Random Rambling

It's been 2 weeks since my house was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. And while this event has taken over my life, I feel it's time to let it stop taking over my blog. So while I want to continue an open thanks to everyone who continues to be soo generous to me in my time of need, here in blog land we're going to move on. I know you'll understand. I need to start focusing on all that's good in my life.

Soon I'm going to be posting my pics from Reno which I would have done a long time ago if it wasn't for the fire. Stay tuned for highlights such as Liz Maverick and I shooting plastic chickens at one another and at our editors in the bar - with our very own "Chicken Chuckers." (What the heck is a Chicken Chucker, you may ask? Well, wonder no more. (You can still worry for our sanity, but at least your curiousity on the infamous chicken guns with be sated.)

....Um, why yes, we are mature, professional, upstanding members of the RWA community, why do you ask?....

Other (non chicken/non Marianne & Liz making fools of ourselves) related conference dish? Well, my friend Barb Ferrer sold her YA to Pocket's MTV Books! Her first sale, people!! And she sold in the middle of the casino floor at Reno. I had just arrived at the conference on Tuesday and walked in to see her standing by the big red truck slot machine, talking on her cell phone. I looked at Alesia Holliday, who was standing right next to her. She says, "Barb's selling her book!" I'm like, "Um, right this second?" Turns out, yup! We all screamed and yelled as soon as she got off the phone. I love when good things happen to good people and Barb's one of the best.

Another good thing for a good person? My friend Lani Diane Rich (who is one of those saints responsible for setting up the fundraising auctions for me - love you girl!) won a RITA! Best first book! Yay Lani! If you've ever read the book - Time Off for Good Behavior - you'll not be surprised at the win.

Hm, I guess that's all for now. Thanks again to everyone who's sent me care packages and gift cards! The apartment is shaping up nicely and when I'm satisfied with its appearance I promise to take pics so you can see what all your generosity has done. And Molly wants to send a special "woof" out to those of you who sent PetCo gift cards and bones and dog toys. Not speaking perfect dog, I'm not quite sure the "woof's" direct translation, but I believe it's something like "you rock!" :)

MARIANNE