I am looking forward to seeing you, more than I can say. There's nothing to worry about. This isn't an election speech in front of a hostile crowd -- it's knitters! Everyone who is there will be there because they love you and your writing, and anything you do or say will be delightful to us.

Please enjoy it. This is a wonderful adventure you're having.

WOW! That's an incredible schedule. Too exciting, you Author on Tour and All That! You've come a loooong way, baby, you deserve all the shoe shopping you can squeeze in, I say.

Congratulations - and not just the book tour thingy, which is huge enough. But for taking your life back with both hands and making it a success - for and by yourself. You are my hero and I admire you so much (not in a stalky way, tho)

have fun picking outfits to pack!

hey laurie, I am SO coming to Moa to see you! I can't believe you're coming to Minnesota!!! I got ahold of a copy of your book from ebay about a month ago ( an unproofed reader's copy) and am so enjoying it! I have to get it autographed!!! End of october will probably give you some weather to enjoy your knits, but I'm guessing probably not the snow you're thinking of, unless it's like the blizzard we had in the early 90's on halloween. Let's hope not! Love your blog, book, etc, you always make my day!! Thank you for that!

Darn, no Northern California stops! We're so close, too!

I totally understand your fears. Sometimes I can be in a place like Costco and just have to leave becaue it's so overwhelming. Sometimes, all the moms in my neighborhood are out chatting in the court as the kids are playing, and I'm inside having an anxiety attack and trying to come up with an excuse why I can't go outside.

Anyway, I'll be looking for additions to your tour up here in NorCal (near Sacramento would be great for me!)

I'm so excited Houston is on the list!!!Now I only have to worry about getting in the door with all the rest of your many fans! And Amanda is right--there is nothing to worry about! You are so ready for this, and we all know it and are happy for you!

You will be wonderful Laurie, because you are incapable of being anything else. I'll be there in The Grove crowd. (Smart planning to take advantage of the F.M. SnB crowd!!)

Laurie, I'll be there to see you in Seattle. If you need someone to drink wine with here, let me know, I'm all about some red wine!

I doubt we met while I lived in LA, but I was a part of the Santa Monica-meeting stitch 'n bitch there and know (only in passing) a number of people you've talked about in your blog. I have to say, you make me miss Los Angeles - and that's something I never thought would happen!

Can't wait for the book to get here, I preordered it months ago!

Christine, I thought it was only right to start this thing at the place where Stitch 'n Bitch is!! I am really looking forward to seeing you!

I'm so excited about Seattle, I've never been there and I will (shamefully) admit to you I watched that entire season of the Real World so ... you know... hehehehe. Fish market!

And I have heard it rumored that my high school english teacher may be coming to my Nashville event. LORD HAVE MERCY!

I will be there with bells on in Beaverton!

I'm so excited to see that you're coming to Houston/Katy! Just imagine all the Southern fried goodness you can eat when you get to Texas. That alone should be worth meeting a few strangers. ;)

Why are you not coming to St. Louis????? I'm feeling a bit sad now!

Aw rats! No Utah stops! Hey .. you know we are widely known to have "The Greatest Snow on EARTH"...We even have license plates to prove it! Come here with your cute sweaters and scarves in November and play in the *s*n*o*w* (and maybe do a little book signing) Love your blog ... will love your book ... congrats on the whole taking back your life one day at a time!

I'm so excited to see that you're coming to Houston/Katy! Just imagine all the Southern fried goodness you can eat when you get to Texas. That alone should be worth meeting a few strangers. ;)

Looks like a fun schedule! Are you driving between Seattle and Beaverton, Oregon? If so, you should make a stop in Olympia. There is a great yarn store downtown called Canvas Works...and they might be intersted in hosting you for a book signing. Me and my other "Crazy Aunt Purl" addict co-workers would love to meet you!

I'm definitly going to try to see you at the MOA. Yes, it will probably be chilly, but it's unlikely that we'll have any snow. Of course, to an LA girl such as yourself, it'll seem colder than it is, so you may as well bring the knits, just the same.

You may even get some photos of leaves that have changed color. We have a little thing called "autumn" here that I think is lacking in LA. :)

Oh gosh! A real book tour!!! No Boston on it, YET!

I hope you get to see a bit of the Twin Cities when you go to the Mall of America. I lived in Minnesota for about 9 years and in the Cities for 2 of those and loved my time there. I miss it. Wonderful people and a really wonderful arts scene.

Congratulations, Laurie. I know you will do well!

Yay!

But as a life-long Minnesotan, I DO have to be a killjoy and point out that while it can be REALLY COLD, Minnesota cannot be relied upon to have snow every month of the year. October is iffy, but it IS possible. Definitely cool enough for sweaters, though; enjoy!

I live much farther north than the Maul of America (sorry, don't like that place) and probably won't make it, but I do hope you enjoy your visit to lovely MN!

Are going to come to Boston? :-)

Amber, I'm actually flying out right after the Seattle event that night to Portland. And then leaving the next day after the event. This whole thing is a packed schedule. I'm hoping I don't start wigging out halfway through it LOL.

Kristen! I have already been speaking to my Dad on a regular and serious basis about The Food. There is so much Texas food... so little time...

Aw, no DFW tour! But I am SO excited for you! This is way, way cool! Congratulations! You've come a long way, baby! ;)

Omigod, Laurie, you're coming to MN? I practically live next door to the MOA and I even used to work there! Can I bring my cats in their Halloween costumes (or hopefully their sweaters I've crocheted for the contest by then) to meet you???!

I am buying two books: One for me and one for my mom, an avid knitter and crocheter and fan of yours. Mom, if you're reading this, you're getting Laurie's book for your birthday, OK?

If you need to know where all the hot shoe spots are, email me. I'm all about the shoes. Oh, and the wine...in case, you need someone to celebrate your successful book signing with, there is a store at the MOA that sells wine! :)

The cats (if they're allowed) and I look forward to seeing you! Heidi

YAY! You are coming to Houston while I will be there!! WOOT! Is Drew gonna be your bodyguard?

Whoo hooo! You're coming to Portland! (Beaverton is a nearby 'burb!). Yay, I get to stalk you legitimately now (as opposed to my scary stalking of you last year at The Stinking Rose!) Woot!!

Long time lurker, first time commenter :). I am a MN girl moving to LA at the end of this month, so I am going to miss you at the MOA. It is a huge place, so big that I NEVER shop there in fact. There are lots and lots of shoes there though. Enjoy!

Congrats on going outside of your comfort zone. I also tend to hole up when things are happening in my life that I feel like I can't control so I get it. You aren't alone there.

Drew will indeed be there and a lot (and I do mean A LOT) of my family is coming to that one, too.

I should maybe not read the chapter about s-e-x on that stop.

Cool! Now - come to Virginia!!!!!
(We have really good wine).

I'll second the "No St Louis"??? I am so sad, and you will miss out on the culinary delicacies of the area, including toasted ravioli and Ted Drewe's frozen custard. :-)

Can't wait to welcome you to Minnesota! We do keep it chilly here, but we keep better. It can be chilly, it can be hot. We have can have minus 40 degree windchill factors in the winter to 120 degree heat indexes in the summer - how's that for variety? I'll have to get to the MOA when you're here. Looking forward to it - hope you are too.

PS. There are more than kabillion shoes for sale at MOA! Yes, the roller coaster, log ride (water) and more right there in the mall along with home plate from the stadium that used to be on that land. It's all true.

I wish you were coming to San Francisco! I would definitely be there.

