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About ShirleyJump

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January 2009

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My Favorite Escape

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sat, 2007-10-13 14:12.

I’m sitting in a coffee shop on a cool fall day (46 degrees Fahrenheit), sipping a caramel apple latte (skinny, so I can justify the cheese bagel with butter I’m having for breakfast). At the same time, my laptop is open and I’m working--on this blog entry and on the book proposal I need to turn in to my agent, as well as the book I have due. My youngest kid is off at art class, and I have a blissful hour and a half to myself listening to oldies (that’s the musical choice of the staff today) and doing a bit of people watching.

In other words, I am in heaven. Total blissful, alone heaven. I love coffee shops. Not just because of the coffee (though that is a rocking side benefit) but because I can be alone, and not alone, all at the same time. I’m surrounded by people, which means I have to work (playing FreeCell in front of others is a clear sign you are NOT working, so I don’t do it ;-) and yet, I’m left alone, pretty much.

There’s one drawback, though, to frequenting the same coffee shop for four years. People get to know you. You make friends, with the staff, the owner, the other regulars. And after a while, people start to greet you and make conversation, which kind of defeats the whole work thing. But for a solitary creature like myself, it’s really nice to have some friends I see on a regular basis. An environment I can escape to, that’s nearly as friendly as the “Cheers” bar (sometimes complete with all the melodrama, because it’s also a favorite hangout for the nearby college and high school).

Not to mention the coffee. How is it that a cup of coffee brewed by someone else, a bagel toasted by another, tastes ten times better than the same thing made at my house? I brew Starbucks in my coffeepot. I toast my bagels, add cheese and butter, but it’s just not the same. It must be that friendly touch that comes from people who know me, and know that when I’m here on Thursdays, I’m here for several hours, so they’ll put my coffee in a real mug instead of a To-Go cup. People who are attuned enough to me that if I order my coffee “skinny,” that means I’m on a diet (again) so they’ll comment on how I look like I’ve lost weight, even if I haven’t. People who know I love the chicken Thai soup so much, they’ll share the shop’s recipe with me so I can make it at home, too.

It’s not just an escape, it’s a home away from home. The only difference? I’m not playing FreeCell here. And no one’s asking me to do the laundry ;-).

So tell me, what’s your favorite escape hangout?

This week, there's a bonus (an escape for you!) for commenting, too! I’ll draw a random name from all the comments this week and that person will win a copy of PRETTY BAD, the last book in my romances with recipes series, just in time to wet your appetite for my two new releases, MIRACLE ON CHRISTMAS EVE (November 4) and REALLY SOMETHING (December 4). You can read excerpts on my website.

Shirley

My favourite place

Submitted by Sarah Mayberry on Sat, 2007-10-13 14:44.

I have a few favourite bolt holes. The first is Mario's, a cafe in Fitzroy that has great food, cute waiters in funky vintage waistcoats and ties,and a low key, arty kind of atmosphere. It's my favourite comfort place for hanging out when I've had a bad day. I also love to doodle around in Borders, just looking at all the books and reading and listening to music. And - last one, I promise! - when I was in New Zealand, if I was feeling very much in need of escape, I would do a fabric shop crawl. They had three absolutely amazing fabric shops in Auckland, and I would go from one to the other to the other, running my hands over velvets, goggling at the embroidered fabrics, fantasising about making myself something out of the designer prints...Pure escapism. So, no work involved in my escape hatches, Shirley - but Chris rarely asks me to do the laundry at home(he knows better), so I tend to get a lot of work done there. Mostly...When I'm not blogging...Or surfing the net...Or catching up on sleep...

Those sound great!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sat, 2007-10-13 20:05.

