Now I'm gonna have to go to my local Wal-Mart to see if I can find the book there!

LOVE the shoes! OMG! (what size are they?)

Latest and greatest. Well, if that doesn't say it all, I don't know what does.

I'm just sayin'.

{{nice shoes!!}}

Lisa -- I wear an 8.5 or 9, those are an 8.5, why... are you insinuating that I have THE BIGGEST FEET EVER? Because I do have me some sturdy feet. Indeed.

And if you ever appear on Oprah, I might have to actually watch the show. But I draw the line at "dr." Phil.

You know, every time I see retail 'hand' knits, my first thought is "I can do that for WAY less than they're charging".

So, I never buy any of it, but then I never get around to knitting it, either.

It's probably for the best - I'd be up to my eyeballs in knit stuff otherwise.

Monkey, I love that you have your limits ;)

See, who needs knee-high boots when you can have argyle shoes. Those are super cute. And I feel you about the sick. I've had a sinus infection for five whole days. At least I got to stay home from work for two of them.

Go Mom and Dad!!!

Got my copy two days ago!!! See yuns at The Grove!!!

Sorry you are under the weather - get better soon! Those shoes are dreamy, they would be hard to take off...even at the 8 minute mark. I might have to put one in the middle of the kitchen table for awhile. I love that raised left eyebrow on Dallas...does he know he's famous in your column? tee hee

I have never seen argyle dress pumps before! Cool! And your folks are so sweet, putting your book up there with Cormac McCarthy and all. And, yeah, go pimp-suited weather forecasters! We need one of those here.

I went to look for it at Borders, (cause my local didn't have it yet), and they had one copy, with the cover all bent up (so people have been perusing it!) The girl who helped me find it said that their computer showed it shouldn't be out on the shelves until the 15th, so I had to pretend she didn't know about that fact!

(I couldn't buy it yet--have to wait for the next paycheck. But I know at least a few places where it isn't and one place where it is, in reasonable driving distance).

Peggy -- I can guarandamntee you that you can knit that purse for less than what it's being retailed for ... $400 at Bloomies. Yup.

Jill, I am so excited to meet you, be sure to tell me it's the real true-life Jill of the Valley so I know who you are!!

look at you and your funky shoes are you not the cutest!
Finished the book, loved it...am torn about whether to pass it on or hoard jealously...

3 cheers for the argyle shoes, muy caliente!!!

I love the shoes! Cnapters / Indigo in Canada sent my copy and I received it yesterday!

Your parents are wonderful.

Love the shoes. Feel better soon. Can't wait to meet you. I will bring extra kleenex for you!

Look how close I am to the top of the comments. Wow!

I finished your book last week and now I can't wait for your next one!

Love those argyle shoes! And your feet are not as sturdy as mine. I wear a 10.

What is it with weathermen and odd names? One of our weather guys here in Atlanta is "Flip Spiceland".

Dallas Raines looks like an Oompa Loompa crime boss. Or a villian from Batman. The bat signal could appear on the map behind a cold front. He even has a good comic book name! Dallas Raines is The Weatherman! Controling storm clouds, creating too much heat and drying out Gothom! Cue the Batman theme!

*Cute shoes btw!*

Aren't my folks the funniest? I swear, I got their pictures and about died laughing. I could actually picture them scooping up all the copies from some far-off dark corner of the store and re-positioning them with pride. The fact that they do not mind the world knowing I was drunk, am divorced, and walk around with a fine patina of dander and fuzz is a remarkable thing.

Dallas Raines looks like an Oompa Loompa crime boss. Or a villian from Batman. The bat signal could appear on the map behind a cold front. He even has a good comic book name! Dallas Raines is The Weatherman! Controling storm clouds, creating too much heat and drying out Gothom! Cue the Batman theme!

*Cute shoes btw!*

Parents - the Marketing Secret Weapon! I heard of one author's parents who had t-shirts made with the book cover on them, and then wore them all the time. I'm just sayin' is all... One can also use those computers in bookstores, search for your book, and when the cover is all displayed full screen for all passers-by to see, casually saunter away... Not that I have been doing that or anything... la la...

Awesome shoes!

You mean 8.5-9 isn't dainty? Cinderellaish? And here I've been deluding myself all these years. So what did you wear with those fabo shoes? I'm sure it was far more fashion-forward than Dallas's latest get-up.

my mom does the same damn thing to me. "what do you mean you don't remember so-and-so, they came to our tailgate that one time back at that one place." mind you, i wasn't at that tailgate, but i usually just play along and agree.

I am way, way excited about your book, Laurie! I'm actually getting it today, after suffering through school and a job application (at Hobby Lobby! Where yarn flows free as milk and honey!). Also, I am strangely addicted to using exclamation points today! Forgive me!

Have a nice day!

my mom does the same damn thing to me. "what do you mean you don't remember so-and-so, they came to our tailgate that one time back at that one place." mind you, i wasn't at that tailgate, but i usually just play along and agree.

Oooooh, I love to rearrange the items at Wal-Mart....or Target, Publix...anywhere I go, really. I also play a game with my Mom called "Fill the cart up with stuff that you like and then leave it in the middle of the store for someone else to go through while you walk out purchasing nothing and saving TONS of money!!!"

Oh, try some tea for your sinus infection - "Throat Coat", you can usually get it in the organic section, or in a health food store. It will help break up the gunk once it starts going to your throat. And it tastes like licorice. It's really good.

Those are some seriously cute shoes. I am now emitting a strong greenish glow and must get over to Zappos immediately.