Hooray! I will so be at your Nashville signing! What wine goes with a book signing? Merlot? I will buy several additional copies of the book at B& N ( I pre-ordered on Amazon) because I have lots of people on my holiday list that are a)knitters, b)cat persons, c)divorced, d)apreciative of whitty and inteligent discource

Love your blog - love your spirit!

Cat

Laurie, forgot to mention that I've also been to Peoria a couple of times. My fiance used to live there. I refused to move there so he had to move to MN.

BUT when you're in Peoria, you should go to the Bronze Frog. It's the neatest little store ever and the cutest little furry sales clerk greeted me when I stopped by:

http://thatrudegirl.blogspot.com/2007/02/cartiers-initiation.html

NOTE TO SELF- Spell check before posting! The irony!! Let's try this again..........

Hooray! I will so be at your Nashville signing! What wine goes with a book signing? Merlot? I will buy several additional copies of the book at B& N ( I pre-ordered on Amazon) because I have lots of people on my holiday list that are a)knitters, b)cat persons, c)divorced, d)appreciative of witty and intelligent discourse
Love your blog - love your spirit!

Hee hee, I'm so glad that you're coming to the midwest. I'll definitely either see you in Peoria or Nashville! It kind of depends on if I have a Halloween party to go to Saturday night or not. Nashville isn't that far to drive, it's only like 2.25 states! (KY is just a little jaunty bit) I am so excited, I'm contemplating doing the happy gleeful dance complete with flapping hands! But I'll bet my cubemates would think I'm weird. Yay! Yay!

Looking forward to finally seeing you in real life - for you I'll even navigate the parking hell that is the Grove!

Glad to see I'm not the only Bostonian clamoring for a tour stop.

Remember, we have weather (you can experience summer and winter all in one day if you're lucky) and the ocean and in some spots, fisherman.

Please come!

Amy, the Peoria thing should be interesting ... It's a Women's Show so I'm doing a "talk" but since I am bad at talking I thought I might use visual aids. Heheheheheh. Me + powerpoint = nutty. Then I'm reading then I think there's a book signing place at the convention center, too. It's huge! Like 10,000 women. I hope some of them are cat lovin' wine lovin' knitter types!!

oh my god! I can't believe you're going to Peoria! And on a Saturday. That's well within my range, and even on the way to my Mom's. Let me know if you want to go to Mom's afterwards -- she's only about 60 miles away! ;-)

so very proud of you. congrats from the bottom of my heart. i hope they try to fit in Sacramento Ca. for a book signing.

Well I, for one, will be there to say "hi" when you get to Nashville and I know I won't be alone.

You are on the calendar, in PEN even!

Can't wait! (p.s. I'm the sheila formerly of Threaded Bliss Yarns which I sold!)

It may not be as fabulous as the legendary leopard-print tissue cozy, but have you seen this apple cozy?
http://mfrost.typepad.com/cute_overload/2007/08/another-redonku.html

What??? Of *course* apples need cozies!

Congrats on getting out!

Give me your publisher's publicists # -- you must come east and north young woman. How else am I going to get you drunk and learn all your writerly secrets?

Puhhhhleeeeze come to the east coast!! I live in Virginia (a great state to visit, by the way) but I'll commute up or down the coast to see you!

I second the motion for you to come to Boston!! We have weather here, too! Thanks for keeping me sane through your posts. Love 'em love 'em love 'em!!

Congrats Congrats! How exciting for you (and for all your readers!) I know it probably seems overwhelming but try not to be nervous...just know that each city will be full of people who already love you, your cats, and your writing - you just have to show up and take in all the love :)

Can't wait to see you in Nash-Vegas...try to find a free moment for some vino and fried okra.

Well, if you weren't a *little* reclusive, you wouldn't have time to write. Right?

Ya'll can email Kim (there is a link on the sidebar) to request more stops. I'm mostly very focused on my list of fried foods and what I can eat in two days in Houston and yet still fit in my pants. It is all very hard.

I realize you have no control over the schedule, but could you see if they'd add Memphis to the list?? Nashville is only three hours away, but with work and my son having to be in school the next day it's had to make it work.

If you do get to Memphis, I'll bring you some of our world famous BBQ and the wine of your choice!!

Patti, I am more like "a lot" reclusive. But I do more things than I used to, I'm just trying to find a balance. I know I'll never be a gadabout but I think it's good to leave the house (for more than just going to work) every now and then.

And yes, reclusive fits me and my obsessive hunt-and-peck typing very well :)

Oh how exciting! You're coming to Nashville! I'll be there for sure!

How do you stop in Peoria but not Chicago? You should talk to someone about that. I promise to bring a throng of crazy cat lady knitters if you can come to Chicago. And if you come in the winter? I guarantee you'll be able to wear all of your knitwear at once!

I am so glad that you're coming to Minnesota! See you on the 25th! (please come in costume ^_^)

Woohoo, Minnesota! I work just a mile away from the MOA, so I will definitely be there!

Laurie, the MOA has about a gazillion shoe stores, and also one wine store! However--tres shocking--no yarn store. Not one solitary scrap of yarn in the MOA. Distressing.

Now, late October? Barring meteorological weirdness, that's sweater-n-scarf weather. Chance of snow, eh...very low. The last few years, there's hardly been any snow before January. Sleet, on the other hand, very much possible!

Holy. freaking. crap!!! I can't believe you're coming to Miami- no one ever comes down here! I am going to have to take the next 2 months to calm myself down, thereby not looking like a total freak when I come to your book signing. Oh, who am I kidding? See you there- I'll be the freak.

Come to Jersey.....pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease

:)

Hey there hermit gal - I'm so happy for you - congrats! If you get to SF area - you know you always have a stalker here at stuff (a lazy blogger maybe - but still a fan!) Just be your honest and fabulous self - that's how we all know and love you, so you can't go wrong there. We'd be disappointed with anything but the genuine Laurie.

Hey, Pittsburgh has weather too! And I recently discovered that the Yarn Harlot was here and I missed her, since I had started knitting literally a couple weeks earlier. But I'd rather see you anyway!

Congratulations! Looking forward to seeing you in our home town at the Grove! :)

Yay! Book tour! I also heard on Cast-On that you will be on the next podcast. Now I have even more reason to look forward to the next Cast-on.

So, who should I talk to so you will come to Atlanta? It's right in between Nashville and Miami!

I'm glad to see you'll be in the Portland area, I will try to make it out to The Beav, but I'm not gonna lie... I don't enjoy the suburbs.

There is a cute little bar in the same shopping center as Powell's called "Dessert Noir" which has a pretty good wine selection. And good dessert, natch.

No Orange County? No San Diego? You are going to make me drive into LA during rush hour on a Thursday??? The horrible driving, no!! I'm being punished for my stalker ways, aren't I? (But I see there is no Denver, so I can't bitch too much or my fellow Pollyanna will stab me with her pointy sticks.)

I'm delurking to say that I'm very glad you're coming to the great white north (MN), and that if I do get up the guts to brave the Mall of Siberia (it was funnier before the cities sprawled so much, when Bloomington seemed SO far), I'll be the one who can't get a complete sentence out. "Book - sign - thanks!" means thank you for signing my book, for future reference. I'm not crazy, just socially phobic.

And it should range from light sweater with perhaps a windbreaker jacket to heavy sweater under a coat at the end of October here, so pack the scarves and hats and enjoy.

