joeicarlton.com

Great Start

I’ve had a great start to the month of July.  I got home early enough to sign up for the gala event on July 12th for the BC Association of Travel Writers and I’m really looking forward to getting together with my fellow travel writers.  They also give away great prizes.

On July 2 I was, once again, interviewed by RVJoey in Florida and in conversation after the interview I received some wonderful ideas including turning my stories into audio books - which I have been asked about more times than I care to think about.  It’ll mean reducing the print books in storage while keeping them in print - love it.  I also found someone who is interested in doing the reading of my books during recording. I don’t know why I was so long in thinking this way considering the involvement I have with the RV industry.

Today is the day I get back to writing.  I have been very bogged down until NOW.    Joei

HOME for a couple of weeks

Well, I don’t think it was in my plans BUT I’m home for a couple of weeks.  My last couple of days of roaming around Kelowna were not fun.  I did one last signing at Save On Foods in Kelowna and did almost nothing.  I called the book manager in Vernon who said he could call me back in ten minutes…..I waited an hour…..and nothing.  I called the book manager in Kamloops and she was off for a couple of days.  The assistant wasn’t sure what to do so I said we would arrange something for next year when I’m back at the lifestyle conference.

I got on the highway and headed home via the Coquihalla.  I needed to keep moving as the weather climbed to around 30 degrees celcius……yuk.  As I drove I realized that if I stayed home until the middle of July I could attend a gala event with the BC Association of Travel Writers.  I wondered if I could stand being home without benefit of landline, cable and the internet since I had them put on hold until mid-September…..well, surprise, surprise…..Shaw Cable FORGOT to turn them off so here I sit with my landline, cable and the internet. 

Glad to be home. Almost as happy as a clam.     Joei

Day is Done - Gone the Sun

Well, the 11th annual Lifestyle Conference at Okanagan College is over and I have been invited back for the 12th annual.  Of course I said “yes” and I’m already looking forward to it. I was a little burnt out at the end but everyone (myself included) said the same thing - they learned so much, made a bunch of new friends and are looking forward to getting out on the road and testing out their knowledge.  I feel the same way. 

I am now parked in front of a Kelowna author’s home and will be staying one more night before heading out.  We have been doing a little sightseeing, lots of talking and brainstorming and we went to visit the Jewish Community Center. I’m hoping to do an event at their Philosopher’s Cafe on my next visit to Kelowna.

I’m doing a signing tomorrow at Save On Foods here in Kelowna and will start working my way north but since it’s the July 1 weekend coming up I might just find a campground to hole up in for a few days, do some writing and give myself a good rest.  I need it.

Lots of fun, this vagabond life.    Joei

RV Lifestyle Conference - Kelowna

A great place to make friends, learn things, teach things and just entertain.  My class on Solo RVing was well attended (16 people) and I think some of the same people will be coming to my Full-Time RVing class. I think 50 people have signed up for that one.  That lecture will be today from 3:00 to 4:30 followed by a banquet starting at 5:30 and my Adventure in World Travel lecture at 7:00.  I should be pretty well chewed up and spit out by the end of today.  However, my travel-writing class is the first thing tomorrow morning.  Who said “there’s no rest for the wicked.”

I also had a grand surprise in my e-mail box when I turned it on.  I heard from a cousin that I hadn’t heard from in over 30 years.  Can’t wait to hear back.  I’ll keep you posted.  It is almost lunch and I’m starving so I’ll try and update before the weekend is out.  Having LOTS OF FUN here at Okanagan College in Kelowna.    Joei

Hi from Kelowna

I’m at the Lifestyle Conference in Kelowna.  I had a great time getting here.  It took one day to drive to Penticton, arriving on Monday.  I called Marlene and Scott whom I had met at a RV Camping Rally in Moses Lake, Washington.  After coffee and talking at a local Tim Horton’s (and a bit of persuasion) I followed them to their home on the outskirts of Penticton.  I stayed in my camper but I had the benefit of electricity.  All I did was turn the lights on but since I had drained my battery when I connected my camper to my truck I was delighted with the added power.

On the Tuesday I did a signing at the Save On Foods in Penticton - went well.  Late afternoon I drove up to Kelowna and stayed in the Wal Mart (with many other campers) until my Thursday signing at another Save On Foods there.  I also connected with Barb Shaver who is part of BC Federation of Writers.  We’ll actually meet on Tuesday, when the conference is over.

