I’m a planner—we all recognize this compulsion in me. :) This habit ramps up whenever I start planning a trip. I love to know where I’m going and what I’ll be seeing while I’m there.
In just a week I’ll be heading down south to New Orleans, Louisiana for the annual Romantic Times Readers Convention. This trip will include a lot of firsts for me:
~First time in NOLA as an adult (and with friends!)
~First time to travel by train
~First author book signing
~First visit to Mardi Gras World
I’m totally psyched! There are a lot of cool things in New Orleans that I want to see, in addition to the conference:
~famous cemetery tour
~ride the streetcars (especially down St. Charles Avenue)
~walk in the French Quarter
But there’s a lot to do between now and departure day! Create a packing list, print train tickets, get my nails done, pack...I’ve already started my packing and To Do lists...told you I was a big planner!
Takeaway: What’s your favorite way to prepare for a trip: way early or late the night before? Any suggestions from those who’ve been to NOLA?
Dani
*Train by Rais67 (WikiCommons)
*New Orleans Cemetery by Infrogmation (WikiCommons)
*Canal St Streetcar by Nicolas Larchet (WikiCommons)
~First time in NOLA as an adult (and with friends!)
~First time to travel by train
~First author book signing
~First visit to Mardi Gras World
I’m totally psyched! There are a lot of cool things in New Orleans that I want to see, in addition to the conference:
~famous cemetery tour
~ride the streetcars (especially down St. Charles Avenue)
~walk in the French Quarter
But there’s a lot to do between now and departure day! Create a packing list, print train tickets, get my nails done, pack...I’ve already started my packing and To Do lists...told you I was a big planner!
Takeaway: What’s your favorite way to prepare for a trip: way early or late the night before? Any suggestions from those who’ve been to NOLA?
Dani
*Train by Rais67 (WikiCommons)
*New Orleans Cemetery by Infrogmation (WikiCommons)
*Canal St Streetcar by Nicolas Larchet (WikiCommons)
Recently, a non-writing friend asked, “Do you ever look back and think, ‘Wow, I wrote XX number of books last year?’” Hmmm... honestly, I don’t.
But I should.
Because when I did stop to think about it, it totally blew my mind! Just in my published works, I have 3 contemporary romances written and released, 1 written and scheduled for fall, and 3 in some stage of production. That doesn’t include the 6 additional stories I wrote before I published.
[caption id="attachment_731" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Titles by author Kira Sinclair[/caption]
It’s pretty astounding to realize I’ve completed that many stories. Most aspiring authors finish 1 book, maybe 2. I have a lot of accomplishments under my belt for a new author. :)
Why don’t I savor these milestones more? I think, when you are a published author working on a publishing deadline, your focus is always ahead to the next book, the next deadline, the tasks on the list left to be done. There’s little time for looking back.
But we should.
[caption id="attachment_732" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Titles by Kimberly Lang & Andrea Laurence[/caption]
This reminds me of when my kids were babies. There was so much that needed to be done in any given day, that savoring the wonder of having these children in my life was virtually impossible—unless I reminded myself to STOP and look for it. But when I did then...and I do now...what incredible beauty I see!
[caption id="attachment_733" align="aligncenter" width="212"]
Title by Marilyn Baxter[/caption]
I have a group of friends who have been tight knit since long before we published. Now we are ALL published authors. Between us we have numerous novels and novellas. It’s incredible to think about what we’ve accomplished in the 10 years we’ve known each other. Throughout this post are pictures of our books. Looking at them makes me smile. For the record, that’s a good thing when you’re on deadline!
Dani
Takeaway: What accomplishments should you stop and savor? What memories make you smile in the midst of your current hard work?
Titles by author Kira Sinclair[/caption]
It’s pretty astounding to realize I’ve completed that many stories. Most aspiring authors finish 1 book, maybe 2. I have a lot of accomplishments under my belt for a new author. :)
Why don’t I savor these milestones more? I think, when you are a published author working on a publishing deadline, your focus is always ahead to the next book, the next deadline, the tasks on the list left to be done. There’s little time for looking back.
But we should.
