I arrived back in Hawaii a couple of days ago and have spent the weekend working on revisions and cuddling my little guy. He’s so much fun right now with his cute toddler-speak and funny antics.
I’m going to miss him terribly as once again, I leave in the morning for another business trip. This time it’s to Australia for the RWA conference.
I’m so excited to see my Aussie author friends incuding the wonderful Lilian Darcy, Trish Morey, Melanie Milburne, Anne Gracie and so many more I can’t mention them all. Also, the fabulous Caitlin Crews will be joining me and I’m so happy to be visiting Melbourne for the first time. It’s going to be great!
Tell me what you’re up to and get entered in this week’s Beach Tote contest. I’ll be picking bonus winners too so fill me in on what’s new. Contest runs through Sunday night and I’ll announce winners on Monday, August 15th!! Have a wonderful week!
I’m reading a book of yours: In Dante’s Debt. <3 Just got back from a family reunion in Eugene, Or. And leaving on Saturday for Santa Rosa, California to help with Dad. 800 miles with my 16-yr-old daughter and her best friend. Just the 3 of us. 🙂
What fun to go to Australia! Have a GREAT time!
We are just trying to stay cool here…52 days of 100+ temperatures means it is better to be inside with the AC than outside doing anything. These are good days to stay inside and read!
Mac is such a sweet little guy, what a smile he has! Praying Traveling Mercies for you on your trip and on your safe return home. Enjoy your friends!
Have a wonderful time in Australia. It’s a place I’ve never been, but hope to get to someday. I know it will be hard for you to be away from Mac…always tough to leave loved ones even if for only a short time. As for me, I’m gearing up for a road trip….we leave from Southern California to go see some National Parks….yellowstone, glacier, and then on up into Canada to see Banff and Jasper. Have tons to do, but can’t wait to leave. 🙂
mac is such a cutie! not too much planned besides “normal” life stuff: haircut, house cleaning for showings and a nerd herd dinner tomorrow night- can’t wait!
Have a great time in Australia!
Some days we get lots of smoke due to forest fires, so I’m worrying about that. I’m also gardening, swimming and spending as much time outside as possible.
I am reading and reading am reading. Seriously behind on my reading lol Outside of that working and getting ready for my kids to go back to school in a few weeks.
Toddlers are the most fun. I enjoyed all my boys when they were toddlers.
Lisa B
Hi Jane,
I drove by myself over to Spokane this past weekend (6 hr. drive) to see one of my best friends at her lake cabin. I had such a good time catching up with her. We hung out on her dock in the sun, drank margaritas, and floated around on air mattresses – it was a great day! Nothing like a good friend to recharge your batteries.
This week I am taking a class – it’a a math class for the new curriculum the local school district adopted last year. One great part is being able to see teachers teach this curriculum to kids at a math camp. These are teachers who are highly experienced with the program, so it’s great to get some new ideas. It’s rare to be able to observe your collegues.
Have a wonderful time in Australia.
When I’m not on my computer working or blogging, I’m reading or working on my mending pile this week. Still playing badminton in the evenings, mind you, and going for my daily walks.
Do enjoy your week, and thanks for keeping us in the loop.
Hi Jane, just getting ready to register my daughters for school tomorrow, and all their activities are starting up again, so I feel our relaxing summer disappearing! I am sure you will miss your sweet pea in Australia, so hope you can just plan to take them all back there when Mac is a little older and he can really enjoy it!!
This picture of Mac is adorable!!
We took the family to the Clark County Fair today. It was so much fun! I am working 12 hr. shifts the next two days and then on Friday, leaving for a 3 day vacation in Seattle! So excited to finally get away for a few days with my husband. It’s been a long time since we’ve been kid free. With working opposite days, we don’t get to spend much time together. We are going there for 3 Redsox games, shopping and time to relax! How exciting for you to be heading to Australia! That is at the top of my list for a vacation. Hoping one day we will get there!! Enjoy and have a safe trip!
I love the photo you posted of Mac….what a cutie. Have a great trip to the land down under. I hope you enjoy the conference there. This week I have yet another relative visiting…this time a niece and her two daughters. We are having a dinner get together tomorrow night and then swimming in the pool on Wed. I’m looking forward to it.
