August 8, 2008 | Filed under: Stuff
How I miss your 75 degree weather, the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, the Ghirardelli chocolate swimming pool– okay so I didn’t swim in your vats of chocolate, I only dreamed about it.
But I did meet lots of friends from right here on this blog, and I was so happy about that. I never did say how much it meant to me to get to do so. Here’s a pic from Debra, who came to my Harlequin signing. I have NO idea what the heck I’m doing or thinking, lol, but the look on my face suggests I was daydreaming about that chocolate factory.
This next picture is from a different signing. It was Friday afternoon, and I’d gone two long days without a cookie and I was dying. DYING, I tell you. (Do I sound dramatic? A little? We’ve been babysitting here, a four year old, who is the Queen Of Drama, and it’s rubbed off on me, sorry). Anyway, out of the sea of readers came Diana, and bless her heart, she was bearing gifts. COOKIES. Diana, I’ll love you forever.
On Friday night I attended the Harlequin party. It was a huge gala affair, with — GASP — chocolate fountains and plenty of goodies to dip in said fountains. Pretty much heaven on earth. And then there was this little award ceremony where some of us received pins. Maureen Child and I went up together to receive an award for writing 50 books. We got a gorgeous gold pin with a red ruby in it and it was lovely. Handing me the pin was Donna Hayes, the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Harlequin. She gave me this very nice hug . . .
. . . And while I was assimilating that the CEO of Harlequin was hugging me (and she smelled GOOD), she whispered in my ear “you are one of the funniest women I know”.
Picture the fun and pleasant sound track to this story coming to a screeching halt. Um, does she mean because, maybe, she reads my blog?
Oh.
My.
God.
The Publisher and CEO of Harlequin maybe, possibly, reads my blog. At that very moment in time, my brain started racing. What had I talked about recently, and was it offensive, and most importantly HAVE I EVER SAID SOMETHING INAPPROPRIATE?
Of course I have. Daily, in fact. I am the master of putting my foot in my mouth, and when I’m nervous, the condition worsens. It’s not pretty. I accepted the pin, took pictures, then made a run for my friends, Maureen Child, Susan Mallery, and Kate Carlisle. “We have to go.”
Good friends being good friends, they didn’t question me. We made it out of the lovely ballroom (some of us still clenching our chocolate) when we ran smack into . . .
Donna Hayes (looking FABULOUSLY chic and elegant, I might add). She smiled at us. “Coming back in for the dancing, right?”
Oh, good God. Dancing? I brought my two left feet, so that was definitely out. Plus after three days of running around on three inch heels, when my poor feet are used to bunny slippers, I was dying. Susan elbowed us, and we obediently nodded. Absolutely. We were going to go back inside and dance.
Except not. We made a mad dash for the bathroom and hid out. Discussed the problematic situation we’d found ourselves in. Dance and make fools of ourselves, or make a run for it? After a quick vote, during which the chocolate was a consideration, we left. But Donna, if it helps? We went back to Maureen’s room and talked about how much we love writing for Harlequin. For realz.
Posted by Jill @ 1:00 am | Make a Comment
abby says:
Awww… well, that was sweet of Diana to bring you cookies! We know how much you love them afterall! lol
Congrats on the pin! And lol at the CEO of Harlequin for reading your blog.
Heck, you really are one funny lady Jill! Sure, you sometimes write stuffs that could be inappropriate, but the crazy stuffs that happens in your household amuses me. And the way you say it makes it even funnier. That’s why I like to check your blog Jill! 
You give me a good laugh every day.
And reading all the authors that were there with you… ::sniffles:: Some of my faves! There needs to be a convention in Atlanta!
I would definitely attend and bring all my books to sign. lol
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 6:03 amDee says:
That is too funny. Every once in a while I meet someone who is a regular blog reader, and I’m always rather self-conscious. When you meet celebrities in real life they are always short, or odd looking, or whatever, your know? Not that I’m a celebrity. But it’s a peculiar feeling.
If powerful people are reading your blog, just say Hallelujah! girlfriend.
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 6:08 amJudy F says:
Congrats on the pin and esp receiving cookies.
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 6:39 amAshley says:
LOL, of course the CEO of Harlequin reads your blog, I thought everyone did!!
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 6:49 amnaomi says:
I wish I had been there. Glad you were rescued by cookies and good friends! And didn’t you know? You are like the queen of funny. We luvz you!
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 7:14 amlimecello says:
LOL I love your blog, Jill. Yay for pins and chocolate and cookies and talking about books
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 8:58 amHave a great weekend, everyone!
Nancy Lowrey says:
Don’t ever feel embarrassed about your blog! You make my day everyday. I go to your blog first when I get on the computer. I know that you are going to make me laugh or smile. You have so many funny things happen to you! Trust me we all have things happen like that to us too!
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 9:08 amSuzanne says:
That’s cool! And congrats on the pin!!!
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 9:14 amLiza says:
Congrats of the 50 book pin! I love your blog Jill, it always gives me my first smile of the day.
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 9:31 amMaureen says:
Hey Jill…….
If Donna IS reading this blog, she’ll know how we were suffering and I’m happy to tell her here that NEXT year, we’re going to be dancing the night away!! So brace yourself…..
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 9:46 amDonna M says:
Jill, maybe Donna Hayes reads your blog for the same reason we all do, your wonderful sense of humor, your I Love Lucy moments, the love of your family, updates on books, that you keep us entertained each and every day. For that a big thanks.
50 books, you are prolific! Keep writing, please.
Everyone have a great weekend.
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 10:39 amKarin says:
Congratulations on the pin and what it means!
As for making a run to avoid dancing, I would’ve been there with you.
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 11:03 amJill says:
I was really shocked to discover I’d written so many books. Given that I’m a pro procrastinator, it’s really shocking that I’ve managed to pull that off.
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 11:09 amBrandy says:
You ARE one of the funniest women we know! *G* Congratulations on your pin!
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 11:11 amDebbie W says:
Hi Jill,
I haven’t been by in a while, so I am just catching up. 50 books! My, oh my, your brain is busy! Congratulations!
And as far as being funny; maybe your next book needs to be a comedy? I just know you could do it.
Hugs,
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 1:34 pmDebbie
Allie says:
50 books is fantastic! But of course you need to write many, many more.
I have just started Flashpoint and I have to say it is a close second to a chocolate swimming pool.
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 2:07 pmCryna says:
Congratulations on your 50 book pin. How cool is that!! Your blog is always a day brightener, and yes you are funny. Have a great weekend.
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 4:37 pmKris says:
Congrats on the 50 book pin!!
You have an awesome blog, i look forward to reading it everyday. Have a great weekend.
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 6:59 pmAmy A says:
WTG on the pin! That is a huge accomplishment. I hope you’re super-duper proud of yourself.
at meeting your publisher. I agree with those before me: why wouldn’t she read your blog? You’re very funny.
Posted on August 8th, 2008 at 10:41 pmDiana says:
Jill, it was wonderful meeting you, and I’m glad I was able to help you out during your cookie withdrawal.
I hope you liked the cookies and chocolate-covered almonds. I bought some for myself last weekend and have been munching on them.
Congratulations on having written 50 books. I’m looking forward to many more from you.
Your blog is a riot, you funny lady, so you shouldn’t have been surprised by Donna’s comment.
Posted on August 9th, 2008 at 1:12 amkim h says:
wow that is great. love the blaze books in the pic,
Posted on August 9th, 2008 at 11:36 pm