Allyson, the terrifying part will get less so, I promise.

Also? Unless the publisher has already told you otherwise, not every publisher uses author photos. So maybe you won't have to worry about that. (Although they are good to have for promotional purposes -- newspapers and stuff always want them, and I still don't have one.)

Okey dokey. I got my little deal memo, which is interesting to read, and some direction for writing so I won't waste the long weekend.

Right on, Allyson. Perfect timing.

Could I ask for a mild vibeage this morning? Book thing, phone call coming up, could be major one way or another, vibe for good things?

Teppy, bebe, it's Tuesday, madame.

Teppy, bebe, it's Tuesday, madame.

Yes'm. Sorry -- yesterday was a wee bit stressful.

Sorry -- yesterday was a wee bit stressful.

Nodding grimly in the corner, over here. Stressful. Oh, yes. Trust me, I get it.

And I just remembered that you don't read Bitches, and that was the only place I posted the stress du jour -- Dad is in the hospital yet again, but not for cardiac reasons this time. He's had abdominal pain for 5-6 weeks, and a full battery of tests/scans/etc. haven't yielded a cause. It's maddening.

But I was freaked out yesterday, since I know how to deal with his cardiac issues, but the abdominal pain is an unknown.

Anyway. I'll have a topic shortly.

Oh, Teppy, damn - here's hoping they know what it is, and that it's something that can be fixed simply and painlessly.

Deb, much ~ma to you today. Also, I know I still owe you an e-mail, but I am having a bad week with my health. I will e-mail you soon.

Oy. Get healthy, love.

The mystery phone call has been accomplished, and I am a very happy camper, all things considered. But I can't go into any details yet, because it's tricky.