P.S. I'm about a third of the way through the book and you're killing me already. My fiance thinks I'm crazy--laughing out loud with tears streaming down my face.

Sorry about the anon post, I forgot to put my name in and thought "stop" on my browser would work.

LOVE THOSE SHOES!

MY shoe size is 8.5 also! If you are wearing those shoes when you come to Peoria, you may wind up losing them - - somehow - - they may end up in MY closet - - somehow . . .

I'm just sayin' is all! :-)

No problem Carrie the server appears to be weird today, maybe it has a cold too, the comments are double-posting. Fun. Gnomes.

Laurie, you dont have big feet. I DO!

I wear size 9 1/2. A size that the shoe companies apparently dont believe anyone wears.

I can almost never find shoes...at least not nice fancy dress up shoes.

The shoe companies will produce hundreds of shoes in sizes up to size 9. Then they will make something like 5 or 6 shoes in size 9 1/2. They ship them out to the stores. The odds of finding one of the size 9 1/2's in a store in a town where you live is pretty bad. I probably have a better chance at winning powerball than finding a woman's shoe in size 9 1/2 wide in any store in a 50 mile radius.

So, I dont wear nice shoes. I wear my Crocs as my everyday shoes...and as my nice shoes for when I have to get dressed up.

If I want to buy sneakers, I actually have to buy MEN'S SNEAKERS because all the really cool women's sneakers with the neat colors like pink and purple ones with the cool blinky lights in the heels (I can be such an 8yr old when it comes to buying sneakers) are not offered in size 9 1/2 (yet they'll skip right up to 10 and higher, totally bypassing me and my feet)

and of course, men's sneakers are not cool. They dont get the cool blinky lights in the heels, and they are definately not pink and purple...they dont even actually fit me (they come closer than the women's shoes at least)

If I ever get married (that's a big IF) I'll probably buy a dress that covers my feet so that no one will be able to see my feet...so that I can wear 2yr old Croc shoes and at least be comfortable without having to search for wedding shoes that fit for years before I even get asked by someone to marry them.

Oh, I'm halfway thru with the blook (blog + book, it's like having a paper copy of your blog) I love how you write...it's funny, even in the sad parts, yes, I'm weepy in all the appropriate places, while giggling too.

As if Dallas' outfit wasn't enough, what is up with his hair? Whoever up there said Oompa Loompa is right, he's like the Oompa Loopa Godfather. LOL. Your parents are so sweet! And love the shoes, I want to know what you wore with them, too!

Awesome shoes! Shoes like that might convince me to wear heels again! (It takes some amazing shoes to make a person with sciatica put on anything that doesn't have a perfectly flat heel.)

Haven't found your book locally yet, though I've been looking. I even looked in the self-helpy section when it wasn't in the knitting section, just in case the bookstores were run by nerds who didn't know who you are. I don't usually shop at WalMart, but I may have to run in! :)

ErinLindsey, I have you all beat, I wear a 10.5, sometimes an 11. The next time you are looking at shoes, notice that there are NO 10.5s to be had ANYWHERE and rarely are there 11s. My feet grew by a size and a half when I was pregnant.

Laurie, I am boycotting amazon because they still have not sent me my goshdarned book. I am cancelling my order and heading to B&N today.

I got my book at B&N last night. I'm already on page 88. I'm reading during our school time (I homeschool). Shhh! What? You can't figure out the factors of 32? Can't you see I'm reading? I need to see what happens at Amber's party!

Just kidding. I did reluctantly put the book down to show kiddo #1 how to figure out those pesky factors. ;)

Laurie, I love the book. You're a doll. I'm mostly certain I'm going to get to the Miami Book Fair to meet you. :)

size 11 wides arriving at the party... I've given up on girl-shoes completely. Mostly I wear black Danskos in 43 with jeans or black pants, and I plan my clothes to go with my shoes... pretty sad.
My copy of the BOOK came from Amazon yesterday and I finished part 1 for bedtime reading. I love the honesty of your voice in the book. Its hard to read too much at once because the feelings are so strong. I'm glad I found you.

I am a bit concerned that the driver who doesn't know where she's going also doesn't like to keep her hands on the wheel. (assuming it's a girl because most bugs have female drivers.)

I LOVE LOVE those shoes! I also love the book! I might have to go now before I get all squeeling fangirl at you.

And I agree. Parents really are the best marketing device of all.

I have to buy size 8 unless I find 7.5 wide. My feet are square 4X4's. I don't know if I could pull off those cute argyle shoes but I do love my faux snake skin ballerina flats I bought recently.

I started reading your book last night but had to stop at least three times due to ugly crying.

I have no idea where I'm going either.

I saw a bumper sticker I liked the other day, it read:

I'm not mean
You're just a sissy

I plan on using it on my boys.

Those are fabulous shoes, and I'm not usually a shoe person (9 wide, for those keeping track).

I ordered the book Monday from Amazon and got it yesterday. My husband thinks I'm crazy because I keep laughing my ass off.

Cinder-fricken-rella (size 5) checking in here saying ROCK ON WITH YOUR 8.5'S. I cannot find cute argyle shoes in size 5, or any other shoe in size 5 for that matter. Although I always have my choice of Barbie, Dora or sequined-glitter kids shoes. At least I have that going for me. I ordered your book from Amazon and wanted to say you make me snort diet coke out my nose EVERY day. Cannot wait for your book.

LZ

Laurelle! I too have 10 1/2.

