Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Trish's Launch Party!!

It's finally here! Though it's been spotted in several store locations, today is the official release date for my debut novel, A Firefighter in the Family, from Harlequin American. Whee!!! Can you tell I'm happy? This is one of the happiest moments of my life, so I thought why not blog about other things that make me happy. As Maria from The Sound of Music would say, "These are a few of my favorite things."

Seeing my book on a store shelf for the first time.

Being able to write full time.

Warm weather.

My ever-supportive hubby. That's us in the wedding picture -- when we were both much skinnier.

Cheese fries

Dairy Queen's Chocolate Extreme Blizzard (Hmm, maybe all these food items are why I don't look like my wedding pictures anymore.)

Walking in the damp woods after a rain. I love the smell.

Tater tots

Wonderful writing friends.









National Parks

The first hint of spring.

My nieces...

and nephews.

The beach.

The mountains.

Listening to a mountain stream gurgle.


Books, books and more books! Romance novels, mystery novels, young adult books -- you name it.

TiVo. This is what I bought myself when I sold my first book. I LOVE it. No more appointment television. And no more angst when there are two things on at the same time I want to watch. And no more commercials!

Driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations.

Puppies. Okay, seriously, who doesn't like puppies?

Bears -- the animals, not the football team. Sure, I don't want to meet one on a trail, but I think they're beautiful animals.

Surprises. Good ones.

Movies. One of my life goals is to be an extra or have a bit part in a movie. Even better if it's a western or sci-fi picture.

Netflix -- to feed my movie and TV show addiction. The possibilities are endless. My queue, I swear, now has 466 discs on it. Next to arrive are discs 3 and 4 of season 2 of the BBC's Robin Hood.


Vampire TV shows and movies. Too bad the TV networks keep canceling them. Grrr.

Bones

Going to rock concerts.

Orlando Bloom

Road trips.

YouTube. I've discovered bands here. And it's great for "shipping" -- watching fan videos of favorite TV and movie couples.

Grilled shrimp.

Going for a walk when the weather's just right.

Fan mail! Okay, so I've gotten one letter, but it did make me happy. :)

Cuteoverload.com

ICanHasCheezburger.com

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, Angel, Dr. Horrible's Sing-A-Long Blog. Okay, so everything Joss Whedon creates.

Glomming all the books of a new-to-me author.

Gift cards to bookstores, movie theaters and restaurants for Christmas and birthdays.

Trips to Northeast Tennessee so I can have lunch at a Pal's location. I'm driving up through there later this week, and my mouth is already watering for their chipped ham and cheese sandwich and seasoned fries.

Hearing about a friend making a book sale.

Whenever Hollywood puts out a good western. 3:10 to Yuma was great! And that's not just because it had Russell Crowe and Christian Bale in it. Really, I promise. :)

Supernatural -- I love me some Winchester brothers. :)


If you were making up new lyrics to "A Few of My Favorite Things," what things would you include?

I'll pick a winner at random to receive a signed copy of A Firefighter in the Family.

93 comments:

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Here Chooky Chooky!

Come to Aunty....

Fedora said...

Woohoo and yeehaw, Trish! Congratulations!! And what a fun topic :)

A few of my favorite things--ice cream, chocolate, most potato products, hmm... I seem to be getting side-tracked by good things to eat... the Lair, unsolicited hugs from my family, fresh sheets, a sunny day with just enough of a breeze to keep it cool, and of course, books!! I'm sure I could go on, but I won't for now ;)

Congrats on the GR, AC!!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

HAPPY BOOK LAUNCH TRISH!!!!!!!

I do believe *I* am next! YAY! YAY!! YAY!!!

As for a few of my favorite things, you've already mentioned quite a few, writer pals and Bandita Buddies being at the top. Fan mail is one I can't WAIT to get! And you are sooo right, who doesn't LURVE puppies?!?!

So let me add a few of my favorite things:

Cruise ships when I'm on 'em!

Shirtless Cabana boys with fruity paper umbrella laden drinks...

A walk on the beach at sunset, alone or with someone special.

THOSE are a few of MY favorite things!

Oh, and Golden Roosters with sandpaper blisters and missing tail feathers. The poor dear has been so abused lately, but still has Tim Tam breath.

AC

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, AC, way to go on the chook!