Ok, Laurie, I have to ask...are you practicing your signiture?
=) Tami

Laurie,

I wasn't able to get to your booth in time to see you in New York!!! I will definitely make it out to see you in MIAMI, FL YAY!!!

I hope by the time my date rolls around you will still be humble and want to meet with me too...Fame and WEALTH does "things" to people!!! And CAP you are now FAMOUS!!!!! OMG I can't wait!!!

I PROMISE I am not a stalker!!!! LOL :)

Laurie,
I am SOOOO glad you are coming to Central Illinois! It seems like most events take place in Chicago, and the rest of the state is pretty much ignored! I think you'll like Peoria - - it's a pretty neat town.

I only live about 1-1/2 hours away from Peoria, and I already have Oct. 27th marked on my calendar. Can't wait to see you in person!

A bit of advice - - downtown Peoria is right on the river - - might be a bit of 'chill' in the breeze off the water - - bring one of those sweaters you have been knitting! :-)

Hear that knocking? It's my HEART! Lovely daughter just called to point out that you're coming to the Mall of America! There IS a chance, if I sacrifice a few chickens (coq au vin?)and a pig or two (Famous Dave's) that we may be able to arrange a Mother-Daughter Trip! And I can *finally* give you that Bubbeh-hug &c &c. For YOU - I'll come to the Mall of America. My daughter? It's like Mecca for her. Shangr-La. Valhalla. Plus she loves you and books too. My copy of the book might even be here in time to bring along for SIGNING...oh be still my aging heart. You'll recognize me, I'm the one knitting {cackle}. EEE-hah!

I think you'll enjoy the Mall of America. Wear comfortable shoes. I've been there once with kids - so I'm sure your experience will be different than mine. But we did have fun! :-)

And FYI - there *is* a place at MOA where you can ship your purchases home. It really is like its own city there. I highly suggest you peruse their website before you go (http://www.mallofamerica.com/) and map out your strategy. Seems like I got some discount coupons for there before we went, too, but I can't remember where. Only thing better than shopping is shopping with discounts, right?

Sounds like you'll be having a lot of fun experiences at all the locations you're travelling to!

I am so proud of and happy for you! Although I won't see you on you tour I'll be sending hugs and good wishes through the whole thing!!

You've come so far and I'm honored that you shared it with all of us. Rock on!!

Looking forward to seeing you in MN.

Peoria? PEORIA!!!! OMG! Peoria. Only about 2 hours away from Springfield -- I'm there! I'll be the elderly lady in the back going, "What'd she say?" And, "Isn't she the cutest thing?" And, "I learned how to knit because of her."

WooHoo! Peoria!

Hi, I'm coming out of lurkdom to say I'll do my best to be at your Mall of America event. Love the blog - need to go buy the book!

There are a couple of big shoe warehouse stores up on the third floor of the mall, but better yet there are lots and lots of smaller shoe stores and stores like Nordstrom's that also sell shoes.

Oh, yay for the MOA visit! There are so many shoes to be had there. It is fabulous.

I transplanted from Florida to Minnesota a few years ago. Native and long-term Minnesotans will tell you that the end of October is sweater weather, but I'm still not fully acclimated yet and I'm usually in a jacket before they are. So while you probably won't have snow, you should definitely have plenty of opportunity to wear your scarves and sweaters.

I'm so excited for you that you'll be traveling and meeting all the people who read you. What a fantastic experience! I hope you love every minute of it, and I'm very much looking forward to the 25th of October. :)

I am so excited you're coming to Minnesota! As already noted, the MOA is full of shoes (OK, not literally, there's an amusement park in the middle). Nordstrom Rack is the best.

Wave as you're flying high over Albuquerque.

I'll be here wishing you all the fun and excitement you can handle!!!!!

hmmmm. nothing in the northeast? NOTHING??? that is so wrong.

Hmmm.. I'm 3 hours away from Peoria. I was hoping to see Indianapolis on that list! I knew Terre Haute, IN wouldn't be there, we never get anything exciting... well except John Melloncamp is kicking off his national tour here in October. Other than that, the last excitement here was when we had the Farm Progress show. *chuckle*

Your high school English teacher? Now that's pressure!

Jill-- I KNOW!

And to all those that are offended I am not coming to your neck of the woods -- I KNOW! I have no pull at all around here, I tell you what. Or you know I would be in New Orleans for red beans and rice and later in Mississippi for fried chicken and then finish up with foods of the other states... Boston baked beans... BBQ in North Carolina ... Lobster in Maine... wait. Is this a book tour or a food tour?

Oh, I think it's lunchtime!

Oh, and Chicago pizza.

And also some of that good dairy in Wisconsin. Cheeeseeeee...

Laurie, I am so emailing someone to see if you can stop in Atlanta! Come on, it's between Nashville and Miami, plus there is SOUTHERN FOOD and home of 2007's Best Hamburger in America and is also the new restaurant captial of the US. And it's my home and I would like you to some. :o)

Damn, so close. You're coming to Miami. That's like 4-5 hours away. :( Come closer to Tampa!!! :) Otherwise I have to make a second road trip in November. Ooh, the Orlando Needlework show is the next weekend. I think you should be there. :D

Congrats on the book tour and have fun! Remember, we all love you so there's nothing to be worried about. Think of us all as one big happy family and you're not nervous getting up in front of family, are you? If so, just tell yourself it'll be easier than strangers.

OMG Best Hamburger in America! Courtney -- email Kim! LOL. Her email addy is at the top left of this page!

And crab in San Francisco!

I meant ... top RIGHT of this page. See how damn excited I got over a hamburger?

And sourdough in San Francisco! And artfibers, too ;)

Well, Miami is relatively close. I will see about packing up the family (or maybe just the hubby) for a trip down there to meet you. Yay!

Woo-hoo! You're coming to Beaverton (which is a mere 15 min. from PDX)! I'm SO there! See you, chickie! (I'll be the one inappropriately hugging you!) ;)

See? You need to work in a San Francisco stop...

Debbie ... the Miami stop is also the whole book fair, so if you're a bookworm it ought to be so much fun. I added a link to their website up there in the text, but they haven't released the full list of authors yet. Last year they had Isabel Allende (I would have died, I just love her!) and Anthony Bourdain and Ariana Huffington and a bunch of famous folks. Should be fun! And you know what, I have never been to Miami, either now that I think about it!

Hmmmm....me and the girls may have to fly to Seattle....It could be like a birthday gift for Zoey. WooHoot

SUH-WEEEET! You will be literally a mile away from my house when you come to Houston! Just in time for my copy of the book to come in the mail!

Fried pickles at Katz' in Montrose, eh, *nudge* eh? they're an aquired taste, and you can always drown them in The Best Substance In Creation, ranch dressing ;D I'll bring the margaritas!

I'll be there when you're at the MOA! Definately shoes... lots of shoes there. My fav. store there is the Sketchers store, but that could be because I have an unhealthy obsession with Sketchers shoes.

And a place to mail things home, an underground aquarium, amusement park, movie theaters, bars, restaruants, place to get married, you name it, its in the MOA.

Oh lord I love fried pickles.

I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FIT MY PANTS FOR THE PLANE RIDE HOME!

And Trixie!! OMG I hope to see you & Z. there!

Please take eleventy billion pictures everywhere you go, so those of us no where near the places you will be can live through the pics and be envious of those who are able to be there. I was actually calculating how far Nashville is from me....over 7 hours. Too far this time of year with my life right now. *sigh*. Come closer......

