- seekinglove.com
August Entries
Waiting for a Miracle to Come Desk Log 8/21/06
I am feeling very much like my character today..very .small and fragile. I wish I had bunny slippers...something fuzzy and pink to comfort me and sooth me back to myself. I'm a tiny little dust speck in the world of publishing. I am here! I want to shout. Just like in Horton Hears a Who. Feel unknown. What is the title of your book? Maybe I will video tape the whole thing...(Take #1: 8:05 am (my hair plastered to the side of face and my eyes all puffy) wake up and immediately check email to see if by some overnight-while-I was sleeping-miracles have occurred...I think for beautiful-suspended-belief moments in which the computer is loading up... that Barnes & Noble has decided to pre-order 100,000 copies of my book, Oprah wants me on her show, and the New Yorker has written a stunning review! (Take #2: 8:07 am, hair still plastered to side of my face) Nothing. Not even junk mail. Decide to get rid of spam detector possible amazing miracles are being mistaken for spam? Yes. Entirely possible. (Take #3, 10:03, sipping coffee) 13 New Messages! Aha! Discover messages are from senders such as Pussycat108 and Hotlick1055--turn spam blocker back on.
Daily H&B Miracle: 0
Invites Desk Log 8/22/06
World are you there? Entirely comforting to have a website...I can pretend people are reading all about me..even though they are not...yes! Sent out invitations to my booklaunch party...visited Liza out her gallery and made sure she posted me on her very chic website...and she had! Got boxes to load all of my office stuff into because I am moving whole enchilada to my bedroom of my newly rented tiny little house. Late afternoon I walked Suki (my doggie) and bought her an ice cream because I am on a diet..then caved.. and bought myself one because she seemed to be enjoying hers so much...I am getting very excited about my party..plan to have loads of hotpink balloons..and Dolly playing...fondue..so..even if no one shows..it will feel festive. OK..now back to my critical thesis "Rapture as a Punctuation Device in Narrative Fiction"..believe it our not I am very smart.
Daily H&B Miracle: Liza put H&B on her website!
- Untitled. Annie Downey, 2002
New Arrival Desk log 8/23/06
My first copy of Hot and Bothered came in the mail today via UPS Express (how appropriate!)..it looks gorgeous and is very shiny! I thought of my little books with their delicious covers being placed in boxes and shipped to my friends and family...I am so glad my mom is still alive and will get one in her mailbox in Canada.
I am completely grateful for that.
We made it mom!
Delicious Discovery Mama Says mamasaysnews.blogspot.com A Vermont-Mama Based Rocking Blog-Zine
I am now completely in love with Mama Says News...they're blog is divine..with interesting articles and exceptional writing in all genres.
Daily H&B miracle: Planning group book tour in April '07with Hipmamas--Ariel Gore and China Doll!
My Hot Pink Clog Cheerleaders Desk log 8/24/06
Today, I must thank my absolutely FABO Hot Pink Clog Cheerleaders' ..I just recieved a beautiful email from one of my cheerleader's, Jackie, who wrote and told me she just walked right into bookstores in sunny California and told them all about my book...and they are ordering it!!! Then I heard from my cheerleader, Jen, and she said that she will be willing to run the "Hot Pink Heart" table at my booklaunch...then Lyn, another hot pink clog cheerleader, volunteered to organize the "Dress for Success: Styles You Can Wear for Seven Days Straight!" Fashion Show for those busy moms who don't have time to brush their teeth--let alone pick out a new outfit everyday of the week. GO Cheerleaders! Also want to thank my crazy mom & grammie, rambling sister Maggie, and sane sister-in-law Deb for telling everyone they know (and then some) about my book!! Thank you gorgeous women! I love you! And all my other Hot Pink Clog Cheerleaders..from Ariel Gore to Kris Radish...to my editor to my agent.....from Angie to Daphne...thank you!
Special Note This entry is also for my mother's wild Canadian friends...particularly, Norma,who was the first person to give me 5 stars on Amazon.com and a stellar review and Mari who put me on her blog site! Go Canada!
H&B Daily Miracle: Hot and Bothered was "mentioned" in Boston Globe!
