I’ve gone back to reading Twyla Tharp’s The Creative Habit in the hope that it will spark some creativity in the research stage of the next book. I’m looking for my “box” to write outside of, as soon as I collect the bits and pieces that will be going in it.

I haven’t put a book in San Francisco for quite a few years. I think maybe “Simple Charms” my story in the 1993 Valentine anthology was the last.

Before that I did Marry Sunshine which was set there. It was where we went on our honeymoon eons ago, so I have fond memories of the city. And now I think it may be the site of book # 60.

Sixty? Hard to believe.

Time flies when you’re having fun, I guess. Or books do. Well, no, they don’t, actually, as anyone who has been reading this blog and listening to me whine about how long it takes to get things right already knows.

What’s hard is to be sure to tackle something new and fresh. After sixty books, that’s a bit more of a chore than it used to be. Of course the people are always new. But the various ploys are not (marriage of convenience, anyone?). So looking for a new angle is always interesting. And going back to San Francisco should be fun.

I’m still looking. I am getting a better handle on the people. But I don’t see much conflict yet. Still having to learn who they are in order to find that. Getting there — I hope.

I see that ClustrMaps has given me a new map as of sometime earlier this month. It looks weird to see the process starting all over. I got rather used to my other map. Now I need dots all over again. So if you know anyone in the places that aren’t dotted (there are lots of empty spots) send them along. The more the merrier.

I noticed from the Neoworx counter that Uruguay, Poland and Sri Lanka have recently joined the list of countries. That’s exciting.

But have you seen Kate Walker’s list? Good grief, I didn’t know there were that many countries!

If pictures are indeed worth a thousand words, then I’ll let some of the last week’s photos speak for me because I’m tired tonight and I’m ready to go to sleep.

Here’s a glimpse of Montana from the dining room window.

Then, the wonderful dog and his “mom” the night before the baby shower.

Next, the “goodies” at the shower. We didn’t go hungry as you can see.

The baby’s furniture, which inspired the painting and rearranging that took place the day after. And the day after that.

The dog “brother” overlooking the rearranging of furniture.

Dad painting and getting ready to share his office.

The shared multi-purpose room.

Now, all we have to do is wait . . . and wait . . . and wait. . .

The editor called yesterday. I wasn’t home, of course. So she emailed me and told me that Flynn and Sara are fine, in production and, best of all, the check is in the mail. So, hooray for that.

Now I’m packing my bag and heading to the airport this morning. I’ll miss Montana. I always do. I’ll miss the son and daughter-in-law and the dog (wonderful dog) and will undoubtedly miss The Great Event of the grandchild’s birth in 6-7 weeks or so. But at least I’ll get back soon after to meet the new arrival. I can hardly wait (but the new mom and dad can hardly wait even more than I can — especially mom who is being kicked and pummeled by an energetic babe).

When I get home I’ll download the pix off my camera and put up a couple. I wish I’d had my camera with me last night. We stopped to look at a gorgeous house in the hills overlooking the valley with absolutely spectacular views. It’s enough to make me want to write a New York Times best seller so I could afford to live there! Probably I’d have to write two. And I wouldn’t even need that big a house — I’d settle for the lot and building a smaller one. But this one was nice — it didn’t have that “cathedral” feeling to it.

I hate that. I mean, it’s fine for cathedrals, of course. But for homes, I like places that are livable rather than grand. Not a problem. I’ll never be able to afford a cathedral.

Heading for the airport in an hour. Hasta la vista.