Another Houston fan here excited about your visit! Even though it means I will have to actually drive outside the Loop to see you (ask Drew what that means, he'll know). If a small goofy woman comes up to you at the signing babbling about breaking out in hives because she had to come clear out to Katy to see you, um, yeah, that's me.

If you like chocolate, get Drew to take you to the Chocolate Bar while you are here. There are a few decent little wine bars in town too, but really, I think you should swing by Hugo's to do a tequila-tasting. There are fine sipping tequilas, you know. Really. And they are fabulous.

Hooray! You're coming to Houston! I was going to wait and ask for the book for Christmas (the fam loves to give books) but if you're going to be in town I want an autograph.

You know, meeting tons of people is scary, but we aren't strangers. How can we be if we talk every day? We're just internet buddies who haven't met yet.

While you're in Houston you should have some Blue Bell, too. That's what my dad does every time he visits from Boston!

Val -- Drew told me about this Houston Loop thing! Sounds like the 405 out here! But the good thing about the yarn shop event is that we'll have cheetos and wine there so if you make it out to Katy you will be rewarded ;)

I'm getting on the line at the Grove in Los Angeles now. This is like Star Wars VII coming out in the theaters: The Return of the Yarn-i! Will you be reading or just signing my arm... uh, I mean your book?

Seriously, they booked you in BEAVERTON, OR and NOT in Philadelphia, PA???? The birthplace of our nation (and me coincidentally)...COME TO PHILLY!!!

The MOA! Make sure to pack your most comfortable shoes, since each one of the 4 floors is a 1/2 mile around!!! And they have more than a roller coaster... they have a whole amusement park. It is unbelievably huge. And they have stores for everything that you could possibly think of. And here is the best fact of MOA - There is no sales tax on clothing in Minnesota!!!
Have fun and enjoy your trip!

OHMYGOD. I haven't read your blog in a while and now THIS? Can I say that I knew you back when? When you sniffed yarn and even sent me a "Go Away" Voodoo candle?

The Grove is a reading & signing. But Neil, I am only signing books... I'll sign *any* book, though, so that's good ;) I may just walk around randomly pulling books off the shelf and signing them. Signing is fun! It is the talking that is hard.

Janis!! How the heck are you????

LOL Beaverton is the Portland, Oregon stop... or SO I WAS TOLD.

Hey, you mean to tell me there is NO sales tax when you buy clothes at the MoA????

Laurie,

Congrats on the book! My boss just saw the ad as she was scouting for history books to review and she called out from the other room "Oh my GOD, I just read THE BEST BOOK TITLE EVER" She totally loved it and came to show me, cackling manaically the whole time. I think I disappointed her a bit because I (of course, being the loyal fan I am) knew all about it and had already pre-ordered a copy. So congratulations and I'm totally emailing Kim about tour dates on the East Coast. Lotsa knitters out here--and we have some pretty darn good crab too

Woot to you!

Please come to Michigan. You can stay at my house, and become covered with cat hair from my two cats, just so you don't miss your kitties too much. There's also a dog who likes people too. Congrats on the tour

Only one appearance here in SoCal?
How come?

the grove! awesomeness. i shall endeavor to be there.

the mall of america isn't that much bigger than south coast plaza, but it's taller, and has many more smaller stores in it. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_shopping_malls_in_the_United_States) -- so never fear, if you can survive the yuppies at south coast, you can handle the mall of america easily. and i think you're going to really dig powell's. they're not kidding when they say it's a city of books.

Laurie and other hamburger lovers - it is the Ghetto Burger at Ann's Snack Bar in Atlanta. It was ranked #1 by a cross country tour done by The Wall Street Journal. Even if you don't come for the book signing, come for the burger!

No worries - I will be emailing Kim so she'll bring you here.

Dang, I wish I could come see you in Miami, but my sister will be in town from New York that weekend.

I'm so excited for you, though! *pompoms* Can't wait 'til the book comes out!

(Also, I giggle a little every time I look at the CAP Magic Scarf graphic. Gnomes! The giggling is totally normal, right?)

Oh, yay, a Minnesota trip for the Southern gal! I'll warn you, though - when I moved here from *Cincinnati* they thought I was "Southern" and "talked funny." Don't know what this northern crowd is going to think of you. :)

Looking forward to seeing you at MOA. (No yarn stores there, sadly, but many many shoe stores. And specialty stores. And, hello, your publicist actually thinks it's a good idea to put you in a mall?)

Courtney -- mention the hamburgers ;)

Maryn -- I'm sure we'll add L.A. stuff. Right now I am doing the best I can, one of the main challenges is that I have a full-time job and have to bring home the Meow Mix, you know what I mean, so I have very very limited time off and this was what worked out during those times. I'm sure this will evolve but this is what I had available to announce at this time :)

Wish you were coming to Atlanta!

As someone who has seen you get nervous when I say "Hi" at SnB, I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you! This is a major slapping in the face of fear.

Thanks, Laurie. I understand about bringing home the Meow Mix. I can wait.
I have lots of patience and time.

I will see you in Seattle! And I will just go ahead and apologize now for how I will probably try to hug you and maybe stutter a lot and, in the end, just stand there like a blubbering idiot.

P.S. There is no sales tax on clothes in Oregon, either.

Courtney, I'm totally supporting you trying to get Laurie to Atlanta. Can you believe I have never been to Ann's Snack Bar? I'm writing this on my very long list of restaurants to try here in Atlanta right now!

Laurie, you could may never want to leave when you find out how many wonderful restaurants there are here. I think I could go out to eat every night for a year and not go to the same place twice.

If she doesn't come through Atlanta, perhaps we can arrange a caravan to Nashville.

Oooooo I hope you can come to Phoenix! I live 2 hours from it, but no one ever comes to my dinky (beautiful) little mountain town. A 2 hour drive to see you, Laurie, would be worth it. Besides, there are some awesome yarn stores I can go to "just because I'm in the neighborhood." Ha.

Noelle ... see Ariel's comment above LOL. I mean seriously... I will be more nervous than any of ya'll! I am still in shock that I am doing this. I am just going to breathe (and bring Xanax) and try not to run away and hide LOL.

Laurie, I will see you at the MOA! And Target headquarters is here as well, so be sure to stop up and tell them you want SLEEVES on your shirts. They didn't listen to me when I told them. Yes, we have weather, I turned my heater on last night! Aaaah, I am so excited you are coming to Minne-snow-ta!

I am holding out hope for a Boston-area event!!

Add one more to the list of Nashville people. I wouldn't miss it!

I went to the BlogHer blogging convention in July and all the time I was there I kept thinking, "There's no way I could have done this two years ago, either physically or mentally." But there I was, talking to complete strangers with little fear and walking all up and down the Navy Pier without collapsing in need of CPR. It was totally awesome and I'm so happy that you're shopping at the normal grocery store now.

YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
you are comming to Nashville I live some what close about an hour! I'll be making plans as soon as I settle down. btw great yarn shop in Bowling Green Ky (40 min north of Nashville) called Crafty Hands. I half to go back and finish reading your post I was to excited to finish
yeah cap here in the south!!!!!

I'd vote for Denver, but it looks like I'd be the only one. Maybe I can reschedule a missed trip to Seattle to coincide with YOU!

On a fear-of-public-speaking note... I never did understand that picture-them-in-their-underwear trick. Wouldn't that just make one MORE embarassed? (bare-assed..HE)

I'll come see you in Seattle! E-mail me if you need any Seattle info.

