Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the virtue-toolkit domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home3/jaffe20/public_html/elisabethbarrett/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the virtue domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home3/jaffe20/public_html/elisabethbarrett/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131

Warning: Creating default object from empty value in /home3/jaffe20/public_html/elisabethbarrett/wp-content/themes/virtue/themeoptions/inc/class.redux_filesystem.php on line 29

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the virtue domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home3/jaffe20/public_html/elisabethbarrett/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6131

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home3/jaffe20/public_html/elisabethbarrett/wp-includes/functions.php:6131) in /home3/jaffe20/public_html/elisabethbarrett/wp-includes/feed-rss2.php on line 8
Napa – Elisabeth Barrett http://elisabethbarrett.com Mon, 07 Apr 2014 19:49:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Introspection and Research http://elisabethbarrett.com/1806/introspection-and-research%20 Mon, 07 Apr 2014 19:49:19 +0000 http://ebarrettwrites.wordpress.com/?p=906 ]]> I took an (inadvertent) two-week hiatus from blogging to get my head together with respect to my current WIP. It’s still not there completely, but I’m getting closer. The book takes place in Napa, so visiting helped a lot. My friend Spence (of Tahoe trip fame) is always up for a road trip, so last week, I dragged her north to do some research. Another friend joined us for part of the time, and let me tell you, it was a huge treat to be up in Napa with two of my besties. We left Silicon Valley after I dropped off the Barrett pack at school, and it only took us an hour and a half to make our way up to Napa. It was like a different world. Relaxed. Low-key. Low stress, too. The weather was beautiful, and the vineyard-covered hillsides were breathtaking. But don’t let me tell you. Let me show you.

First, we stopped at the Oxbow Public Market. It seemed like a mini version of San Francisco’s Ferry Building with all the artisanal food stalls (cheese, bread, chocolate, pastries, etc. inside). We ate here twice, and both times I really enjoyed it.

Oxbow

The exterior of the Oxbow Market. Yummy food inside.

We stopped at Hess Winery and toured the art gallery. There we found this flaming Underwood typewriter. My friends encouraged me to take a picture with it (“Get closer,” they said, but I was a little afraid to, given that it was totally en fuego).

Underwood

How I sometimes feel while writing.

We were able to see Napa at its best during this season. Unfortunately, the manuscript I’m working on takes place in winter-time, but I got what I needed from some friendly locals.

Napa.

Quintessential Napa.

The cheese selections at the local grocers were outrageously comprehensive. People love their cheese. And their wine, of course. 🙂

Cheese.

Nom nom nom.

Last but not least, Spence and I toured Jarvis Wines, which had a secret underground cave. I took this picture surreptitiously, since I’m pretty sure photos weren’t allowed on the tour. Spence is in the background, looking suitably mysterious.

Shhh!

Sekret picture.

It was good to get away from SV for at least a little while, and it was even better to get my much-needed research done.  Now, onward with the writing!!

This week I’m giving away a copy of Midnight Secrets by Ella Grace, a romantic suspense story I really enjoyed. To enter, just leave me a comment letting me know if you’ve ever been to Napa and what you loved about it. If you haven’t been to Napa, no worries! Tell me what you love about Napa Valley wine. If you don’t drink wine, just tell me something funny. 🙂 Contest ends Thursday, April 10 at 9pm Pacific. U.S. only, please.

And for those of you who read to the end, this is my 100th blog post! Yay!

]]>