Trish, huge congratulations on the release of your debut book. I know how hard you worked for this moment and I'm so glad it's an absolute blast. I remember that moment of knowing someone actually BOUGHT a book with my name on it. How cool is that? It's up there with the REALLY good stuff. I loved your list too, by the way. Hmm, favorite things? Too many to mention. Beautiful music. A friend's laughter. A perfect rose. Puppies (yeah, we're all suckers for puppies!). The sea. The parrots in the grevilleas (they're out there at the moment, making more noise than a jet plane taking off!). A really good book that I can't put down. A hot bubble bath up to my chin. The smell of mown grass. A swim on a hot day. Champagne. Hmm, I could go on!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Whooo-hoooo!

Christine Wells said...

WOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Congratulations, Trish!! I am SO happy for you. No one has worked harder for this. I can't wait to read A FIREFIGHTER IN THE FAMILY.

Loved your favourite things list. And hey, Bandita, you're definitely on mine:)

My family
Banditas and Bandita Buddies
Cabana Boys
Sven (and his brother Lars)
Raspberry mojitos (thanks PoshT)
Bright sunny spring days (like today)
Good red wine and Italian Food
My 5yo's kindergarten--so full of happy
Books, romance, writers, readers
'80s hair band ballads. snork.
Richard Armitage

Happy release day, m'dear!

jo robertson said...

Whoooohooooo, Trish!! Congratulations on your release day. What an exciting and wonderful time for you. My very own copy of AFFITF is on its way from Amazon along with Christine's TDD. I can't wait. I just got Tawny's very, very sexy Risque Business and am halfway through it.

So, favorite things. Shucks, I'm like Maria; I like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.

In addition, I'm a DQ blizzard gal too, but I'm addicted to the Banana Cream Pie version. Yummy!

I love clean sheets that smell like Downey fabric softner.

Smelling my cologne on my clothes.

My pumpkin bread recipe that is better than any I've ever tasted.

Emily Dickinson's poetry -- all of it!

Shakespeare's tragedies.

Driving around in my Giant Pumpkin (Honda Element) Dr. Big got for my Leap Year birthday.

And my soon-to-be fifteen grandchildren!

Congrats on the rooster, AC!

ArkieRN said...

Books and blogs and warm kitty cats,
Baby niece and nephew all chubby and fat,
A rainy day with no where to go, and on the TV my favorite show.
Playing a game with my baby granddaughter,
Paddling around the swimming pool water.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Arkiern, that was lovely!

Minna said...

Chocolate, tea and books.

Natalie Hatch said...

Congrats Trish...
I'm staying in the corner away from the chocolate/icecream/lollies, on a diet and don't need those things right now... no one tempt me.

Helen said...

Congrats Aunty Cindy you two are sure to have fun today

YAY Trish and congrats on release day I am very happy for you it must really be a thrill to see your book on the shelves, I will get it as soon as I can can't wait to read it who doesn't love a firefighter.

Some of my favourite things
Reading (of course)
My grandchildren they are just the best
raindrops on tin roofs
Tim Tams
Cadbury chocolate
The Romance Bandits

Have Fun
Helen

Maureen said...

Congratulations Trish! What an exciting day for you.

Some of my favorite things: My family, friends, books, chocolate, a sunny day, our cute kittens and a day off from work.

Marisa O'Neill said...

Wow Trish! This is a GREAT day. Congratulations! I hope you get to do at least 10 of your favorite things in celebration of this day. If possible all at once.

Favorite things - waking up WITHOUT an alarm clock - ok, I guess you could say sleeping in.

Rainy days with nothing to do.

Sunny days with out door things to do.

The smell of a fresh cut lawn.

The smell of a wood burning fire.

Spending time with my family and friends.

A good belly laugh.

Watching my favorite television shows.

Reading a good book.

Anna Sugden said...

Wooohooooo ... what a great day!!

Can't wait to get my hands on your book, Trish. And I want to say again, how proud I am of you for persevering and crossing that finish line!

Favourite things? I'll have to think on that one and come back, since so many of mine have already been mentioned.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your debut release Trish! How exciting! You've mentioned so many favorite things - can I have your life for a minute?

My favorite things -
Rainy Sundays with nothing to do
Dinner Parties
Books, chocolate and twizzlers

Anonymous said...

Yay Trish!!! Sooo super happy for you! Can't wait to pick up my own copy!!

My favorite things...hmmm...here's a few off the top of my head:

cool shade on a hot day

beautiful gardens I don't have to weed

time to write

good friends in our neighborhood

hot strong sweet coffee in the early morning

being alone

listening to my kids laugh

cuddling with my husband

imagining things

horses

Anonymous said...

Ohmigoodness, did I not say how much I love the Banditas and the Bandita Buddies? Sheesh. That really was the top of my head. It's not pretty in there at 5:30AM. Really.

