The book. It’s been on my brain (and in my belly) a lot… for the last 12 months. It’s like an extra long gestation period and come next February, I’ll finally be able to meet my book baby!
It still seems a long way off to everybody but me. And while it might appear that my journey will be “complete” by the time the book is released, the next part of the journey is really just beginning. This is the time when I start thinking about publicity, book parties (!) and book signings, and I am so, so excited to tour the country, spread the message of good food to good people, and put some faces to the names I’ve always seen online.
Friends, this is where I need your help!
Do you want me to make a stop in your town? Tell me where that is!
Know of a festival, fair, or dinner party that happens in your community? Put it on my radar!
Are you part of a CSA farm, garden club, cooking club, or retail shop (dealing in books, home and garden, or whole foods) and you think it would be a fitting place for an event? Let’s make it happen!
(You’ll notice I included Southern Canada on the map… because, well, why not? We can take this international!)
There is nothing I love more (aside from cooking and gardening, of course) than exploring new places and meeting new people, and I can’t wait to hear your ideas on where I should go and what I should do. I am currently planning a few events for next spring and hope to include a variety of book signings, talks, classes, and demos, and maybe share a few farm-to-table meals with you all!
Thank you for the daily love and support and for spreading the word about my book. I continue to be stunned and thrilled and humbled with every person telling me he or she just preordered a copy.
Your constant encouragement (since Day One!) and loyal readership are what keep me going, and I can’t wait to set off on this next adventure together. Crossing my fingers that I get to meet many of you for the first time as I make my way around the country next year!
115 Comments
Sarah
October 29, 2014 at 10:03 pmCalgary, AB 🙂
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:27 amGeez, I might need a couple weeks up there alone! 😉
Mallory Larkin
October 28, 2014 at 7:26 pmMattapoisett MA – How On Earth! We do a monthly Harvest dinner with local fare, have a CSA pick up and all around awesome local cafe and store! We work with so many in the community including the amazing Heart Beets Farm who I’m close friends with. PLEASE come!!! AND we’re 30 mins from Cape Cod and 1hr outside of Boston!!!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:29 amThat sounds so lovely! Putting it on my list to look into further!
Jeremy Heyl
October 28, 2014 at 11:51 amN. Illinois outside Chicago. We have a fantastic farmers market here in Chicago- the Chicago Green City Market. Every Wed/Sat- Indoors Nov-April (Sat only). If you find your way through Chicago you may want to contact someone there. Not seeing any Chicago love yet- where are you people?
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:32 amI hope I can stop in Chicago this year!
Kimberly Eldredge
October 28, 2014 at 11:31 amPrescott Arizona!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:33 amOhhh, I love Prescott!
Amy
October 28, 2014 at 8:03 amWashington DC, Eastern Market!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:34 amThank you, I’ll look into it!
Linda, greenthumbs.eu
October 27, 2014 at 5:47 pmStockholm, Sweden. Healthy eating and growing your own veg is a huge trend here! It might be a bit far for you, but hey, it’s an adventure! 😉
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:35 amScandinavia has been on my list of places to visit! Hopefully one day soon!
theGardenBetty
October 27, 2014 at 5:00 pmThank you Stacey for helping me spread the word! RT @staceygmg: Calling All Readers! Where Are You Based? http://t.co/2j3W17gc2b
Christineinca
October 26, 2014 at 9:41 pmMonterey Bay Area; Tons of CSA farms, farmers markets, Happy Girl Kitchen in Pacific Grove. Pajaro Valley is called the “The Salad Bowl of the World.” Santa Cruz and north is filled with awesome farms, including The Homeless Garden Project.
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:39 amThank you for all the suggestions. Northern/Central CA is definitely going to be my focus this year!
theGardenBetty
October 26, 2014 at 9:00 pmI would love to finally meet you on next year’s book tour! Calling All Readers! Where Are You Based? http://t.co/XdTOsPeK6c #thecsacookbook
Artistic Gardener (April)
October 26, 2014 at 8:04 amNorth Las Vegas, Nevada. I am part of a 1-acre CSA Farm / Gardening Group here in the north end of town. It would be awesome to have a visit here. There are a few gardening groups here in town and I’m sure everyone would love to gather together for a meet and greet 🙂
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:40 amVegas is my hometown, so I’d love to stop through there! What is the name of your CSA farm/gardening group?
