A day in the life, the day before publication…
Today woke up to news Mini-me was sick, and her father was dropping her home. Panic, as phones were off and I had been upstairs, and hadn't heard anything. No sign of Mini-me, who had instead been dropped off at friends. Jumped in car, ran to friends, collected Mini-me.
Came home, did online interview for Writer's Forum. Checked messages.
Noted that all paint on deck is peeling, and we are holding small gathering to celebrate book launch on weekend. Normally would ignore peeling paint, but film crew arriving tomorrow to film me for documentary and potential series, and PEELING PAINT WILL NOT DO.
Run to paint store with slivers of paint from deck to match, and leave them there. Pick up food at Trader Joe's for dinner, including sushi for Mini-Me, who seems to be feeling fine now that Tylenol has kicked in.
Mini-me and I have lunch, then crawl into bed together to watch children's television shows. I marvel at how good either Drake, or Josh, look since losing vast amounts of weight. I don't know which one he is, I just know he's thinner.
Jump out of bed as twins get home early from school, and we all decide to paint deck together. I stop when I see them. Twin B has a mohawk, but not a spiky cool one, a peculiar thuggish kind, that will hopefully be coming off soon. Twin A has what can best be described as a pudding bowl. Am thinking they need a new barber...
Three sleeping babies, one peculiar haircut…
They do not understand about painting within lines. This is understandable, as they are six. I, however, go to other side of deck pretending what I don't know can't hurt me. Realise halfway through that paint is wrong color. I can no longer simply touch up, but have to re-paint in entirety. Thought so overwhelming to me, I wash all paintbrushes and come inside, hoping for shot of energy tomorrow.
Pick fresh cilantro for chili for tonight's supper from garden. For first time ever cilantro is gloriously happy in garden, and growing like a weed. Good thing, as weeds are growing like weeds too, and I'm hoping the cilantro wins...
Read article about me in Westport News that I had missed. Mini-me told me about it. Am pleased with both article and picture.
Check computer, and Barnes & Noble have Tagged me in TV interview. Watch in horror, as they filmed me from my bad side. It is significantly worse than good side. I am mortified. Also, they did hair and make-up in room with no mirror. I am sure they did great job, but I think I look weird. Note to self: never go on television again without looking in mirror first. Will say that adored Molly Pesce, interviewer, and all people I met that day. Was fun, even if I look like hell.
Start making doctor's appointments for all Smalls. It is camp medical form time, and we need to update.
Make dinner for Smalls. First make veggie chili for Beloved and myself, put aside enough for us, then add organic chicken for meat-eaters. Should have added turkey, but couldn't find organic stuff today so did chicken instead.
Twin B announces he hates Chili and will not be eating. 'One bite,' I say, and borrowing from my friend The Potter, add, 'if you don't like it, you can't have ANY MORE.'
He dubiously takes one bite, and nods enthusiastically.
Other Smalls wolf down entire bowl.
Here is recipe:
Chili (serves around 6-8)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 green pepper
1/2 large white onion
2 cup baby carrots
3 cloves garlic
1lb minced chicken/turkey
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon Jamaican allspice (or any other kind, I just happened to have that)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 large can of diced tomatoes
2 small cans kidney beans
1 small can black beans
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Chop pepper, onion, carrots and garlic in blender, then gently saute in olive oil until soft and flavorful (about five minutes)
Add all spices, stir in.
For vegetarian chili, omit the meat step and carry on, but if adding meat, add it now, and keep stirring and turning until meat changes color.
Add all beans, making sure you rinse them well in colander beforehand.
Add tomatoes, and dash of Worcestershire sauce.
Bring to boil then turn down to simmer and cover, leaving to simmer for around 30 minutes. The longer you simmer, the better the flavor will be.
Serve with sour cream, fresh cilantro, guacamole and shredded cheese.
It is now 6.06pm, and the day is not nearly over, but this was a taster.
And if you haven't already pre-ordered...
GO OUT TOMORROW AND BUY DUNE ROAD AS SOON AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE...
I'll be at the Westport Barnes & Noble tomorrow night (Tuesday 16th) at 7pm.
Hope to see you there!
Hi Jane, I have just come upon your website and find it such a good read.
When I went to India a year and a half ago Jemima J was the first of your
books I read and it was such a good poolside read. I grew up in CT but
have lived in CA my whole married life. (30 yrs) Anyway I am happy to
have found you, I will buy Dune Road and want to read Beach House next.
Best to you and yours.
Hi Jane, I have just come upon your website and find it such a good read.
When I went to India a year and a half ago Jemima J was the first of your
books I read and it was such a good poolside read. I grew up in CT but
have lived in CA my whole married life. (30 yrs) Anyway I am happy to
have found you, I will buy Dune Road and want to read Beach House next.
Best to you and yours.
What a day! I can't wait to rush into B&N tomorrow and buy the book. Try and keep your sanity during all the busyness. XXOO
What a day! I can't wait to rush into B&N tomorrow and buy the book. Try and keep your sanity during all the busyness. XXOO
Best of luck with all your release events! And hope mini-you gets to feeling better.
It is Drake that lost the large amount of weight and now looks like a different person. I had to watch an episode or two before I was convinced that is was indeed the same boy.
Can't wait to go out tomorrow and buy the new book!
Best of luck with all your release events! And hope mini-you gets to feeling better.
It is Drake that lost the large amount of weight and now looks like a different person. I had to watch an episode or two before I was convinced that is was indeed the same boy.
Can't wait to go out tomorrow and buy the new book!
Already pre-ordered and absolutely can't wait. By the way, this post today made me smile - a day in the life, truly it was. And I'm certain you have no bad side Jane - the camera always tells a different story
Love the recipe too...I'd call it a very productive day. My parents live in Ridgefield, CT so my mom and her friends are stopping by tomorrow. They can't wait!
Already pre-ordered and absolutely can't wait. By the way, this post today made me smile - a day in the life, truly it was. And I'm certain you have no bad side Jane - the camera always tells a different story
Love the recipe too...I'd call it a very productive day. My parents live in Ridgefield, CT so my mom and her friends are stopping by tomorrow. They can't wait!
Your bad side? Puh-leez. And I love hearing you talk, your accent is charming!
Cannot wait to get my hands on Dune Road! Thanks and keep writing.
Your bad side? Puh-leez. And I love hearing you talk, your accent is charming!
Cannot wait to get my hands on Dune Road! Thanks and keep writing.
Any possibility that you can separate out the vegan recipes from the rest?
Any possibility that you can separate out the vegan recipes from the rest?
How cute !!! As soon as I saw the picture of his hair cut, I smiled. I think he and his hair cut is adorable!!
How cute !!! As soon as I saw the picture of his hair cut, I smiled. I think he and his hair cut is adorable!!
Hello Jane - I made this chlli after reading your blog last week and both of my, very fussy, children loved it! Keep the recipes coming please! Hope the book tour is going well.
Hello Jane - I made this chlli after reading your blog last week and both of my, very fussy, children loved it! Keep the recipes coming please! Hope the book tour is going well.
Do you have a "top posters" page to reward your best blog comments?
Do you have a "top posters" page to reward your best blog comments?