On a family farm, chores never wait. I wondered when I woke up and saw the furious storm raging outside whether the Rouse’s would actually be able to milk the cows, but then I realized that on a farm, there is no such thing as cancelling or postponing chores. The cows have to be milked. Twice a day, every day, no matter what the weather is. No calling in sick. Caught Ed on his ATV (red lights) and the cows heading through the downpour and wind to the barn.
Got to the Big Valley Farm at 5:530 this morning, and it was a wild ride all the way, shrieking winds, torrential rain (still falling), limbs and power lines down. Ed and Judy and Marie were out and moving the cows across Rouse Road and into the dairy barn, and you couldn’t walk anywhere without sinking into mud and getting soaked, which my new camera and I did. The raindrops were literally exploding onto the lens, and I actually loved the effect, because it really captured the sensation of being there. Nothing new or exciting for the Rouse family, but I will be washing clothes, drying out and thawing out for awhile.
Judy says I can milk some of the cows next week. Can’t wait. The storm was eerie. Power went out on the farm and we holed up by candlelight and played chess. First interview of the book tour is this afternoon at 1:30. Books arrived from Random House. Here we go. More photos to come.
“Rose In A Storm” comes out next Tuesday, and I am excited about it. I’ll go with Rose to the Barnes & Noble in Saratoga, where I usually go on pub date to see my book in stores and to sign a few copies. This year I’m planning on bringing Rose, for her only appearance on the book tour. Rose isn’t into public appearances, and does not want to be your friend.
The novel was inspired by her. It is set on a farm in upstate New York and the narrator a border collie/working dog, is meant to capture the experience of being in the mind of a dog. I think, from the early reviews, that that was successful. I am proud of the book. It’s an awakening story, inspired by my experience with a dog who has grown, made decisions and changed. Rose lives the life of a dog, and that shows up in her consciousness. Anyway, the book tour begins next Tuesday and I can’t wait to get out there. Friday, October 8, 7 p.m., is the official kickoff of the book tour at the Northshire Bookstore in Manchester, Vt.
Couple of things i always say pre-book tour. I will sign anything – multiple books, sweatshirts, notecards (I will be bringing some Family Farm and Judy notecards to sell on the tour. Proceeds to benefit farm aid. They will cost $15 and will be sold by Redux Gallery in Doret, Vt. 802 867=4211).
Please do not bring dogs to my readings or bookstore events. I know people love their dogs, and the readings are usually fun and informal, but it is a literary reading, and dogs are disruptive and distracting, to me and other people. So thanks in advance for respecting that. On all of my book tours, I love to take and answer questions. So bring some.
