I may have mentioned once or twice before that I love to travel but I also love going out to eat and trying new things. I was raised on simple fare and going out to restaurants was not the thing to do. You ate at home. Period.
The one thing my father instilled in me was the love of travel; we moved frequently and lived in some pretty amazing places. Maybe that is why to this day I have wonder lust and always want to see more.
Growing up in that environment allowed me the freedom to sample different cultures, and as I matured (I hope) and became more independent my palate grew as well. That is not to say I do not love Polish and Jewish food. I do, very much so.
I live near a truly amazing city, thirty five minutes away from my home is Chicago, and that means world class museums, theatre, opera, orchestra and food; all of that just minutes away.
This weekend starts The Taste of Chicago, over three hundred restaurants are represented, and for the first time, the participating restaurants must have a Chicago presence. An excellent idea, because we do have some great ones, from The Lettuce Entertain You chain of restaurants, Everest, an exquisite restaurant that offers dining at its best to the very casual and delightful R. J. Grunts in the Lincoln Park area. And of course, any discussion of fine restaurants must include Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, and I don't even have to whisper the chef's name, but I will...Rick Bayless.
Inexpensive fare to the very high end and everything in between can be found in Chicago. And because we're so culturally rich, all ethnic foods abound.
More next week about my favorite Chicago restaurants.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
A Hotel in Paris
www.mjustes.com
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Photographer Matt Connor by Margot Justes
I would like to share some wonderful photographs taken by a young and very talented photographer.
Just looking at them makes me want to travel, not that I need a reason.
Rome, Capri and Egypt are scheduled for next year and the shots from both Rome and Capri just increase my desire to roam the world.
I really think I could live out of a suitcase on a permanent basis.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
Read and travel the world...
A Hotel in Paris
Vanity Press by Margot Justes
It would seem that even the Wall Street Journal is paying attention to the explosion of the digital books and the resourceful authors that navigate the complex and timely world of e-book publication.
A recent article in the Journal, 'Vanity' Press Goes Digital mentioned authors who either can't get published, as in an example of author Karen McQuestion, who was rejected, self published, sold well and even has a film option with a Hollywood director. Not bad a way to start your career.
The Journal went on to mention authors like Joe Konrath. Joe is already a very well established (check out his Jackie Daniels series) author who took his work directly to the reader via Amazon and is succeeding admirably. Joe is selling like the proverbial hotcakes, he is also a master of marketing and a personality with a goofy, funny sense of humor, his books are a scary, spooky good read. He is in fact the complete package to sell well.
For mid-list authors, the e-book avenue or any avenue for that matter, is not an easy one to manage. You have to let your readers know you're out there. But first, you have to figure out if you even have any readers. If you're lucky enough to have established a following, albeit a small one, you now need to grow that readership, and somehow let them know you're out there.
The social networks are always a good idea, in fact a great idea, but how to tell all your friends out in the nebulous land of the internet that you're out there, without hitting them over the head and becoming a nuisance. That is my question? Does anyone have a few answers?
I regained my rights to two short stories, and this weekend I plan to go to the Amazon site and learn how to download and sell them. Amazon, it would appear actually helps the author promote the work, and they have vast resources at their fingertips. We'll see how it all works out.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A recent article in the Journal, 'Vanity' Press Goes Digital mentioned authors who either can't get published, as in an example of author Karen McQuestion, who was rejected, self published, sold well and even has a film option with a Hollywood director. Not bad a way to start your career.
The Journal went on to mention authors like Joe Konrath. Joe is already a very well established (check out his Jackie Daniels series) author who took his work directly to the reader via Amazon and is succeeding admirably. Joe is selling like the proverbial hotcakes, he is also a master of marketing and a personality with a goofy, funny sense of humor, his books are a scary, spooky good read. He is in fact the complete package to sell well.
For mid-list authors, the e-book avenue or any avenue for that matter, is not an easy one to manage. You have to let your readers know you're out there. But first, you have to figure out if you even have any readers. If you're lucky enough to have established a following, albeit a small one, you now need to grow that readership, and somehow let them know you're out there.
The social networks are always a good idea, in fact a great idea, but how to tell all your friends out in the nebulous land of the internet that you're out there, without hitting them over the head and becoming a nuisance. That is my question? Does anyone have a few answers?