Anyway, I love you guys -- you make me smile and make me think and (yesterday) even make me cry. Definitely my favorite part of the day is my early morning pre-work visit to the blog.

Terri Osburn said...

HAPPY BOOK DAY!!! And congrats on that old bird, AC. Looks like he's getting quite attached to you.

Trish - we have so many favorite things in common. I just started watching disc 2 of season 2 RH yesterday. LOL! It's cheesy as can be but I love it.

Let me see, what would I add? How about chocolate, the sound of my daughter's laughter, pizza, great music, any period piece movie, Romance novels, flea markets, live concerts, listening to the ocean, and walking in nature.

Joan said...

Conga! Conga! Conga!

That's it, Demetrius! Swivel that tunic! GR and AC! Grab on!

Conga! Conga!

Trish, SO happy for you and your debut book! I'm off to Borders later on and plan to snap it up along with some Risque Business!

SOME favorite things...

Raindrops ON kittens...

Oops, sorry...

My family and friends

The Banditas (Ya'll are in a class by yourself)

The BB's

Spring flowers

Chocolate..anything.

The first snow. (ONLY the FIRST)

Ireland. Ireland. Ireland.

Closing my eyes and imagining the day my first book debuts :-)

Traveling just about anywhere.

A baby's soft body in my arms.

A baby's smile.

A child's reasoning i.e. "Why are you wearing a dress?"...."Because I'm a Princess!"

Oh, well of course.

So is Trish today :-)

Dina said...

Woohoo Aunty Cindy. :)

Trish, congrats to you! Hard work finally gets credited.

Deb Marlowe said...

Oh, yeah, Baby! HUUUGE Congrats, Trish! I'm so excited for you! I was just at the bookstore the other day, but didn't find it. I did get The Dangerous Duke, so it was a good day, but I'm heading back!

FAvorite things:

Talking romance with other people who love it.

Talking books and movies with my kids.

Talking about just anything with my dh.

Sensing a theme here... :-)

Good friends who get you. Ah, priceless.

Rebekah E. said...

Congrats Trish!!!!!

A few of my favorite things - Definitely Supernaturals (I just heard that there is only going to be two more years. That they are planning on doing five seasons) - Buffy, I love watching those when I'm cleaning - All of those great blogs out there like this one - and books!!!!!!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

WOOOOHOOOO Trish! Party in the LAIR!!!! Lurve it! Love this Launch Parties. I am especially happy for YOURS my dear, it's here, it's here!

AC, you wily thing, you caught the chook. Congrats. I can't wait for YOUR launch party either. Woohoo!

I love all these favorite things. BTW, thanks (not!) Trish, I'll be singing that dang song all day now.

Some of my favs:
The Lair
The Bandita's in and out of the Lair
The BB's
Writing Pals
My sons and their amazing personalities, questions, skills, abilities and quirks
Singing virtually anything
Singing WITH my sons (a riotous affair, let me tell you!)
Laughing at anytime, about anything
Reading books
Talking about books
Writing books
Selling books
(Theme? Is there a theme? We need music!)
Fall
Winter and snow, snow, snow. I like it all winter, despite Joanie T. (And JT, you have gladiators and Romans to shovel the driveway, I don't! Harrrumph!)
Scotland
North Carolina from the mountains to the sea
Home
Fine fabrics, textures, warm paint colors

Okay this could go on all day...

Actually, I hope it will! I love reading all the favs!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Well somehow I left my fabulous DH out of that list - he should have been first, since he's first in my heart! :> Pretty much anything about him is my fav (wink, wink) except that asthma. :> Other than that? Ohhhhhh, yeah! Fav-o-rite!

Esri Rose said...

Look at you with YOUR BOOK on the shelf!!! Whoo hoo! Of course, you're going to have so many coming out, we're going to see a lot of that kind of picture. :D Maybe you should wear a different hat for each one, or something. Big congratulations!!!

GREAT picture of Orly. (Rowrr!)

Donna MacMeans said...

Congratulations Trish!!!!

It's an amazing moment, isn't it?Revel in it. You worked hard for it.

I love your list of favorite things. Is there anything left? *g*

I'd have to add -

Watching my kids succeed
fall leaves and a wood fire
fog (I love the fog *g*)
the ocean
tailgating
freshly fallen snow before footprints (observed from the inside)
a fire in the fireplace
baby leaves in spring
dogwoods
curvy roads
hills
a facial
my house cleaned
dancing

jo robertson said...

Rebekah, say it isn't so about Supernatural -- two more seasons?? So sad.