Cassie and Bevvy are with me....email Kim Atlanta girls! I'm starting a campaign. I'll even go get a Ghetto Burger this weekend and get Miss Ann on our side.

And Bevvy - you are so right about the restaurants! I have been to tons of them since I am an event planner here and still haven't even broke the barrier! But, without a doubt, Fuego is my favorite. Behind Ann's, that is.....

WOO HOO!!!
Seattle and Portland?! I am so there! I agree with everyone (in Seattle) that you should come in the night before-we'll get together and drink wine and eat FRESH SALMON from the Market. That way, at the booksigning you'll have the support of several new Seattle friends and it won't be scary. We're nice here! We don't have a ton of fried foods or the MOA but we have cute rain gear and we are really really nice! :)

Be sure to find Prince's store when you are in MN - I was too scared to go in it when I was there 12(?) years ago!!

How do you keep your job while doing a book tour? I think I would be fired....

The pathertic weeping you hear is those of us poor souls way over herre in Michigan. MofA is a little too far for me... dang it.
You might need to buy 2 tickets for the way home, with all the eating you are planning on!

Yay!! I'll be at Yarntopia on Saturday October 13th to see you! When I was just reading your appearance dates and saw Houston on a Friday night, my first thought was, "Okay, I can call in sick to work and then coerce a friend or two into going with me," but I won't have to do that since you'll be in Katy. :)

I'm very excited! I hope you have a wonderful time on your tour!

Christine, that is an excellent question. I will let you know when *I* know LOL!

Congrats and I am so happy for you with your book tour and everything else. Yay for you! You'll love Mall of America - its amazing, if weird. And we'd love to see you in Colorado, where we ALSO have weather.

Laurie,

I suffer from "fear of leaving the house". I went through a rough period awhile back, then got better. I still have problems from time to time, but force myself to "GET OUT"!

I hope you come to the Washington, DC area sometime. I'm about 25 miles from there. I would love to meet you!

You will do great on your tour. I am sending lots of good vibes to surround you!

Linda in VA

I was just walking back from a bathroom break at work and wondering when I'd get to read another of your posts- and voila! like magic!
Thank you- for sharing about your life so candidly. I appreciate you and what you are willing to share with the rest of us (who seem to do/think many of the same things you do! MOA with a SOA would be perfection!)

woo-hoo! MoA is a nightmare for me, but I'll brave it to get to see you.

It was 37 degrees in St. Paul this morning at 5am when I was out running.

You will definitely have use for your knitted things! But it's pretty iffy on snow.

Two stops in the Houston area but no love for DFW? The State Fair will be in town and everything. You know you want to try this "Best Taste
Texas Fried Cookie Dough – Fresh cookie dough, made from scratch with pecans, chocolate chips and coconut, lightly battered and deep fried. Dough comes out the fryer warm and gooey, just like oven baked! Topped with chocolate syrup or whipped cream."
So even if you don't manage to do an official book signing in DFW you should still go to the fair. And tell us when...and we can just happen to have our books with us... and when we nonchalantly run into you, you can, you know, autograph them...
Just a thought.

Linda -- I still have problems from time to time too. Right now I'm in a good place. But ask me again in November, I may need to hide under the bed!

I'm so glad you're coming to Seattle! It will be so nice to meet you!! It is really gorgeous here---

Zina

darn-it, not northeast dates? hopefully they will be added for your fans out here! you'll do great - remember nervousness is normal and that you have the most loyal fans ever. Thanks for the booktour.com link - I never knew it existed.

I hope you come to Massachusetts some time! I would so totally come to see you if you did.

Have fun at the Mall of America. I've never been there either, but I've heard they have every store you could imagine.

Okay Laurie (and Courtney). I've emailed Kim and added to the others who have asked her to get you here to Atlanta so you can sink your teeth into a wonderful hamburger.

And Courtney, thanks for the recommendation of Fuego. I've never heard of it but love tapas places. And I love Flamenco music. Now I have to go. And it's only about 10 minutes from my house!

Hoping you will eventually wend your way to Ohio. We have snow (OMG do we have snow!!!)and wine and yarn and cats and book stores. Oh, and shoes!

Colleeen, isn't that booktour.com thing the best? I have been poking around like a big dork, looking up all my favorite authors!

No Canadian dates? :(

Woo-hoo! You're coming to Portland!! Well, Beaverton, actually, but you are flying into Portland. And the bookstore location is on the site of what used to be an old airport... way back before I was born...but my Dad remembers it. I just remember the mall before they tore down most of it and rebuilt it with outdoor-facing stores. The current Powell's location is actually near what used to be the location of a record store where my Dad drove my to from our town of Newberg when I was 5 years old just so I could by a 45 rpm single of Donny Osmond (I chose "The Twelfth of Never"). Okay. Yay!!! You're coming to Portland and I can try to come see you in person!

Remember, no sales tax in Oregon, either.

Uh, sorry about my crap typing there ;)

CAP - I'm definitely coming to the Mall of America to see you! It is a bunch of knitters & we are all pretty harmless (in spite of the pointy kneedles). the weather and the end of October can be WEATHER - but is should be a beautiful and colorful time to be here. I have followed your blog for 2 years and am looking forward to meeting you.

No San Francisco stops???? :-(

I too am a tiny bit reclusive. I make myself take classes through our local school board to get out as well as attending a local knit group. Crowds can be a challenge for anyone.

I would love to find a home based business where I wouldn't have to deal with people too much. Any suggestions out there?

Jeannie, I KNOW! I mean really now. As much as I love Canada! I was hoping I could get to Moosejaw finally! Or BC, everyone says it is amazingly beautiful. I was going to try to find Helen Butigieg (do you ever watch that show "Neat" on Style? I love her!)

Laurie

Did you know that there is NO Sales tax in Minnesota on clothes (except furs) and shoes! Save your pennies and splurge at the MOA. Most of the shops will ship for you for a slight fee.

Will see you on the 25th. There are a few yarn shops close by if you want to take a quick yarn tour let me know!

Mona

Hey Laurie,

Wish you could come to San Diego. I pre-ordered my book months and months ago and I'd love to have it signed by you! You can even stay on the beach in La Jolla since "Knitting in La Jolla" is a great yarn shop. We have fantastic wine and cheese shops here too.

Take lots of video like you did in NYC for those of us not on "THE" maiden tour. I am so happy for you!

Barbara (in San Diego)

That's funny.. I was going to post something about San Diego and Barbara beat me to it.. Warm, sunny skies and the beach.. Incredible combination.. Especially when you add yarn.

Hope this trip is an incredible adventure..

Have a blast!

What, no UK tour??????

Isuppose I'll have to wait until the sequel comes out and you are invited over here by a grateful British Public.

Keep on knittin'!

You're not coming to Chicago? You're going to Peoria, and not here? I have nothing against Peoria (my mom lived there for several years)but I need to see you, so please push to come to Chicago!

Lynette, email Kim. I love Chicago! I once went to a Grateful Dead show there at Soldier Field... ah... the college days when I stunk of patchouli...

Oh, and I love La Jolla too! Ya'll need to buy this darn book so I can actually afford to take time off and go to these places LOL. Maybe I will even get good enough at it that I won't sweat through my clothes each time!!!

Yet another one who is sad that there is no Boston stop....should we start a petition? =)

Bevvy, if you go to Fuego, get a Caipirinha and an order or two of Dream Dates.

Laurie - pay attention! Because when we are done - you will have tons of places to go in Atlanta alone!

congrats!!! hopefully you'll make your way to the northeast some time!

