It seems that I truly am allergic to California. No virus vectoring this time. The keynote luncheon was outside, and I sneezed through the entire presentation. Now I’m on the Sudafed train, after learning that this has been a baaadd allergy season in sunny CA., and the cedars are tossing handfuls of potent pollen into the air every second.
The keynote, a writer named S.J. Rozen, was great–really personable and funny. She writes mysteries, none of which I’ve read, but I’m adding her books to my list. There’s this huge table of books in the conference-area hallway that keeps sucking me into its magnetic field. As my suitcase already weighs about 80 pounds (shoes, baby) I’m trying to resist buying books, but damn, it’s difficult.
I’m meeting some cool people. Todd, this big teddy bear of a guy who wears a piratish bandanna on his head and has a full white beard, is my conference soulmate. He woke up at 3:30 a.m. and was inspired to read Edgy Mama, delving deep into the archives (what is in there, anyway?) and discovered that we both think A Shadow of the Wind is one of the greatest books ever written. Todd is going home to start a blog, so welcome to the ‘hood, big guy. We’re looking forward to seeing you around (I guess I should speak for myself–but I know y’all will like him).
Yesterday, I noticed this woman who was dressed a lot like me–hippie girl skirt, blue jean jacket, beat-up sandals but with a pedicure, so I chatted her up. Turns out she’s from Charlotte, NC. Should have known. You can always tell Southern women by the state of their toenails. When I lived in London and Boston, other women would always comment on my pedis. I had not realized before that this was such a Southern female point of pride. I mean why wouldn’t you paint your toenails? Next time you’re in a roomful of people from all over the country who are wearing sandals, check out the women’s feet. I bet 90% of those with painted toenails are Southerners.
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I have the same problem with the Peoples Republic of Kalifornia. I think it’s all the fruits and nuts - and I ain’t talking about the food either.
Never thought about the toenail thing - but you’re right. I’m spending a couple months with my left leg in a “boot” for my plantar fasciatis - but I have continued to paint my right toenails (only half the time for my little pedi since wearing the boot!). I’ll have to keep an eye on this in the future…
My sister and her husband both get manicures and pedicures all the time. And her husband is one of those guys that looks like he should be on the Jeff Foxworthy show or something, you would just never expect him to get a manicure and a pedicure.
Hope the sudafed works! Be safe.
Pedicures a Southern thing? Not if you’re in nyc, girl. You’d best have some pretty polished toenails if you’re going to rock it nycstyle.
Okay, Chels, y’all are the other 10%?
Greg, come on down off the good ole boy platform, you nut.
I like pedicures even more than manicures- makes me much happier. But then, I prefer barefoot to shoes…
Sudafed- yugh. Otherwise, enjoy the sites and other writers and new ideas.