I regained my rights to two short stories, and this weekend I plan to go to the Amazon site and learn how to download and sell them. Amazon, it would appear actually helps the author promote the work, and they have vast resources at their fingertips. We'll see how it all works out.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
Sunday, May 23, 2010
A Taste of Italy by Margot Justes
Susan Miura and I will be doing our first library event A Taste of Italy on Monday May 24th at the Elk Grove Library, 1001 Wellington Ave Elk Grove, IL 60007 7:00 pm.
It's a travel show and discussion along with a sampling of Italian food. I found Italian cookies and coffee flavored hard candy at Joe Caputo and Sons, our local grocery food store that carries many international products. I love going there just to see what's new.
I was especially thrilled to find coffee flavored candy, the Italians love their coffee as I do. Since I wasn't going to lug my Nespresso machine to make coffee, the candy was good enough. I am seriously considering getting one of those portable Nespresso machines. Really, really seriously considering it. I can even rationalize it, after all it's for work. Hmm. The reasoning is beginning to sound better and better.
My favorite all stop shop, Costco has a selection of Italian cheeses and I'll need to get some crackers and of course Pellegrino. In case you didn't know May is gelatto month, of course gelatto will be served.
We'll have a good time and short of taking a trip to Italy, this is the next best thing.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris
It's a travel show and discussion along with a sampling of Italian food. I found Italian cookies and coffee flavored hard candy at Joe Caputo and Sons, our local grocery food store that carries many international products. I love going there just to see what's new.
I was especially thrilled to find coffee flavored candy, the Italians love their coffee as I do. Since I wasn't going to lug my Nespresso machine to make coffee, the candy was good enough. I am seriously considering getting one of those portable Nespresso machines. Really, really seriously considering it. I can even rationalize it, after all it's for work. Hmm. The reasoning is beginning to sound better and better.
My favorite all stop shop, Costco has a selection of Italian cheeses and I'll need to get some crackers and of course Pellegrino. In case you didn't know May is gelatto month, of course gelatto will be served.
We'll have a good time and short of taking a trip to Italy, this is the next best thing.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Romantic Times by Margot Justes
RT, as it is affectionately known is a hoot, the days long, the nights longer.
Now that I have your attention, let me tell you that for the most part it was work.The panels and various programs started early and lasted till six, that gave you an hour to get ready for the balls, or stop by the bar for a drink. I noticed many people did both.I found the panels informative and in many case entertaining.
There were two New York Public Relations firms that gave an inkling of what it takes to represent writers; both best sellers and newbies. I fall into the latter category. One agency did a Power Point presentation and listed best selling authors they represented over a five year period.
My personal favorite was The Nancy Berland Public Relations Agency, they had representatives from the agency discussing various approaches and Sabrina Jeffries as a panelist, along with a newbie author. The audience had an insight into how they represented an established best selling author and someone relatively new on the scene. For my money, The Berland Agency won hands down.
Exposed to the various romantic sub genres gave an inking of what's going on in the industry as well as a feeling of "I need to get out more."The balls were a blast, from Ellora's Cave and her Cavemen, to the Fairy Ball and my personal favorite the Vampire Ball. I attended all three and let me tell you they were memorable and incredibly fun.
I didn't get to see much of Columbus, but did get to walk on First Street and found quite a few lovely art galleries. Fortunately for me, I walked very early Friday morning and the stores were closed.I found the people friendly, helpful and even though the conference was huge, I didn't get that lost feeling, but actually felt welcomed.
One interesting side note, there was a Bishop's as well as a Mortician's conference, and plenty of swag, (big posters, covers, etc.) from the various romance and erotica authors.
Since I had to leave Saturday morning, I signed books Friday afternoon, sandwiched between two authors who wrote for Ellora's Cave. Sandwiched between two hunks on the cover and me with the gun and postcard. Need I say more?
But the best part for me was a fan who brought her previously purchased book for me to sign. She took the trouble to find me and even ask when A Hotel in Bath was scheduled for release. Thank you, Ruth, you left me speechless and incredibly grateful.
I will be back.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
Art brought her to Paris, a stranger's death changes her life.
A Hotel in Paris
Now that I have your attention, let me tell you that for the most part it was work.The panels and various programs started early and lasted till six, that gave you an hour to get ready for the balls, or stop by the bar for a drink. I noticed many people did both.I found the panels informative and in many case entertaining.