HI Jane,
I wish I was going to Australia with you! I could carry your bags!
I am going to the movies this week. Planet of the Apes. haha
Then packing for a trip to Seattle in 2 weeks. Not near as exciting as Australia. Enjoy it!
this week i am adjusting to my youngest being back in school; and getting my middle son ready to start college next week. i love that pic of mac; such a cutie. cell-phone “melted down”, so hoping new one comes in today. daughter’s car getting fixed today also; springs broke on front tires, so it is not a cheap job…but we will make it happen. have a safe trip and have fun!
I am so jealous! I’d love to go to Australia someday. Look up Liane Moriarty and L.A. Dale too. I did interviews with both of them and they’re nice. Liane’s latest novel, “What Alice Forgot,” is incredible! Have a great time!
Not much is new here. Hoping to see the “Glee 3D Concert” movie this weekend. Planning for my upcoming trip to Chicago too. (That’s as exotic as I’ll be getting this year.)
Hi Jane. I hope you have a fabulous time at the conference. I would love to go to Australia some day. 🙂 My husband and I are celebrating our 8th anniversary this week.
My goodness Jane you are really racking up the miles.
Australia sound like so much fun.
Wishing you a very safe trip.
Last week I spent many hours in doctors offices this week I am spending time outside catching up on yard work and fixing things around the house.
I head back to school for a Special Ed meeting on Wed and really began work on Fri. Blah, summer is over. I wish the weather in TX would realize that too.
Have fun in Australia!
Have a wonderful trip. Mac looks so sweet.What A great photo. this week I am doing summer garden work.
Mac is so cute, love the smile on his face! No big plans this week shopping today. Have some people coming tomorrow to put new siding on my house. Next week have to pack son up to go back to college.
Have a wonderful trip! Looking forward to granddaughters wedding on Sunday.
Well today is my birthday so I’m going out with my sister. Then later I’ll celebrate with my daughters and their families. We had a lovely break in the weather and actually received some rain, it was very welcome.
Have fun!
Just dropped my 4 year old off at Zoo Camp at Pt. Defiance Zoo and I’m getting ready to take my two oldest to their last swim meet of the summer.
I’m deep in revisions, creating an office out of my boys bedroom (because he moved out! Wah!) and getting ready for my job to start in the fall.
Just had a wknd away with my 2 sisters and 3 cousins. Had such a great time! First time away overnight from my little ones. We all survived. : )
My 41st birthday is Saturday! We’ll be going to my parents for a cookout with my sisters and their families. Always a good time there.:)
I spent 10 great days with my 15 year old niece who came to visit from Cali. We had so much fun going to water parks, shopping, movies, mani and pedi’s and spending good quality time.
Mac is a cutie! I just finished reading ‘She’s Gone Country’ which I loved! It also gave me a great escape from the dreary summer we’re having on the East Coast. It feels like fall today. Guess I need another ‘Jane’ book to escape with again, lol!
Hi! Mack is a cutie-still looking for a job but been picking vegtables and making a some cash, meeting some very interesting people and working along side little kids that need help in reading and writing so helping them. Anyways,its hot here and now its rainy but that fla. weather. Have fun with your Aussie friends and enjoy even though you’ll miss your boys. Have a goodtime!
Hi Jane, I just finished my revisions on my very first book for Harlequin Love Inspired (finally got that contract – yay!) and I’m busy working on another manuscript. In my free time, I am living vicariously through your writerly life. LOL. But seriously, RWA Australia!? Omg. Maybe someday I’ll see you there.
Your son is such a cutie. Mine just turned 20. Where did the years go? I’m almost jealous of all the other moms getting ready for back-to-school. Almost. I do not missing dealing with the homework by any stretch of the imagination.
Have a safe trip!
Teri
Hi Jane,
Hope your trip goes well.
I am celebrating my 40th birthday next Monday.
Melinda
Just spent a week in Florence Italy and I’m in Switzerland right now. It’s a once in a lifetime experience, but I miss my two adorable toddler grandsons and my three Pomeranian dogs! I can feel the tug of your heart, Jane, as you leave home again. Have a wonderful time in Auz…I know there will be buckets of kisses waiting for you at home.