Missed George's Art Show & Reception Desk log 8/25/06
Completely bummer of a day..missed dear George Lawrence's reception at Basin Harbor exhibit after telling him I would definately be there...but then kids informed me of things the had "forgotten" to tell me...Iris had to work 4-8:30 and Oskar had football practice from 5-7pm..both in Burlington..and George's reception was from 4-7pm...horrible...and I had been looking forward to it for weeks... artists should support each other...and George has been such a great support..taking orders for my book...ect...I AM SORRY GEORGE!
Sat in the back of my car during Oskar's football practice and read my old poetry instead of working on my critical thesis..felt completely sorry for myself ...then ruined diet by eating a huge amount of food at Outback Steakhouse while waiting for Iris to get out of work...
Daily H& B Miracle: 0
- Oskar. By Annie Downey, 1998
Football Jamboree Desk log 8/26/06
Woke up at 5 am this morning to drive my son to his first football jamboree..3 games against other VT youth football teams..he is a Center, referred to as the"Crush" position...which means he hikes the ball and then immediately blocks the opposing player..who are the biggest..most terrifying looking boys I have ever seen....and I was completely freaked out! But low and behold, even with an injured knee, Oskar held his own! Football seems to be his sport..he literally sat on a player twice his size...but I have to say the whole thing was very nerve racking..but it something he really wants to do so I want to support it... however, I got really sun-burnt and had to use a port-a-potty.. but..some of the football coaches were VERY cute..so it was well worth the effort. I passed out as soon as we got home (even though all I did was sit on the sidelines. Was awoken from my 4-6 pm nap by my grammie who told me that my book is now officially in Yankee Bookstore in Woodstock and that she bought a copy, a tourist bought a copy, and one of the Bebo girls bought a copy..so they are out and they have to order more...so they are officially not in Yankee bookstore anymore...hmmm...so nothing is official at this time.
Daily H&B Miracle: Algonquin has me as this weeks featured author on their website!
- Yippee! Release Day!
Official Release Day of Hot and Bothered Desk Log: 8/27/06
Ok. So release day is not as I imagined it to be...there are no fireworks being set off outside my house..no man in a top hat knocking on my door and an orchestra with instruments poised seated outside on my lawn (I have a rather big imagination)...no..no...instead it is rainly and cold..and it is a very quiet Sunday...not ...my children are still sleeping and it is almost noon..my husband left for the office to do work before our trip to Denver...so here I am..alone at my writing desk...critical thesis untouched in front of me.
OK. I'll stop whining. I am darn lucky to have a book published at all and I have tons of support from family and friends........Instead, I will pat myself on the back. Pat. Pat. There.
Now I really must get my critical thesis done. Or maybe I'll do laundry. Mmmm. Laundry seems very tempting in light of critical thesis.
Daily H&B Miracle: Official Hot and Bothered Release Day!
Connecting with Women Desk log: 8/28/06
Heard from Vermont Woman and they are doing a review of Hot and Bothered for their September issue..due out this Friday..I hope it is good! The booklaunch party is looking like it will be well attended and I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces...and signing their copies of Hot and Bothered! I want to thank Mama Says for posting my website and link to my booksignings on their blog! You rock Mama Says! I kept changing the format of this journal and finally have a rhythm down that I like..now I just need to have a link to a blog for people to respond... keep posted for more on that! What is wonderful about this whole process is that I am hearing from all these women I have not seen in years...it is so wonderful to reconnect...and also to connect with new women like Jackie, Nancy down at Everyones Books, and mothers from Mama Says..it it all such a blessing...so many blessings! I am so grateful today! Thank you powerful women!
My mom sent me an email telling me that my book was on her way via Amazon.com! She said I'll be seeing "some action" soon! I'm sure I will with all these amazing women helping me out!
Daily Hot and Bothered Miracle: Reconnecting and Connecting with Women Friends!