I know so many companies that make half sizes up to 10 and then IF they make larger sizes they are only whole sizes in the ugliest styles. I can't tell you the anger I get when I look at Steve Madden shoes online and know I can never hope to squeeze into them. I really can't decide which is worse.... 1/2 size too small or 1/2 size too big. Either way is no good. WTF is WRRRONG with shoe merchandisers????? Waaaaaaa!

(Try Nine West ONLINE.... they DO have 10.5 in many styles)

Laurie, "I'm just sayin is all" is like the awesomest catch phrase evar! I've started saying it too and people are noticing!!!

Laurelle! I'm a 10 1/2 too!

I know so many companies that make half sizes up to 10 and then IF they make larger sizes they are only whole sizes in the ugliest styles. I can't tell you the anger I get when I look at Steve Madden shoes online and know I can never hope to squeeze into them. I really can't decide which is worse.... 1/2 size too small or 1/2 size too big. Either way is no good. WTF is WRRRONG with shoe merchandisers????? Waaaaaaa!

(Try Nine West ONLINE.... they DO have 10.5 in many styles)

Laurie, "I'm just sayin is all" is like the awesomest catch phrase evar! I've started saying it too and people are noticing!!!

$400?!?!? Holy overpriced kitsch, Batman! I knew there was a reason I never shop at Bloomie's, besides the fact that it's way out of my territory.

I finished your book! I loved it! (Surprise!) I got a total kick out of the book-club questions.

My feet, currently encased in Keen sandals, bow before your feet and their vastly superior ability to sacrifice comfort for beauty.

Fom now on, everytime I'm in a store that sells books I will be sure to move at least one copy of your book to that first table by the door that everyone goes to :-) Maybe I'll put a big post-it note on it that says "Buy me, you know you want to"

I don't mean to get all Carrie Bradshaw about those shoes but they are flippin' amazing. (I would never be able to find any in my size because I wear a 7.5 and I guess that is the most common shoe size of all.) They have a certain harlequin mystery to them.

I didn't get my book at Wal-Mart because someone said that WM sales don't count on the New York BestSellers list or am I having another brain-fart?

Are you getting excited yet? All those plane rides, all those days, all those stores........... Don't forget to breath.....

Still wish you was comin' to Ohia

Ok. So I haven't bought the book yet. I've been meaning to, honest. I was SO excited about it coming out. But I didn't want to pre-order, cause I try to save that sort of obsessiveness for my King collection (as in Stephen-the-god-of-books-I-can't-put-down-I've-got-a-whole-bookcase-dedicated-to-him-King, in case you were wondering.) Sooooo I waited. And when word got out that it was out on shelves, I checked my local Books-a-Million. Cause, well surely one of those million books is written by my favorite blogger, who I still read even though I gave up on knitting like a year and a half ago (sorry stash, you didn't hear that....). Anywho, I go to BAM and they didn't have it. Grrrrr... that was their third strike in a row with me, so I decided I would order it online. But.... I've been trying to get out of the habit of paying shipping and handling on things just cause I'm too lazy to get off my ass and go to the store. (Or maybe I was too lazy to get up and get my credit card all the way from across the room...er, I digress.) But if your book can now be found in the haven of one-stop mass consumerism that is otherwise known as Wally World (ya'll have heard it called that, right?), well it's time to get off my butt and pick the damn thing up.

Anyone need anything while I'm there? Yarn? a ham? light bulbs? Diet Coke?

Love the knitted purses, but all I can think is -- man, I would be snagging that thing on everything! I adore your shoes -- possibly the cutest heels ever! Only in L.A. could a weatherman with that hair and that suit keep his job!

That totally ROCKS that your book is in Walmart! Now, you won't keep it a secret when Oprah has you on her show, will you? I'm thinking maybe you need to send a signed copy to Gayle King (she's a divorcee, too, dontcha know). That'll surely get you on the Oprah show!

What bothers me more than Dallas Raines' suit is his hair, is that the look he was going for? I'm just sayin' is all.

Oh and Erin, I am with you on the size 9 1/2 shoes. Why is it they are only in Wide width when you do find them... My feet are big, but narrow. At least at the heels. *snicker* my docter once said I had duck feet.

*out the door to Wally World*

Sorry about the virus, Laurie. It's going around SoCA right now and it lasts about a week. I just got over it.

Bought your book at B&N last week. I'm saving it to read on the plane - going to Boston later this month.

Dallas Raines used to be cute, but now? Not so much. And that jacket has GOT to go. I mean, who shot the drapes?

Note: rearranging things on the shelves at stores (or even worse... abandoning carts full of stuff for the employees to put back) means that all of the lovely, underpaid employees are going to have to stay HOURS after store closing to put things back. I work at a Target, and after the store closes at 10, we are often there until midnight doing reshop (putting things back in the right place). After working 8-10 hour days. We don't get over time, but we can't leave until its done. All thanks to our very kind guests who abandon shopping carts, or bring a cart load to the register and then decide they only want 3 things because they lack the basic math skills to determine that they don't have enough money to pay for all of it.

Wal-Mart? You've hit the big time, babe.

Absolutely awesomely adorable shoes, Laurie! The little red lace up bows just make the shoes. And in my exact size...hmmm...be like Dorothy and don't let them off your feet!

Sorry you're under the weather, but I have just one piece of advice for you - take Airborne. I swear by it and haven't been sick in years. Hope you feel better very soon because I can't wait to meet you at the Grove next week, book in hand!

And wear the shoes!