I'm with you and Trish. I love some Winchester boys with my fries.

Keira Soleore said...

What a cute post, Trish. (And rats, for sleeping just a few minutes away from nabbing the Chook.)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! to you a thousand times over. I'm feeling so delighted to see all your hard work, dedication, and persistence out on the shelves for everyoneto see.

A few of my favorites things...
-ocean
-sun
-books
-peace & calm
-scents
-Hawaii
-friends
-my daughter's giggle and the mischievous appearance of the dimple
-Nutella

Hellie Sinclair said...

Kissing in rainstorms and drying by the fire;
Candlelight dinners and rippling muscles to admire—
Captain Jack Sparrow wearing bright shiny rings
These are a few of my favorite things.

Singing with musicals and laughing with friends;
Clean writing paper and cheap blue-ink pens.
Chocolate, pastries, and sweet honeyed things—
These are a few of my favorite things.

Going to the movies and driving on road trips;
Getting “hello” kisses from my favorite pair of lips.
Hearing “I love you” from the guy who makes my heart sing:
These are a few of my favorite things.

When the work piles
When the phone rings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad.

Trish Milburn said...

Loucinda, congrats on grabbing the chook. Hope he behaves himself. :)

flchen1, I didn't put chocolate on my list, but I do love it. And I'll admit to liking the not-good-for-me milk chocolate. And on the topic of food, can't believe I didn't put oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies, my favorites.

Trish Milburn said...

AC, LOL on the rooster's Tim Tam breath. Now I'm jealous of the rooster. :)

Cool on the cruise ships. I've not been on one before, just the paddelewheeler Mississippi Queen.

Trish Milburn said...

Anna, how cool that you have parrots right there. Did you see the wild parrots in that one part of San Francisco? That was cool.

Okay, when I read that one of your favorite things is the smell of mown grass, my nose twitched. It makes me sneeze, and I have to wear a surgical mask when I mow the lawn. Yes, I'm very attractive with that accessory. :)

Trish Milburn said...

Christine, yes to '80s hair bands ballads! "They say every rose has its thorn..."

Richard Armitage -- good choice. :) And LOL on Sven and his brother Lars.

Trish Milburn said...

Jo, I totally agree with the fresh sheets that smell like Downey. That's what I use - well, Target's store brand that smells the same.

Pumpkin bread, yum!

Like the mown grass, I'll have to skip on the cologne. Sneezies.

Trish Milburn said...

arkiern, I love your lyrics incorporating your favorite things! And what a cute baby picture. Awww.

Minna, I'll agree with two out of your three. I don't like tea, or coffee for that matter. I know, horrors! :)

Trish Milburn said...

Natalie, I need to be staying away from all the yummy-but-fattening things, too. But here's the fun part -- talking about it is calorie- and fat gram-free.

Helen, I almost put raindrops on tin roofs. I grew up in a house with a tin roof, and rainy mornings were the best for sleeping in. Okay, they still are, but it's not quite the same.

Trish Milburn said...

Maureen, little kittens are so cute, aren't they? Especially when they're just big enough to start playing with each other.

Marisa, sleeping in is awesome. I tend to stay up late, so it's nice when I don't have to get up at a certain time in the morning and can just sleep until I'm fully rested.

Trish Milburn said...

Um, Anna, no one has mentioned hockey or the New Jersey Devils. :)

Thanks for you kind words about the persevering. It was darned hard sometimes but so worth it in the end.

Trish Milburn said...

romance novel TV (is that Maria in disguise?), I love Twizzlers too, though I don't have them very often. And LOL on wanting my life. I don't think anyone has ever said that to me before.

Kirsten, if only my flowerbeds didn't have to be weeded. Ugh. I'd love to have my entire back yard be beautiful gardens with stone paths running through, but ack, the weeding that would require!

Trish Milburn said...

terrio, when we both get finished with season 2, we need to chat. I accidentally saw a spoiler for something that happens, and I know I'm going to want to talk with someone about it.

Oh, I love those period pieces too.

Trish Milburn said...

Joan, I'm nodding at your list until I get to the snow part. Ugh. I loathe being cold, and I get cold so easily. Okay, snow wouldn't be bad if it never stuck to the roads, I was nice and toasty inside with hot chocolate and loads of books and movies, and perhaps was in the mountains.

Trish Milburn said...

Dina, thanks so much.

Deb, hmm, I'm thinking perhaps you like to talk. :) I totally agree with you about talking with friends who get you.

Trish Milburn said...