- My Daughter, Iris. 2006
September Entries
Best Friend's Rockie Dude Ranch Wedding Desk Log: 9/4/06
OK right now..it is Labor Day...I am sitting at this very funky cool B & B in the heart of downtown Denver trying my best to finish my critical thesis...though I have no clue what I am trying to say.....my best friend Angie..newly married..is en route to Hawaii for her honeymoon with her hubby Dan and their baby! I have had the best Colorado experience...number 1...I was Maid of Honor in the best wedding I have ever gone to...(because Angie is brilliant and amazing) and I looked incredibly hot thanks to Angie allowing me to pick my own dress and hiring the most fabo hair stylists to do my hair...# 2... I went on a trail ride and road a horse for the first time in a few years...I use to ride all the time back when..so it was fantastic to be up on a horse again..my horses name was Jasper... ( David..who looked like such a stud in cowboy boots came with me!)...#3...I went to the top of Rockie Mountain National Park and made it back down....#4...I found a bar and restuarant called "Oskar's Blues" (with a K just like my son Oskar! and bought every t-shirt and sticker they had and they gave me free Oskar Blues balloons for Osk's birthday party! ...#5.. I went into the the coolest bookstore in Boulder, CO "The Boulder Bookstore"(which is one of the most fabo places on earth!) and there was my book..eye level..right as you walked into the store..and low and behold..there was two Vermont women (Sarah and Ann) from Angie's wedding partywith my book in their hands!!!!! The guy in the bookstore said my book was doing really well and he had me sign all the copies they had left...he was thrilled I was there! How wild is that? It was a sign..a wonderful sign...thank you independent bookstores! Thank you women! #6..I went to Denver's Botanical gardens today..and it was soooo beautiful...and David and I sat and read "The Onion" and had delicious vanilla lattes in the Japanese Garden....ohhhhh la la!...
# 7 : Iris called while in Botanical Gardens and actually had cell phone service for the first time in days....and she informed me she is very much alive and to stop freaking out and that she was at "the Mountain Jam" all weekend and that she didn't get my email four days ago (when I emailed her from the Hampton Inn Hotel by Denver airport during the wee hours of the morning) and she told me to have a safe trip home...and to RELAX.
#8: Oskar emailed me back (after I ruined his surprised by spilling the beans that I had bought entire Oskar's Blues product line) and imformed me to start checking his hair for lice (yippee!) and said nothing about how excited he was about Oskar Blues balloons....hmmmmm....possibly too old for balloons now he is in middle school?
#9 All my friends are telling me that they have recieved my book via post..have read it... and think it is fantastic.
#10 I am going home to see my kiddos tomorrow and can give them a big hug and kiss!!!
Daily Hot and Bothered Miracle Stephen Morris from Public Press in Vermont emailed me and informed me he had just finished reading H & B and that I am a genius!
Waiting for Wireless Connection Desk Log: 9/7/06
Thank you Vermont Woman for your wonderful review!!!!!
I currently am in the middle of moving into my tiny house....and I am waiting for DSL to be installed....so I have not been able to post any entries! Just want to tell everyone I am back home safe and sound....and I want to thank my newest hot pink clog cheerleader,Fred, for asking the manager at Barnes and Noble to put my novel in their window display...go Fred! Also want to thank my mother for driving to every bookstore in the Upper Valley of Vermont and NH and buying a copy of my book and making sure it was visible...go mom! And also want to thank Lyn for making sure my tiny house was perfect and clean so that our move went smoothly....the kids are doing so well...they love being back in town...and so do I!
Thank you everyone for all your wonderful response...from beautiful dreams ...to congratulations....and making sure it is in your local bookstore.....thank you all so much!
More later when I finally have internet!
Hot and Bothered Daily Miracle: Vermont Woman gave H&B terrific review!
Booklaunch Party Preparation Desk Log: 9/15/06
My life line(internet) still has not been installed in my tiny house So sorry to all who have been trying to contact me via email..I know I have been late in replying. I am currently back in Ferrisburgh for the night with David (so therefore have internet). We went into Middlebury last night and bought fondue makings for my booklaunch party and then had terrific Indian food. It feels like we are dating again! It is wonderful and dreamy. Everyone has been so helpful in getting my booklaunch party together--from fondue, to MMs, and heart cookies. It is going to be fantastic! I can't wait to see all my friends and family tomorrow night! I'll be sure to take pictures and write a journal entry on Sunday night!
Daily Hot and Bothered Miracle: Barnes and Noble is selling Hot and Bothered nationally and have choosen H & B for a special promotional thingy!
Have Fondue Will Travel Desk log: 9/25/06
OK. Sorry about not doing a journal entry on Sunday night..I fell asleep at my tiny house and never made it to Ferrisburgh...instead..David came into Burlington and we got food to go..and sat..staring blankly at each other while we ate...