Mac is just so cute!!!
Have a great time in Australia.
So far my week is not going to well since I’m super busy at work- I work at an investment bank and with the stock market going down it’s a mad house!
On the bright side I just saw “The Smurf” with my cousins and I really enjoyed it 🙂
Spending the next couple of weeks recuperating from a hysterectomy. Not all bad…I can read all day guilt free!! There’s always a silver lining.LOL Sometimes you really have to look for it but this one was a no brainer. Have a great trip Jane. Enjoy.
Hi Jane, Hope you have a lovely time in Australia, I would love to go somewhere nice like that, I live in the UK, in an area not currently affected by rioting!!!! as we are in the country with no shops, my week will be spent doing gardening to keep our vegetable patch all in order, also playing with the children in the garden, then we will be baking as they have friends coming round and they love to bake their friends cakes, hopefully at some point, I will be able to get some reading done, our children are on their summer holidays, so I have no me time, my hubby is off this weekend, so hopefully we will go out somewhere nice, maybe go to Wales, to escape for a little while, Enjoy your trip Thanks
Julie x x
Hi Jane,
I’m enjoying some peace and quiet (just Bella and me) while the boys and hubby are at the lake house. It’s so nice to spend one on one time with her. She is at such a fun age (16 months). I love, love, love the pick of your son with the flower. Too cute 🙂
I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer. I wish I could be at the RWA. The one in NYC was sooo much fun!!!
I would love to win a beach tote. Love the picture!
Hi Jane,
I am actually headed to the beach this weekend with the family, that is after I pick up my middle son who’s been with Grandma for the summer. I haven’t seen him in two months and I miss he dearly, so I feel your pain when you say how much you’re going to miss your little guy.
Luckily after we pick him up we’re all going to head to the the beach for one last hooray before school, and all the craziness that comes with it, begins.
Enjoy your time Down Under 😀
Melissa M.
We are in the process of slowing down. School has started for my high schooler and next week preschool for my son. Hopefully, the weather will start cooling enough we can leave the house (been 110-120 heat indexes). I’m sooo ready for outside time with the little ones.
Cute pic!! Love Mac’s hair.
I am helping my son move to college this weekend. I am sad and excited at the same time.
This week is summer camp for the kids and a much needed pedicure and massage for me 😉
Enjoy Australia! How fun!!
Wow you travel a lot this summer. Have fun in Australia.
I´m getting used to my new everyday with my twins and enjoying every little moment.
And if I´m luck I have time to read a Harlequin during the day 🙂
We are enjoying our last week of summer vacation before our home schooling year starts. This year I will be teaching all three of my kids in grades 4, 2, and K. Yikes!
Oh wow Australia I’m jealous! Sounds like fun! Mac is soo cute!
I’m still job searching, but the school system is so competitive this year with all the budget cuts! You don’t need a nanny, do you? Haha, I’m open to taking just about anything at this rate. Only a couple weeks til school starts so I really hope I find something or I’ll need to come up with a Plan B.
Other than that just trying to make the most of what’s left of summer. Doing a lot of outdoor activities. My cousin is actually relocating to Hawaii so I’m hoping to save up some money to go visit her when she’s settled.
Hope you enjoy your trip! I’m sure it will be a lot of fun!
Oh my gosh, that is the sweetest picture of Mac!
Busy doing loads and loads of laundry this week, and cleaning house because my brothers and their families will be coming for a visit on the weekend.
Enjoy your trip to Australia!
N
Hi Jane!
Australia sounds pretty nice, but it would be hard to leave your little guy.
What have I been up to? Well, one of my favorite things.. fighting my insurance company. Darn I hate this stuff. I feel like I’m on the phone for hours every week trying to get them to pay stuff. It’s such a pain and I don’t know how I would do it if I had a full time job as it is a full time job! It shouldn’t be this difficult. UGH!!! Now I’m off to write a letter of appeal….again. wishing you a safe trip.
Cute pic of Mac. Have fun in Australia. Wish I could go.
Hi Jane,
I am busy working through the second week of school. The trip to Australia sounds wonderful! My sister is visiting from VA. I am working on a short story to enter a contest. Hope you have a great week!
