WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY

The voters have spoken... Starting on August 5 Waterside Wednesdays will premier with an ever-changing array of coastal topics.(photo by Dan Mayers)

Why August 5th? Why not now? Because I'm going on vacation!

And I promise that as soon as I get back from Italy, I will learn to use Mr Linky, so everyone can participate.

WATERSIDE COTTAGES UPDATE

If you ordered an autographed copy, your book is on its way.

I've received feedback that the first batch of books (mailed at 5pm on Monday) have already been delivered.

Want to hear and see more photos from the book?

Please visit Trisha at A Vintage White, Penny at The Comforts of Home, Jo at Neere An Dear Creations and Janet at Shabbyfufu.

I'd also be most appreciative if you visited Amazon. Please give the book the stars you feel it deserves and leave a comment.

If you'd like an autographed copy of Waterside Cottages, I will resume signing copies when I get back from vacation. All books ordered while I'm away will be shipped out on Aug 1st.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

While it's nice to sell books, it's even nicer getting to know some of my blog friends a little better.

When an order came in with instructions for an unusual inscription (CAMP LE CA OEH~~~Peace To All Who Enter.) I shot back an e-mail to confirm the spelling.

Here's Dona's reply:

Hi Barbara!

I cannot wait for your book! I've been following your blog for a long time now - you must be on cloud 9! The anticipation of waiting with you has been a joy!

Yes, that is what I would like inscribed! From a little sign my mom painted on driftwood about 30 years ago. It's hanging by the door going into our families little, I mean tiny, okay barely there 'cottage' on the lake:) LE is for my dad Leo and CA is for my mom Carmen and OEH is the first 3 letters of their last name, my maiden name.

It will make that book extra special as it awaits on the table for each family member to enjoy through coming the years!
My mom would laugh if she knew I used the word 'paint' - that was her 'medium' but it took her all but 1 minute to slap some letters on. But besides her having/had beautiful penmanship even with a paint brush on a rough board it is just another reminder of our wonderful mom!

Our dad passed away 3 years ago and our mom, now at a very young 77 in all other ways except being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease going on 10 years now, so she is very much in the deep depths of that insidious disease.

We bring her to her beloved lake house now and just as it has done/does for all of us you can just see her whole body relax at the first sight of water when rounding the corner on the deck. Now we know why our parents bought on the lake nearly 35 years ago.

All the best ~ Dona

HAPPY 6th of JULY

Have you ever wondered what are the telltale signs that a blogger has been out celebrating with a little too much enthusiasm?

Perhaps one of the signs is when their Fourth of July post doesn’t get posted until the 6th!

I originally planned to share a few of my favorite summer paintings by bloggers who paint. (By Erin Houghton of The Painted Garden)

And a book by Diane C. Arkins
Diane was one of my writers when I edited Country Collectibles magazine. Her latest book perfectly captures the essence of this patriotic holiday in prose, poetry, decorating, party ideas, games and menus. The Glorious Fourth of July may be ordered by calling 800-843-1724.

But then I got sidetracked.
(By Erin Houghton of The Painted Garden)

Fast forward to July 3rd when my July 4th celebrations kicked off a day early with a bbq with all the trimmings (including a Good Humor truck) and fireworks at a friend's Country Club.
On the 4th, I was lucky enough to view the “official” Washington DC fireworks from the ballroom of the Sheraton National where I celebrated the wedding of Kristen and Rob.
The reception ballroom had a spectacular view of the Pentagon and The national Mall.

Kristen and I first met when she started coming to Jazzercise class with her mom. She was in high school at the time.

Although her mom and I are closer in age, the three of us have had a blast together choosing a wedding cake, giggling during the wedding rehearsal, and sorting out dozens of details to guarantee their special would be truly special.

The ceremony was at historic Fort Myer, which traces its origin as a military post to the Civil War. It overlooks Arlington National Cemetery.
The Old Post Chapel where the ceremony took place is located on land confiscated from Robert E. Lee's estate.

Nearly every American President and many other persons of influence from around the world have attended services at Fort Myer's Old Post Chapel.
Fast forward to July 6th: By noon today, I had completely recovered from the festivities and was out of bed and dressed when a UPS truck rolled down my driveway.

I was so relieved when he said there were stacks of boxes for me from Gibbs Smith on the truck that I could have kissed the driver.
After I autographed each copy, the entire household helped by lovingly wrapping the books, placing them in padded envelopes and driving them to the post office.

Yes you can get writers cramp from signing too many copies in an afternoon! So, I still have more to send out tomorrow.

CONGRATULATIONS to Gale of She Shoots Sheep Shots.
You are the lucky winner of a free copy of Waterside Cottages.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

Belgium chose today's blog. It's The Katillac Shack. His photo wasn't posted yet the last time he checked, but Kelee promised him it would be there real soon.

WATERSIDE WEDNESDAY

To celebrate the release of Waterside Cottages, I’d like to start a new blog feature called Waterside Wednesdays. But...(Photo by Dan Mayers)

I’m not sure what WW should showcase. And I’d appreciate your help.

Should Waterside Wednesday be a beach worthy recipe?

A coastal craft project?
(Photo by Dan Mayers)

A waterside photo?(Photo by Dan Mayers)

All of the above? Something entirely different?

Something other bloggers can participate in?
(Photo by Dan Mayers)

Please leave a comment with your ideas and suggestions.

Also, my Win A Copy of Waterside Cottages Contest is still open! Although Amazon has received their book shipment (thanks Suzie Q for letting me know), mine are still en route.

*** BLOG DU JOUR ***

This isn't a blog but I think you'll be inspired by this slide show of store displays. Good design is good design and the same principles apply whether you are selling cupcakes, creating a web site or arranging a tabletop vignette in your home.

Looking at these displays convinced me that color placement can be more important than which colors you choose. Visit VMSD magazine's slide show by clicking on the words slide show (above) or cutting and pasting: vmsd.com/content/your-picks-great-displays-small-spaces