Rebekah, I heard that about Supernatural too, and while I hate to think of Thursday night without the Winchester boys, I can see where this might be a good thing. Sometimes shows overstay the natural progression of their storyline. Thought I still watch, I think Smallville is at that point now.

Trish Milburn said...

Jeanne, I got a song stuck in your head. Mwahahaha! :)

I agree with North Carolina. It's a gorgeous state.

Trish Milburn said...

Esri, I also had a picture of Orly as Legolas, but as much as I loved him in those movies, the Pirates movies is where he really looks smokin' hot. :)

Alas, I look really stupid in hats.

Donna, I love dogwoods too -- both white and pink. I grew up surrounded by woods, and I loved seeing all the dogwoods in bloom in the spring.

Beth Andrews said...

Congratulations, Trish! So happy for you *g* What a great post. So many of your favorite things are my favorite things too including the Banditas and Bandita Buddies, books, road trips and Supernatural :-)

Some more of my favorite things:

My kids and husband

Mountain Dew (it's an addiction - but to be honest, I've cut way back *g*)

Project Runway (I haven't picked a favorite yet but I'm leaning toward either Leanne or Joe. I also like Suede - he went to Kent State which is where my niece goes to school *g*)

The Drive-In

French fries with vinegar

Shopping!

Congrats again and happy release day!

Trish Milburn said...

Thanks, Keira. I appreciate it. And I keep seeing this Nutella thing referenced. Okay, I just Googled it. Hazelnut spread. Ugh. Sorry, I dislike nuts of all kinds and peanut butter, so I'm doubting I'd like Nutella. But that's more for those of you who do. :)

Trish Milburn said...

mshellion, way to get into the spirit! What a great version of the song with your favorite things.

Beth, Mountain Dew, eh? Hubby drinks Diet Mt. Dew because if he still drank the full strength with how much he drinks he'd just be a big pile of sugar.

I haven't been watching Project Runway this time around, so I don't know who any of them are.

Cassondra said...

Deb Marlowe said:

Good friends who get you. Ah, priceless.

And all the people said, Amen.

AND NOW onto the busines at hand:

TRISH WOOOOOOOOT!!!!! Your book is on order at the B&N here. Can't wait for it.

Lessee.....

Walking in the woods in a light rain--hearing the drops hit the leaves, then drip onto the ground.

Puppies and kittens--yeah me too.

Fresh cut hay. Different from lawn grass--and brings back SO many good memories.

The SMELL of horse. Yeah that's a weird one. But I love putting my face up next to a horse's neck and sniffing.

Dew on a spider web.

Evening sunlight on telephone lines as they lead off into the distance.

Barns.

Hummingbirds and butterflies.

Early February, watching for the first tips of my flower bulbs to poke through the ground and yelling at them..."It's TOO EARLY! Go BACK IN!" Yep. I do it every year.

Crocus blossoms in late winter.

The first firefly of the year.

Frogs on the pond. My own personal choir.

A small fire in the fire pit out back, and a glass of really good cabernet.

Fog when I don't have to drive in it.

Watching people walk across the road behind me as I drive away from their mailbox--and realizing that there are some folks for whom life is not SO busy that they can't notice when the mail has arrived.

Big old trees.

Brooks that gurgle. Ferns.

Four or five combines coming over the hill in front of my house as they harvest wheat or corn or beans--all in unison--it's like a dance.

Baby calves.

This is too long.

Great post Trish. And actually really uplifting.

Nancy said...

Congrats, AC! Don't let that bird wheedle you into feeling sorry for him. He's tricky, remember?

Trish, congratulations! I'm so thrilled for you! As for favorite things--sunrise at the beach (on the extremely rare occasions when I'm awake in time to see it), chocolate anything, books, comic books, dogs, and any kind of art glass.

Kristan said...

Congratulations, Trish! Being a firefighter's wife, I can't wait to read it. Enjoy!

Terri Osburn said...

Trish - I'd be more than happy to dish about the season. Though I heard today that Jonas Armstrong is leaving the show after the third season. I'm guessing that will be the end of the show. *sniff*

And I too hate to be cold. And can't do colognes or perfumes of any kind due to allergies. Oh, and when we dish we also need to dish about Bones. I LOVE that show!

Trish Milburn said...

Cassondra, great list. Took me back to my country roots. Never thought of the combines as a dance. It's more like, "Oh, crap, I'm behind a combine on the road." :) I like the sound of tree frogs. Hay -- again with the sneezing.

Nancy, oh, art glass. Neat. I've seen some really pretty stuff while I've been out on stories for the magazine. I've done lots of features on craftspeople.

Trish Milburn said...