I pulled into Okanagan College around noon. Met some new people and connected with some I knew from last year including Linda who was at the conference last year but we reconnected at (of all places) Hemet, California. Barb Rees is here as well.  We are both members of BC Association of Travel Writers. She is doing a couple of presenatations. 

Since I have access to wifi right here I’ll try and keep up to date.   Joei 

Short But Sweet

Today’s the day.  I’m outta here. 

 Next post:  On the road again.     Joei

Better late than never

Well my bags are packed…..I’m ready to go…..well - almost.  My camper is almost loaded. Just a few more last minute things like my computer and printer and food, etc. that I don’t want in there until I’m ready to go.  My laundry is all done.  This afternoon I check the tire pressure and the pressure in the air bags before loading the camper onto the truck.   I’ll be on the road tomorrow morning heading for Penticton.  Tuesday I have a book signing in Penticton and Wednesday I head for Kelowna. 

I have contacted a few members of the Federation of BC Writers and hopefully have arranged a few meetings.  Ready to head out…….Well my bags are packed. I’m ready to go. 

More from the road.    Joei

Best Laid Plans

Well I  WAS  leaving on a booksigning tour this Wednesday and would be stopping for my first signing in Penticton, BC before heading for Kelowna……well, news this morning, from the union for Save On Foods - the ONLY distributor for my books - is on a 72 hour strike notice.  I might as well hang around here for another few days.  No use being out on the road sitting and doing nothing until the Lifestyle Conference at Okanagan College.

I’ll call my friends at Save On today and see what’s up and I’ll keep you’all posted.     Joei

Well I thought I would edit sooner rather than later.  I called a friend at Save On Foods and discovered that it would only be the lower mainland that would be on strike if they are going to strike. I’d be safe in continuing on my way….except, of course, that it’s raining again and I don’t load in the rain.  I’ll have to run between drops to get my stuff into the camper. 

Joei again

Down to the Wire

All my lectures and signings are over.  Yesterday at the Newton Senior Center was an absolutely wonderful full day. I arrived early as I usually do and unfortunately I had loaded my truck with my neighbors car in the way so I had to lift the boxes over the door to put my books in so when I woke in the morning I felt I had pulled a muscle in my back and had trouble taking a deep breath but with a couple of pain killers my lecture went off without a hitch. I don’t think anyone realized how much pain I was in. 

I spent my lunch with members of my writing group and thoroughly enjoyed it. One of my students has now become a published author with the story she sent off to a magazine about flying.  I think I am only slightly less proud than the author herself.

After all the booths closed the music was still playing so we all went into the lounge to listen to the music.  There is so much talent around that it was a pleasure listening. 

I left at closing time….4 P.M. and went to our Pub Night at Chelsea.  Did some talking…..a little drinking and went to a friend’s house afterwards for a little talking and a little more drinking.  All in all a long but terrific day. 

Time to pack my truck, clean out my condo and be on the road by Tuesday or Wednesday.    Kelowna here I come.  Joei

One Last Event

My writing classes are over. My Writing with Humor workshop is also history. After the workshop one of the students headed next door to the Newton library. It seems that she had ordered one of MY books and it was now available.  I was introduced as the author and received a few ‘congrats’.  I asked how many times the book had been taken out. I was stunned to find out that A Million Miles from Home had been requested 20 times and my other books over 30 times.  Now that was THRILLING.

Friday I enjoyed a barbecue in Ladner with friends who consider me ‘family.’  When I asked Margaret how many people were coming to the barbecue she said about 30 or 40. I assumed that she was inviting her friends and neighbors…..but no…..it was all family. What a great time.  I tried sitting outside with the rest of the folks but I was eaten alive by tiny no see ums but definitely feel ums. I’m still scratching.

Today was a wine and cheese party here in Chelsea for anyone who had volunteered at anything.  I loved bottling the wine and definitely enjoyed drinking it. The party went well and I managed to put up my flyer for the lecture I’m doing next Friday at the Senior Center.  I’m hoping for a fully house.  They have room for 150 people.

My letter to the editor regarding the new Surrey Logo was published in the Surrey Leader.  It was a 2-line letter so I’m surprised (and delighted) that it was published.

I also updated my profile and picture with the B.C. Association of Travel Writers. Looks and sounds so much better.

Looking forward to a busy week coming up.   Joei