Memorial Day at the ocean kicked off garage sale season and, in spite of the rain, we were there to help with the kicking. As many of you know, I'm a big fan of garage sales. I have this theory that, if you wait long enough, you can get anything you want or need at a garage sale. Over the years I've seen everything imaginable for sale from cars to laundry soap. And boy, have I found the bargains: brand new Victoria's secret powder, new clothes with the tags still on, Gucci sandals and purse, a sofa, a gorgeous solid wood cabinet for our TV.
From the coffee table to the beds in the guest room to the kitchen appliances, our beach place is almost all tricked out with garage sale finds. When we were putting our son through college one of the ways I earned tuition money was by picking up cool items at garage sales and selling them on eBay. Boy, did I love doing that. I have to admit there were a few items I wish I'd kept, like the adorable Harry and David cookie jar shaped like an ice cream truck. You opened it up and inside was a little Popsicle laying on the floor. It was so cute. What was I thinking? Oh yeah, I was thinking I had to pay that tuition bill. I still think wistfully about that little cookie jar, but I'm sure it went to a good home.
If you're on a budget shopping this underground economy is the way to go. At garage sales you'll find play clothes for your kids and maybe even some work clothes for yourself. You'll find games galore and that espresso machine you've been wanting. You'll find pots and pans and small appliances, mugs and dishes and enough candles to get you through a whole winter of power outages. And you'll find fun decorations. The summer centerpiece you're seeing is made up of garage sale goodies I've picked up. Later this summer that little pitcher will be full of little flowers.
I have now reached the point where there is nothing I need. But that won't stop me from checking out garage sales this summer because there might be something I want. (Heehee.) What about you? Will you be out

I had a great time today at the Barnes & Noble in Lakewood, WA. This was my final event celebrating the release of "What She Wants" and it was a great way to bring this season of Sheila sightings to a close. A big thanks to some of the ladies from the Round Table Readers Group who showed up to make sure I wouldn't get bored. These women support their authors,  let me tell you. And tha one of the reasons I love being a writer. I get to visit bookstores and meet wonderful ladies like these!

I had a fabulous Mother's Day weekend up in Leavenworth, Wa, the inspiration for my fictional town of Icicle Falls, this weekend. In addition to getting to hang with my daughter and her family I got to meet readers, make new friends and hang out with local celebrities like Heidi Forchemer, this year's 50th Royal Lady of the Autumn Leaf Festival and my friend Pat Rutledge, a former Royal Lady and owner of A Book for All Seasons. (Pat was the inspiration for one of the characters in the series.)

Every day should be a celebration and every celebration should be unique. Between the parade fun and our girl time on Saturday afternoon making high heel cupcakes with the granddaughters I'd say we accomplished that. What do you do to make your celebrations special?

Last week was my first visit to Kansas City and my first time at the wildly popular Romantic Times conference sponsored by Romantic Times Magazine, affectionately known as RT. I had a fabulous time and met a ton of wonderful romance readers and writers. I also met some of the movers and shakers in the industry like the legendary Kathryn Falk, who is the founder and CEO of the popular magazine (loved her!), and her managing editor Liz French, who was so very nice.

Let me tell you, romance writers are not only creative and friendly, they're also very smart businesswomen and I came away inspired and energized. Well, mentally energized. Today, I'm pooped! It was a busy time, with workshops, parties and the big blow-out author signing party on Saturday. And I almost did it all. Missed a couple of parties and didn't get my picture taken with any of the gorgeous male cover models who were strutting around. Maybe next year ... because I'm for sure going next year! I have a few pics here on the blog page and you'll find more over in the photo section. I love what I do for a living!