There were two New York Public Relations firms that gave an inkling of what it takes to represent writers; both best sellers and newbies. I fall into the latter category. One agency did a Power Point presentation and listed best selling authors they represented over a five year period.
My personal favorite was The Nancy Berland Public Relations Agency, they had representatives from the agency discussing various approaches and Sabrina Jeffries as a panelist, along with a newbie author. The audience had an insight into how they represented an established best selling author and someone relatively new on the scene. For my money, The Berland Agency won hands down.
Exposed to the various romantic sub genres gave an inking of what's going on in the industry as well as a feeling of "I need to get out more."The balls were a blast, from Ellora's Cave and her Cavemen, to the Fairy Ball and my personal favorite the Vampire Ball. I attended all three and let me tell you they were memorable and incredibly fun.
I didn't get to see much of Columbus, but did get to walk on First Street and found quite a few lovely art galleries. Fortunately for me, I walked very early Friday morning and the stores were closed.I found the people friendly, helpful and even though the conference was huge, I didn't get that lost feeling, but actually felt welcomed.
One interesting side note, there was a Bishop's as well as a Mortician's conference, and plenty of swag, (big posters, covers, etc.) from the various romance and erotica authors.
Since I had to leave Saturday morning, I signed books Friday afternoon, sandwiched between two authors who wrote for Ellora's Cave. Sandwiched between two hunks on the cover and me with the gun and postcard. Need I say more?
But the best part for me was a fan who brought her previously purchased book for me to sign. She took the trouble to find me and even ask when A Hotel in Bath was scheduled for release. Thank you, Ruth, you left me speechless and incredibly grateful.
I will be back.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
Art brought her to Paris, a stranger's death changes her life.
A Hotel in Paris
Saturday, April 17, 2010
A Taste of Italy by Margot Justes
I'm meeting with Susan Miura this afternoon to go over our 'Taste of Italy' presentation, and this is the perfect opportunity to segway to Venice and begin my travel blogs.
Getting to Venice is not difficult, hop on a plane to any central European city and transfer to a small plane bound for the Marco Polo airport in Venice.
It took a while to get my bearing, my nickname Wrong Way Rodal is well founded, I get lost easily and have a hard time with left and right, and we won't discuss North, South, etc.
I wanted to get an ACTV 72 hour pass, that would allow me to take the bus to the center of town and more importantly would allow me to use the vaporetto at will. I asked and received a blank stare, a finger pointing to a sea of faces, no kiosk selling anything, just tourists looking as lost as I was. One person actually answered in Italian, and since I spoke in English and don't speak Italian it presented a slight problem. But we smiled at each other and I thanked him in Italian. Grazie goes a long way but unfortunately not to a place that got me a ticket.
The fact that I spoke English, had this totally lost look on my face, was at an airport, lugging luggage behind me and hoping against hope someone would take me for a tourist, nope, no one did. Odd that.
I kept walking a bit further, probably in a circle, although nothing looked familiar and I didn't get that- been there done- that European Vacation 'look kids Big Ben' feeling.
Finally, I got lucky and bought the three day pass and took the bus that took me to Piazzale Roma, the central hub where it would appear all travelers converge.
From there it was walking distance to our hotel the Boscolo Bellini, the hotel was just steps away from the Grand Canal in the Cannaregio district.
Going up and down the various bridges was a treat, the luggage thumping, bumping and groaning as the was person pulling the darn things. That would be me.
The area was perfect, the hotel was not, at best it lacked a personality, however the people at the desk were gracious and helpful, and the location more than made up for the shortcomings of the hotel.
My first day was spent wondering through the maze of tiny alleys and streets in hope of finding the elusive Piazza San Marco. You guessed it, even following the clear markings and arrows, I got lost, but you really never get lost in Venice, invariably you'll get to the Grand Canal and every street and alley is a treasure trove filled with charm and history.
Next door to the hotel was a remarkable Romanesque church and it so happened that there was a concert that night right in the church. It was fantastic. All in all, an incredible first day in a wondrous city.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris
Getting to Venice is not difficult, hop on a plane to any central European city and transfer to a small plane bound for the Marco Polo airport in Venice.
It took a while to get my bearing, my nickname Wrong Way Rodal is well founded, I get lost easily and have a hard time with left and right, and we won't discuss North, South, etc.