Hey Trisana - if your employer is not paying your overtime for anything exceeding 8 hours it is completely illegal and you should complain to your states labor board.

Laurie - THE SHOES!!!! Holy cow those are amazing! Care to divulge the brand?

1. Love the argyle....
2. When I was in The Apple Store (a very cool place) I put my webpage up on any of the computers I could get my paws on.
3. Loving your book! Including your disclaimer.

HEY... those shoes would go PERFECTLY with the red leg warmers from back in the day.. You could make that newscaster SO jealous :)

those shoes rock. i love a fun shoe!

and your parents are awesome. if i come across your book i am going to move it to the top shelf too! front and center!

Clearly, I was too early on the East Coast. Neither Borders nor Wal-Mart had your book when I looked two weeks ago. Borders SAID they had it and I could find it in the knitting section. If they had it it was either (1) sold out or (2) NOT in the knitting section! :) Our Wal-Mart didn't have it yet at all... now we are a small-ish Wal-Mart, so perhaps were are the last that get deliveries here - so I'll take another look this weekend! :)

'DALLAS RAINES?" Is that really his name? Holy "Anchorman!"

I already told you, but I loved the book. I read it in one evening and morning.

Yeah... book for sale and in public! Way to go!

By the way, my copy of the book just arrived in the mail yesterday. Which is good.. since, I can't knit right now due to a 'left thumb injury' involving the tendons in the saddle joint.. yep, that joint that attaches your thumb to your hand..

Now, I know it's the left thumb and all- and you'd think.. "I'm sure it hurts, but.. that LEFT hand hardly does anything at all when you're knitting. After all, it's just really an assistant to keep the knitting off the floor."

Well, let's just say-- I did make a point to ask the doctor if I could knit.. (hey, come to think of it.. maybe, I shouldn't HAVE askED- because that might not be the first thing that a doctor tells you not to do, right?) Ok, the truth is.. even if he hadn't TOLD ME I COULDN"T KNIT.. I did try it and.. guess what? "IT seems that even though it appears that the LEFT HAND is merely holding your knitting while the RIGHT HAND does all the 'worker bee' like work.. apparently, you

need those tendons to actually DO THE HOLDING PART!

SO, I am happy to report.. that eVEN though I'd love to be knitting.. I can now focus on your book. *That's the make lemonade out of lemons part..

(It's only been a week of non-knitting and let's just say.. I really, really want to knit bad. Can one be adicted to knitting? Humm?)

Congratulations.. and I just didn't notice a stop in KOREA for your book tour. Maybe it was a mis-print? ;D

Forget looking like a pimp. Dallas is full-out looking like an aging hooker!

I got your book yesterday and read it cover to cover. LOVED IT! And speaking of pumps or pimps - I pimped you out on my blog today. :)

My daughter's ex-boyfriend once got thrown out of Wal Mart for rearranging the stock in the middle of the night during a bipolar episode (this in an open 24 hours Wal Mart). He was probably putting like colors together - which would have made for interesting shopping.

Love the shoes!

OMG, I'm on my way to WalMart!!!

Looking at those shoes, I feel a CHA-CHA comin' on!

My fave method of shoe photography:
Press self-timer, place camera on floor and step back.
:0)

Am I the only one seeing bullet holes on the back of that bug? Forget not know where he's going. I'm more interested in where he's BEEN. And is he giving you the finger? I gotta get a bigger monitor.

Dallas Raines has awesome Hair Product. By the way, If Bossy ever writes a book, can she borrow your parents for the purposes of shelving?

I love the shoes! I could never wear them, because I can't walk in even the shortest heel without falling over. But they're super cute.

I was reading a book called Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen the other day and thought of you. There's a character in there who's totally you in another 50 years. I'm just sayin'.

Don't you just love weathermen? Here in Houston we have a guy named Cassanova Nurse. No lie.

Here's a sad sad story: We just got a new super wal-mart opened up here! (i'm not at the sad part yet!) anyway, every time I've gone there, I've SCOURED the book section, no cat hair! Can't find it. anywhere. Saddening. Considering that's the only place around for miles and miles that actually carries any kind of book selection.

Firstly, I hope you feel better. I will send get better thoughts your way.

Secondly, I can't stand seeing the book all over the place when I ordered it over two months ago and my account on Amazon still says it will ship October 25! Are Wal Mart and Barnes and Noble trying to torture me? Huh, are they huh huh? Arghh!

Those shoes are the cutest! And your parents rock. :)

By the way, I saw this story on the CNN Political News ticker and thought of you. (That's not weird, right?)

"Former Vice President Al Gore is expected to make an appearance on the NBC comedy show "30 Rock" in November."
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2007/10/04/nbcs-30-rock-to-get-a-dose-of-gore/

You must tell me - if you ever watch cbs2 news, does the man formerly known as the anchor god (I'm not kidding) Mr. Paul Magers still wear his pimpalicous suits, wild ties, and occasionally slip into his Elvis impression when signing off....

I miss me some Paul Magers.

Finally, something good to say about Walmart!

And please wear those hot shoes at your appearances!

I came home to your book on Monday evening after work and I finished it yesterday! You do have a talent for writing and hope there will be some type of 2nd book.

Please come to Atlanta and my little LYS, Knitch. You know The Yarn Harlot came to Knitch and 700 knitters came to met her. Hint, hint.

Sassy shoes! I love it!

I did my part at B&N! I bought EVERY COPY of DD&CiCH they had. OK they only had 2 but that store is showing a run on that book! With any luck they'll order 4 this week!