Kristan, wonderful that your husband is a firefighter. One of my good friends from way back is married to a firefighter.

Terrio, I think we're sisters. :) I'd heard Jonas was leaving after the third season. I'll reserve judgment until after I finish season 2. And I love Bones too. It and Supernatural are my favorite shows, even though I have lots of others I really enjoy: Stargate Atlantis (which is in its last season, sniff), Prison Break, Sarah Conner Chronicles, Survivor (my one nod to reality TV), Deadliest Catch, Heroes. I'm looking forward to checking out the new shows Fringe and Eleventh Hour.

Jane said...

Congrats on the GR, AC.

Happy Launch Party, Trish. Congrats on the release of your debut novel. Some of my favorite things include cheesecake, Coke, chili cheese fries, corn dogs, pizza, tiramisu, Eric Bana, Christian Bale, a beautiful fall day, the library, modern medicine, TiVo(even though I don't have it) and HDTV.

Trish Milburn said...

Jane, how could I have forgotten the library? And bookstores.

Yummy choices in Eric Bana and Christian Bale.

Unknown said...

Nancy said:

and any kind of art glass.


Oh, Nancy, we got to see part of the Tiffany exhibit in Nashville this summer. NOt all of it, but the part we did see was AWESOME.

Louisa Cornell said...

WOOOOOHOOOOOO TRISH!! HUGE congrats on your release day!! I am so excited for you! I looked for the book yesterday at Wally World, but it wasn't on the shelves. It had better be there tomorrow or heads will roll!

Congrats on the GR Aunty!! He needs a little R & R after this last hectic week!


Hmmm. My favorite things?

The Lair - Banditas, Buddies, cabana boys, Demetrius & Company, Sven's magic hands.

CADBURY'S CADBURY'S CADBURY'S !!!

Sitting on my back porch in the sunshine with a cup of Earl Gray surveying my five acre kingdom.

Shoes!! Sexy shoes, cute shoes. Shoes!!

Reading great romance novels - especially the ones by authors I know!

Days off from work!!!

Sitting at the computer when the words just roll off my fingers like water!

Phone calls from RWA on March 25th (it's only happened once but it IS one of my favorite things!)

Possibilities.

Coming home at night to the barkelluia chorus that lets me know I was missed during the day. Going from dog run to dog run to gather kisses and deliver pats. The knowledge that each one of these dogs is safe, happy, well-fed and loved and they KNOW it!

Going into the house to be mobbed by three dogs and four cats who are all anxious to see me if for no other reason than to tell on their companions for whatever mayhem has been wrought. Or because the food and/or water dishes are empty.

Tim tams, turkish delight, scones fresh from the over with butter and strawberry jam.

A home-made quilt fresh from the dryer wrapped around me on a rainy night.

All of my writing sisters who give me such encouragement and support every day!

Trish Milburn said...

Louisa, I certainly hope they have the book the next time you go in. I'd hate to hear about you on the news in connection with the rolling of heads. :)

Oh, shoes! Good choice (as I'm sure Tawny and Anna S. will agree).

Anna Sugden said...

LOL Trish - don't they go without saying?!

But, I will say it ... hockey hunks, hockey games and of course my fab Devils.

Plus my footie boys - Man Utd and Exeter. And my 'Skins.

Great shoes
Cadbury's chocolate (hi Louisa!)
Nutella (hi Keira!)
Peanut butter (the American kind)
hot buttered popcorn

[must think of things other than food]

Lying on a Caribbean beach with hubby by my side and a good book in hand

cats - especially black or tuxedo cats

snow - when it's just fallen and is still crisp, and the sky is blue

the smell of English bonfires

mango mojitos

my writing buddies, here in the Lair, over at Writers at Play and Struggling Writers and the Brit Pack

red VW bugs *sniff* had to leav mine behind

a nice cup of tea (NOT Earl Grey!)

fish & chips in newspaper (uh oh - back on the food again)
Cornish pasties
Bangers and mash

Classic movies

my iPod Touch

singing along to rock anthens at the top of my voice

happy endings

autographs and memorabilia

penguins

anything that makes me laugh out loud

daffodils and daisies and buttercups

having my own office!

My hubby.

My sis and her family

magpies

Did I mention hockey? LOL

Oh and when my super-talented friends sell their fabulous books!

Anna Sugden said...

Oops pressed post before I added in a couple more things:

Surprises that show your friends have been thinking of you

opals and tanzanites

Achieving something on your life list (or is it the bucket list now?)

Trish Milburn said...

Anna, I totally agree with the iPod and having my own office.