Hope trip to Australia goes well. I’m a little envious- have never been there. This week it’s Mom stuff- getting the kids’ clothes organized for school, supplies & books too, cleaning out the garage, organizing the routines for the year.
Jane
Australia sounds amazing. I’v never been but its on my list of places I want to go. I hope you enjoyed your trip. Your little guy is so cute 🙂
This weeks a busy one for me with lots of work to do and planning my vacation to england to visit my parents
I am working at my bookstore. Tonight we have a meeting of local writers. Tomorrow, there will be a booksigning.
Such a cute picture 🙂
Hope your trip to Australia goes well. I’ve always wanted to go there!
We are packing up for a week at the cabin up north… A week we look forward to every year, the day after we leave. It is so peaceful, I don’t have to worry about the kids, as it’s a small resort with only 7 cabins. So nice to get away! Can’t wait!
I hope you have a great time in Australia. We are working and looking forward to some moderating temperatures. Also have to really start figuring out what the son needs to go back to college.
What an adorable picture. Have a great time in Australia. I would love to go there some day. Not too much going on around here at the moment. I just found out a few days ago one of my sisters has cancer and been very worried about her. We’ll find out more about her options tomorrow after her doctor visit. This is the sister that we were never apart growing up and always did things together (even getting into lots of trouble together) until she moved out of state. I missed seeing her children grow up and now they are adults and trying to find out what they want to do with their lives. I just wish times like this we were closer. I can’t afford to travel to see her, so all we can do is talk or email. Anyway, other then that, not much happening except the same routine this summer, try to stay inside where it’s cool. Have a wonderful trip!
Mac is adorable. Off to Australia, sounds wonderful. Just winding up the last few days of summer break. Going to the Katy Perry concert this coming weekend. I have been reading 20 years younger. It is good to be reminded to be kind to yourself. Have a great time, be safe.
What great travels you have had this year! Can’t wait to hear about Australia. My friends who took surf lessons with Ty (family of seven stationed in Uzkekistan) just transferred again to Russia and have been vacationing in Thailand. Ok, had to share because their life is much more exciting than mine! Just work here this week and the kids are in a fun adventure camp. They hope to get out on the river tomorrow to do some rafting and kayaking. Temps are more manageable which is always nice.
Safe travels and as always an adorable pic of Mac!
To Janine ~ my heart goes out to you and your family as you deal with your sister’s cancer diagnosis. I know firsthand what you are going through!
Off to see the wizard! Have fun.
What am I up to? Well, the kids go back to school on Thursday so we’re getting ready for that. Cameron is a senior this year and is all registered at his college of choice- NADC in Nashville. Cera is a sophomore and is working hard on her commonwealth diploma- that means she has to take all honors classes and keep good grades, but she’s so smart I know she can do it. Brittany is starting 8th grade so she’s at the top of the heap this year. So much fun!
Anyhow, that’s the name of the game around here right now. Big hugs and have tons of fun in Oz.
Getting ready for vacation, can’t wait I need the r& r
Oh, Mac is so adorable and growing so fast. Prayers go with you as you travel. Have fun! A little cooler so far this week, which I’m enjoying. I am not a hot weather fan.
Back to school on Thursday….so just buying backpacks and lunch boxes and stuff to FILL them:)! Wish I was packing for down under….
Such a cute picture. Safe travels and have fun. Would love to see Australia some day.
Dawn
Excited about a family reunion on Saturday and forecasts for sunny weather. Summer is the best!
Love the photo, what a beautiful face (he looks a lot like you, Jane!
Jane,
Australia is a place on my list to visit…And since I have been going to more places right here in US, I have a whole long list!! I would love to see CA and Hawaii, TX, and Maine just to name a few.
Summers been good to us. We go to the pool almost every day and spend a lot of time with friends and are looking forward to 10 days at the Jersey Shore at the end of August.
I love that pic of Mac. You must kiss that beautiful face all the time!! He just makes you smile inside and out!
Have a wonderful time in Australia and post some pics!! That would be so awesome!
