Blog-i-versary

I am so happy you stopped by today!(To win this necklace, see below)

It's The Book Blog’s two-year anniversary!
Please have a pastry.

Two years ago on June 3rd:
* Photographer Dan Mayers and I had just signed a book contract from Gibbs Smith for our Waterside Cottage book.

* I had just quit my job.

* My son Fred was entering his senior year at UCLA
One Year ago:
* The book was in production.

* Dan was the father of 5-day old twins.

* I had two other major projects in the works.

* My son Fred had gotten a great job at KAA Design Group in Los Angeles, and

* I was enjoying fresh eggs from my full-grown chickens.
Today:
* The book is about to go on sale.

* Dan’s twins have just celebrated their first birthday.

* I am a regular contributor to a variety of Log Home magazines.

* My son Fred was laid off and started his own Design Firm, Freelance Republic.

* I have a brand new web site (which Fred designed).

* A 1923 baby grand piano has taken up residence in a corner of my office.

* I am still enjoying fresh eggs from my chickens.

Enough about me, let’s talk about YOU.

ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY: As a little thank you, I will send one lucky reader Ruth Welter's beautiful hand-painted necklace. All you have to do, is leave a comment on this post between now and June 14th (Flag Day).It's my way of saying thank you for your encouragement, creativity and support.

TWO MORE THINGS
1- By special request: Several bloggers have sent me emails asking if they can enter the contest more than once. Sure!

Just link to this post and let me know... and you're entered again.

2- I've also gotten the word that some folks are unable to add their name to the newsletter list on my website (which enters you in my free book giveaway.) Sorry for the inconvenience. It's a technical glitch that is being worked on. It has to do with older servers or something like that.

OBAMA’S FIRST (BASKET) BALL

Despite November’s referendum on change, Washington remains a city of rumors.

So when Everett caught the buzz that President Obama was planning to attend his first basketball game since arriving in Washington, he did what any red-blooded American sports fan with an advance tip would do.

Ev quickly went to Craig’s List to purchase cheap tickets for yesterday’s Washington Wizards/Chicago Bulls game before word leaked to the masses and ticket prices skyrocketed.

Upon hearing that tickets had been purchased, I did what any intelligent woman going into a high-security situation would do. I pared down my purse, grabbed my new burgundy red mini-Nikon and dressed in metal-detector friendly clothing.

The Prez arrived a few minutes late. Some folks were actually surprised!

He quietly took his court-side seat and introduced himself to the folks sitting next to him-- a woman in a dayglo yellow shirt with two young kids.
Then, he tried to be an ordinary fan and enjoy the game.

He succeeded pretty well on blending in. Except for the photographers and the constant stream of folks walking by him to get to the concession stands. Most were cool but some couldn't resist stopping to shake hands or gawk.
The jumbotron never showed Obama not even from afar. I've been told, however, that fans watching at home on TV saw less footage of jump shots than they did closeups shots of Obama.

The woman sitting in front of me was chosen to be a contestant in a half-time contest and won a free Wizards T-shirt.

With just a few minutes remaining in the game, he headed back to The White House, disappointed, no doubt, that his Chicago team lost to the Washington Wizards.

Perhaps the ovation he received as he headed out cheered him up a bit.

The stadium seemed empty without him.
As you can tell, my cool new mini- camera isn’t quite powerful enough to handle shooting from diagonally across the court.

To see some good in-focus photos taken by the herd of official photographers sitting at Obama’s feet, try googling “Obama at Wizards.”

Today, I've got that Cinderella feeling yet again... but this time Obama showed up for the ball.

INAUGURAL MANIA

Washington is a cynical city.

Politicians come and politicians go.

They all make promises. They all break promises. Some do more damage than others.
People who live in Washington rarely get excited about the arrival of a new administration.
Things are different in 2009.

Like most Americans, Washingtonians are obsessed with Barack Obama.

I partied when he won, but I never thought I’d be as caught up in The Inauguration as I am.

But, lately, I read every word in the newspapers about Obama, his wife, his kids, even his quest for a non-allergic dog. (FYI: According to the Washington Post, the Obamas have narrowed it down to two breeds -- labradoodles and Portuguese water dogs.)
My cousin Suzanne, who lives in London, came to town earlier this week to deliver a scientific paper. She also had a bit of free time to go sightseeing – and do some souvenir shopping.

This was the perfect excuse to check out the latest Inaugural Offerings, while I continued my search for the perfect outfit to wear to the Inaugural Ball.

Everywhere we went, you could get everything from Inaugural Dishtowels to Presidential bobble head dolls.

At Union Station, a Japanese newscaster asked a shop owner if the weak economy was hurting her sales.

Judging by the lines to buy inaugural memorabilia, my guess is that Obama has already put the economy on the track to recovery.
Tomorrow night, this Cinderella is off to her first Inaugural Ball— and you’re invited, too! I plan to take lots of photos.

What will I be wearing?

In addition to my mother's vintage rhinestone necklace and a pair of dazzling earrings, I've chosen a floor length black taffeta skirt with flounces and a flower in the same fabric. It was love at first sight.
The skirt was on a dummy and turned out to be the only one in the store.

I checked the tags and when it turned out to be the right size, I begged one of the salesclerks to undress the mannequin and let me have it!

Choosing a ball-worthy top was tougher. The top options were either too much fabric (too hot) or too skimpy.

I ended up buying two 2-piece sets because I like the satin cami from one and the lacy cover-up from the other.

While Suzanne and I were shopping for collectibles, I bought one more thing to wear tomorrow night … an Obama pin.
I have a feeling, it’s going to be VERY cold in the wee hours of the morning when I dance the last dance and head for home. The pin will come in handy to fasten my scarf!

365 DAYS LATER

Today is The Book Blog’s one-year anniversary! Please have a cupcake.

One year ago on June 3rd:
* Photographer Dan Mayers (who shot the sweet treats, above) and I had just signed a book contract from Gibbs Smith for our Cozy Waterside Cottage book.
* I had just quit my job.
* My son Fred was entering his senior year at UCLA, and
* I was waiting for my new baby chicks to arrive.
Today:
* The book is in production
* Dan is the father of 5-day old twins.
* I am working on the text for another book with a California designer.
* I am a regular contributor to Log Home Design magazine.
* I have two other major projects in the works
* Fred has gotten a great job at KAA Design Group in Los Angeles, and
* I am enjoying fresh eggs from my full-grown chickens.

Enough about me, let’s talk about YOU.

ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY: As a little thank you, I will send one lucky reader a surprise box of tantalizing decorating books. Just leave a comment and you’re entered. One name will be selected randomly on June 18th.

Why June 18th? Last year June 18th was the day, I finished the first chapter of Cozy Waterside Cottages. This year, it will be the day I arrive back home from a trip to the west coast -- with photos of Fred wearing a cap and gown.

It’s been an exciting 365 days. Thank you so much for your encouragement, creativity and support.