Anna Campbell said...

Trish, I'd heard about the wild parrots but didn't get there - my sightseeing in the city was pretty pathetic. I couldn't tear myself away from Macy's (hmm, that goes on the list as a favorite thing!). These parrots are so spectacular - really bright green and red and blue. The colors are quite surreal! An English friend of mine calls them flying stained glass windows! But the noise is unbelievable - and they squabble all the time. But somehow it's a happy noise, if that makes sense.

Hey, hope you're enjoying your launch. Everybody else is having a blast!

Sven, over here! What's that? Maria said you can't? Well!!! She and I are going to have words! I'll sic the parrots onto her!

catslady said...

Luckily that's a hard thing to do, just picking a few lol. Family, health, books, cats, freshly brewed coffee, wine, and as Yul Brynner said in The King and I - etc. etc. etc.

Trish Milburn said...

Anna C., I like that description of the parrots -- flying stained glass.

catslady, good list. Health is a very important item.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

What wonderful poetic posts. Ms. Hellion, I adore your song, but darn you for getting that stupid song further imprinted into my brain. ARRRRRRGH! *tunes up Sweeney Todd on the iPod*

Cassondra, what an evocative answer to the post. Mmmmm, freshy cut hay and horses. You bet. Coffee. Puppy breath. (Crazy right? but it smells different than anything else) Babies of all species except birds. I like my friend full grown. Hawks, Owls, Raptors of any kind. Soaring. Oh, yeah.

Fab topic about which I could go on allllllllll day.

I love it! Thanks for letting us all wax rhapsodic about our delicious delights. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

That should have read:

I like my feathered friends full grown. Sheeesh!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Afternoon all!

Yes, the GR has been on his best behavior and giving the loong pathetic looks to me. I think he took some lessons from my two doggies. ;-)

BUT, if he thinks I'm taking him with me on my cruise next week, he's got ANOTHER THINK COMING!

There's a wonderful documentary film called "The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill" about the parrots in San Francisco. GREAT film and you can rent it on Netflix.

Hey, Cabana boy! Bring out the blenders and get those margarita a mixin! Was that Jeanne and Demetrius I just saw sneaking out back to shield sled? WAIT FOR ME!

WOOO! HOO!!! Let's keep this party rolling!

AC

Joan said...

There is was Trish....bright as a new copper penny. "A Firefighter in the Family" sitting on the shelf at Borders.

Got the last one!

Also picked up a Dangerous Duke, a Risque Business and a "Shield Sledding for Dummies"

Snow has its purpose, don't ya know.

Carol said...

Aunty Cindy,
The GR loves your place! Must like that whip...crop!
(no pun *intended*!)

Congratulations heaps! Trish, Today will be one of your favourite things in the future!

A few of mine!
Family of course!
Max the dog.
Storm the neighbourhood horse!
The trees around here and maybe a koala if one is about!
My grass trees.
Books...
Movies...I agree ,3.10 to Yuma a must for western lovers!
My computer and the wonderful friends I've made!
Baldurs Gate 2.
Roast Lamb and 3 veg.
Cheesecake.
Christmas cake.
Photo's and memories of the places I've been!
Cheers Carol

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Trish.

Hope your sales cause Nora Roberts to worry about her future.

Favourite thing – Being far enough away to hear silence and feel isolation.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Eric said: Hope your sales cause Nora Roberts to worry about her future.

Grins. I like the way you THINK! :> Grins.

Christie Kelley said...

TRISH!!! I can't believe I almost missed your launch party because I've been so busy with work. Super congrats on your book. I can't wait to read it. One more for my list when I go to B&N on Thursday.

It's been a long time coming so enjoy your release. You deserve the party!

Gillian Layne said...

Trish, congratulations! :) I am a HUGE fan of Harlequin American.

Trish Milburn said...

AC, I'll have to put that documentary on my rather extensive Netflix queue.

Thanks, Joan! I hope you like it. I just got back from celebratory dinner with hubby. And we stopped by Books-a-Million so I could sign and sticker the stock. There were only two copies left, and they were at eye level on the top shelf. Whee!

Trish Milburn said...

Carol, I'm so jealous of those of you who can look out the window and see a koala. That seems so exotic to me.

Oh, I like how Eric thinks too! I'm doubting Nora is quaking in her very nice heels, but that's okay. She's earned every bit of her success, and I can hope to have a career half as wonderful as hers.

Trish Milburn said...

Christie, no worries about being a little later to the party. Last week, I was so busy I was dreadful about getting by the blog. Hope you had a good work day.