[caption id="attachment_732" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Titles by Kimberly Lang & Andrea Laurence[/caption]
This reminds me of when my kids were babies. There was so much that needed to be done in any given day, that savoring the wonder of having these children in my life was virtually impossible—unless I reminded myself to STOP and look for it. But when I did then...and I do now...what incredible beauty I see!
[caption id="attachment_733" align="aligncenter" width="212"]
Title by Marilyn Baxter[/caption]
I have a group of friends who have been tight knit since long before we published. Now we are ALL published authors. Between us we have numerous novels and novellas. It’s incredible to think about what we’ve accomplished in the 10 years we’ve known each other. Throughout this post are pictures of our books. Looking at them makes me smile. For the record, that’s a good thing when you’re on deadline!
Dani
Takeaway: What accomplishments should you stop and savor? What memories make you smile in the midst of your current hard work?
I’ve gotten in a big rush lately.
It makes sense. My life is chaotic and my To Do List never ends. Sometimes you get in that mode of pushing through to the next task, desperate to simply have something completed. Checking things off a To Do List can be oddly addictive when the tasks seem neverending.
But I recently realized quantity doesn’t equal quality. Or rather, I was reminded. :) I’d forgotten in the mad rush to “complete” things.
That frustrates me. As much as I want Daniel’s book on the virtual shelves, rushing to complete his book won’t result in a good book—a book I can be proud of. My most recent Harlequin, Book 2 in the Mill Town Millionaires series, took longer than I anticipated to finish. To do it (and Daniel's book) justice, I have to put off releasing the next Backstage Pass book, Settling the Score, until later this Spring.
I’m trying to remember that my current chaotic state won’t last forever. I’d rather please my readers with a good story, rather than a quick read. (Hopefully my readers will agree.)
These are all decisions that have to be made as an Indie writer. Harlequin sets my deadlines for their books. And I know Awesome Editor would put me through another round of revisions if he wasn’t happy with the story. I can do no less for books of which I alone serve as author, publisher, and promoter.
But to make up for the wait, I want to give you a peek at the cover! My newsletter subscribers have already seen it, but they’re the only ones. I’m so thrilled with it! My cover artist, Elizabeth Wallace, has done a fantastic job. The cover echoes the opening scene of the book, when Daniel finally let’s go of years of control and shows Becca exactly what she’s been missing.
Pretty sexy, huh? I’ll be releasing an excerpt in a few weeks, again first in my newsletter, so be sure to sign up to catch the first sneak peek! And watch here and my FB/Twitter pages for first news on the rescheduled release date.
Dani
Takeaway: What’s one thing where you prefer to have quality over quickness?
Pretty sexy, huh? I’ll be releasing an excerpt in a few weeks, again first in my newsletter, so be sure to sign up to catch the first sneak peek! And watch here and my FB/Twitter pages for first news on the rescheduled release date.
Dani
Takeaway: What’s one thing where you prefer to have quality over quickness?
In this day and age, there’s a lot of talk about ‘going after your dreams’ and ‘achieving your dreams’. I highly recommend it. After all, I spent 10 years trying to sell my first novel-length story. I fought hard for my dream, and pushed through the barriers of fear, pride, and uncertainty in order to achieve it.
But there are a few things “they” don’t tell you about achieving your dreams:
1. The work doesn’t stop. Either another goal appears, or you have to continue working just to maintain your dreams. Mostly likely, its both. Dreams don’t lead to easy street.
2. Not everyone will support you. Some will see you as selfish for focusing on something you want. Some will want a piece of your pie without working for it. Some will want to tear you down because of jealousy or just plain meanness. And some people will simply be indifferent, because it isn’t their dream.
3. Some people will more than support you. They’ll actually put their belief in you into action, going out of their way to help you live your dreams. This selflessness on the part of others is an extremely humbling experience, which means...
4. Support from others doesn’t always feel good. Knowing that someone is giving of their time and energy to help you can lead to guilt, guilt, and more guilt, even though you are more than grateful. Especially for women.
5. Your other responsibilities don’t end. Most authors don’t sit around eating bonbons all day. The day I sold my first novel, I still had to finish out the day at my day job, pick the kids up from school, and cook dinner.
6. Achieving a momentous moment that’s part of your dream is as incredible as they say it is!
7. That incredible high doesn’t last forever. Because dreams aren’t really this finite thing we achieve, they are more like a journey. There are high ridges, and low valleys. Be prepared for both.