Those shoes are fabu!!!

Ah, the big thing is, see, your book is right under the sign reading "LATEST AND GREATEST"! Which is right where it should be, what with truth in advertising and all that stuff. Now I'm going back to read all the other comments.

Wow, shelved next to Cormac McCarthy, that's somethin' all right. With folks like that who needs a PR department. Love those argyles!

http://www.mediabistro.com/galleycat/behind_the_deal/forget_your_troubles_cmon_get_happy_68308.asp

Gretchin Rubin's website (The Happiness Project) today referenced the above URL because she is getting a book published. I wrote him and e-mail and told him about YOU because he also publishes pictures of cats on his blog (and hoping he might mention your book if he knows about it).

I did it because of the picture of your book at Wal-Mart. Your parents rock.

i just got your book from amazon, can't wait to read it!!

Risha, when I do find women's shoes in 9 1/2, they never have the wide size for me. Where do you shop that you can find 9 1/2W?????

My feet have always been huge...and flat...and I've got either arthritis in my big toes, or some weird thing that Multiple Sclerosis does that makes my feet hurt all the time. Which is probably the reason why men's shoes always feel better on my feet. Lots of room and padding in men's sneakers.

Winter is coming, and I HAVE to buy new sneakers. I wore out my last pair so much that there are holes in the bottoms! And, I still wear them because I cant find new ones that I like.

People always look at me weird when I'm shopping for sneakers in the men's department...which makes me feel weird. They also look at me funny when I try on clothes from the men's department too. (men's clothes are usually cheaper, and fit me better) Altho, at WalMart, I've been pretty lucky to actually find stuff that fits me in the women's department. I actually bought a skirt the other day! A skirt that had a print design on it that I actually liked! (black, with what looks like red roses on it.) I have a great black shirt that I bought in the men's department that will go great with it!

Those are truly amazing shoes. Damn!

Also? Here in Victoria, BC we have your book coming into Bolen's Bookstore soon.
They have my name on a list.
I'm getting impatient.

From one Laurie (future) Perry to another?
You totally rock. I hope Oprah DOES have you on her show as a shining example of lemons to lemonade, my dear.

First, the shoes are AH AH AH - some. Those are shoes that say, "Buy me a drink because I know how to rock this joint!" - or something that is not offensive to you but still conveys your partyliciousness. I just love rad shoes.

BTW: Are your parents for hire? I'm sure there are some other new authors out there who could take advantage of their services. And really, does someone with a Pulitzer really need help marketing a book? Shouldn't they *just know* how with their big Prize and what not?

I LOVE THOSE SHOES!!

I haven't lived in LA since 1989 and Dallas Raines was a weather guy back then! He has that ageless, perpetually tan George Hamilton look about him (in a pimp suit)...Sorry about the cold, zinc lozenges and the antibiotic Levaquin for 7 days. Yes I know it's a virus and antibiotics don't do anything, but I think this stuff is a miracle drug. Love the shoes. :-)

Great taste in shoes! I have them in blue and brown and will be wearing them in a wedding this weekend. Think I'll distract from the bride? Just kidding but not really. :)

Just found your blog and now I can buy a book! WOW, you go girl!

DE-LURKING (A DAY LATE, OF COURSE) TO SAY LOOOOVE THE SHOES!!!!!!!!

PS.... I TOTALLY think I could make a bag like that! I have tons of lovely buttery soft Italian leather scraps (my BF works in a furniture show room) and a ginormous grommet dye. I'm just sayin is all. ;)

I read mine cover to cover last night.. and enjoyed EVERY minute of it!! YAY for you.

Love the shoes!! (The Husband, less so, but he wouldn't be the one wearing them, now would he.)

And how sweet is your mom!!

OK, I confess...I take pictures of stuff at craft fairs (cuz you know I think I could so make "that", but never do) and tell the vendor that my Mom/sister/great Aunt was too sick/in the hospital/broke her ankle and couldn't come with me. I know, I'm going to a special kind of hell.

Eileen, i will so be joining you in that special hell.

OMG!!! Where did you find those shoes?
I want some!

Laurie.

I must have those shoes. Tell me where you got them!!!!

I get picked on by my so-called-normal friends for reading blogs as avidly as I do - but honey you're my new favourite 'cause I love southern humor and you've got it in spades. I'm in stitches most days when I read this thing.

Anywho, I'm not a big fan of pumps generally, but I think I would kill for that particular pair. I wouldn't kill you of course - I'm just saying.

Crazy Aunt Purl, if you wear those argyle shoes when you come to the MOA, I may just have to sic one of my kitties on you so I can get the shoes, even though they aren't in my size.

I am the queen of argyle.

By the way, I bought my cat a cable-knit sweater for her birthday at PetSmart and she likes it. Will this count for the sweater wearing contest? Hee hee.

http://thatrudegirl.blogspot.com/2007/10/guess-whos-three.html

wait. found it on zappos!

I found them at DSW, but you can get them online at zappos.com, too:

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7354997/c/144.html

I love the brown ones, too!

The book is here! The book is here! The book is here!

And I have 50 gajillion things to stress out over, get done, fix, create and otherwise attend to, and all I want to do is read The Book! It's here!!!111elevenoneOMGWTFBBQ

But first is a yoga class ... where I will desperately try not to bust out laughing during downward dog ... you slay me, girl!

I should get the Tiffany Blue and brown argyle shoes, then I could match my cat's sweater!