I'm putting Oct. 11 on my calendar!!! YAY! Frank and I will try to be there!!!!

Oh, these people have NO idea what they're in for! They think it's going to be an ordinary lil' booksigning, and you're going to have HORDES of people showing up wherever you go!!!!

I don't know why you're worried about meeting "strangers". It sounds like your scheduled stops are going to be attended by people you already "know" ... (your readers).

Unfortunately, I don't see a stop anywhere in Canada (let alone Toronto) so I'll just have to wish you good luck. If you need help deciding what to pack, just ask. We Canadians are experts on dressing for different seasons -- usually they happen in the same day up here. LOL

Yea! It's official! The Yarntopians in Katy are so jazzed that you are coming.

Amy

I'm going to try to make it ax the Sound to see you in Seattle :-)

Oh my gosh Laurie. I am hoping that you will make it to South Carolina sometime! It's so exciting isn't it?? Give 'em heck. I'm just sayin".

So exited you are coming to Minneasota. You will totally need your scaves and hats. We wont, but you being from California will. I love the MOA and totally know it like the back of my hand. Make sure they give you some time and don't try to wisk you away without shopping time. If you need a guide, I'm all over it. The wine store is right by Nordstrom Rack, where there are many, many sale shoes to be had. Can't wait, already put it on my calender!

Hi Laurie,

I will be at the Maga Mall to see you in October. Why didn'y your publicist have you come to one of our 25 yarn shops? Will you have enough time to break out & see some of them? If you like, I can play tour guide.

Kathy

PS I can even let you borrow a loaner cat.

I hope you get a chance to come to Charlotte NC. I'd love the chance to meet you in person. You'll know me - I'll be the one covered in cat hair.

Congrats on the book tour! I am so happy for you. ;)

Laurie, If you need a native guide while in MN I am volunteering! I'm so glad the "sprawl" is one of your stops. IKEA is walking distance from the MOA, FYI.

I will do what I can to guarantee snow, but you never know. It will probably be chilly so bring wool!

Kathy, my publicist is trying hard to work around my work schedule so I stay employed. I was not one of those authors who made a baziilion bucks on an advance and can loll around all day while the pool boy peels grapes for her to eat ... ;) Mmmm. Pool boy.

So they've tried hard to get me to a few places and clustered events close together. I think that week of Minn to nashville I'm on like eight planes in three days. Yikes.

We don't have any specificly wonderful foods in NJ that will still be around in October or November, but if you come next summer we can hook you up with the best tomatos on the planet!

I was diagnosed as agoraphobic last year. I wouldn't go anywhere but to work, my family's houses or if it was an unknown place (like Rhinebeck) I had to be going with someone "safe" (I went with a dear friend). With a lot of help, I'm a different person now than I was.

See - you're downright well adjusted compared to me!

Yay - you're coming to Minnesota!

In late October here, it might very well be snowing. You can positively wear your knitted goods.

Nothing in Wisconsin---no one ever comes here. You'd think that knitting folks would be excited to come to a state that's shaped like a mitten. We have bookstores, we read, we knit, and we drink wine and beer (besides having great cheese). Sigh......

Wow you are coming to MY TOWN!!! I can hardly wait. And, if you want to get healthier I will recruit you to Martial Arts!! Great exercize and the guys--buff and POLITE!! Plus, freaks people out when you knit while wearing your uniform and black belt.

Are you sure you don't need a personal assitant to follow you around and get you wine on demand.

I'm ret' to go and I'm cheap!

Maybe that isn't the best way to advertise...

Would it be possible for someone.........anyone.......to make a little clip for us to view on youtube?

I mean, since she's not coming to Ohio and where I live I could totally make it to Pittsburgh in, like, 40 minutes.

That way we could all share in the experience of meeting crazy aunt purl.

I. am. so. bummed. "doncha kno"

and don't everyone crowd around her at once. you'll scare her.

Hurray! I'm so excited you're coming to Seattle! Ooh, and if you have any fears of flying, get an acupuncturist to put eartacks in your hears. I know it sounds ridiculous, but it really works. Hurray for October!

I am so coming to see you in Portland!!!! And I'm bringing people!!!

I am so excited! Heck, when the Yarn Harlot came to Powells it was standing room only and she answered questions and I was all like, hey, you met CAP at the book thingie -- how was it! And 90% of the people in the room were all like "ya, uh-huh, how was it!" And she gushed a bit and said you were lovely. High praise from the Harlot!

I am so proud of you. 4 years ago I was in the same mess you were - man walked out, left me flat, couldn't eat, sleep, just smoked and cried. I did a fair amount of shopping at 7-11 too.

You inspire me! I've come a way long way too, but I don't have me a book tour! (maybe someday - sigh) but I got me a cat and I now knit!

Yea for you!

I wish I could see/meet you when you are in Seattle, but Wednesday's are my busiest day of the week.

I guess I'm gonna have to call myself "shari from Ohio"

Girl! You clearly need a personal assistant to travel with you to handle all the little details and make sure you're at your best at each stop...so talk to your publisher and hire me already!!

You'll be great. I know you will.

Laurie Girl, I am so proud of you! You deserve good things, and they will continue to come your way. I'm certain of it.
Bless you ♥

Could you get to the mid Midwest? (Indiana, Ky., or Ohio?

I've spent the last two hours online (at work, whoops!) trying to figure out how I could get close to one of your stops. Even considered driving to LA. (I don't even like driving down my own street.)

We'll all just have to buy enough books to get Laurie off work some more.

You rock! You are inspirational. (I'm not agoraphobic, never have been, but all God's chillun got issues.) I notice that your October-November are pretty well booked, as it were, so:

Please come to Boston in December...
(I could pretty much do this forever, couldn't I? Of course that would mean the song would be stuck in my head forever. The sacrifices I make for you.)

Lucia, I am working on Boston, I promise ;)

Hey Laurie, congrats on the tour. You are going to have so much fun!

You will be HERE, in my HOME STATE, in my HOME CITY, in just a MONTH! I will BE THERE! YAY!!!!!

I'm trying to think of how you'll know me. Um. Sadly I can't bring a hot boy in a red speedo holding a drink, anyway he'd freeze in Seattle weather in October. But I'll be there. And I promise I will introduce myself.

you are totally coming to my city- awesome. i am SO there.

When do you faoray into Canada? Montreal in particular? Its French AND it gets snow!! You'd love it Laurie!

You are talking to the best audiences in the world. Knitters and cat lovers. They are so nice to begin with that you can't do anything wrong. Plus look how excited everyone is to see you. This is love!

I mean, look at all the offers to wine and dine you.

I'll be at the Beaverton signing to cheer you on. Hope you get a little time to enjoy yourself!

PLEASE come to Broward County Florida. You'll be in Miami, cross the border and come to Broward! Broward County loves cats and wine much much more than Miami Dade County. Tell your agent!

See you in MN!

okay, now, who is your publicist? because i have to do something about the lack of kentucky in your tour. you need more kentucky.

Ok I have to point out that there is a whole lot of Texas that is nowhere near Houston or Katy. How about out El Paso way. As you may be able to tell I am just a little sad you will not be west of Katy.
I do applaud getting out the house and trying something brand new. I know how hard it can be, I gave up going out (except for getting pet food and sushi) for a long while after my best friend committed suicide and I quit a horrific job. I am still a homebody (I work from home) but I am able to go anywhere I want now when I want to.
Best wishes for your tour!

