Saturday, August 25, 2012

Almost ready

Almost ready to go, that is. We leave early in the morning and by tomorrow at this time we'll be in our berth on the Schooner Heritage, which sails on Monday out of Rockland, Maine. This will be our fifth sail in the last ten years on the Heritage. Deeply familiar and relaxing, wonderful food, with old friends and probably new ones.

My book Return to Viet Nam is on the shelf at Third Place Books, a large independent bookstore in north Seattle. It's on consignment and I'll make no money having it there. But if people hear about the book - by media or by word of mouth - the bookstore will order more from their distributor. So it's up to me. The week when we get back I'll be contacting the local talk radio stations and the local newspapers. I'll say, "I've written a book about a Viet Nam veteran and his journey of healing. In the weeks before Veterans Day, it would be good for veterans and their families to hear about it." We'll see what happens.  I've been told radio stations and local newspapers look for timely fill pieces. That same week I'll talk to three other bookstores and see if they'll carry it. The library will carry it if they get hold requests. I figure, if it's supposed to happen, it will.

I made the final payment on the Vashon Island house where I'll be spending an October weekend with five other bloggers. My virtual friends, soon to be face-to-face ones.

I'm now working directly with a Kenyan travel arranger for a summer visit to Kenya and Tanzania. I've found a way to cut the costs - either by shortening the trip a bit, or by having two or three other people sign up to go. I've got a friend interested. We'll see!

A couple from Knoxville - we met them on our road trip this spring - will be staying at our house, watering various plants and keeping company with our Designer Cat, Larisa. Ruth and Dave are delighted to be spending time in my part of the world, especially in August when we almost always have glorious weather. It's 60 degrees outside now, and I'm still a little warm. Ruth, however, has on socks and a sweater. Something must happen to the blood of Pacific Northwesterners over time.

I'm taking my iPad but not my laptop. I wonder how I'll do being partially disconnected!


13 comments:

Linda Reeder said...

You are amazing! So adventurous, and so skilled at planning and setting up your trips.

Teresa Evangeline said...

I hope you have a wonderful time. That area is so beautiful. Your zest for life and new experiences is so wonderful.

Travels with Emma said...

That sailing trip sounds very interesting. I hope you'll post some pictures when you get back. :)

Out on the prairie said...

a fun trip, enjoy it well

DJan said...

I am convinced that we become thick blooded and can't stand it when it gets to eighty. I LOVE this weather right now! I'm so looking forward to our Vashon Island trip. Have a great time, Linda! :-)

Ms Sparrow said...

It sounds like you achieved every new goal you set for yourself. Good going!

Sally Wessely said...

Have a fabulous time on your trip.

I'm proud of the way you are putting yourself out there in promoting your book. I know that isn't easy for you.

You always have so much going on, so many plans being made, and such adventures in the works that I wonder how you do it. I'm so looking forward to our time on Vashon.

#1Nana said...

As I comment on your post you are probably rocking gently in your berth. Have a wonderful trip...will the hurricane impact weather that far north?

I'm so impressed with your efforts to market your book. You are really putting yourself out there. It's quite brave to step into the unknown.

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone in October and I'll be ordering the Quindlin book. Maybe they have it on audio and I can listen to it on the drive to Seattle.

Meryl Baer said...

I love reading about your adventures - one right on the heels of the last one. You are an inspiration!

Sandi said...

I hope you are having a glorious time. You've been working hard to promote your book, and you deserve it!

Deb and I were talking last week about how amazed we are at how quickly this weekend went together. We have you to thank because you are such a go-getter! I think everyone appreciates your organization skills!

We will surely make some powerful memories. I'm so glad you suggested reading the book!

Enjoy being partially disconnected!

Grandmother Mary said...

Have fun on the cruise and good luck with the book promotion.

Galen Pearl said...

Bon voyage! Have a wonderful time! You do go on some amazing adventures!

Friko said...

Always on the go, always doing! Your boundless energy amazes me. I hope you will have a wonderful time wherever you are.

Heavens above, will I ever get off my backside?