Laurie
October 26, 2014 at 6:59 amTexas – north of Dallas. There is a a group trying to set up a CSA not too far from me. I don’t know of any others, but I am sure there are some.
I have a good sized garden for me. I love to grow my own veggies. 🙂
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:41 amI’ll keep Dallas on the list of potential stops. 🙂
Mike the Gardener
October 26, 2014 at 6:14 amNew Jersey
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:42 amHi Mike, any favorite venues in NJ?
Mike the Gardener
January 21, 2015 at 4:18 pmI will have to see what I can find
Rachael
October 25, 2014 at 10:59 pmBirmingham, uk
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:42 amThanks for checking in all the way across the pond!
Isis Loran
October 25, 2014 at 5:58 pmWest Kootenays (Nelson- a little bohemian town) British Columbia Canada 🙂
My dad owns the Garden Centre here (DIG garden centre)
I’m not part of a CSA but there are at least 5 in the area (just Nelson & Valley that I can speak of) lots of farmers market considering the town sizes here. People are very into local food in this area. The Kootenay Coop and the Nelson Ecosociety are awesome organizations that help promote local food.
Hope that answer helps! If you have any more questions shoot me an email 🙂
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:44 amNelson is high on my list of travel destinations, regardless of the book tour! 😉 I actually don’t know much about the local food scene up there, but I’ll definitely look into it more. Thanks!
theGardenBetty
October 25, 2014 at 3:00 pmCrossing my fingers I’ll get to meet you at a book signing next year! Calling All Readers! Where Are You Based? http://t.co/9mwgKHuq3c
theGardenBetty
October 25, 2014 at 9:01 amShould I make book tour stop in your town?! Calling All Readers! Where Are You Based? http://t.co/Q9Kbveh2Xj #thecsacookbook
Liz
October 25, 2014 at 8:38 amProvidence, Rhode Island. Check out Farm Fresh RI, Southside Community Land Trust, Cluck! in Providence, Coastal Growers Market in South Kingstown Blithewold Arboretum, in Bristol. Rhode Island may be small, but it runs lengthwise along the Atlantic, embraces beautiful Narragansett bay, and is home to many dedicated surfers, gardeners, urban and suburban chicken caregivers, and locally grown foodies who would love you and your book. Please come.
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 12:46 amI would love to visit Rhode Island, thanks for all the suggestions! Looking into them now!
Bartering Diva
October 25, 2014 at 12:41 amI am reading from the SF bay area! Some friends of mine started a Hyper Homemade and Homegrown bartering group that I belong to. We meet about once every quarter to trade what we have grown in our garden or made in our kitchen. From locally grown veggies to homemade bison jerky. I would literally walk away with bags of fresh veggies, canned goods, skin care, etc.. We had a gal trade her husbands homemade ghost chili brittle for some wild smoked salmon! We only have two rules, no cash and lets trade! Would love for you to come out and check us out at our next meet. Let me know if I can send you some pictures or info. Its like we are our own CSA! – Bartering Diva
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:00 amHow fun! I travel to SF several times a year, so it’s definitely going to be a tour stop!
Carol
October 24, 2014 at 11:31 pmPortsoy, NE Scotland. I live in a wee fishing village but have been using your site since I got a few hens. Helpful. Thanks!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:00 amThanks for reading in Scotland! Hope your hens are thriving!
Kimberly
October 24, 2014 at 10:57 pmCary (Raleigh) North Catolina!!!!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:02 amThank you, I’ll look into it! Have always wanted to go to NC!
Charity Dominic
October 24, 2014 at 10:24 pm92107, Ocean Beach CA
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:03 amI love OB! Hope to make a San Diego stop for sure this year!
Lost & Found Charity
October 24, 2014 at 6:15 pmSt. Louis–got the perfect place for a book signing/party.
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:05 amPlease do share the venue! (By the way, I’ll be in Mansfield in early May for Baker Creek’s Spring Planting Festival!)
theGardenBetty
October 24, 2014 at 6:01 pmI hope to meet many of you as I make my way around the country next year! Calling All Readers! Where Are You Based? http://t.co/nsOI4VuxE0
Grow Hot Peppers
October 24, 2014 at 6:01 pmCongratulations! What an exciting time. That “book baby” comment made me laugh. =)
Hope you’re planning on stopping by the Bay Area in CA. That would be great.