Can we get a date in Northern California, by any chance? I know we're all of 45 minutes by Jet Blue, but I think the hubby and baby would miss me too much if I left for the weekend!

The Mall of America is SO SCARY. I went once when I was in MN on business cause it was right across the street from our hotel and HELLO - MALL OF AMERICA. All I can say is there was some PRIME people watching going on over there.

Also, I second (third?) the vote for a Nor Cal / SF Bay Area date!!

Wow! Just think of all the airline mileage you will have!

Wow, You're coming to Portland, that is so cool!! Beaverton isn't my favorite area of town but I'll weather the nasty traffic and illegal immigrants just for you! I can't wait to get a copy of your book. Leave room in your suitcase for knitted gifts, hee hee. :x

Crap. The GROVE?! REALLY?! You are so tragically hip.

Oh man! I'm SO coming to see you at the Grove!!! I wonder if my copy of your book will have been delivered to my house by then so that I can get it signed... ;)

(hee-hee. You said BEAVERton!!!!)

Darn it...you are coming to Portland and I would have loved to meet you but alas, we will be at our snowbird house in Henderson by then. Will you be in Las Vegas any time soon????

But will it play in Peoria?!

You know, you're book tour would have conviniently coinsided with my vacation to LA that is until we had to cancel! Bah!! Congratulations though, you're going to do great, nervous sweating and all.

And I can complete relate to your agoraphobia and the laughing in thereof...

Yay for you! I hope I don't sound condescending, because I don't mean it like that, but I'm SO proud of you! I'd love to come and see you, but alas I have two jobs and will be working the evening of Oct 11. Rats!

Please come to Boston. (I'm singing it to you...) There is a wonderful, fantastic, gigantic DSW shoe warehouse in Boston. FOUR FLOORS from stilettos to flip flops!!! Or even Providence would work. There is a great outlet mall not far from my house with ALL kinds of shoes and designer bargains.

Seriously, congratulations!! This is so exiciting!

I grew up in Peoria. Trust me, we're not scary. And we might be startlingly like you--only without the southern accent. (Though they do have them in southern IL.) I'll have to give my Mom a heads up.

PRINCE has a store?!

And also, Psychomom is cheap!!!

I am so excited you will be at MOA. I will admit that I do not venture over there very often as it is a teensy bit overwhelming and all the people freak me out but I am getting myself psyched up for it. Be warned I just moved here from the south and I am already wearing my handknits, and it's only September (weather reported snow flurries this morning in the far north and it was 34 in Minneapolis when I drove to the airport at 5:30 this morning. Can't wait for the book signing :)

Oh! You are coming to Seattle! I've put your B&N date on the calendar. I was just down your way last week doing the Disney thing with my son. We just missed the hot, hot weather. I learned that Disney doesn't serve wine at the main park, but they do at California Adventure. They even have an exhibit devoted to wine there. (My son pointed that out..."Mommy, mommy look...there's something here you'll LOVE!") Thought you might like to know that too! :)

Yay! My CrazyAuntPurl book is being shipped soon! I can't wait! See you in Houston! My mom is so jealous...(she lives in the Dallas area)...

YOU, my dear, will get me to go to the Mall of America. You see, they do not sell yarn there (what can the powers that be be thinking). My ventures into that territory are limited to Nordstrom's, straight to the shoes, IKEA across the street, AND the old Thunderbird Hotel across the parking lot from IKEA - all the schlocky Native American funk you could shake a knitting needle at. We'll try to brew up a pre-Halloween blizzard just for you.

Laurie I really admire you for all that you have accomplished in the past few years - it's amazing! I discovered your blog when the book showed up on Amazon and have been lurking ever since - thinking, "wow, she's great - why don't I know her?" I am looking forward to reading your book and I am so hoping to meet you. Doesn't seem like it ought to be that hard since I "technically" live in Los Angeles also, just not in a place you probably want to go again - Catalina Island. (You do still have to take a boat to get there, or a helicopter - which is worse for some people). I wanted to commend you for timing your Los Angeles signing for the night before my 20 year high school reunion! But if I miss you at B&N, I'll just have to wait for some future opportunity to stalk you! (Nicely - with the best of intentions of course!)

DUDE - sign up NOW for a free coupon book to the MOA!!!

http://www.mallofamerica.com/couponbook.aspx

Laurie - I'll see you in Beaverton!!!! I'm sooooooo dang excited :-)

Congratulations and good luck on the tour. Too bad San Diego is not on the list, I hat that drive up to LA, but who knows, I may jump in my car and see you at the Grove. Susanne

oh, i can't WAIT 'til you get to NY!!!!

Well, I am just thrilled that you're coming to Minnesota! I'm a bit of a social recluse myself, but will definitely find my way to MOA (or TDM -"That Damn Mall" as I refer to it). Be sure to bring (or purchase) some comfy shoes. It's a lot of walking.

Can I throw in a lonely second vote for Denver? Please?

And - Powell's is the best bookstore on the planet (although I've never been to the Beaverton branch). Just had to get that out there.

Well, I am just thrilled that you're coming to Minnesota! I'm a bit of a social recluse myself, but will definitely find my way to MOA (or TDM -"That Damn Mall" as I refer to it). Be sure to bring (or purchase) some comfy shoes. It's a lot of walking.

Well first I'm just a little peevish that you are not coming to my town (or anywhere near me). St. Louis would be a great stop, smack dab in the middle (or close enough) of America! Harumph. Having had my pouty little say I'll move on and say MOA (Mall of America) is a place you will love. I actually (no kiddin' and I am proud as a peacock about this) I was the very first person, Numero Uno to spend money at the MOA when it was first built. I still have the booty and refuse to throw it away because it still gives me the wooglies just to claim such a feat! Really and truly. Back in the day I said I had my Black Belt in MOA. Now, very sadly, I have not been in probably 7 years. It almost makes me hang my head and weep for the sheer sadness of that statement!!! You will have a bang up time I assure you. Tips for you: buy it when you see it b/c you will never find your way back as you will forget where it is or not have the energy to track back! And purchase extra luggage before you leave. You'll need it. And you can buy those great little foldy bags there you know-- but because they already knew that you will need one the cost of such a bag is pretty silly. Bring your own. Or two. It is sort of crazy, I have seen grown women's eyes roll back in their head and they lose all semblance of sanity or budget. I know you will do just fine!

The Mall of America used to have its own Post Office, but unfortunately they closed it down a couple of years ago.

i saw a show on the MOA....they had a chapel and married people in it! for real! thats one step away from being married by elvis i think.
if you ever get back to the upper east coast....like JERSEY, i will come.
we also have weather. right now we have mosquitos. we will share them.
soon we will have beautiful Fall colors.
we dont need to knit to bitch. the new yorkers and jersey folks just plain BITCH! however, we will humor you with knitting if you would like...hee,hee,hee.

Holy Cathair, Batgirl, I am supposed to be at a wedding in Peoria on 10/27, do you think they will miss me? I think NOT! I hope to see you there, I know right where the Borders is! You GO girl!

So, when you come to Washington D.C.,give me a call. You can stay in a guestroom with your choice of cats. The refrigerator is full of wine.

Amazon.com suggested I'd like your book. I've been catching up with your blog but have slowed down to make it last....

We seem to have a lot in common. I'm divorced, etc,etc and love to laugh.

!!!!

