The Day I Forgot the chairs, But Remembered the Wine

The Day I Forgot the chairs, But Remembered the Wine
An “About the Author” misadventure with dogs, books, and Christmas in July magic.

You know what makes for a perfect day?
A vineyard.
Dogs.
A Christmas-themed event...in July.
Oh, and did I mention wine?

This past weekend, we packed up our books, our branding, and our two furry sidekicks—Blueberry (the real-life inspiration behind Pixie the magical Papillon) and Kobe (our wise, old floof and Senior Advisor to All Things)—and headed off to the Hounds of Erie Winery for their fabulous Christmas in July celebration.

Why?
Because Book 4 in the Magical Papillon Mysteries just launched and it happens to be titled—wait for it—Christmas in July.
Clearly, fate was sending a festive wine-soaked sleigh in our direction, and we were all in.

We had a booth set up among the grapevines and wagging tails, and honestly? It was an absolute blast. The Hounds of Erie team were some of the kindest, most welcoming humans you could ever hope to meet (if you haven’t visited them yet, add it to your bucket list—their cider is practically a personality). And everyone who stopped by our table? Adorable. Hilarious. Just the kind of people you'd expect at a dog-forward wine party in July.

Now, because I’m a totally organized, ultra-prepared, famously put-together author (snort-laugh)… I did not forget anything.
Except… you know… to use the bathroom before embarking on a two-hour drive there. And then again before the two-hour drive home.

Let me tell you, trying to be gracious and charming when your bladder is playing Jingle Bells in Morse code? Not easy, friends.
I am not naming names.
But she’s the one typing this blog.

To add to the comedy, we had very responsibly staged our camp chairs right by the garage door the night before so we wouldn’t forget them. Genius, right?
Except we absolutely forgot them.

At this point, I think my organizational strategy can be summed up as “hope for the best, pack snacks for the worst, and bring dogs just in case.”

The folks at he 'Hounds of Erie' winery were so wonderful, helping us out in every single way!

And the dogs!!!

Blueberry was in full celebrity mode—posing for photos, greeting fans, and taking the occasional diva break in her crate (aka her mobile home).
Kobe, the seasoned professional, supervised the entire affair from the shade with his usual air of distinguished chill.
Both were excellent brand ambassadors, unless you count the moment Blueberry attempted to sample a stranger’s picnic.

All in all, it was one of those gloriously messy, joy-filled days that remind you why we do this—why we write, why we tell stories, and why we load up the car with dogs and books and Christmas ornaments in the middle of July.

To everyone who came out: THANK YOU.
To Hounds of Erie winery: YOU ROCK.
To anyone who hasn't read Christmas in July yet—Blueberry gives it two paws up, and I promise it’s as cozy, quirky, and heartwarming as a Hallmark movie... if Hallmark movies included talking dogs with magical snark.

Until next time,
May your wine be cold, your crate be comfy, and your bladder always remember to speak up before the drive.

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