I’m learning to fly in a Cessna 172, just a little smaller than my husband’s 182.  Since I love to travel, I can’t wait to fly myself to my own destination.  Warmer climate comes to mind.

As many of you know, after a long and wonderful career writing romance novels, I retired from the genre two years ago.  I’d been fortunate enough to have 23 books, 1 anthology, and 1 e-short story published over the course of 24 years.  Silly me, I thought that would be my “The End” in a profession that has been amazing to be a part of.

Last year, I got a story idea that was just too fabulous to ignore.  I began writing this new project on my own time, no deadlines, and I’m so enjoying writing a story for me–my dream work.  It’s commercial fiction set in Los Angeles, California.  I was born there, and my memories of growing up in the 50s, 60s and 70s are quite fond.  I moved to Boise in 1992, but I think once you’ve been raised in a place, you remember it the way it was in your youth and you long to go back.  As a writer, I have that opportunity to turn back time, to write what I know, and to bring the L.A. of my childhood onto the pages of a work of fiction.  Not only can I recreate a setting that I lived through, I’m focusing my plot around a single object that everyone can relate to no matter where you grew up.

And that’s all for now about my dream works:  Flying and writing.

If you have a dream or something you’re passionate about, feel free to post!

Go Broncos!  What a game, and to be there to experience the 17-10 win with all those Boise State fans was amazing.  Here’s a rundown of the trip and game with photos!  

Left Boise at 9:00am on Sunday–foggy and ugly here.  24 degrees.  Wasn’t sure we’d be able to fly out.  We were on a charter plane with 130 BSU fans bound for Glendale, AZ.  It was pretty fun to travel in such a pumped up group.  Landed in Phoenix to fabulous weather.  We opted to rent a car to get around rather than rely on the travel agency’s bus.  Arrived at the hotel, put on some shorts and my darling husband drove me to the DSW to buy shoes.  Go Greg!  Then we went to the mall and I looked at a necklace I’ve had my eye on in the Neiman’s catalogue.  Decided, yes, I really need that.  (Thanks, Dad, for my Christmas money!)  Ran into some TCU kids in the mall and took my picture.  Good kids, great sportsmanship.  Had some chuckles.  I made their horned frog sign.  Too funny.  Back at the hotel, sat poolside in 73 degree weather and read James Patterson.  Pathetically, my husband and I realized we had dressed like twins.  Both of us in our blue BSU t-shirts, khaki shorts and sneakers.  We’re getting old. Met our neighbors and friends for dinner that night and had great Mexican food at Ajo Al’s.  Yum yum.  Hit the motel and was asleep early.

Next day, game day, did more running around, more shopping.  Looked at patio furniture . . . when in Rome . . . Heh heh.  Back at the hotel, got ready for the game.  Went to the tailgate party, drank beer–I’m not a beer drinker, but also one must drink beer at football games. Stadium a sea of orange.  I’d say 2/3 of the fans were Boise Staters.  Go Broncos!  Both teams had nice folks, watched the game, screamed my head off.  Opener of the game–they let a bald eagle lose an fly over the crowd.  A show stopper.  End of the game, watched Coach Pete accept his Fiesta Bowl trophy again.  Oh yeah, husband drove me to team hotel the day before and I was so close to players–could have hugged them all.  :-)  And that fake punt by Brotzman . . . my daughter went to high school with him.  Way cool, Kyle!  Anyway, it was a FABULOUS trip away from this lousy winter in Boise.  I’m so happy we got to go and I loved every minute of it.  Now I’m trying to talk my husband into buying me a Snowbird condo!

Enjoy the photos.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!  Love you.

1.  Take flying lessons.  Not necessarily something I’d pick, but figured it would be a good idea in case my husband had an issue flying our plane when I’m with him.

2.  Oil painting lessons.  I used to take them in my late teens and early 20s and I have some good paintings I did.  I wouldn’t mind refreshing myself.

3.  Improve my Spanish.  I took it for four years in high school, can speak it passably, but not quite so good as to carry a fast and witty conversation.

4.  Learn to like to exercise.  Probably not going to happen, but one can always hope!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!

Alas–my new wallpaper for my computer.  The view from my old bedroom at my parents’ house . . . a house they still live in.  It looks so loverly there . . . sunny, high clouds, palm trees, flowers, and green grass.  Sigh.