I love all those, Sarah. Before I was published, I used to sew and loved buying fabric, and making things. It was really relaxing. But then I had little ones around and books due, and that got put to the wayside. We're moving to a new house sometime next spring/summer and I'm definitely going to put the laundry room in some place that is OUT OF VIEW so I don't run over the laundry every time I turn around. As it is now, there's no real place to avoid it, so it's not just the people needing laundry, it's the laundry being in the way ;-)

Shirley

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Coming this fall: MIRACLE ON CHRISTMAS EVE (Harlequin Romance) and REALLY SOMETHING another Hot Romantic Comedy from Zebra Books
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”

My fav. escape

Submitted by Nathalie on Sat, 2007-10-13 15:08.

On the contrary, I am not such a fan of coffee shops... I feel as if everyone is watching me. Of course, it is very nice when I am with friends, but alone... not really.

So my favorite escape is my bedroom... where no one disturbs me and I can study and read in total peace,

Reading is great...

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sat, 2007-10-13 20:07.

I've been getting to the parking lot about fifteen minutes early every day for picking up my youngest, just to have time to read. I don't get a ton of reading time every day, but I keep a book in my car just for that, and look forward to that time in my car every day. No phone, no work, no people, just me and a book :-)

Shirley

My Fave

Submitted by jibby2 on Sat, 2007-10-13 17:23.

I love being at the campground, just reading and relaxing and I also really love hotels. lol I feel more comfortable away from the madness of home.

Oh, a Christmas book!!! I look forward to them every year. They are just cozy and make me feel content.

LOL, not me!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sat, 2007-10-13 20:08.

Oh, gee, I am SO not a campground girl. I am definitely a hotel gal. I'm way too spoiled to camp anymore. I do like staying in cabins, etc., at campgrounds so that we have the advantages of the swimming and the nature walks, with the amenities of the cabin. I'm such a baby, LOL.

Shirley

ROFL

Submitted by jibby2 on Sat, 2007-10-13 21:58.

Girl, I don't mean REAL camping. lol I have a thirty foot travel trailer. The place we stay is more resort, less camping. I can't stand normal camping either. Too fat and sore for that. lol

Much Better!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sun, 2007-10-14 12:08.

Phew! Now that's camping even I can do :-)

Shirley

Where I live we don't have

Submitted by Stacy S on Sat, 2007-10-13 18:40.

Where I live we don't have any coffee shops. I do like to go shopping by myself. No husband or kid. That's great when that happens.

The Mall is My Second Best Choice...

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sat, 2007-10-13 20:01.

I love the mall myself, Stacy! I find I can really clear my head and just shop :-) It's nice to get a "me" afternoon from time to time.

Shirley

My favorite escape is my

Submitted by Estella on Sat, 2007-10-13 19:05.

My favorite escape is my sewing/computer room. Absolutely no one bothers me while I am in there.

Not in my house, LOL

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sat, 2007-10-13 20:03.

I have an office, with a door, too, but the kids and dogs don't seem to realize that the door exists for a reason ;-). But my kids are older now, so it's not so bad. And the visits from them are nice. It's the dogs that bark and interrupt just when I'm deep in writing and drive me nuts :-)

Shirley

I would love to have a

Submitted by catslady on Sat, 2007-10-13 20:01.

I would love to have a coffee shop nearby - they're talking of building a Starbucks so I have my fingers crossed. And my favorite thing to order out is breakfast even for lunch and their eggs always taste better lol. My favorite place is in my bed late at night when it's quiet and I read and I have some of my cats purring around me.

I love Starbucks!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sat, 2007-10-13 20:09.

We have a couple of Starbucks in my city (my favorite coffee shop is not a Starbucks, and they have a bumper sticker there that says "Friends don't let friends drink Starbucks," ;-) but I really like Starbucks, too, especially their food. My cat is like that, too. She is always at my back or trying to climb on my head if I'm in bed.

Shirley

I have to favorite escapes.

Submitted by Dannyfiredragon on Sat, 2007-10-13 20:06.

I have to favorite escapes. At home it's my room with my cozy reading corner and when I am on vaccation in Florida I love to sit at the pool with a good book and enjoy the quietness around me and the nature.

Ditto!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sat, 2007-10-13 20:11.

