Killed Nashville

Last Thursday, I packed up my pitch materials and headed to the murder/suspense conference Killer Nashville   The program opened first thing Friday morning with Dr. Bill Bass, the forensic pathologist who founded The Body Farm. (The human decomposition facility that inspired Patricia Cornwell’s novel “The Body Farm“.)   The retired University of Tennessee professor…

Read More

Toe-Glam

I was standing in my designated spot waiting to board a Southwest flight to Vegas, when the man across from me smiled and nodded. “Nice shoes.” He said and tossed a glance at my simple black wedges.   I hesitated for a tick and looked at my big toe poking through the cut-out in my…

Read More

Towel-Glam

There is no benefit to bringing the damp towel from your hotel room to a business meeting (by mistake or otherwise).    *Note to self:  Slow down. If you don’t notice a soggy wad draped over your arm, just think of what else might be missed.   *Practical advice:  No cleaning person has ever died…

Read More

Glam-Lube

I was speeding along to an appointment when the red “check engine” light flashed on my dashboard. Only a few short blocks from the dealer and on the verge of needing an oil change, I rolled into the car lot and pulled up to the service entrance.   The automatic door cranked open and I…

Read More

Glam-Grub

A vegan, a diabetic and a Mormon with a gluten intolerance are coming to dinner. What do you serve? (By the way, you’ve hired an Irish caterer)   Sparkling water with a twist (Go ahead, get crazy, add the lighted ice cubes–they have no glycemic index).   Hummus and veggies   Stuffed butternut squash with…

Read More

Glammed-shut

Never paint the front door of the house the day before you host an event for a hundred guests.   *note to self:  However tempted you may feel to spruce up your digs before company comes, resist, resist. A weathered door that opens beats one that is painted shut every time.   *maintenance tip:  Stand…

Read More

Glam-in-a-jam

I tagged along with The Baron on a business trip to New York. The plan was for me to stay in the hotel room and work on my second novel while he attended a series of meetings at a bank conference. But as usual, not much goes as planned. My work area was just about…

Read More

Glamor-Less

The tag belongs inside and on the back. *Note to self: No matter how much of a hurry you’re in, always, always check yourself in a full-length mirror before leaving the house. *Practical fashion advice: There is never a good time to realize your clothes are on backwards and inside out. E.L. Chappel author of Risk…

Read More

Should I stay or should I go?

My cell flashed the number of a dear friend who just returned from a trip out west. She’d been incommunicado for a week and I needed a girlfriend fix. I quickly answered her call. “So,” she said in the way she starts every conversation. “I’m buckled in the front of the cabin as the plane pushed…

Read More

The Glamorous Flight

I sat safely on the ground after an incredibly smooth, cool and on time flight. Since the thermometer heated to over one hundred seven degrees an upbeat flight attendant (yes, on Southwest) politely requested that any passenger seated next to a window help keep the 737 comfortable for the passengers going on to Houston. I…

Read More