Road Trip From Hell

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Let's just be clear right out of the gate: I blame Blair. 

It would never have occurred to me to volunteer to fly to Chicago so that I could drive with my mom and her dog and cat to North Carolina, where she's moving. But Blair said, "Don't you think your mom would appreciate someone doing the drive with her?" and I said yes she probably would before I understood that he meant it should be me that goes and not him.

Here then is a recap of yesterday's drive from hell.

 

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Psst... Wanna Buy A Cat Book?

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The dining room table, also known as "Marketing Headquarters"I am deep into marketing for Who Moved My Mouse and by marketing I mean I am sending out postcards night and day. Our local post office has volunteered to rename itself the DENA HARRIS POST OFFICE. Stamp prices will remain at their current prices because I am single-handedly buying enough stamps to support a nationwide price moratorium. I dream of sticky labels in my sleep. It's a lot. 

But is it worth it? That's the big unknown. I've seen my Amazon rating bounce around from the 2 millions to the 50,000's and everywhere in between, but that can often be the result of as little as three book sales at once. The Random House page where the book is listed is also at aMy author copies have arrived! higher ranking, which I'm hoping means indie bookstores are ordering the book. The more pre-orders I get, the more my publisher likes me and will ask me to write another book. Buy the book! Buy the book! Buy the book! =) 

There's no turning back. I have 1500 more postcards sitting on my table that need to find a home. I'm currently investigating whether or not it's worth it to mail out to public libraries or if what everyone gets from me for Christmas this year is a postcard. (Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and he loves cats.) 

On a high note, my publicity rep in the UK e-mailed to say that WMMM will be appearing in part in the Daily Express, a national paper and she is lining up a writing assignment for me with a national UK cat magazine. Fun! 

Let's not forget who the star is, okay? How 'bout some too-nah love?Today is more postcards and labels and stamps... oh my! It's kind of fun in a draining, what-have-I-gotten-myself-into kind of way. 

I'd take a day off, but I wouldn't want the people at the post office to worry.

Cheers,

Dena

In Search of the Perfect Meatloaf

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Being a vegetarian really isn't hard. There are very few foods I would say that I "miss." Meatloaf, however, is one of them. I love a good meatloaf. Served with a side of green beans and mashed potatoes (from a box - none of that real stuff), it is the ultimate comfort food. 

I have been trying to make a decent vegetarian meatloaf for going on twenty years. I've had some moderate success but nothing that's been a home run. The trick is finding something that offers a little crunch on top. Most vegetarian versions are simply too soft and fall apart on the plate as you serve them. 

I made a new recipe last night and while it's not perfect, so far it's the best of the bunch. It's got some ground walnuts in it, which give that hint of "oh, someone left this in the oven too long" rock hardness I'm looking for. Blair gave it a thumbs up and said he'd eat it again, which can't be said for every meatloaf variety I've tried out on him. 

The recipe is from Vegetarian Times and is called Meatless Meatloaf Sandwiches. Enjoy. 

Nesting

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The weather turned wet and chilly today and my nesting instinct kicked in. Soups. Casseroles. Log fires. Cinnamon sticks. Thick socks. Apple cider. Sweatshirts. Welcome, FALL!

Fall is my favorite season. Something in the air just perks me right up. November is my January. I get a burst of enthusiasm and dive into new projects, vow to break old, unhealthy habits and uphold new healthy ones, set personal and professional goals and clean out my closets. 

I haven't looked at the extended forecast because I can't bear the idea of going back to melting temperatures, sticky skin and sweat-stained clothes. I want brisk breezes, crunchy leaves and colorful scarves. 

I made a butternut squash lasagna on Sunday, the day the cold(er) temps set in. Squash roasting in my oven at a 400 degree temperature while I sipped coffee and did Sudoku with Blair made me very happy. 

Soon enough I'll be griping about cold feet, drafty hallways and having to bundle up for a run. But for now, the change in temperature is a glorious reprieve. Today was a gray day with heavy rains and I enjoyed every minute of it. 

FALL! FALL! FALL! We're so happy you're here. Please stay awhile.

Cheers,

Dena