Cindy
Not a good week, my son’s wedding may be “postponed”, it’s due in 3 weeks. The bride is “confused”… It has been a very emotional week, just waiting for the final answer. Hard to believe after years together, and all this time planning.
I’m still continuing with my workout plan at the gym and trying to enjoy the sunshine 🙁
So we’ll be seeing a book set in Melbourne? We love your research into neat places, although it’s hard to leave Mac’s sweet baby face. Now that we’ve done back-to-school shopping, we’ve had orientation…which means we have new lists of things the teachers really insist are necessary.
What an adorable picture!Mac is a relly cute kid.
Here, I am busy at my translation job. Usually it slows done in the summer, but not this year.
However, I am also enjoying the summer with my girls. We went often to the beach and we visit friends.
Have fun in Australia!
I hope you have a great time in Australia!
This week my hubby is on vacation from one of his jobs so since he is home at night we have been getting out of the house as much as possible. We took the kids bowling on Monday and have been taking the dogs for their nightly walks as a family. Not sure about the rest of the week, but hopefully it will stop raining long enough to enjoy a night at the beach 🙂
I want to go to Australia soooo bad! It is at the top of the bucket list, always has been.
There isn’t anything new going on, still trying to get way too much done before the kids start school. They are all caught up on dentist, eye doctor and pediatrician, whoo hoo! 😉 Next week is surgery for me and I’ll be curled up with some good books for a couple of weeks. Forced time off, not always a bad thing!
Enjoy the conference – Love the picture of Mac, he’s so adorable!
SharonA
I received a triple whammy at the doctors this week: sugar diabetes, high cholestrol and high blood pressure.
My life style will be changing.
Hi Jane,
When I leave for work in the morning, I noticed that it is darker and cooler now. It gets me excited about the Fall. I love the Fall weather and the Fall clothes.
Hola Jane!
Hope you have a safe and fun trip. My coming week is filled with my 9 yr old starting school this Monday along with starting our fall season of volleyball, with practice starting on Monday as well, And finally, my sister is turning 40 on the 15th and I am planning a party for her here at my home. Fun, Fun, Fun!!
Jane,
Have a great time Down Under. Mac is so adorable!
Not too many exciting plans for this week ahead. I am playing Bunco on Friday!
Looking forward to relaxing with a good book for the weekend, not sure which one yet.
Wow- Have a great time in Australia! Same old thing here. Work, family, applying to Grad school (and got another letter today saying I was not selected.) It’s really been tough. I know what I want to do, but it’s a hard field to get into. Most schools are accepting 30-40 people a year and anywhere from 500-700 apply. Hard to know when you give up and stop wasting time and money. On the bright side, I am going hiking tomorrow and camping this weekend!
Jane,
I’m going crazy getting the last
of my kid’s schools supplies.
They start school on the 15th.
Hello Jane
I saw you at the PNWA Conference and I thought your keynote speech was great and very inspiring. Have a wonderful time in Australia!
Best,
Suma.
My little guy started preschool! Just waiting for more of your books to come out… love your women’s fiction…
I can’t tell for how long I’ve wanted to go to Australia. I hear the coral reefs are beautiful hence awesome snorkeling. Have a wonderful time. Still looking for work, not fun or easy at all. I have an interview on Monday so that’s positive. This saturday hubby and I are going to Valley Forge National Park. He loves anything having to do with American History, which was his major in school. We will be making it a small weekend getaway, stay at a motel and have a nice dinner. Tomorrow is my father in law’s 66th birthday! Still not sure when the fam is getting together to celebrate, I’m sure sometime soon. Here’s something I’m doing tomorrow that’s fascinating: getting my hair colored. I know you all want to join me lol. Roots are majorly showing. I’ve been very lazy and putting it off, however that is stopping tomorrow. And I cannot forget to add that I’m starting “Mrs. Perfect” tonight.
Spending lots of time with the grandkids while they are still on summer vacation. Enjoying my time outside too- whether it’s working or having fun gardening. ALso getting a ton of reading in lately. I’m reading 3 different ones at once and I am loving all of them so far!
Enjoy your vacation in Australia!
