1. Okay, so I am back online with (just about) everything up and running. If I ever doubted that I had a bit of an, um, addiction to the internet (or maybe just a heavy dependence) this little nature-imposed hiatus made it clear. I missed everything! Twitter, Google News, Facebook….oh, man. The list goes on and on. But now that I HAVE been away, I think I will be less obsessed about checking everything, able to be more present and unplug much more. No, really. Really! Okay, I don’t think so either. It was worth a shot.
2. People: tonight is the SERIES FINALE of Friday Night Lights on NBC. Oh, man. I have actually already seen it (multiple times) which will not at ALL stop me from watching again as it happens, with a big box of tissues. It’s that good. Also, my husband is not a fan of the show, nor are a lot of my friends. They just don’t Get It, despite my evangelical-like belief in spreading the word. So you guys, who read this, and Tweet about it, and love it as much as I do? You are my people. And I want to watch it with you, so we can shut this whole thing (sob!) down together. I’m already verklempt. I will try not to clog your Twitter feed and be quiet during the show, but I make no promises after the credits roll. And did you hear the show AND Connie Britton and Kyle Chandler got nominated for Emmys, finally? Justice is served!!!! Okay, I’ll take a breath now…
3. If you read this, you know I am a total dork. But in case you needed MORE proof, here’s what I got so freaking excited about today:
I made this today. Me! All by myself! It was my second attempt, after my daughter had pleaded for a balloon animal since seeing one in WHEN YOU GIVE A PIG A PARTY. I was pretty sure I was NOT going to make this happen, so we hit this great local party store, Balloons and Tunes, to look for an alternative. I was hoping to maybe tape some small balloons together or something. But then the woman who owns it said, “Oh, we have those twisty kind you make animals with.” I was like, “Um, I don’t think I can do that.” She said it was easy, just go to You Tube and watch a couple of videos. Still not sure, I came home and did just that. And I DID IT. Oh, my goodness. You know when you’ve had, like a really bad week followed by a SUPER bad day, and you just need one thing to turn it around? This little blue dog is that one thing. I am now working on hats and a giraffe. Stay tuned!
4. Just reading over #3 above, all I can picture is the faces of my editor and agent, and what they would say if they read it. “Oh, my God,” I picture them groaning, “she’s making BALLOON ANIMALS! When is she going to get back to writing a novel? What is WRONG with her?” They would be kind of right, I do need to get back to work. But it’s hard to jump straight from a book release and tour into the work in progress again. I need a bit of transition time. Once I get the giraffe down, I’ll be ready. I think.
5. Finally, just a heads-up: I’m heading off for vacation next week, going up to MA to visit my extended family. I’ve traveled so much this summer, but it’s been ages since I’ve had my kid and husband with me, and I’m really looking forward to it. It’s not ALL play though: I’ll be at Eight Cousins Bookshop in Falmouth, MA on Friday, July 22nd at 4pm. So if you, too, are on vacay and want to say hello, come out! It’s a great bookstore and Falmouth is an awesome place.
Okay, I have YouTube videos to watch. Balloon giraffe: prepare to be mastered.
Have a good weekend, everyone!
I have never been to Massachusetts. I can’t even spell it without spell check.
I’ve never made a balloon animal.
I’ve never seen Friday Night Lights.
Your post has left me bereft. And yet also inspired.
Cheers from a fellow CHHS Tiger! I was in the class of ’89.
So proud of all you’ve achieved.
When do you visit NYC again?
All the best,
Adrian
Hi! So, I started watching Friday Night Lights when season three premiered, and I wondered “Where has this show BEEN all my life?!” Let’s just say, I was easily addicted, and I adore everything and everyone on the show. I watched the final season already, saw it on DirecTV, and I bawled, literally bawled my eyes out. My mom watches it too, but she was just like “I’m sad to see it over,” while I’m practically in the corner crying my eyes out! I should really stop ranting, because this is pointless. But seriously, awesome show! And you’re awesome and your books are awesome and I can’t wait for the next one! I hope you have a good weekend!
Hi Sarah
My name is Andrea A. and I’m from Oklahoma.
