OK, here I am in a cozy condo in Lake Oswego. I didn’t originally plan to transition so quickly, but here’s the deal. I’d wake up in one place with no underpants and go to bed in the other without a toothbrush. My life had become unmanageable. Plus, it made me sad to sit around the half-empty house I’m leaving. It looks forlorn and so am I.
So boo-hoo (Emma puts on her stiff upper lip). We read all the Little House books. Thus we know the Ingalls family moved to terrible places. Shacks with no tarpaper, and holes in the ground with dirt floors surrounded by grumpy Indians (who could blame them?), and I don’t think toilet paper was even invented back then. So I have it pretty good. This is not Lower Hillsdale Heights, but few places are. My problem today is trying to figure out how to run an unknown vacuum cleaner, not to mention the vagaries of finding one’s underwear in a hostile environment.
Today my friend Lynn and I took a nice walk in the new neighborhood. We’re making a list of all the households that could benefit from our advice in matters such as the color of their homes and the condition of their front gardens. The owners will be hearing from us soon. And, I noticed a few days ago that there is a little strip mall I can walk to in five minutes. It’s not your usual strip mall with UPS stores and other useless things. Nooo, this one has food outlets like Bambuza and the 24-hour coffee (and pastry!) shop, and a so-called “tavern” that serves duck confit crepes.
Unlike the Ingalls family, I not only have toilet paper but also professional help. The Professional told me today that moving is one of the most traumatic things a person can go through because all our habits are turned upside down. My realtor told me the same thing a couple days ago, and added that it gets worse after one is 50. I am feeling the pain. I
t is no wonder I can’t find anything, that my brain is like scrambled eggs.
But I am still on my feet, as I told The Professional this afternoon. She and my friends are walking me through this one step at a time. And for that I can be, and am, grateful!
My other big problem, at least the one that is eating my lunch right now, is the sorry state of Amazon reviews for THE MAN WHO WASN’T THERE. Love the book, hate the book, your reviews are very important. In this industry, volume of reviews can make or break an indie release. If you have read the book, or any of the Emma Golden mysteries, please review the book. More reviews equal increased visibility, and for us authors that is paramount. Thank you.
I liked the new book a lot and I’m composing a review. See you soon.
I just wrote a little review on Amazon. I really enjoyed this book, and when I realized i had spent the day devouring it I just had to laugh. I really do hope you might visit the early years with Emma in the valley in future book (s). Best wishes to you sweet lady.
I’m feeling your pain since we’re doing the same thing right now. I keep asking myself why I EVER got soooo much stuff. Didn’t know until today that Jerry still has a box of his business cards from the city of Bellevue! Good grief! Wishing you well. Folks will be seeing you in Spokane soon. Off to review your book.
I need a book & will review pronto. We are finally home after weeks & weeks
Moving is traumatic, of course, but definitely a mixed bag. I have no doubt that u will find the bright side & am happy to hear you’ve got great support
I’ll jump on amazon this eve & get the book.
It’s kind of shocking to go “home” and not have to water or haul out garbage or something, so it has its advantages.
I am sad for you too. I drive by your house on Sunset when I go to our son, Chris’s house. I always would “say” hello to you as I passed and now there’s just a for sale sign and no Judy. We were out of town for your book launch at Annie’s so next Monday when I leave Chris’s I’m going there to get the book and then I’ll write a review.
Thanks so much Betsy!
It was a pleasure to see you at your book launch last week and I was very happy for you for the good turnout.
I read the book while on my trip to Maine. Naturally, I left it lying about to draw inquiries. I recommended it to several women who were interested in the setting and intrigued by the plot. Hope they follow through with purchases.
Posted a review to Goodreads last week. Saw it didn’t carry over to Amazon so posted there today.
Listen to The Professional and your friends. Be easy on yourself. Take all the time you need. Moving IS hard. I had to do it 2 1/2 years ago. There are still at least six or seven boxes not unpacked. Just close the door. No one else cares.
My best wishes.
Yes, I am trying to chill. After closing date, I will be able to as there is still much to do. Thanks for your support.