Hi,
i am shopping from the back to school supply list, all i have left to buy is 2 boxes of tissues and i am done! also, i’m shopping for a new toaster oven since i kinda forgot to check on the nachos that i was cooking and had a “little” fire in the toaster oven. who knew nachos could make such flames and smoke!!
Oooh, I could use a beach tote as we are headed for the WA coast next week and I’ve nothing to read! Took my littles to a children’s concert in the park this morning and enjoyed watching them dance around to silly songs.
Hey Jane! That is awesome that you are getting to visit Australia. Hope you enjoy your visit there at the conference with everybody :0)
I will finally be taking care of getting my classic car running this weekend. There are no school and no work requirements going on, so now I can finally just relax and tinker with one of my hobbies.
Have safe travels!
Hi Jane-
Sounds like a wonderful trip. It must be hard to leave such an adorable little face.
I am getting ready to head back to school. It is a challenge as I love summer time but miss school and all it has to offer.
One last run of fun this weekend. I am heading to the Katy Perry concert with friends. Just love Santa Barbara. It should be a good last weekend of summer. Then time to hit the books.
I saw you speak at the PNWA’s annual meeting last weekend. You are an amazing women – thank you so much for the inspirational speech you gave. I write Women’s Fiction and you truly helped get me out of a funk, ready to tackle my under-appreciated job of writing while tending to my very own under-appreciating little people. Thank you thank you thank you. Also? I’m thrilled to have purchased my first book written by you and I can’t wait to read it. You rock!
Mom went into the hospital this week. Getting discharge tomorrow to rehab. Gastro stuff, which is exactly as messy & unfun as it sounds. Been dealing with (and cleaning) it for about 3 wks. So that’s pretty much my life right now.
Have a marvelous time in AZ!! Hug Anna Campbell for me. Looking forward to great pics!
Got good news from mom’s doctors today. Well, good because they did not say liver cancer. I am just hanging out with my sons and my boyfriend. Work starts back up on Tuesday and College starts back up on the 22nd.
Have Fun, Down Under
I just finished my Summer II class and getting ready to start Fall classes in one week.
just came back from doctor for immunization of my oldest son, 5 yrs old. thank god He didn’t cry 🙂
HI Jane,
Busy week. I’m off to California for a video editing class. I can’t wait! Have fun in Australia! So envious. I hope some day you’ll write a book about some characters from there. Fun!
Enjoy your day,
Michelle
Hi Jane— I thought I replied ealier this week 🙁 I hope you have a great trip to Australia.
OMG – What an adorable picture of Mac.
It has been a crazy week. My daughter started high school (very sad day for me 🙁 ).
We’ve had a hectic summer helping daughter settle into her new home…painting cleaning, unpacking etc. Also getting two of our rental townhouses ready for new tenants. Finally, preparing a court case against former tenants who skipped 2 1/2 months rent and damaged our place.
Have fun in Aussie land!
Hi Jane ~ I just finished A Dark Sicilian Secret…OMG, you did it again!!! Max was my favorite Sicilian, but I think Vitt may have won me over. I love that you added an epilogue, but as always, I want more:) Trying to set up some day trips before my boys (& I ) go back to school. Love ya, Stephanie
I bought A Dark Sicilian Secret in Ibook form and devoured it in just a few hours time. It was wonderful! I was really tempted to dislike Vitt in the beginning but I warmed up to him before too long 😀 Another beautiful story Jane!
Hi everyone,
Just arrived back in Hawaii a short while ago. Sorry I’m late posting the winners but here they are:
Our winner is #43 Natalie
and our bonus winners are:
#22 Lisa Page
#60 Allie
#73 J.N.
Please email me at jane(at)janeporter(dot)com with your mailing address so I can get the prizes in the mail to you!
I’m going to go spend some time with my boys now – I’ve missed them so much!! Hope you all have a great evening!
Jane
Congrats to the winners! Enjoy spending time your family Jane! Glad you are back safe and sound.
Yay winners! Congratulations! Welcome home Jane!
Training I had access to at anytime and I could follow it step by
step. In a recent survey in the Daily Express, more than a third of working mums said they
would rather be with their children and give up work if
they could, while a majority wished that they could work a shorter
week. With rising gas prices, the cost of commuting has surged.