I just finished reading What Happened to Goodbye and I love it!! Your books are very original. I’m not going to forget McClean and her story. I can really relate to her. I also can’t wait to read your next books!! And I can relate to you about your youtube experience. I learned to knit by watching various videos on youtube!
I appreciate you and your work and wish you and your family the best!! I hope you have a great weekend too!!
Blessings,
Andrea A.
Good luck on the giraffe!
My family is obsessed with friday night lights!
i was having a bad day and guess what?? Reading this blog just made me smile. So thank you
You are the vacation queen!
OMG I’m so happy I found another Friday Night Lights geek! I’m with you; tonight I’m pulling out the extra-large bag of tissues (which I bought specially for this night) and am going to cry my eyes out. Don’t you hate final episodes? They are so sad!
On a happier note, congrats with the balloon animal! You have inspired me to try it, so this afternoon I’m going to head out to the nearest party store and get some supplies. It’s likely I won’t be as good as you are, but I’ll still try.
Have fun in MA, and can’t wait to hear more!
I started watching Friday Night Lights a while back on recommendation from your blog, and I love it! I watched the series finale tonight and it was so good! I live in Texas and it made me never want to leave. Texas forever! It didn’t bring me to tears like you, but I think that’s because I was all cried out after the midnight premiere of the last Harry Potter movie last night…
Anywho, thanks for the awesome show recommendation and I hope you start writing again soon! I can’t wait for your next book.
First, I owe you for my deep love for FNL. It is my all time favorite show, up there with Gilmore Girls, and I never would have tried it out if it weren’t for you. I think my family wishes you never mentioned it. I know NO ONE who watches it and despite attempts none of my friends or family get my religious devotion to the show. So I love when you talk about the show, it makes me feel a little less alone in my love for the show.
Second, I thought you would be interested in this link. They may do a FNL movie. Considering how long the Arrested Development movie has been in the works and how the Gilmore Girls movie never happened, I’m not getting my hopes up too high. But, I can’t help but be excited by the idea of a Friday Night Lights movie…well that is a new one.
http://www.tvline.com/2011/07/scoop-friday-night-lights-may-continue-on-the-big-screen/#more-232174
Even though I’d already seen the series finale of FNL on DVD, of course I watched it tonight. Five minutes in, I was already crying. I used a total of seven Kleenexes and felt like I was crying every five to ten minutes. Such a perfect, satisfying ending to a wonderful show! Sarah, I have to thank you and Meg Cabot for introducing me to FNL. I’d never paid much attention to it until you and Meg mentioned it on numerous occasions on your blogs. Last summer I finally gave it a chance and was instantly hooked. I can’t imagine what life would be like if I had never started watching this show, so thanks! I will miss it so much, but I have the DVDs to keep me company. Also, there’s a possibility there will be a movie. Lastly, I’m so happy that the show, Kyle, Connie, and Jason Katims were nominated for Emmys. I’ll be rooting for them on Emmy night!
I met you in Nola at Octavia (the one who gave you chocolates and the card)… I totally forgot to mention I’m a Friday Night Lights fan! My friend’s brother suggested it to me while Season 3 was on, so I watched Seasons 1 & 2, caught up on 3, and the rest is history. It’s the only series that I own ALL DVD sets. Let me just say that the series finale choked me up when Coach Taylor said, Clear Eyes, Full Hearts…
SNIFF. I even bought that t-shirt last summer when I was in NYC, even though I knew he was no longer a Dillon Panther. I get many smiles when I wear that shirt. 
You’re writing another book already? Man, Sarah, you are like a superwoman or something! I swear What Happened To Goodbye only came out a few weeks ago (then I suppose you’d probably finished writing it yonks ago. I am a total procrastinator as well, though, I must admit. I can often be found playing Sims 3, writing or reading stories when really I should be studying or writing essays for my Year 12 classes. Oh, dear. I need to get my act together, huh?
X
I hope you have a nice day
Correction: **(then I suppose you’d probably finished writing it yonks ago).
Wow, this is so weird I was just at my neighbors and we were watching Friday Night Lights I had never seen it but i caught on fast and it was very good. I’m in love with your books and I have just about read all of them I’m a big reader and writer and you have inspired me to try to become a writer when i grow up I am still only in my eraly teens but I would love for my job to be to write everyday when I’m older.