Buying these shoes would be impractical because they look like they'd hurt my feet. I need to try shoes on in person so I can test them out. Even when I test them out, they usually still end up hurting my feet the first, second and last time I wear them!

Laurie, I finished the book and love it.
While reading, my heart was breaking and then it was lifted. I'm so proud of you and your trip from the depths and how you are helping others who are traveling in a similar path.

I'm still trying to figure out how to get to see you in Nashville, 8 hours away. *sigh*

OMG, Great shoes!

Mom & Dad rock the walmart house. That was cool!

And you did a fantastic job on the book. I am totally enjoying it!

If there is one thing I love more than knitting (and books and my kitchenaid artisan stand mixer in imperial grey) it is SHOES. And I LOVE ARGYLE! I especially love high heels. So combine my serious love of argyle with high heels and I MUST HAVE THOSE!!!!

And YAY for mom rearranging Wal-Mart. I won't tell the BIL who does marketing for them - he is in dry grocery anyway :)

This is such a relief because let me tell you there were many a wine-drenched evening when I was like, "What am I doing? This is an awful book. I can't write a book. Was I crazy? I hate this book. I want to write fiction, HAPPY fiction!" hahahahaha

But seriously, thank you. It was like when my Grandma said, "I'm so relieved that it's good so I don't have to lie and try to make you feel better." WHEW!!!!!

i was in Borders Books last week, and looked for you on the new release table....not there. Did i miss you? or have they not shipped Borders yet? what about Barnes & Noble?

btw: that newcaster looks like he belongs hawking skin care/ crap jewelry or cheap fasions on QVC, NOT a newsman at all! he looks tacky and too make-upped.....tee,hee,hee...does he talk with a fake euro accent too?

Hey that looks just like the walmart i found the book in, strange...hehe..
You know that news guy should go to memphis the pimp look is alive and well there, the difference is that you see it on real pimps that stand by the door of the club wearing jerry curl and purple crocodile shoes and yell at you as you go to leave, "Hey girl, I know you aren't leaving without talk'n to me!" (hell yes I am!)

...wine-drenched evening....

Yes, is that a problem?

So last night I was knitting and reminded my husband that next week I am going to The Grove to see you. He asked what the name of your book is and when I told him, he looked a bit shocked, taken aback, really - and sort of muttered "How prophetic".....

I actually think he thought I was making up the book's title and was being mean about having my knitting interupted! (Plus he isn't too thrilled with the 7 cats here).

Can I go on your book tour with you?!? I can be a groupie! (Or a shill)!

my book came this afternoon!
I'm on page 111 already. loving it. I'm laughing, I'm crying, I'm planning my next knitting projects.

I hope when you come to San Francisco on your book tour you don't mind the small smears from the sweet potato I was eating while reading it.

ooh. la. la. Those are some schmexy schoes.

How awesome to see your book at WalMart! My ex was a videogame designer, and we put his game front and center in every single store we went to.

Lately, when I watch Dallas Raines, I think that he has decided to stop dyeing his hair and go to natural gray. Next thing you know he's gonna cut it real short and go GQ George Clooney on us. But still you gotta love the tie!

btw, the shoes are awesome (do people still say awesome?)

I can't believe I've gone through life all this time without knowing there's a creature out there named Dallas Raines (snort!) with hair like that and man-tan-in-a-can skin like that and a suit like nothing I've ever seen on a newscast before! I'm dizzy!

Team Move Laurie's Book to the Top Shelf if it's not Already There!

Count me in. I'll cover the Chicagoland Wal-Marts! ;)

In defense of Dallas Raines:

1) He is a true weatherman - has the Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society (Weather Forecaster Pros). He really does give the best weather forecast in the LA market.

2) Sometime within the past year he was out because of prostrate cancer. His schedule is lighter than it used to be. I don't know how they treated it, or if it's completely cured, but I'm glad he's back.

So as far as I'm concerned he can wear anything he wants and fix his hair anyway he wants. He's earned it!

p.s. I really liked it when both he and Johnny Mountain were forecasting on the same station. Now Johnny's gone to a competitor.

Maybe we should collect a list of weather forecaster names across the country that sound too flamboyant to be true.

"Jill, I am so excited to meet you, be sure to tell me it's the real true-life Jill of the Valley so I know who you are!!"

Okay.
Secret handshake? Highsign? I and my posse of one (Nadine-of-South-Africa) are meeting up at the Greek place for a bite before we get in line with our copies of DDCCH. Looking forward to meeting a fellow Valley Scorcher.

It sucks to feel bad and not have the time to lay down and "enjoy" it and get over it. Hope you're feeling better soon. Those shoes are---FINE!

Groovy Granny is driving to Okla. City tomorrow evening to the the grandbabies--I'm soooo exicted to see them!!

Perhaps they'd like to make a national tour of it, and slip one in my inbox at work? I'll start keeping an eye out for the book!

I live in the midwest! If you send your parental units here, have them drop in & say "hey"! :)

Our local weatherman (KRON4 in San Fran) recently wore a similar striped jacket, except his was very, very, VERY orange. The other anchorpeople were razzing him about it during the broadcast, and the next day reported that they had received more emails about The Jacket than they have ever received on any single topic....

I would love to send you a picture of my copy of your book (which Amazon has finally deigned to send me), but currently it is being held hostage by the PO. Saturday it shall be mine!!

Speaking of shoe sizes, and hard to find, my mom used to have to have 9 1/2 triple A!

Nice shoes! I love unusual shoes.