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:06 amPlanning on lots of Bay Area events this year. 🙂
Leonie Jull
October 24, 2014 at 3:08 pmI’m in rural Queensland, Australia. Might be a little out of your way, but you’re welcome any time 😉
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:07 amWow, I’d love to go there some day! Sooner than later, I hope. 🙂
theGardenBetty
October 24, 2014 at 12:01 pmDo you want me to make a stop in your town on my upcoming book tour?! Calling All Readers! Where Are You Based? http://t.co/3OGNvG54Pc
Kristen Clark Crumly
October 24, 2014 at 10:24 amI’m in S. CA too – Orange Countyt. Can’t wait to meet you in person at a book signing!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:08 amWhere in OC? I’ll definitely be making a stop somewhere south.
Kristen Clark Crumly
January 9, 2015 at 11:16 amI’m in Yorba Linda which is the north end of OC. But I am totally willing to drive to see you!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 3:42 pmI know YL! That’s where I cut down my Christmas tree this year. 🙂
Kristen Clark Crumly
January 9, 2015 at 4:47 pmOH that’s right, I saw your post and about that with your adorable doggies 🙂 Yorba Linda is still country enough to not feel I live in the city!
Misti
October 24, 2014 at 10:22 amI’m just outside Houston. It would be a great place to stop in at!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:12 amHouston is high on the list right now! Would love to meet you!
Jackie
October 24, 2014 at 9:37 amPittsburgh, PA !!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:13 amI definitely hope to stop somewhere in PA! Thanks for chiming in!
Caitlin | Our Natural Heritage
October 24, 2014 at 8:57 amHi Linda, I would LOVE to have you in Providence RI sometime, we’ve got a great and fast growing local food scene! I don’t have a venue that I’m connected with specifically but there are SO many in the area that would be great for this! Send me an email if you’d like and I can give you a list of places you might want to reach out to and I can help you plan too – thanks!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:18 amThat sounds wonderful Caitlin! It’s sounding like Providence might be a must-do, so I’ll definitely reach out once I finalize my list.
Rose
October 24, 2014 at 8:16 amSanta Rosa, CA. Sonoma Wine Country! We live and breathe farm to table here! Check out SHED in Healdsburg, CA, just a few miles north of me. They host awesome events and I think your book would be a good fit for their space.
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:14 amI loooove wine country! I’ll actually be speaking at the National Heirloom Expo in September, but will likely stop in more places up north this year. Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll look up SHED!
David Miccinello
October 24, 2014 at 8:16 amif you hit NYC you can get to Shelton Connecticut and chect out Jones Family Farm and i will get you a tour,they are a 5 generation farm.trees,strawberrys,blue berries,pumkins and grapes for the winery.check them out on FB.one of the few farms left in Connecticut.
Mahalo Dav
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:22 amThanks for the suggestion, I’ll look them up and see if I can make a CT stop!
Kaye
October 24, 2014 at 8:13 amBoulder ColoRADo!!!! Come see us!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:21 amBoulder/Denver area is on the list for sure!
Kelly
October 24, 2014 at 8:07 amMiami! I belong to Farm Fresh Miami CSA which is fabulous!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:24 amThank you for the suggestion!
Katie Dubow
October 24, 2014 at 8:02 amPhilly!
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:25 amHope to make it there Katie! Thanks!
gardenmedia
October 24, 2014 at 8:01 amRT @staceygmg: Calling All Readers! Where Are You Based? http://t.co/Kh3SgwwDdy via @theGardenBetty
Laura
October 24, 2014 at 7:50 amYou should visit Wisconsin! There are a lot of farm-to-table foodies here, especially in the Madison area.
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:25 amI’ve heard the farm-to-table scene is huge in WI and would love visit! Are you in the Madison area yourself?
Laura
January 12, 2015 at 6:02 pmI am! I live just south of Madison and went to college at UW-Madison. It’s a great city!
staceygmg
October 24, 2014 at 7:38 amCalling All Readers! Where Are You Based? http://t.co/73TDL2x3hj via @theGardenBetty
Susan Rubinsky
October 24, 2014 at 7:37 amI see you have NYC on that map. If you are going to do smaller cities, New Haven, is the city you’ll want to go to in Connecticut.
Linda Ly
January 9, 2015 at 1:27 amI do love those little towns in CT (used to take the train up from NYC in college), so I’ll see if I can make a stop near there!
theGardenBetty
October 24, 2014 at 6:00 amBlogged on Garden Betty: Calling All Readers! Where Are You Based? http://t.co/5dcwYtFMEa