Child #4 and the Rancho Santa Fe Library Visit

The Rancho Santa Fe library visit went super well. This is a library that goes to a lot of trouble to put on a great event. I mean, just look at the sign. Too cute!

I took Child #4 (11 year old daughter) along with me. She took the photos. And helped me find the library (because she actually has a sense of direction!). And she helped with the technical junk (setting up the projector, speakers, etc.). Basically, the kid is indispensable. (Read the end of this post for her words of wisdom on the visit.)


The library put out a red carpet runway, decorated the room and tables, and provided glam sunglasses and other favors for the participants. Teen volunteers acted as servers and paparazzi. There was a raffle with lots of prizes.

You can see why I want every book I write to be celebrated at the RSF library!

I did a powerpoint and chatted about writing I SO DON'T DO FAMOUS. Since I visited Hollywood three times (my life is so hard!) to research this book, I have lots of photos and Hollywood/Beverly Hills stories.
This is a shot of one of the tables. I really enjoyed meeting readers and parents. It's quite the kick to meet in real life a tween who's been emailing about Sherry and gang. (Hello Maysen, Joy's granddaughters and Jim's wife and Clara). A special thank you to the people who drove from my town all the way to Rancho Santa Fe. And a huge thank you to Maddie for all the hard work she put into this event. Also, Librarian Debbie, you will be sorely missed (although we hope you enjoy your retirement)!

Conversation with Child #4 as I'm Tucking Her In That Night

Me: So, did I do okay today at the library?

Child #4: Yeah. You were good.

Me: Is it weird seeing me up there, talking in front of a crowd.

Child #4: It is weird.

Me: Weird embarrassing or weird cool?

Child #4: Definitely weird cool. (She pauses.) But I kind of wanted to say, "That's my mom. Why do you want her autograph?"

Tomorrow: brunch in La Jolla with the delightful Cindy Pon, YA author of SILVER PHOENIX and FURY OF THE PHOENIX.

Great Library Visit and Chameleon News

The event at the Rancho Santa Fe library on Monday was FANTASTIC! Librarians Debbie and Sylvia really did a GREAT job getting it organized and advertised. And what a brilliant idea to bring in a makeup artist! Muchos thank-yous!

The library is kind of tough to find because there are several lookalike buildings in the same parking lot. Luckily, Child #4 spotted these girls as they exited their vehicle. One was clutching a copy of I SO DON'T DO MAKEUP. We followed them in. Thank you girls, I might still be wandering around that crazy parking lot if it weren't for you!


Look at this BEAUTIFUL artwork based on I SO DON'T DO MAKEUP!

Here's Meilani , makeup artist extraordinaire, helping girls get dolled up. Child #4 may have used up most of Meilani's sky-blue eye shadow!

A special hello to Rachel from Rancho Cucamonga. :)

The Rancho Santa Fe Public Library rocks!

And...And...And....our little mama veiled chameleon is tunnelling in the five-gallon Home Depot flower pot on the floor of her cage. Yup! She's digging a hole to lay another clutch of eggs! Just to bring you up to date: we currently have 83 eggs in incubators. The first 50 should hatch in the fall.

I took this photo a while ago. I didn't dare snap a shot of her today because I don't want to interrupt her whole birthing process. If she doesn't lay her eggs, she dies.

Will keep you updated!

A veiled chameleon egg bites the dust ;(

Look at this sad veiled chameleon egg. It's covered in mold. I removed it from the deli dish where it was hanging out with a bunch of its friends because I don't want the mold to spread to other eggs. I set the moldy egg in its own dish and left off the lid, in the hopes of drying it out. But, I basically think it's a lost cause. :( You can add humidity if an egg/eggs are is/dry and shriveling. But we've never successfully removed mold. Still, it doesn't hurt to try.



The remaining eggs in that dish are white and plump and healthy looking. Fingers crossed they stay that way!

So, we're down to 83 eggs.

In similar news, Child #2 jumped into the pool yesterday with his cell phone in his pocket. First cell phone death of the summer.

**UPCOMING FUN AND FREE EVENT!**

This coming Monday (June 28) at 1:00, I'll be at the Rancho Santa Fe Public Library (107040 Avenida de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, phone: 858-756-2512).

There will be a makeup artist. There will be giveaways. There will be me, chatting. Also, I will happily sign any books you bring (or win). Should be a blast!