I found your book last night at Books a Million. I had to get someone to help me as it was mis-shelved in the Self-Help section . . . meaning it was in self-help where their computer system said it would be but out of order in self-help. I looked at Borders too but, even though the computer system said that the book was "most likely in the store" in the craft sections there was nary a copy to be found. Ah well, I read it in one night. Good book!

Yay! My copy arrived last week and I read it all in one day. Congratulations!! It is a wonderful wonderful book. It so deserves to be on the shelf next to the Kite Runner dude. I am in CA this week for work, and was talking with a co-worker from San Diego who was telling me that it MIGHT RAIN there tomorrow. OH NO! RAIN! I couldn't help it. I told him this whole story about my "friend" who lives in LA and "sent" me a video clip of the news coverage of the impending rain disaster. I It's so much easier to refer to you as my friend. People look at me funny when I tell them about the awesome blogger from LA whose blog I must read every day.

Cute shoes.

As an avid reader of your blog, I was thrilled to get a copy of your book! I completely devoured it(no...not really...paper probably doesn't do one's digestive tract well...LOL) in 2 sittings. I give it a 10!! Thanks for such an enjoyable read, written in the way that only you could put words to paper. Or...words to blog. Or...words to...heck, Laurie, it was just great!

Oh I'd be jumping for joy at being on the shelf next to The Kite Runner... regardless of how I got there.
I got your book Monday and read it on Tuesday. I saw a lot of myself in your words. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Normally I don't give a crap about shoes -- I personally buy many useless bags -- but those shoes are SO CUTE.

I luv the shoes!!

I like the knitted bags - the way leather and wool are combined, great. They look expensive, though... But this autumn,winter I will really take the time to knit a bag. And wear it.
I'm really exited today - I finally got your book! All the way from Ameriga it has landed in my little village in Austria/Europe. :-))Sooo great!!! I will make you popular ín Europe (you already are, I guess), I'll start with my local friends over the weekend. Any chance you're coming to Vienna for a reading?... ;-))
Get well soon, Mona

And you'll know you hit the big time when BBCAmerican lists your book on Five-Fingered Fridays at the House of Wal.

Dallas Raines...what is with the white roots/black highlights?? Yikes. I too have the sinus infection/bronchitis monster that is obviously a North American pandemic at the moment.

Any hope of you hitting Canada for some booktour/promotional stuff?

Your parents are a hoot. I love the fact that they re-arranged the Wal-Mart books took photos! Perhaps they can re-work the displays at Barnes & Noble too? Good going.

--Robin (Bumblebee)

You are guys are so bad for my bank account. I ordered the shoes from Zappos. And finding 5/5 or 6's that halfway way cute is almost impossible. But it was hoot when I called. They are in Vegas! Where I grew up and miss terribly. I hate living in exile in South Jersey.

Laurie, when my book came out, my friend L-B made it a weekly ritual to go around to all the bookstores in her area and re-arrange the displays so my book was prominently displayed. I think she's still doing that, 18 months later.

That's what I call a friend!

My copy of your wonderful book arrived in the mail from Amazon earlier this week. Laurie, I could not put it down, read it in one evening, during which I used up an entire box of Kleenex and had little shredded bits of tissue lodged in my sweater. My husband couldn't believe the amount of crying I did over one book. But yes, it was poignant, moving, and hysterically funny at the same time. Thank you for writing it, Laurie. Cheers to you!

I bought your book. WOO! You rule. Thanks. :-)

Such exciting stuff seeing your book on shelves like that!

And, taking pictures of the teevee...

I once took a photography course in college - university level, mind you (well, community college, but who's counting?). There was a funky older guy in the class who came in with a picture he took of a tiger (a close-up!). The professor was baffled enough to ask him when he went on safari. The zoo? No, no. He was doing all of this wildlife photography in the cozy comfort of his very own living room. All you have to do is capture the screen or pause the tape or whatever, he explained. The look on the professional photographer/college prof's face was priceless. He chose not to comment and moved along to the next student's weekend pictures.

The shoes DO indeed rock hard! Love 'em.

BTW, your parents aren't the only ones who re-arrange bookshelves in stores. I do the same thing in support of my writing friends or former writing teachers with books out. Haven't been caught, yet! Really hoping to see you in Seattle on the 14th.

OK, is it just me or does Dallas Raines look like Cruella DeVille's kid brother?

"Note: rearranging things on the shelves at stores (or even worse... abandoning carts full of stuff for the employees to put back) means that all of the lovely, underpaid employees are going to have to stay HOURS after store closing to put things back."

I'm sure that you are quite lovely, but I assure you, most of the employees of stores like these do not have a great attitude, and are not even helpful when people are in need of help. I apologize to you for my own rearranging habit (and I'm so glad to know other people do it too!!! :), but I don't apologize to the employees who have been rude to me while I've been shopping. In fact, if I were WalMart I'd pay them not to come in to work.

And, Laurie, I finished your book. WOW - I am so inspired to clean out my own house that it full of boxes and crap. This weekend, wine & cleaning!!! :)

Dayum! I love those shoes! I have a fetish about unusual shoes AND argyle. I think I might faint.

I will make sure I go to Wal-Mart today and replicate the picture over here in IL. :-)

If you love brave fashion on the news you'd love Jon Snow on Channel 4 News in the UK.

