I just got back from having lunch with the always stylish and witty Margo Candela, author of the book More Than This, a book you can win by going to GALLEY GOSSIP and adding a comment under the post LOVE ON THE PLANE. That’s where you’ll also read all about how I met my husband. (What are you waiting for? Click the link and get to posting already!)

Whenever I see Margo a couple things immediately start running through my head. The first thought usually happens right when I spot Margo as I’m walking across the parking lot. Usually she’s standing by the door of whatever restaurant we’ve decided to meet at. Today it was Marmalade Cafe. While walking, I couldn’t help but take in what Margo had thrown on today, just another chic dress, as my mind screamed, I’ve got to go shopping. I need to buy a new wardrobe. I’m going to have to replace everything. Underwear and socks included!

The next thought came as soon as we said hello, which requires looking into her eyes, which are in very close proximity to her hair, very short and sassy hair. The thought went something like this; I’ve got to do something with my hair! I’m totally out of style. Forget “out of” style, when I have no style! My god I look frumpy. No – homeless. I need a new do. Something glamorous, yet sassy and fun, but also sexy. Something other than what I have. I don’t even know what I have. What do I have?

And then, as we sat at the table and talked about writing, the real freak out occured. While Margo was talking, I started thinking, I’ve got to start writing more. I need to finish the book. Why haven’t I finished the book already! How long has it been? As soon as I realize just how long it’d been, I immediately wished I hadn’t realized how long it’d been. It’s been that long. Too long!

Eventually my mind moved on to organization, and while Margo continued to talk about writing, I began thinking about getting it together. I need a schedule. A schedule I can stick to. But I’m not a schedule person. I’ve got to become a schedule person. Make it happen. I will not stop until it happens. It will happen! Won’t it?

Finally, as Margo kept talking about writing, I started thinking about Margo, about becoming more like Margo. I must start channeling Margo. Because Margo, in case you haven’t guessed, is my hero. Somehow she manages to do it all – wife, mother, writer – and she does it all with such style and grace.

So that’s how it started, lunch. Eventually I got over my almost mental break down that I do hope Margo had no idea was actually happening as we sat over a so-so meal talking about writing. There was so much to talk about. After discussing Margo’s potential movie deal, and the next book (her fifth book), and a possible new book idea (I told you she’s amazing!), we moved on to me. Needless to say, the conversation kind of came to a halt. There was not much to discuss about me.

Of course Margo wanted to know why I haven’t been working on my book, Skydoll. Oh I came up with a million reasons why I haven’t been working on Skydoll, and they were all very good reasons, but the truth is I’ve just been putting it off. So now, after seeing the always stylish and witty Margo, I’ve decided to get it together, organize my life, channel Margo, and start working on Skydoll – AGAIN!

Along with my wardrobe.

And hair.

Life.

Everything.