Every year, DH and I and the kids take a week to ten days on the beach (often in Florida) and I TOTALLY love that time by the pool or on the beach (depending on how hot it is) just reading and relaxing. Plus walking the beach in the morning, when it's quiet and the only people out there are the fishermen and the herons.

Shirley

Great

Submitted by Lily on Sat, 2007-10-13 23:05.

I also have a small reading coin... which I adore... though next to the pool must be as great :)

My Favorite Escape

Submitted by Minna on Sat, 2007-10-13 20:26.

Sauna at my home. Nobody bothers me when I'm there. It's just me, my thoughts and the sound and smell of burning wood.

GREAT

Submitted by jibby2 on Sat, 2007-10-13 21:57.

That sounds wonderful. I might have to come visit. Don't worry, I will sit there and not talk. lol

well...

Submitted by Minna on Sun, 2007-10-14 05:54.

I can be a real chatterrer when I'm not alone in the sauna.

Oh, I'd love one of those!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sun, 2007-10-14 12:09.

DH and I are talking definite outdoor hot tub in the next house, and the kids are voting for an indoor one too (so they can go in it year round, apparently one of their friends has two). DH loves the sauna, but we hadn't considered installing one. I might just have to rethink that plan!

Shirley

Hi Shirley. Enjoyed browsing

Submitted by KimW on Sat, 2007-10-13 21:57.

Hi Shirley. Enjoyed browsing around your site. Love the cover on Really Something. That smile says "come to me" . LOL My favorite escape hangout is my home. No kids...very quiet. I try to do all my chores during the week so my weekends are free. Sometimes it's tough, because I'm tired, but I keep pushing knowing there's a bonus coming. I love to curl up on the couch with an afghan. That's my favorite spot.

Thanks!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sun, 2007-10-14 12:10.

My day to do that is Fridays. I don't cook on Friday, don't answer e-mail (unless it's urgent) and don't work much except to meet with my critique partner in the afternoon (at a coffee shop, LOL). I'd rather work hard Monday through Thursday and have Friday to myself. My kids are in sports, so weekends are busy here still :-)

Shirley

COZY

Submitted by traveler on Sat, 2007-10-13 23:27.

I enjoy meeting up with friends at a lovely cafe here in town which caters to the community. It is cozy, warm and they have the yummiest desserts and most soothing drinks.
Your books look so appealing.

Thank you!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sun, 2007-10-14 12:11.

I love cafes like that! And yummy desserts -- what a great bonus!

Shirley

FAVE LOCALE

Submitted by pearl on Sat, 2007-10-13 23:30.

A place that I love frequenting is an independent bookstore which has a relaxing atmosphere conducive to browsing for ages. I order an herbal tea and then settle down with my choice of books and the time flies by.

HOME

Submitted by principessa on Sat, 2007-10-13 23:33.

When I am in a relaxing mood I just stay home since it is quiet, and peaceful. I have my favorite Patrizio Buanne CD on and then just curl up with a good book. This is my setting. Nothing can top this.

Sounds great!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sun, 2007-10-14 12:11.

That sounds really relaxing, principessa!

Shirley

LOVE THIS

Submitted by beach on Sat, 2007-10-13 23:35.

There is a room in my home which is ideal for tranquil reading. My den has the most comfortable loveseat and as long as I have a hot tea by my side I can read there for hours.

HAVEN

Submitted by ellie on Sun, 2007-10-14 00:20.

When I think of an appealing place for a coffee and a quiet hour or so, I visit my local home away from home which is my favorite cafe. Where I live there is a vast choice of coffee houses with plenty of choice drinks and ambience as well.

A girl after my own heart!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sun, 2007-10-14 12:12.

Just like me, ellie! I hope yours has yummy treats like mine!

Shirley

Shirley, you totally nailed

Submitted by Pattie (not verified) on Sun, 2007-10-14 01:34.

Shirley, you totally nailed it on the "alone but not alone" atmosphere of a coffee shop!

