Words Written: “Bathing Beauty” 617 on trip, 564 today
Writing Stats: Received one rejection (reprint for “Slow Burn” in Mammoth Book of Erotica, and responses to two story follow-ups that they weren’t received (particularly annoying because this is the second follow-up for both stories. Will resend ASAP. Received contracts to countersign from Sarah (ALNM) and Teresa (“Busted” in Caught Looking). Both signed and enveloped to mail. Received a note from Realms of Fantasy that my story “Berengere” will be passed up to Shawna next month. And aw crap, a rejection from Orson Scott Card’s Medicine Show for “The Rising” at 2 a.m. as I’m about to go to bed.
Exercise: day off for my back and legs to recover

I’m safely home, after having an awesomely wonderful and amazing time. Fran’s a perfect road-trippin’ partner and we had a blast. Spent time chatting with JY; had Lawrence make a point of flirting with me; got a towel from Ricky(!). I’ve lost my voice. Etc.

After a chiro appt (where my hips were all out of whack when I got there and back to alignment when I left) and food shopping, I spent the day trying to catch up on mail, e-mail, writing stuff, work stuff, etc. I’m unpacked, the mail is mostly caught up, the laundry is mostly done. So far, so good.

It’s late, though, so I’m going to leave you with the notes I took on the trip (I heart my new Tungsten E3), and stagger off to bed.

Thursday, 22 June

It's 9:30 a.m. and I'm already awake. Which is particularly disturbing considering we got to south Tucson and into the motel after 3 a.m. But I'm awake, and Fran's asleep, so I'm going to be weird and work on a short story.

605 words on a new story. Go me!

Saturday, 24 June

Having an utterly fabulous time. I do think I'm a junkie and this is a major fix. Got to talk to JY for about 20 minutes the first night. Lawrence walked by in one direction and just said "Hello, ladies," then "bye" as he walked back 10 minutes later…but then he stopped, turned back, and deliberately flirted with me about something that had happened during the show. He is a naughty, naughty boy. I am a happy, happy girl.

So far both shows haven been short sets, and I fear tonight's will be, too.

We had some extra time today so we wandered around Old Town San Diego, which I'd never been to before. Ken and I have talked about going down there, and now I know we really have to! Pre-1900 houses and shops. I splurged on a stunning bracelet of pearls in various shades of purple and green. Hey, I was missing Ken—it was a consolation gift to myself!

Sunday, 25 June

Fabulous show at Mandalay Bay last night. It's a bizarre and interesting venue—they've built a beach in their pool area, complete with sand and gentle waves. If you want to be near the stage, you stand in calf-deep water. (The stage is too high to stand right up against, though.) Tons of energy from the band, and the audience was having a blast (although we had to contend with a few obnoxious drunks. Whenever possible, make friends with the nearest security guard before the show!)

---

Currently Reading: Shadow Fires, Dean Koontz
Lately Listened To: Best Of, Gowan
Recently Watched: Without a Trace; CSI: Miami