Gillian, YAY for huge fans of Harlequin American! :) You know, every time I see your name, I think of Gillian Anderson (Scully from The X-Files). Yes, everything is a pop culture reference for me. :)

Pat Cochran said...

Congratulations, again, Trish! (I've
just been over at the Playground!)

You have all mentioned so many of my favorites, but their are a few that are extraspecial for me:

My Honey
Reading
My family, esp. our grandchildren
Babies of all kinds
Chocolate, even sugar-free
All my new online friends
Singing with our church choir
Listening to our daughter sing
Tim Tams (Thanks, Anna)
A certain red-haired Nascar driver
Listening to the ocean
Sleeping in & going out for brunch
Good friends
Venice

Pat Cochran

Anna Campbell said...

Trish, not many of us CAN look out the window and see a koala. They're not that common and they're quite hard to spot. I think most Aussies would get as much of a thrill to see one in the wild as you would!

I hope you've had a really great party. It's been huge fun! I think we've sent the firefighter off in style! Don't you?

Marie Force said...

Congrats, Trish! My song would go: my kids, my dog, my husband (in that order and he's okay with coming after the dog) family, a day job I still love, the beach, the boat, Block Island, my writing friends, my other friends who still put up with me, and seeing MY book for the first time in stores! These are a few of my favorite things!!

It's a great feeling! Enjoy every minute of it.
Marie

Trish Milburn said...

Pat, I like that sleeping in and then going out for brunch. And a red-headed NASCAR driver, huh? Does that mean you're a Dale Jr. fan?

Anna, so koalas aren't that common? Trish Morey is forever making my jealous by talking about the koalas she sees near her house.

And yes, this has been a WONDERFUL launch party thanks to all of you.

Trish Milburn said...

Marie, LOL on the hubby coming after the dog. :) And that's fabulous that you still love your day job. So many people don't and just go because they have to.

Pat Cochran said...

Yes, Trish, three generations of our
family are members of the Junior
Nation!

Pat Cochran

Anonymous said...

Trish, a treat for a special day. --- An Australian rarely spoken about --- Baby Koala's sound something like a baby child (not at full volume) – And, male Koala have quite the Alfa Male (fireman) sound about them. --- http://www.junglewalk.com/sound/Marsupials-sounds.htm --




Koala sounds http://www.junglewalk.com/sound/Marsupials-sounds.htm ---

Susan Sey said...

Hi, Trish--

I know I'm dreadfully late for your launch party but I had to buzz in to say CONGRATULATIONS!! This is SUCH a huge moment, & I wish we could all be together for a big squeeeeeee in front of the shelf!

Now, as for things I dearly love? There are so many I can't even think of them all but a few highlights are the weight of a sleeping baby in my arms, the insane joy when that same kid learns to sleep without my arms, writing a paragraph that I know to be awesome & tucking my cold feet under my warm husband while watching movies on the couch on Saturday nights.

Congrats again!

Tawny said...

WHOOHOOOOOOOO Trish!!! I'm so ecstatic and excited and happy for you!!!!!

limecello said...

Congratulations, Trish! This is so exciting! Hm... I'm hungry right now, but I'm pretty sure these would make my list anyway - ice cream and cookies, cake and fruit tarts, mixed drinks and sunshine and warm misty rain. Free time and good books and chocolates too!

Trish Milburn said...

Eric, cool stuff about the koalas.

Thanks, Susan. I had to laugh at your feet and your husband. In the winter, my feet are as cold as ice. So I stick them under hubby's legs when I get in bed. He's like a living, breathing furnace. We were meant for each other. :)

Tawny, thanks! And thanks for having me guest over at Writers at Play today too.

limecello, yum on the fruit tarts. And free time. What is this free time of which you speak? :)

Cherie J said...

Congratulations Trish! A few of my favorite things would be husband, kids, my twin sister, my mom, the color blue, chocolate, brownies, Orlando Bloom, romance books, milkshakes, etc.

Trish Milburn said...

Cherie, I do love a good chocolate milkshake.

CrystalGB said...

Congratulations Trish on the release of your book.
My favorite things:
My family
Good books
Luxurious pampering products
Good food
Chocolate

cheryl c said...

I am very late replying here because I have been out of town. I just wanted to pop in and congratulate you on the release of your first book! WooHoo! :-)

Cheryl (Cheri)

robynl said...

congrats on the release

A few of my favorite things:

- puppy kisses/wet puppy noses
- surprise gift from dh
- dh bringing home pizza for supper
- sitting by a trickling brook
- conversations with my best friend