Great ties and socks! He's terrific!

http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&rlz=1T4GGLF_enGB233GB232&q=jon%20snow%20ties%20and%20socks&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

Loving the shoes! (I had to put myself on a shoe diet to afford my yarn habit!)
Delurking to congratulate you on your book - I finished it last night and had a little tear! It was wonderful and honest and REALLY funny! Your readers are SO proud of you (myself included). The only sad part is that your book tour is not coming to Canada (stink).

The bookstores in Canada now have your book on the shelves! I'm going to go buy it this weekend! Thanks Laurie!

As a parent, I empathize with your parents. I too would totally rearrange the shelves at WaMart (Or any other bookstore) to display my progeny's/prodigy's soon-to-be-bestselling book.

Ha ha ha, Oompa Loompa Godfather.

"I'm going to make you a chocolate you can't refuse... but first, the weather."

I adore the shoes, but heels are the enemy. If you happen to, in your travels, find a pair of argyle ballet flats, do let me know.

those are some fancy pants shoes, just don't wear them with an intarsia sweater.

and i love dallas raines. our news people are so vestimentarily dull.

i'm really enjoying the book. you should be very proud of yourself. and although i won't go to a walmart for you (sorry girl, we haven't met) to do a little rearranging of shelves, i would have put your book front and center at my local B&N IF IT HADN'T BEEN THE LAST COPY!!!

I almost bought those shoes... but I talked myself out of it. The boyfriend would have really given me a hard time! They are super-hot!

Your folks are so damn cute re-merchandising your books, it makes me a little puddle-eyed. I know they are SO proud of you, in that extra-proud way that Southern parents are with their kids, long after they grow up. In clearing up stuff after Katrina I realized my Mom still had things like my sixth-grade science fair trophy.

I envy you having a pimp weatherman! But I suppose the weathercasters in SoCal have to do SOMETHING to keep people's attention. Sheesh, I didn't even realize y'all had a whole weather segment on the news! I always figured that SoCal TV stations had weather people on call for those 3 or 4 days a year when something different happened, and the rest of the time, at the end of the newscast, the anchor would say, "Oh, and of course, it's going to be sunny and 82 desrees again tomorrow."

I ordered your book through a local small bookshop. Can't wait!!!

Those argyle shoes are unbelievably, rock-star cool. I want some and I don't even wear heels.

love the shoes, love, love, love the book. I've been reading it on the sly at work all week.

1. Love Dallas Raines, pimp suit or no. I assume he's still doing okay with his cancer?

2. Love the shoes. Personally, I haven't worn heels in years, but love, love, love these.

3. Yay for your parents. It's easier to get away with rearranging books on the shelves as full time rvers because they can shuffle 'em, and then get out of Dodge, never to return. Hmm, we can do that, too! ;-)

First, I can't tell you how much I love those shoes.

Now that I've slurped a little (but honestly and genuinely) I don't generally do the self-promotion thing, but I genuinely think you'd like the fashions I uncovered last week.

For your convenience, a direct link the post in question:

http://theantim.blogspot.com/2007/09/legwarmers.html

The bags are sort of cute. The dangling objects look odd though. The shoes are very nice.

Laurie,
I got your book Thursday night. I finished it this afternoon. I loved every minute of it. I laughed with you, and I cried with you. No joke.
I enjoyed it as much as I do your blog.

I braved my local WalMart as well... No book I'm afraid, but I did find lots of yarn for 50 cents. Damn, I feel dirty.

Loooooove the book! I'm 1/2 way through. The shoes, on the other hand, are really , really bad. But I can forgive you. At least you didn't have on legwarmers w/ them.

Just wanted to let you know, I actually work for the company that merchandises books for Wal Mart. (what a coincidence, right?) Anyhoo, Your parents aren't in any danger of getting in trouble for 'resetting' the books, as they are usually such an unbelievable mess! You wouldn't believe the stuff I've found in the racks...everything from a half eaten slice of pizza, a jar of pickles,and a baby diaper. I think Wal Mart would probably thank them. Besides, if it was my book, I'd sooo be putting it in the top ten slot!!!

Ang

Bags with...dangling balls. Take off the dangling stuff and they might dramatically improve the looks. The shoes are sweet. I wear a size 11, there are no cute shoes in my size.

My pre-ordered copy of your book arrived last week. I cried through the first 30 pages (while laughing out loud, which was not easy) and finished it this morning. Thanks so much for writing it. I don't remember the last time I connected this much with a book. See ya around the innernets.

I personally love adventurous fashion choices. Especially on our news staff

And you know the camerman and the techs were just thrilled about that suit along with the contrasty shirt & tie.

Traffic willing, I'm going to The Grove on Thursday.

Is it just me, or is Dallas Raines wearing the EXACT same suit as another weather man you posted about?

http://www.crazyauntpurl.com/archives/2006/03/index.php

Usually I troll the WalMart book aisle to hide the Sandra Lee books from an unsuspecting public - now I can use your book to hide hers! Double points to me for promoting a great book while saving the world from bad food!

YEAH Anne!!! I hate Sandra Lee also. ELCH. And I covered Paula Deens books with yours this weekend at my local Barnes & Noble, and created a display at the top of a circular with most of your books...what fun!

Lovin the SHOES!
My copy of your book arrived as we were heading out the door for a road trip...needless to say as humorous as you are and as much as I simply ADORE YOU... your book had me in tears at least 5 times. Sometimes things just hit a little too close to home. I could recall feeling how you felt and while reading your words, I could feel it all over again through you. You have no idea how many of us feel as if we totally know you just through your blog.. now add a book... HELLO STALKERS! *wonders how close to my city you will be* muahahahahha!