I got my husband addicted to FNL, he was as sad about the end as I was. It was crazy! We watched all five seasons over a two month period, we couldnt’ get enough. I don’t know what it is about the show, but it’s so real and it emotionally consumes you. Hope they win the awards they were nominated for.
Love Friday Night Lights. As for the balloon animal, I fail at those. I’ve tried over and over, but my animal ends up popped!!
Doris
I love your books!!(: I just finished reading Just Listen, and I have also read The Truth About Forever! Love those books!! <3 Im trying to read all of them, because your stories are excellent. You are my FAVIROTE WRITER of all time!! I hope that means something to you, because I am a teen. I love reading, especially your books.These books are not only entertinment, but they have a message in them that help me in my dailey life, which most books, i cant say will. Thanks for being a really good writer!!
Sarah,
Sarah,
I know i will.. after summer school :/ ~Maddie California
Normally, for me, it is almost Impossible for me to get into books. <—- short attention span. I really have to find a good book. i was at the book store the other day and ran across an entire table of your books. I hadnt found a good book in awhile so i grabbed it.. (This Lullaby) I read it in 1 night! i never do that! I didnt sleep at all, i went to bed at 6 AM! Thats ho much i love your books! Bieng a teen really is difficult.. unless you have a great book to read and shut everything out wth. your an amazing writer and i looovee alllll your books. i just finished The Truth About Forever yesterday, Could not put it down! Amazing! Have a great Vacation!
I love your books!!! Im so hooked on them. I cant go to bed because Im too busy reading your amazing books!!! And I live in Massachusetts! Haha have a good vacation, theres lots to see here!
I think ballon animals are cool!
You have Twitter? I’ll follow you!
I’ve been wondering and wondering if I’d be able to go to your signing in Falmouth. I live in Western Mass and don’t always have gas money to make it across the state, but it looks like it’s finally gonna come through and I’ll get to go!
Happiest note, however, is what happened when I called the bookstore for info. They were so nice! I’ve been to signings that are really strict, but when I asked the lady about regulations, she just said “regulations??” as in ‘why would we have those?’ That’s the Cape for you….
Love it.
See you Friday!
Hey Sarah I am a proud reader of your books! I love them and cannot wait to see what you have in store for the next one!! I LOVE Friday Night Lights. I found it on netflix and had no idea what it was but i just was so board I loved it and with in one summer I got through all four sessions and in within like a month i got through the last session. I was sad it was over. I love Tim Rigins! He is so adorable and sweet! I was proud of coach for listening to his wife. but any who. I just wanted to give a shout out!!! Love you Sarah!
_Silver Lee
why cant i find your books in Jamaica
I LOVE your books so much
But i cant come to america everytime i want one and i cant buy online cuz i aint got no credit card and ma mom wont use hers
When is Jason going to be the main guy? Maybe the girl should have all the answers for once. Jason could be that guy with the mysterious gap in his past. I’m so curious about that character.
I love What Happened to Goodbye, by the way.
Also Along for the Ride.
My favorite is The truth About Forever.
I think I might love Jason.
By the way, I think you’re awesome.
ur post’s never fail to make my day, and kudos on the balloon! i finished what happened to goodbye in a day, talk about adicted! Although i loved Dave, he doesn’t quite comepare to Dexter, who im still in love with, i know get a life! much love, Kara
Hey Sara Dessen, I’ve heard so much about your books! I would lovve to read one of your books someday!! MAybe I will.(:
You are amazing how you can make a balloon animal! Sounds hard! I applaud you! And my mom and sisters love Friday Night Lights! I have never actually watched it though:( Will have to soon!!
ive never watched friday night lights. i heard that its really good. maby ill watch it some time and get into it.
Hi Sarah Dessen, i just want to say that you are my favorite author coming before Lauren Myracle!!! I have only read 2 of your books, Lock & Key & Someone Like you. I finished Someone Like You yesterday at the beach
i was sad when it ended because it was a really great book, so is Lock & Key! i cant wait to read the rest of your books. I hope between being a mother & writing new & exciting books you have the time to comment back or even email me!!!! 