I am now very fond of Adelphia Cable..because after weeks of mishaps...near internet..then dead air...I finally have internet! Who knew cable was so hot!
I have had a ton of juicy things happen...I think the first being my booklaunch party! What a blast! My mother made fabulous lemon fondue with poppyseed cake to dip in it..my dear friend Daphne made chocolate fondue and brought every fruit imaginable to dunk...she must have spent a small fortune..(by the way Daphne Larkin is now the Times Argus newest crime beat reporter! Congratulations Daphne!) .my Uncle Jim showed up with a cooler on wheels and began making the most delicious cheese fondue in the history of time..which of course then coined the catch phrase of the evening.."have fondue will travel"...and my brother came all the way from Nantucket!!! Thank you Chris! Liza snapped photos. Friends and family brought fondue pots...bread..flowers galore (I plan to take a photo of the mums sent to me by my Aunt Catherine)..and their helpful working hands..and the biggest surprise of the evening was my mother's old college boyfriend and his wife who came all the way from Maine! They took my mother, David and I out to breakfast the next morning...and I got some much needed insight via their stories for a new book I am working on...what an amazing time! I felt like a real author! Then to top it off.the next day..David and I drove down to Dover and .I met fabulous Ilene and Angela and their husbands..a magical evening ensued..fabulous conversation...and food..champagne toasts...what an amazing thing this book has done for me...It has opened a whole new world...I meet these tremendous..powerful women...connect..and become best friends instantly...ohhh..it is so wonderful! Thank you everyone for supporting me and my character Gracie..into the world!
Daily H & B miracle: Hot and Bothered has been choose to be a part of a special book promotion at Target Stores nationwide..starting Oct 9th-until March 2007...be the first to see my book on display at a Target near you! Target also has an amazing selection of rainboots...that are very, very cool. And the weirdest thing is..eight months ago..when I was beginning my newest book...it starts off with the main character in a Target Store in Virginia! Go Target!
October Entries
Flying Pig and Bearded Frog
I had so much fun tonight...here in my neck of the woods of Vermont...I met these fabulous women who just formed a bookclub that is spearheaded by one of my daughter, Iris's, dearest caregivers and my friend, Suzanne. This book, I have come to realize, is only doing as well as it is because of the amazing efforts of friends, family, people I've only just met...all women..it was sooo magnificant...I felt blessed. Flying Pig hosted the event and being a children's bookstore..I was their first ever adult event. One of the owner's Elizabeth Bluemle, who wrote one of my favorite children's books-- My Dad the Dog (illustrated by Randy Cecil), showered me with bookish goodies and we chatted about writing and I felt ALIVE! So alive. This kind of night was what I imagined being an author would be like..rich and full...women being themselves and supporting one another!
Daily Hot and Bothered Miracle: Friends and family.
Waiting for a Miracle to Come Desk Log: 10/16/06
My daughter Iris is 17! Happy Birthday IrisI We had a blast celebrating Iris's B-day..we went to A SIngle Pebble in Burlington with her best girlfriends and their moms (who happen to also be my friends)...then last night David and I took Iris and Meg out to Windjammer to celebrate both their birthdays! I should really change the name to Unknown Author's Weekly Journal. Sorry all. Booktour has been a learning experience..I am beginning to get the hang of it and now know to drink one glass of wine prior to reading so that I don't get so nervous I pass out (just kidding). Every place I have gone except for the Brattleboro reading--someone I know has shown up--what is also cool is that there has been people there who have already read my book and loved it...even mothers who never separated from their husbands...there seems to be shared universal feelings of motherhood that resound for the women everywhere (speaking of motherhood, there has been so many simularities between having a baby and publishing your first novel that I am planning to use this idea for final lecture for my MFA). I finally think I finished my critical thesis. Hooray! The whole time I thought my professor needed a rough draft and come to find out that the final draft is due at the end of this semester...opps! I guess next semester I work on my creative thesis..which sounds much more my speed. However, thanks to critical thesis,I am now in love with the book "Look Homeward Angel" by Thomas Wolfe...if you haven't read it..run out and read it..IMMEDIATELY! I want to thank Ann La Farge for her wonderful review of Hot and Bothered in her column "Constant Reader" which appears in eight Taconic Newspapers in New York...thank you Ann! oxoxox! I also want to thank all the independent bookstores for all their work to put together great readings..dragging people off the street...hand selling my book...taking me out for laughter and wine...getting it H&B reviews in their area newspaper. You guys ROCK! Please support your local independent bookstores!!
