It was hot here yesterday--95! So all our doors and windows were open and just before it got dark I heard the yowl of a peacock. Or maybe it's called a hoot. I don't know what it's called but it sounds like an odd yell. We have peacocks in our neighborhood these days. Driving in one day, I saw one on a neighbor's roof. It is a rather odd sight. They're big, ya know? Like a turkey. At least these ones are. I took this picture of one roosting in a tree a while back when I visited Leo Carrillo ranch near us.
That is where they are from--apparently decades ago, Leo Carrillo brought in a bunch and they have thrived and their little flock has grown into a large one and now they are venturing out into surrounding neighborhoods--like ours. Last spring we saw a whole little flock of babies walking around our sidewalks. So cute. Now they are big with long tails. It is pretty amazing. So far, none have graced our roof or yard which is probably a good thing. Our dogs might not fare well against those monsters. Very pretty but big and with some pretty hefty claws. But I have to admit, I do enjoy seeing them walking down the street like they are just one of the neighbors. Which I guess they are now.
Thanks for the nice comments and cheers about MILES yesterday. It doesn't matter how many books you have out, you still sort of hold your breath and hope people like your baby. One of the things on my list yesterday was to get my schedule posted so that if any of you are in the same neck of the woods as me, you can stop by and say hi. So here is what I have going on:
April and May Schedule:
April 24-26 This weekend! The Nebulas! In LA! I am very excited. On Friday I will be at the welcoming reception, and then on Saturday I will attend the WGA mixer in the morning and the banquet in the evening. I saw who some of the guests are--I am going to be a giddy fangirl. Can't wait. I hope I will see some of you there!
April 25 The LA Times Book Festival on the UCLA campus. I will be signing at The Mysterious Galaxy Booth # 614 at 1:00. Please come by. If you are going to be there, let me know and I will look for you.
May 7 Stockton, CA - I will be speaking at
Stockton Reads! which is part of the national program,
The Big Read. Their community book is Fahrenheit 451 and they thought The Adoration of Jenna Fox would be a good book to read along with it. I am way jazzed and honored to be connected in any way to Ray Bradbury's amazing book, not to mention this wonderful community reading program. I will be speaking at their Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library/Ripon branch at 9:30 in the morning, at a local high school in the afternoon, and then at the Chavez branch library in the evening at 5:00 pm. I hope I see you in Stockton!
May 9 I will be at the
San Diego Children's Book Festival speaking with the wonderful Marlene Perez, known in these parts as
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marperez at 2:30 and then signing at the Warwick's Bookstore booth at 300 pm. This is only the second year of this festival and they are off to a roaring start. Other children's authors and illustrators who will be there include, Sherman Alexie, Paul Brewer, Rogin Preiss Glasser, Kathleen Krull, Kadir Nelson, and more! Come!
May 12 I will be speaking with teens at the
Escondido East Valley Branch Library at 10:30 am about writing and The Adoration of Jenna Fox.
May 13 I will be visiting with the teen book club at the
Coronado Public Library at 2:30. If you know a teen in those parts tell them to come hither.
Laguna Beach Books! Kick off summer with SIX authors talking about books, writing, and cupcakes. Oh yeah, there will be food. And when you get six authors together they never behave. Should be fun. 1:00 More info to follow soon.
So, first up is the Nebula Weekend and LA Times Book Festival! Lots to get ready! Hope I see you there.
