Pittsburgh...day five

Well, in typical Bronwyn fashion, I managed to injure myself yesterday. Chuck Norris may be able to slam a revolving door, but Bronwyn Green cannot. Needless to say, my big toe and second toe are horribly bruised and swollen. Yes...I am amazing. Sigh...

I don't know if I've mentioned it, but this hotel sucks out loud. I feel like we're trying to vacation in a demilitarized zone. Wires hanging from the ceiling, plaster dust everywhere, elevators that work poorly if at all - at least I have a bathroom sink, though. There's one poor woman who just has a hole in her counter top. Also, the staff seems completely unprepared for a conference of this size. Here's hoping next year's is much better.

Last night was the Faery Ball. There were so many great costumes there. I think my favorite was the woman who dressed as Ursula from The Little Mermaid - she did an awesome job. Of course, Brynn Paulin and Jennifer Armintrout were freaking fantastic too. If only I had a USB cable I could show you, but I forgot to bring it. I'll get all the pictures downloaded as soon as I get home and post them.

As much fun as I'm having, I'm also ready to go home. I miss the kids, the hubby and the cats - not to mention sleeping in my own bed. But at the same time, I hate to leave all of the great people I'm hanging out with here.

Tonight is the Vampire Ball. I can't wait to see what insanity ensues!

Pittsburgh...day four

It’s a whole ‘nother world here in Pittsburgh, but I’m having a great time. What I’ve seen of the city is really cool. We’ve been shopping in Station Square, out to eat in several nifty little restaurants and I’ve met scads of authors, publishers, readers and cover models. (Margaret, I’ve got the scoop on the guy you think is hot. We must talk!)

I’ve met so many wonderful people - Claire from Total-e-bound is absolutely delightful with a wicked, wicked sense of humor. Kelly Kirch is just as hilarious and sweet as I knew she would be. Anny Cook is an absolute doll and her House Hunk is pretty fantastic, too. Judith Rochelle is an amazing bundle of energy and wisdom and Kaener Langford is an adorable wild woman. I also met Barbara Vey of Publishers Weekly. She’s so much fun and seriously, this woman has the best toys. No…not those kind! Honestly, people…

Anyway, I had my first book signing last night – well, cover flat signing, really, but it was still exciting. I was nervous as hell, But fellow EC author Tilly Greene kept me company…and kept me from freaking out. She is so sweet and insightful and I really appreciate her kindness and advice. In addition to the signing, last night was also the Ellora’s Cave party. Because of my dress, I was forced to break my nineteen year pantyhose free streak. I was bitter. I became more bitter still when I realized I’d be forced to also wear heels. Stupid dress.

I had to do the stage walk with one of the Caveman cover models. Silly me, I was so nervous about a big public introduction, I can’t even remember which model escorted me. He was really nice though and didn’t even flinch when I mentioned that I might throw up on him – lol.

Tonight is the Under the Sea Fairy Ball – I’ll try to have a report tomorrow and hopefully pictures too!

Tuesday in Pittsburgh

Yep...the little girlie in the polyester 70s nightmare on Sandra Cox's blog was me. The blonde behind me is my Aunt Malita, who is by far the coolest aunt ever. She taught me all kinds of nifty things as a kid...how to read tarot cards, how to make a purse out of an old pair of blue jeans and she also let me help her make jewelry. She used to be a silversmith. I still have all of the pieces she made me.

I'm writing this from Pittsburgh. I'm in a hotel room with Brynn Paulin, Lacey Thorn and Cindy Spencer Pape. We drove down from from Michigan yesterday and even stopped at the Ellora's Cave offices in Ohio on the way through. They showed us the printing process and the giant snake (seriously - biggest damn snake I've ever seen.)

Today, Cindy will be headed to a different room and Carol Lynne will be joining us. And today I finally get to meet Kelly Kirch and Anny Cook - I'm soooooooooooo excited!!! Now Brynn and I are off to find Pittsburgh Pirates T-shirts for our kids.

I've come to a terrifying conclusion

I've become my mother.

No...I haven't accidentally put spearment in my quiche in place of parsley (Worst. Quiche. Ever.)

And I haven't accidentally washed clothes in maple syrup instead of laundry detergent.

(An aside...my mother is brilliant - seriously. She has a BA in both psychology and philosophy, a Master's in psych and a Ph.D. in psych, and she's the sweetest person you'll ever meet, but sometimes she's so absentminded she's dangerous!)

Anyway, I've been dragging fabric out of the sewing closet so I can make clothes for RT (yes, Sandra, I'll post pics when I'm done) and I came to the horrible conclusion that in some very concrete ways, I've become my mother.

I have twelve 40 gallon plastic totes filled with fabic. Filled. To the top. The lids barely latch. Most of the stuff I bought for a particular reason or project. There are several quilts that need to be made. There's a lot of fabric in there meant for skirts and tops, but there's also a lot that I've looked at and said, WTF???

I remember when I was learning to sew, I rarely ever had to go to the fabric store, I'd just go into the sewing room and find fabric that worked for whatever project I was starting. It seems this has carried into my adult life. I did some quick math, and I estimated how much fabric I have. Over a thousand yards...

I have become my mother. I am a fabric whore.

They Came Today!

So this is gonna sound kinda dumb, but I'm excited. My business cards came today!

They're cool - Stonehenge at dusk on one side and my web site and contact info on the other. I wish I had a working scanner so I could post them - they're really cool looking.

I plan to make good use of them at RT. I can't wait to go and meet everyone. I'm not gonna lie, I'm excited about the costume parties, too.

How about it - who's all going?