Summer's on the way, and so is Lauren Barnholdt's new book, Click here to order THE SECRET IDENTITY OF DEVON DELANEY!THE SECRET IDENTITY OF DEVON DELANEY. Geared to "tweens," Lauren's book follows Devon as she discovers that her mother was right when she said that karma always comes around to get you. Because last summer Devon was a total liar, and now, right in the middle of Mr. Pritchard's third-period math class, her whole world is about to come crashing down…..

Flew into Tucson yesterday for meetings, and while I was killing time on the plane I picked up the Sky Mall catalog. When I was writing PLAN B I checked out a writing web site where people posted writing exercises. One exercise was to include the Sky Mall in a scene. Well, I did that. In fact, it's in the second chapter (I think - it was originally in the first chapter but I think we moved it). The Sky Mall is fodder for many a creative idea, I mean who can read about all those cool things and not have a little wanting take place?

So yesterday I flipped through the pages and found new things to want. We currently have a huge gaping hole in our backyard where a pool is supposed to magicaly appear in 6-8 weeks. Assuming that actually happens as planned, I found a bunch of pool accessories that I'd love to have. As a matter of fact, after reading Sky Mall, I don't know how I'll enjoy the new pool without them. All for a mere $1600. Perhaps I shall have to learn to live without the remote controlled robotic hammerhead shark. Here's my wish list:

1. Margarator portable margarita maker - reason is self-evident $49.99
2. Remote controlled robotic hammerhead shark - how cool would that be? The kids would love it. $99.95
3. Portable cabana - can be set up anywhere and would keep the kids from running into the house with wet feet when they want to change their bathing suits $109.95
4. Copper firepit - because sitting outside on the patio at night while huddled around a firepit sounds cool, and my husband would relish the opportunity to let loose on his guitar and lead sing-alongs $349
5. Portable ice maker - because I plan on having lots of frosty drinks poolside $399
6. Windmill misting fan - it will no doubt be kinda sweaty out there, and a misting fan will keep us cool $129
7. Portable waterproof iPod stereo system - ok, this actually floats in the pool while you're on your raft and lets you listen to music, speakers and all $149
8. Contoured pool chaise float - because I need something to float on while listening to my iPod in the pool
9. Underwater light show - picture a disco floor light show taking place in the pool, the kids would love it, neighbors, probably not so much $24.99
10. 8 foot royal palm tree with white Christmas lights - because it would make me feel like those Corona holiday commericals all summer long $279

I was getting my hair highlighted this weekend when it occured to me: there are two types of people in the world. Those who like to chat while they're getting their hair done, and those who don't.

I realized this while sitting in the chair typing on my laptop and not saying a word to the woman weidling tin foil and a brush around me. I am one of those people who doesn't like to talk. I always bring my laptop and a book to read, just in case my battery runs out and I have to move on to another activity. Other than saying, "Hi, same as last time," I don't have much to say. To me, those two hours alone are just that - my time alone.

Last Saturday, however, I happened to be sitting next to the other type of person. The type who uses those two hours in the chair as an opportunity to get out every single thing they've been thinking about since their last appointment. The type who cheerily carries on a conversation the entire time she's in the chair. The woman getting her hair cut next to me must have recited every single meal she'd had for the past month. It was like listening to someone read off a menu. And the sweet woman cutting her hair nodding approvingly, laughed when appropriate, and acted as if this woman's food pyramid conversation was the most thrilling thing she'd heard all day. Which made me wonder if the poor woman doing my hair wished I was a talker. But not enough to close my laptop, smile up between the foils falling into my face, and say, "So, what did you have for dinner last night?"