Monday, March 2, 2009

KIDNAPPED BY A BAND OF GYPSIES

It’s snowing today!

Commenting on my last post about Obama attending a basketball game, the always divine Desperate Diva wrote:

“I just can't wait to hear about your NEXT adventure. Take me, take me...!!! YOU do so many FUN things.”

Her comment got me thinking….
In June 2007, I started this Book Blog to chronicle the twelve to eighteen month process of writing a decorating book (Waterside Cottages).


After turning in the text and photos to my editor at Gibbs Smith in September 2008, the book’s release date got postponed twice (first it was editorial delays, then the bad economy).


As you’ve probably noticed, I continue to post about Coastal and decorating topics from time to time. However the blog has turned into the chronicles of my comings and goings, likes and dislikes and totally schizophrenic interests.


According my family’s informal family tree, one of my great grandmothers was a gypsy. While this may or may not be true, I’ve always imagined that a trace of gypsy blood is what navigates my life.

(Chocolate ventures out into the snowy yard.)

My iPod shuffles from Gypsy melodies to Sweethearts of the Rodeo (an American country music duo), the Bhundu Boys (a Zimbabwean band), Arvo Part (an Estonian composer), and Bollywood’s greatest hits.

(Snowbirds)

If Big Brother is monitoring my Google searches and trying to pinpoint my interests for marketing purposes, they’ve probably filed me as schizophrenic.


I realize that like Diane, some of you probably enjoy my caravan of spontaneity, while others wish I’d stick to showcasing seaside style.

Those who crave more COASTAL CONTENT will be happy to hear that I'm launching a Waterside Cottages web site. It will premier in May.


On my web site, you’ll be able to order my book (autographed, if you’d like), or note cards with photos from the book and one-of-a-kind items for your coastal cottage. There will also be decorating tips and interviews with designers.

As I work on the site, I’ll post previews on The Book Blog.

(Belgie heads home for breakfast)

Meanwhile, as the characters in Monty Python’s Flying Circus say when they switch skits and gears… AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***
After all this white stuff, it’s time for a splash of pink, so I’d like you to meet Becca at BlueBirdRoses.blogspot.com. Enjoy!

15 comments:

Julie said...

I enjoy splashes of ones own life in a blog...good and bad ~ happy and sad...it lets me know you are human. I bore with blogs that are there only to lure me into buying something. JMHO. Please never stop posting pictures of your adorable pup. He makes me smile!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Well, I for one have enjoyed your gypsy wanderings! I too have a gypsy heart. I am looking forward to your website launch, because not only do I want a copy of the book, but I would love one that was autographed by you.
Hugs,
Penny

Unknown said...

Isn't family history interesting! I think it's cool that you are in touch with your "roots"! I've enjoyed reading about your adventures. Good luck with your book and Website launch. :)

Catherine Holman said...

I'm a lover of all things winter and these photos are beautiful! We got 3 inches this week and I was so excited.
Hugs,
Cathie

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Hi sweetie!! I love anything you write about, coastal, or not. :)

And thanks for starting the myth that chocolate cures a cold...
xo Lidy

NeereAnDear said...

I concur with the masses.... LOVE all your stories... not just about decorating but everything... you have a fascinating life and insight into journeys that we wish we could take...

Love to hear more.... cant wait for the new website too...

Seems a lot of us have a bit of gypsy in us too..

Great post...

HUGS
JO

Donna said...

Looking forward to your new website and book!

I've enjoyed the snow photos...ours is melting fast, and warmer weather is on the way.

Hugs,
Donna

Anonymous said...

Pretty exciting stuff Barbara. You'll love having the website and what better subject than Waterside Cottages? n-o-n-e
I'll be looking forward to it!
good luck~
xo Roberta
beautiful snowy photos

The Painted Garden said...

Hi Barbara,
Goodness , now I understand why you have so many interests -and why your blog is always so fun and interesting. I for one love to wander around with you and have always thought I have a little gypsy in my blood.

Congratulations on the new Coastal website. I am looking forward to your book as well as other treasurers. I am repurposing my home and going from Cottage Garden to Seaside Cottage Garden decorating style and can't wait for inspiration from your new book.
In the meantime - keep meandering around - we love it.
Blessings,
Erin

shabbyfufu said...

I love to read about your life's adventures Barb....and you DO seem to have so many! ~XO~ Janet

Anonymous said...

Oh you Gypsy Girl, where oh where will you take us next...:)
Loved your SNOW pictures. "Chocolate" was my Favorite..!!! Can't wait to see you new website and get my signed copy of your book.
Hugs,
Dianne

Anonymous said...

Pretty photos and another reminder that I'm oh-so ready for Spring.

Good luck on the web-launch. That sounds exciting and I look forward to seeing how it all comes together.

Have a great week.

Anonymous said...

Whatever makes you happy; go for it! Can't wait to see your new website on coastal cottages. Best. Kathryn :)

THE HOME THAT LOVE BUILT said...

I still love your blog Barbara!
And of course I want a book autographed by you!!!!!!

XO
Brook

Susie Q said...

I love all of your gypsy wanderings! I am like that myslef...life is too fun not to try and enjoy so many good things right? I love it when bloggers take us on an adventure and share a bit of themselves with us...that makes it all the more sweet.
I am thrilled about the book and am looking forward to ordering it from you! Autographed of course! *smile*
And how I enjoy all the photos of your doggie. Such a sweetie.

Love,
Sue