Yes, it's been a long time, but I'm baaaaaaaaaaack! I've missed blogging and talking with you all. If I took too long to reply to your friend requests, I sincerely apologize. I've been so very busy and now it's going to be even crazier here because I'm joining the Dancing With the Stars tour this winter!

Last time I blogged it was June the 9th. Dancing With the Stars was over and I was getting ready for a much needed summer vacation with my family. What I didn't tell you then was that as soon as I was done and thanked you all for your support and letters of encouragement, I asled the producers of Dancing With the Stars if I could join the DWTS tour that was beginning in the winter. It was always my fantasy to perform live in front of milions of fans all across the country, riding in a big bus like a rock star; this was a way of it coming true! Lucky for me the producers accepted my "invitation" and here I am four months later ready to put on my dancing shoes once again and DANCE! I hope I remember all the steps! 

Meanwhile, last July, I returned to film the final of The L Word. In the end, it was a very emotional good bye that we all had to make but we did it with a bang. I know I won't be giving away any secrets as my friend, Jennifer Beals already spilled the beans but just in case you  hadn't heard, Jodi will be putting on some dancing shoes too! The producers thought it would be fun to let art imitate reality so keep an eye out when the show premieres in January, 2009 to see Jodi kick some butt on the dance floor! Meanwhile, Season 5 of The L Word just came out two weeks ago on DVD. I'm so proud of my work that last season on the show and hope you get a chance to see it. I think it's really great.

And while I was filming the last season of The L Word, I was also working on my autobiography. I'm proud to say I'm done and have handed in all my homework (LOL) to the publishers, Simon and Schuster to edit and get it ready. My autobiography is going to be called "I'll Scream Later" and it comes out in April, 2009. I definitely plan to tour the country to promote the book.

So here it is November already and in a couple of weeks just after Thanksgiving, I'll be starting rehearsal again for the DWTS tour. I'll be dancing along with my favorite dance partner, Fabian Sanchez. As I told a reporter tonight after visiting the show, I wouldn't have done the tour without Fabian. He's such a great dancer and teacher and more than anything else, he makes me laugh hysterically. It'll be fun playing like a rock star on my own bus as we go from California to Texas, from Illinois to New York and Toronto, from Georgia to Florida and finally end up in Pennsylvania. The tour begins December 17 in San Diego and we end the tour Feburary 8th in Philadelphia. I can't wait! Along with me on the tour will be Toni, Maurice, and Lance Bass plus dancers from other years who will be coming in and out of selected cities. We'll also have the wonderful pro dancers along with us; Karina, Edyta, Kim, Mark Ballas, Derek, Maksim, and of course Fabian. Other dancers wil be joining us and I'll let you know who they are as soon as they're officially on board. Tour tickets go on sale on Monday, November 10th. Maybe there are going to be some DWTS Tour tickets under your Christmas tree?

Before the tour, I'll be appearing at Walt Disney World for the annual Candlelight Processional on December 10,11, and 12th. It's a beautiful holiday show featuring music and song that puts you right in the holiday spirit. I've been doing it now for I think about 8 or 9 years and it's just a pleasure for me to return each year. 

Well, other than that, my life is good. The kids are growing so fast that I can't believe it. They can't wait to join mom on her bus in selected cities and see how a rock star lives. Ha! By the way, my children and I were all so inspired by Senator Obama's victory last night. We watched it together and were moved beyond words. Whatever your politics are and whether or not you voted for him,  I think we can agree that it was a moment never before seen in the hisory of our nation. There was also so much positive energy that  was flowing out there that it was just too hard to believe that nothing but good things are going to happen. I say this ecause my family and I all felt it when we watched TV last night. It was totally inspiring.

So, here I go once again, ready to dance. Wish me luck. And if you get a chance, come out and see us dancing in your city, in person and live. There won't be any judges or scores. Just a lot of good music and dancing. Bring the whole family! I can't wait to see you all on the road!

Peace and hope,

Marlee