Holding My Book In My Hand and Searching For Candy Canes in Buenos Aires

So, yesterday I get buzzed from downstairs. It's the FedEx guy with a package for me from Random House--six copies of my book! Okay, these are early, uncorrected copies but they look just like a real book and everything.

It was so strange.

Since this entire process--finding an agent, getting a contract, working with an editor--has been done ENTIRELY online (not even a phone call--I'm seeing how long we can go just keeping things virtual!) it's kind of surreal. Now, I have six copies of my book scattered around the house--on a table here, a nightstand there--and my heart flutters each time I spy one. Very exciting and weird. I'm sure all new authors must feel this way.

This week, I've finished up my new website at www.MayaFrost.com

Also, I've redesigned by mindfulness website at www.MassageYourMind.com

I officially launched the Education Design Institute and Education Design Partners.

I sent an e-newsletter to several thousand subscribers.

I posted on my blogs, submitted an article to an article directory, had an interview with a reporter for a newspaper in New York--and she wants to pitch an article idea involving a lengthy interview with me to several major magazines.

My agent explained that my Book #2 proposal is on hold--it's too similar to one that a bestselling author just signed a contract for with my publisher. That really sucks for me, because I could easily sell the proposal to another publisher as it's a very hot topic--I just happen to have the same publisher as this guy! Drat. But switching publishers before my first book is even out would be very bad form, and besides, I love working with my current editor. So, I will spend some time thinking about a different proposal and just have to kiss that other one goodbye. Such is life.

My only consolation is that fact that if I wait and submit a different proposal later in 2009, I might have a fabulously successful book under my belt and get a much better offer. I'll focus on that.

Tom and I are having our first Christmas in 22 years without any kids--all of the girls are spending Christmas together in New York City. So we are making sure to be away from home for the holidays---heading to a nice Argentine beach (not the fancy one). We set up our Christmas tree in the lobby downstairs for everyone to enjoy and we're delighted that the (old--from last year) candy canes that were hanging on the lower branches have disappeared--now we have to go out and buy some more. Anyone know where to find them here in BA?

Two daughters are arriving for visits within the next two weeks, though, so that's pretty exciting! Can't wait to see them.

Loving the weather--spent some time this week in the pool on the roof with Rita, my Pilates teacher. I'm bummed to learn that the Pilates place next door is CLOSING--that's why she did a training session for me in the pool instead. Rita is my buddy--and now she's not likely to teach in my neighborhood since she lives a fair distance away. Several storefronts in my neighborhood are for rent--it appears that the landlords are raising prices from January. The bad news is that some of our favorite places are closing. The good news is that there will be new ones opening--and that's always fun.

That's it for now. Love to everyone up north--and east and west and south. Stay warm/cool and have a wonderful holiday!