My very favorite hangout was in Warrensburg, MO, where we used to live. Art brews a mean cuppa joe at Java Junction. I filled more than my fair share of his "Java Junkie" frequent punchy cards in the four years we lived there.

Now, I enjoy hanging out at Porpourra (two locations in our town!) or Starbucks. The Caribou Coffee is not as ideal because it's in a building that is sort of an indoor food court, and the smell of Subway's bread baking and the garlicky smell of Little Caesar's is just too much for me when I'm trying to write!!

Coffee Cards!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sun, 2007-10-14 12:13.

Don't get me started on how many of those I fill in a month, LOL. It's at least two. My kids sometimes go to the shop with me, too, so that's a lot of punches. And now that I can buy Scrip for the shop (which gives me a % back on tuition at the kids' private school), I tell myself I'm saving money on tuition. Well, yeah, except for the cost of the coffee, LOL.

Shirley

No coffee for me, thanks :)

Submitted by fedora on Sun, 2007-10-14 04:28.

I think I retreat to the office in our home to read favorite blogs (heh) and that sort of thing. I also love to curl up in bed to read. (I've always wanted a window seat, but don't have one of those yet...) At the moment, I don't have any favorite out-of-home hideaways yet. (I've always got at least one child with me so it's a little less convenient to get out...)

I hear you, Fedora!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sun, 2007-10-14 12:16.

I didn't get to leave the bat cave, as I call the house, until my youngest was in about second grade. First grade, he was still forgetting stuff and I'd run up there a lot. I'm still room mom to his class, but that's a much less demanding commitment now that he's older. I'd love a window seat! When I was a kid, my room had a big window that faced the street and I had a seat I fashioned beneath it. I LOVED that seat. Great for people watching (my room was up in that attic -- we had this great big tall attic with three rooms in it when I was young). I see some of the new houses are sporting them now, too. Hmm...maybe I can talk DH into one of those too. My house demands are starting to grow just from this thread ;-)

Shirley

My favorite escape place

Submitted by Mads on Sun, 2007-10-14 09:47.

Hi Shirley, My favorite escape place is an old fashioned car hop place called Stewarts. It's a place where you pull up in your car and a waitress comes to your car window and takes your order and brings it out to your car when it's ready. It's kind of like an old fashioned 1950's place only they don't come out to your car on skates anymore. I was told that years ago, they used to skate out to the cars but, nobody skates here anymore. At Stewarts you can get all the privacy you need and a really good fast food meal too. I love the place and go there whenever I can find the time. In the winter months, the car hop is closed but you can go inside and listen to oldies music while you eat. They used to have a drive in movie connected to it but, that closed about 5 years ago.

I hope you have a great week. Mads:)

That sounds cool, Mads!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sun, 2007-10-14 12:17.

We have a Sonic drive in like that here but it's SO busy that it definitely wouldn't be an escape! For a while, it was a Dogs N Suds and the food was awful, so it was dead (and you could have made it an escape, as long as you didn't eat there, LOL, but the root beer rocked). The kids think it is just the coolest place ever.

Shirley

Hey Shirley

Submitted by Samantha Hunter on Sun, 2007-10-14 12:57.

I've been toying with the idea of doing this for a while, but I just haven't been able to get myself out the door just yet. We don't have a good coffeehouse nearby, so I'd have to travel about 15 minutes, which actually is a good thing, in a way, getting the distance. Some friends of mine who work at the college tell me they take their papers, etc to B&N to sit and have coffee and work away from home, just to get out of the house. I don't have kids or interruptions so much, as I just get tired of being home all the time. Though at the moment, I've been on a writing binge, and so it's working out, not to mention as we wind down the remodeling, I like to be home because there's always something to get done if I'm not writing.

