laurel called him Muffin. For Nan, he was her Sweet Boy. But to me, Mac Daddy was my heart.