H&B Miracle: The book is selling really well and bookstores are rewordering it! And Ann La Farge thinking I am funny and wise! Yes!
Hooray for Sisters! Desk Log: 10/1/06
I want to thank my biggest Southern Hot pink Cheerleading squad--my sister-in-law Karen, and my two nieces, Shannon and Quinn, who have been going around to all the Barnes & Nobel in their area and making sure my book is front and center on the new release table..thank you girls! Also thank you to my sister, Maggie, who made sure my book was available in Nantucket...and my sister-in-law, Deb, who has been telling everyone and everybody about my book! Thank you wonderful sisters! You've got my back! I also want to thank Kris Underwood for making everyone aware of my review in Vermont Woman Magazine's September Issue in her blog Writing in the Mountains
I have been so crazy busy this past September and it does not seem to be slowing down! Fall is moving by so fast! I just returned from Cinn/Ohio where I represented the Vermont College MFA program for the Union Institute & University Learner's Council. We stayed at the Vernon Manor Hotel where The Beatles once stayed! Being on the Council was a lot of work but after the day was over the LC girls and I had a blast hanging out with folks wearing Kiminos and carrying swords who were staying at the hotel for a special martial art competition. Learner Council ladies rock! Then I met the most wonderful flight attendent in the world on my flight back to VT...I handed her a postcard of my book...and we were fast friends....also met an amazing nurse from Tennessee and made the same connection...this truly is an wonderbar adventure! And finally, last but not least, I returned home to find a postcard from dearest Angela (I now refer to her as Angel) and she told me that all the bookstores in her area had my book! Kiss, Kiss! The David took me to see Ian Anderson from Jethro Tull! Swoooon!
I just did an interview for H & B for VPR...Neil Jarnoff was fantastic to meet in person...hopefully he can edit out all my "ums". Thank you VPR! I am now getting ready for my Vermont Booktour! Make sure you check out the "Appearances" page on this site to find out where I will be so you can come visit me!
Hot and Bothered Daily Miracle: H&B is already in its 2nd printing!*
Hot Pink T-Shirt Desk Log 10/04/06
Went back to Ferrisburgh for the the first time in two weeks....and there..in my bundle of mail...was a package from my California Hot Pink Cheerleaders: Jackie, Fred, Ilene and Derek! Inside was a hot pink T-shirt to wear when I am on tour! Yippee! It felt so good to be back in the country..quiet...then back to Burlington this morning because I volunteered to sign in kids who walked to school for National Walk to School Day...my son, Oskar was one of them ...and it was very cute because I think he was very proud that I was there! (Just picked him up from school..he said "no"..."I was embarrassed". Oh well.
Tomorrow I leave bright and early for another radio interview on WKVT....in Brattleboro. I have to talk about Hot and Bothered for 45 minutes....I think that won't be a problem...since I love to talk about myself and my writing process...and also my H& B main character, Gracie. Then onto booksignings in bothe Brattleboro and on Friday..Bellows Falls..let the fun begin!
H& B Miracle:My Mom just walked in the door!
Booksignings Desk log: 10/7/06*
Today is my step-daughter Meg's b-day...happy b-day Meg! David and I just got back from Bellows Falls..where we stayed at the beautiful Horsefeathers Inn...I also wanted to give a shout out to Asta's in Jamaica, Vermont...they make fondue...and are a completely unique...fun...inn.. Asta's Inn...go there! Anywho, after two great booksignings in Brattleboro (Everyone's Books rocks!) and Bellows Falls (we love you Pat at Village Square Books!) and hearing myself on two radio shows (WKVT and VPR)... David and I returned home to my beautiful children and my amazing mother who had a wonderful time together..so the world is good..wonderful..sublime. I am extremely happy and feel incredibly grateful to have the life I have....
My daughter, mom and I just watched the movie "Water"..ahhh..I cried so hard!
