Catching my breath and catching up

How could I forget the Southern New Mexico Book Festival in Las Cruces? But apparently I did! It was two weeks after the New Mexico History Conference, also in Las Cruces. That was fascinating and I hope to present on the Couriers there next year. It's scheduled for Cimarron, I think. It was announced at the conference, but isn't online yet. Mike has been begging to stay at the St. James hotel there, so it's on our calendar. 

On October 10, I headed back down the 25, this time with Mike and the doglette, for the Book Festival with the intention of going to White Sands afterward but ... need I say it? It was closed. So, we popped over to Old Mesilla, where I had gone two weeks earlier, for shopping and lunch. Thankfully, the Festival hotel was the TownPlace Suites, which have a kitchenette with apartment-sized fridge, stove, and dishwasher (so cute!), sitting area, table and chairs, and bedroom. So, we weren't on top of each other in a tiny motel room for two days. I spent most of Saturday at the book festival -- sold the standard five copies (why five?) and picked up my New Mexico Book Award stickers. I passed the time putting the stickers on the books, along with the CIPA EVVY stickers that my publisher got to me a few days before.   

Three weeks later, we actually had a weekend away that did not include a book signing! A couple of nights at the dog-friendly Charles Hot Springs and Resort (aka the Charles Motel and Spa aka Charles Motel and Hot Springs) in Truth or Consequences (nee Hot Springs) -- my third trip down the 25 in 6 weeks. We slipped back in time in the ever so funkadelic "Mid-Century Mystic" that, far from reminding us of our grandma's house reminded us of our first apartments. I may not have crocheted that granny square afghan and pillow, but it would be hard to prove. The room rate (extremely reasonable!) includes "all you can soak" in the restored 1940s bathhouse's private tiled tubs. It's now got me wondering what was there in 1929 and whether I can find a way to get Prudence down there ... 

The irony was that we went down on October 31 in order to avoid all of the noise and commotion of Halloween, only to find that the Charles was hosting its own Halloween party. 😄 We arrived to find the street in front of the motel blocked off for a community parade but, thanks to the GPS were able to access it via the back way. The parade started at the hotel parking lot, and Treme so wanted to join it! I think she heard the word "treat." 😄 The festivities did shut down by ten o'clock. The next day was Mike's birthday and he spent it in and out of the thermal baths. We had cake and sparkling wine and ordered in a pizza. That's what old people call a "bash." 😃

Then it was back home for four days, enough time to do laundry and pick up the mail, then back on the road to Las Vegas via Santa Fe. Friday night was spent at the Santa Fe Motel & Inn, our "go-to" in Santa Fe. Check in, quick change, and up to the New Mexico History Museum for a book signing in conjunction with the Fred Harvey History Weekend. Somewhat sparsely attended, as there were other activities going on at the same time, but five people bought the book, and I signed the ones remaining in the bookstore -- and put the awards stickers on them -- so with luck, they'll go, as well. 

We placed a take out order with Jambo Cafe, I drove the couple of miles down Cerrillos to pick it up -- and had left my wallet at the hotel! Back to the hotel, back to the Cafe, back to the hotel, and finally, dinner!

Saturday was a relaxing drive to Las Vegas, taking the Old Las Vegas Highway (aka Route 66) as far as it goes. We arrived far too early, so went to lunch and wandered around the Plaza. Finally, checked into the Woody Harrelson Suite at the Plaza Hotel (we had booked the Tommy Lee Jones, but there was a "housekeeping issue") and were entranced. I just love historical stuff! Treme gave it her imprimatur, as well. 

We just hung out for the rest of the day, then ordered take out from the new restaurant in the hotel. I won't go into detail, but ... not recommended. The next morning, we went down to breakfast separately -- again, not recommended. Next time we go, we'll go prepared. I dog sat while Mike did a turn through the antique store in the Plaza. Lunched on leftovers from the day before, then drove the 10 minutes to Coffee, Tea, & Empathy.

They had put on quite a spread of luscious little pastries and tangy fruit punch. I sold NINE books, and got to catch up with a few Harvey history friends. I wish more people had attended but, again, there were other Harvey activities scheduled for the same time -- but I absolutely cannot complain! Then picked up burgers at Burger King for dinner and back to the Plaza. 

Home again this past Monday, with nothing on the calendar until this coming Saturday -- another presentation at Wheels Museum. Then a longish break until January 9 or 10. The Magdalena Public Library has invited me -- yes, they contacted my publisher! -- to give an author talk that weekend! My fame is spreading!! And I'm on the calendar of the Rio Rancho Public Library on January 31. As I said, promoting books is a full-time job!

Where am I in regard to volumes 2 and 3? Volume 2 -- French Toast a la Santa Fe -- is with the publisher with a release date of Fall 2026. Volume 3 -- Cold Vichyssoise Cream -- is at 50,000 words and getting close to the end. In the meantime, subscribe to my Substack, Amuse-Bouche, for a monthly 

savory little morsel, mostly set in the world of the Couriers Series.  This month's is set 18 years after Liz and Gene get married. Yes, there are spoilers.