I wanted to get an ACTV 72 hour pass, that would allow me to take the bus to the center of town and more importantly would allow me to use the vaporetto at will. I asked and received a blank stare, a finger pointing to a sea of faces, no kiosk selling anything, just tourists looking as lost as I was. One person actually answered in Italian, and since I spoke in English and don't speak Italian it presented a slight problem. But we smiled at each other and I thanked him in Italian. Grazie goes a long way but unfortunately not to a place that got me a ticket.
The fact that I spoke English, had this totally lost look on my face, was at an airport, lugging luggage behind me and hoping against hope someone would take me for a tourist, nope, no one did. Odd that.
I kept walking a bit further, probably in a circle, although nothing looked familiar and I didn't get that- been there done- that European Vacation 'look kids Big Ben' feeling.
Finally, I got lucky and bought the three day pass and took the bus that took me to Piazzale Roma, the central hub where it would appear all travelers converge.
From there it was walking distance to our hotel the Boscolo Bellini, the hotel was just steps away from the Grand Canal in the Cannaregio district.
Going up and down the various bridges was a treat, the luggage thumping, bumping and groaning as the was person pulling the darn things. That would be me.
The area was perfect, the hotel was not, at best it lacked a personality, however the people at the desk were gracious and helpful, and the location more than made up for the shortcomings of the hotel.
My first day was spent wondering through the maze of tiny alleys and streets in hope of finding the elusive Piazza San Marco. You guessed it, even following the clear markings and arrows, I got lost, but you really never get lost in Venice, invariably you'll get to the Grand Canal and every street and alley is a treasure trove filled with charm and history.
Next door to the hotel was a remarkable Romanesque church and it so happened that there was a concert that night right in the church. It was fantastic. All in all, an incredible first day in a wondrous city.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris
Friday, April 9, 2010
Eyvind Earle by Margot Justes
I've written a few blogs about art, and I just realized not once have I said a word about my favorite contemporary artist, Eyvind Earle.
For more years than I'd care to mention or remember, I have loved and coveted his work. I went through a period where anytime I could get my hands on his Christmas cards, I would buy a box and never send them out, because I couldn't bear to part with them.
There is something magical about his style. It's nature and yet not. Colorful, stunning in the grandeur of the landscape he often portrayed, but you can still see the illustrator at heart. His work is simple, elegant, almost Oriental and yet not. The colors are vibrant, alive, brilliant, the combination is simply magnificent.
I finally own a numbered serigraph, my prize possession, and dare I say it, I want more.
When I was in San Francisco a couple of years ago, I visited Carmel and stopped at Gallery 21, the gallery now owned by his estate, since Mr. Earle died in 2000 at the age of 84.
His career started early, in fact I read that at the age of 10 he was already very prolific. His career included a stint with Walt Disney as a n assistant background painter. His work for Disney included Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty, among others. But it is his later efforts that truly show a master at work. Someone wrote that his style is lyrical, and I would never associate lyrical with art, but it fits, it flows, it moves you. It is indeed lyrical.
If you're interested in seeing some of his work, just Google his name, and I promise you will not be disappointed.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris
For more years than I'd care to mention or remember, I have loved and coveted his work. I went through a period where anytime I could get my hands on his Christmas cards, I would buy a box and never send them out, because I couldn't bear to part with them.
There is something magical about his style. It's nature and yet not. Colorful, stunning in the grandeur of the landscape he often portrayed, but you can still see the illustrator at heart. His work is simple, elegant, almost Oriental and yet not. The colors are vibrant, alive, brilliant, the combination is simply magnificent.
I finally own a numbered serigraph, my prize possession, and dare I say it, I want more.
When I was in San Francisco a couple of years ago, I visited Carmel and stopped at Gallery 21, the gallery now owned by his estate, since Mr. Earle died in 2000 at the age of 84.
His career started early, in fact I read that at the age of 10 he was already very prolific. His career included a stint with Walt Disney as a n assistant background painter. His work for Disney included Peter Pan and Sleeping Beauty, among others. But it is his later efforts that truly show a master at work. Someone wrote that his style is lyrical, and I would never associate lyrical with art, but it fits, it flows, it moves you. It is indeed lyrical.
If you're interested in seeing some of his work, just Google his name, and I promise you will not be disappointed.
Till next time,
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
A Hotel in Paris
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