However, once the remodeling is done and winter is here, I'm thinking of seeking out a coffee shop, too, just a few hours, a few days a week, though some of the obstacles for me are 1) packing everything up and the unpacking there and then repacking back up again, and if I'm drinking coffee, or water, I know I'm going to have to run to the bathroom, and I'll have to pack everything up to take it to the bathroom with me, because at least around here you wouldn't leave your laptop sitting there by itself... So, already I'm thinking, nah, I'll just stay home...which I guess is becoming my favorite hang out. LOL

Sam

You Could Try...

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sat, 2007-10-20 10:26.

Doing it just for revisions. That's what I do. I take printout pages that I need to go over (I have those with me ALL the time) so that when I have to go to the restroom, I can just tuck them in my purse. It's nice to go over the hard copy in a place where the dogs and cat aren't trying to vie for my attention ;-)

Shirley

Escape place.....need those

Submitted by donkeycheese on Sun, 2007-10-14 20:29.

Escape place.....need those pretty regularly! At home if I can't get any peace and quiet, I'll lock myself up in the bathroom and turn the music up so I can't hear them knocking. Or if I want to relax and read, my bedroom is my haven. Its designed for my creature comfort :)

When I am out of the house, I know I can get relaxing and comfort from an independent bookstore. My family has always left me alone when I enter one. My daughter is quickly becoming an avid reader though, and lately has followed me in... but she is quiet.

I miss ours...

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sat, 2007-10-20 10:27.

We used to have a great indie bookstore here that went out of business. It was a fabulous place to just BE. We have a couple others here that are cool, but that one was really the bomb.

Shirley

My Favorite Place

Submitted by cherierj on Sun, 2007-10-14 22:12.

It is a wonderful restaurant with awesome, authentic cajun food. Not only does it have the great food but they play cajun background music and sell cajun products there as well. It is such a fan and relaxing place to be.

The coffee shop is a great

Submitted by ThatBrunette (not verified) on Mon, 2007-10-15 03:34.

The coffee shop is a great place to relax. Although, I prefer the anonymity. Don't get me wrong, I like going places where I get special frequent customer treatment. When I get the time to decompress, I want to be completely alone. Home has too many things that need doing so being alone at home isn't an option. Can I get a cone of isolation, please? :-)

LOL!

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sat, 2007-10-20 10:28.

LOL, ThatBrunette! I need a cone of isolation too ;-)

Shirley

"Calgon, take me away!"

Submitted by MelissaK on Mon, 2007-10-15 15:17.

My couch is my favorite escape hangout where I read and read and read some more.
How did I miss PRETTY BAD? I love your culinary series, Shirley, and I'm thrilled you have a Christmas theme book coming out!

MelissaK

Library or the Park

Submitted by Tracey of the C... on Tue, 2007-10-16 01:48.

I love to go to my local library and walk through the aisles of books, people watch as I pretend to read ;), or just sit and listen to the quiet or whatever is going on. I feel at peace surrounded by all the books and history.

We live 5-6 miles from Lake Michigan. I love to go and walk or sit and people/animal watch. The water and air are natural relaxants.

So pretty

Submitted by jibby2 on Tue, 2007-10-16 04:39.

I'm not far from Lake Michigan either, but not nearly that close. My name is also Tracey, spelled with the e. Lake Michigan is so beautiful and I agree that that is one great place to read and people/animal watch.

That's cool jibby2 aka

Submitted by Tracey of the C... on Tue, 2007-10-16 23:55.

That's cool jibby2 aka Tracey. We are very fortunate to live so close to nature.

Pretty Bad...

Submitted by ShirleyJump on Sat, 2007-10-20 10:29.

That one was out this past February, after being pushed forward from the summer release it was originally supposed to have (to make room for my novella in between). But a lot of stores still have it, since it's a single title.

Only a couple weeks till the next book is out though!

Shirley

I have a hard time reading

Submitted by Sue A. on Tue, 2007-10-16 08:58.

I have a hard time reading out in public. I get too distracted by people moving about and the noise. So my favorite escape is my bedroom where I have privacy, quiet, and comfort.

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