Hot and Bothered Daily Miracle: Being a woman and living in a country in which I can have a life of my own choosing.
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- Praying
November Entries
Toes and Gas
Desk Log: November 25th, 2006
After a blast of joy and Hot and Bothered Booktour, I find myself as a wonderful woman from the Norwich Library just said to me "putting one toe in front of the other" or "If you have gas in your car it is a good day."
A lot of hard stuff this month--but also some beautiful moments which I will share instead:
The most precious and beautiful part of this month was a weekend of seeing my amazing daughter sing and act in her lead role as Mrs. Pots in Beauty and the Beast. She is a stunning woman and has astounding grace and poise no matter what life throws her way (I like to think she learned this from her mother....not!) Great job Iris! You're incredible! I can't believe you came out of my womb!
Another most precious moment was my son giving me and his dad a power point presentation of his work at school.....and reading his fictional work from writing class--"the attack of the scarf" ....he is a better writer than me! The best part was his "reading project for "Flowers for Algernon" which consisted of a mouse made out of toilet paper and tape--that he explained was "Algernon decomposing"....which was "important because we should know what Algernon looks like after he has been dead a while."...then basically "I had to do something quick because I forgot there was a project due". Now Oskar, I do believe you came out of my womb!
I want to thank Bust Magazine and Burlington Free Press for their great reviews and for the staff members at Barnes and Noble who picked me for their "Favorite" table...thank you wonderful folks! Thanks for all of my mother's women friends who have been writing to my mother and saying all sorts of great stuff about my book (husbands included) I want to say a big thanks to all the Indie Bookstores that have been reordering my book and putting it out there--I know it is alot harder for you folks--thanks again and I look forward to meeting you all when we do the Crazy Dreams and Ideals Bookstour in April!
Much love to all and hope peace comes soon. oxoxox, Annie
Hot and Bothered Daily Miracle: My daughter designing and helping me with Hot and Bothered My Space profile--please visit it myspace.com at email address: hotpinkannie@hotmail.com
December Entries
December 13th
Beautiful Iris. We love you.
December 16th
For all that do not know..my daughter Iris was diagnosed with a severe form of Lupus right before Thanksgiving. So all prayers are needed and laughter/jokes highly appreciated so send them along as well!
After weeks of in and out of hospitals..Iris and I are finally home and resting. Iris did really well with her chemo and kidney biopsy--she pulled through singing (literally)--the nurses and doctors all loved her--and told us as she was going under she said "I cannot lie. This feels goooood."...She woke up singing from her most recent favorite musical "Five Years of Marriage" or something of that title (I am not a true musical fan after all--egad!) and swimming (or so she said) in the blue warm waters of the islands. Her friends all came to visit her for her Techno Dance Party in her room in the pediatric unit--and gave her this HUGE red heart signed by everyone in the highschool it seemed (girls pretty darn popular). Iris and I have officially decided we are both in love with the same doctor (who's name we will not reveal other than it starts with a "W"..in case he is reading this...)..and are now convinced that Grey's Anatomy is based on the staff at Fletcher Allen Hospital because "everyone is so freaking gorgeous it is ridiculous" (Iris quote). Iris is doing well as can be and as she said recently "We are not a depressed family so why should we act depressed just because I have Lupus." So we have decided to HAVE FUN and be out of the hospital as much as possible and to buy one really HOT Wig...Iris plans to go to this years WInter Ball in style--so watch out!
You are amazing Iris! oxoxoxox x a billion--love mom.....(and sleeping in the banana hammock next to your bed in the hospital was a blast! Sorry I snored!)
Oskar is turning twelve! He is having a great birthday party tomorrow--and so we are excited about that. I am blowing up these really cool "Oskar Blues" balloons I got in Colarado (it's a famous blues club)...and we plan to play video games for hours and drink Jolt...so cross all fingers and toes that we aren't awake for days and days--having found we were always video and Jolt addicts just waiting to happen.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY OSKAR!!! oxoxoxoxo x a billion--love mom.....
Hot and Bothered Miracle: I actually found and signed books at the Harvard Co-op in Boston and I flirted with a Harvard Professor/Doctor we both bought the Beatles "LOVE" Album at the same time (a sign?).
Daily Hope and Prayer: Iris's Lupus goes into remission and she never has another flare again.
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