I'm so excited. I hope that you have time to actually "see" portland. because beaverton isn't anything like portland. suburbs! i hate when they put my favorite authors out there. but i'll take the bus just to say Hi! (SO HAPPY)

Aw shucks, Monkeygurrl got there before me with the "will it play in Peoria" reference. Former Peorian here. You've probably met lots of Peorians, LA is lousy with them. I haven't been there in tons of years, but they should still have the humidity and plenty of fried foods. You'll love it. Try the beef there, steak or prime rib, soooo much better than the stuff we get in CA.

YAY!! IL!!! Peoria...hmmmmm...Oct. 27th.....hmmmmm....I smell a road trip!!!!!

You inspire me, Laurie. I've gone through a lot of the same fears that you've talked about. Not b/c of a divorce, but b/c of a major move to a VERY small town that made me feel isolated coupled with post partum depression. I got to the point where I was afraid to leave the house and my husband had to physically pull me out and make me go for short drives with him to get me back into the swing of things. I actually got to a point where not only did I not want to leave the house, but I didn't want to leave the bedroom; even the living room with all it's windows seemed to big and open for me to be comfortable with.
I so admire how you've figured out your problem and taken steps to help yourself. I'm so proud of you!!!

Do you know that the mall for the B&N in downtown Seattle has a skybridge connecting it to the flagship Nordstrom's? You could buy shoes on a 15 minute break.

See you in October.

Wow that's a tour! Good for you! I live about 10 minutes from the Mall of America and go there all the time and sometimes I still get lost in there, I always bring my cell phone to call my husband to help me get out alive. I've lost my car there for days.
(just kidding) Seriously, it's a blast there. I will stop by and see you in Minnesota on Oct. 25th!

oh yay! Hello from Nashville. Can I just tell you - I love the Smashing Pumpkins but never got to see them live and I have tickets for their show here in Nov. and I think I'm more excited about you coming to Nashville!
I will so be there. When I see your post show up in my bloglines it makes my day!
I am a fellow knitter, graphic designer, cat lover and clutter addict in recovery! I can't wait!!!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE come to Boston (sounds like a song...).We have some great wine here!

Cool! I will be Grove-in' it in L.A.!

Hi Laurie
I'm so glad you're coming to MN. I kind of dislike The Mall, but I'll go there to see you! I guess I'm not the only one, looks like you have a lot of MN fans. Anyone want to have a gathering? With wine? Including you, Laurie of course!!

Excellent shoe shopping at MOA! Great restrooms at Nordstrom, coffee at Caribou, makeup at Sephora, great bath stuff at Basin and beads at Bead It. No yarn but we can only live in hope. Can't wait to see you - too bad you won't be there for the MN Knitters' Guild Knit out on Oct. 7.

What about CANADA? We love you here too. You're like a Canadian, only you have a cute accent!

Hi Laurie-
I am de-lurking or un-lurking or whatever it's called to welcome you to MN and the crazy MOA. I am re-arranging my schedule to come see you!! Bring warm clothes and a nice knitted roll-brim hat to wear... I love your blog and can't wait for your book! See you in October.

YAY! portland!

No San Francisco?!?!?!?

Portland is awesome; you'll love it. And I love only a few miles away from the Beaverton Powell's; yay! I will definitely have to go there that day.

And speaking as a (former) Minnesotan -- Minnesota is wonderful. So is the Mall of America. There are little 'street signs' there and everything. And hey - maybe you'll get lucky and it will be really warm (like, in the 40s or 50s! In the spring, that's t-shirt weather ;) )

I can't tell you how excited I am you are coming to WA :) It will be worth the hour drive in crazy traffic into the city.

You will LOVE MN. Pack your suitcase and then put it into a larger suitcase. That way there's plenty of room to bring back shoes :) And I'm sure you'll see snow. I went in April and got stuck in a blizzard. I thought it was great, we don't get much snow here either. My friends from MN thought I was certifiably NUTS

Ms. Laurie, Ms. Laurie, can you help me with your homework.

A = Amazon says the book is being released on 10/15.
B = Your Grove book signing is on 10/11.
C = Fans want to buy your book for book signing.
D = Book Purchase for book signing.

How does A + B / C = D

Word problems make my head hurt.

I have a stupid question, I just realized:

Do we have to buy the book at where it's getting signed? `cause it's kind of hard to pre-order it, like Jenna pointed out.

How come you won´t be in Paris? Or Köln? Or maybe Berlin? Or anywhere on this side of the atlantic ocean? Just kidding. But maybe I should think of flying to the US just to hear you. And let you sign my copy.

Just noticed the lack-of-book-to-sign conundrum too. Extra sucky = driving to the Grove takes like two hours from OC. Doh.

Perhaps on the return trip from the book tour will include an extra visit to a location in Orange County. Maybe involving the beach? And bikinis? And I guess hot guys for the ladies.

Now that's how you sell books. The beach. Bikinis. Hot guys (and hot girls too, please).

Ooooh, you're coming here! The bad news is, while you're in the Pacific Northwest, I have other engagments of a school variety. Nuts! But both those bookstores are amazing and fabulous, and I'm sure the locals will show you some non-creepy love!

I may have to send a stand-in on my behalf. Is that too weird?

Girl, I am sooooooo there at the Seattle event! :)

And if you (and your publicist) need a place to stay in Seattle, I've got two large and cozy guest bedrooms available, in a house with a big ole view of the downtown skyline, close to downtown and just 20 minutes easy access from the airport. (Depending on when you get in, I could also throw in a tour of the Microsoft campus, complete with company store visit...I'm just saying.)

Seriously, whereever you go, you're going to be in front of FRIENDS. Knitting friends. LOTS of knitting friends. You're going to have a blast, and so will all the lucky folks who get to be your audience. :)

(The place to stay offer is serious. :))

Hey I am from Minneapolis, recently moved out East to pursue a job. Anyways you will love the mall of America. However no trip to Minneapolis is complete without a trip to my favorite yarn store in the whole wide world, the crafty Planet. Here is their website www.craftyplanet.com. Tell Matt and Trish Jean sent you.

Have fun and safe travels.

What about Arkansas? There's lots of good stuff here (even wine!)...heck, I'd even settle for Memphis (to second the vote from an earlier comment)!

In all seriousness...congratulations on your book and tour; it's very exciting. Many **wishes** for continued future successes!

What - no stop off on the East Coast at all?? Come to DC - I'll give you an exciting tour of the federal building where I work ;)

Please add Atlanta when you can!

OH YAY! I haven't read through all 253 comments but I did see there are some others here from Minnesota that are eager to welcome you to the Land of 10,000 Sweaters.

I have it on my calendar and can't wait to say "Hey!"

Wow — an actual book tour in this day and age. You are a lucky, lucky woman. If you were coming anywhere near me, I would come out and sweat nervously with you. I wish you the very best of not only luck but happiness and fabulousness on this grand tour that so few every get the opportunity to have.

Please, oh please come to CT or at least NYC!! Love you!!

but..but..you're not coming to Michigan!?!? why not? come to Michigan! we have yarn stores and cats and wine!

Chattanooga? c'mon, you've mentioned us in your blog!!! if not we may try to hit nash... congrats!!!!

Yay! I was hoping you would have a book tour. But you have to come to more places on the East Coast!

And a complete aside: I have to say how much I love reading your blog, and how helpful it has been. I guess maybe I am where you were a few years ago. You're like a motivational speaker for me. You probably don't believe it, but you always say the right thing. :)

Yea you! I hope your publisher will add some southern stops to your tour!

I live & work in the Minneapolis area and am a regular visitor to the Mall of America. Yes, there is a roller coaster--it used to be Camp