8. Did I mention the work doesn’t end?
9. Everything in life doesn’t fall into place, just because you’ve reached this tremendous milestone. Its not like winning the lottery. Most likely, you can’t just quit your day job and land in the lap of luxury.
10. “Living the dream” may not match your expectations, but trust me, you’ll still want it just as much as you did the day you started.
Living the Dream is not for sissies. :)
Dani
Takeaway: What's the most important dream you've worked to achieve in your life?
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I’m a lifelong reader. My first love was romance books and, though I read many subgenres, they all have that happily ever after in common. I love them so much that I wanted to write my own. Twelve years later, I write my own romances...and I don’t read nearly as much.
This was brought home to me over the last few weeks as I’ve been judging entries to Romance Writers of America’s RITA contest. It’s rare that I take enough time off to read a whole book. I usually only do it between projects, or during revisions, so that I don’t adopt the other author’s voice or characteristics as my own.
The good thing about this is I have to read these books by the judging deadline—so its a great excuse to give myself permission to read. I’m enjoying the chance to do this without the guilt of these words floating through my mind...you should be working.
Reading reminds me why I started writing in the first place. And the joy of losing myself in a fictional world without all the work of having to create it. :)
Takeaway: Give yourself permission to do something you enjoy!
How many books do you read in a week?
Dani
The good thing about this is I have to read these books by the judging deadline—so its a great excuse to give myself permission to read. I’m enjoying the chance to do this without the guilt of these words floating through my mind...you should be working.
Reading reminds me why I started writing in the first place. And the joy of losing myself in a fictional world without all the work of having to create it. :)
Takeaway: Give yourself permission to do something you enjoy!
How many books do you read in a week?
Dani
Before I started writing, I thought characters were like puppets. The author pulled them out of a box, tugged on strings to make them do what she wanted, then put them away again.
Boy, was I deluded!
I wrote my first draft while living in that fantasy world. Then I heard Linda Howard speak at our chapter meeting about hearing characters ‘speak to you’. That’s a little weird, I thought. After all, I’m in charge of the story, right? But I tried, because after all, this was Linda Howard talking.
I still remember those first few times I tried to “listen” to my characters. And my utter shock when words—their words—started to float through my head. Over the years, that trickle has become a stream until now its unnatural for all of my characters to be quiet at once. :)
Makes for a pretty busy mind landscape, but that’s the nature of being a fiction author. Keeps life interesting (especially for my poor hubby who has to tolerate my constant daydreaming). But my hope is that it makes my characters more alive for readers, just like they are for me now.
Today, share with us the characters that you’ve become most attached to because they have become real to you. You know, the ones you just can’t stop thinking about!
Dani
I wrote my first draft while living in that fantasy world. Then I heard Linda Howard speak at our chapter meeting about hearing characters ‘speak to you’. That’s a little weird, I thought. After all, I’m in charge of the story, right? But I tried, because after all, this was Linda Howard talking.
I still remember those first few times I tried to “listen” to my characters. And my utter shock when words—their words—started to float through my head. Over the years, that trickle has become a stream until now its unnatural for all of my characters to be quiet at once. :)
Makes for a pretty busy mind landscape, but that’s the nature of being a fiction author. Keeps life interesting (especially for my poor hubby who has to tolerate my constant daydreaming). But my hope is that it makes my characters more alive for readers, just like they are for me now.
Today, share with us the characters that you’ve become most attached to because they have become real to you. You know, the ones you just can’t stop thinking about!
Dani
I'm celebrating the commencement of the holidays today, with romance authors and bloggers during the Romance Troupe's Home for the Holidays blog hop. And what makes the holidays homey and memorable for all of us? The FOOD!
I love cooking for the holidays, seeing my family and friends enjoy things that I've made. I give away goodies for gifts (men especially like this) and look forward to holiday parties that give me a reason to cook. Now the clean-up... that's something I never look forward to!
So I thought I'd share this super easy, low mess, divine chocolate flourless cake recipe. A co-worker, who has to eat gluten free, made it for a department party. It tastes like chocolate melting on your tongue. Best of all? It can be made ahead of time and stored or frozen. I hope it makes your holiday season easy and enjoyable!
Flourless Chocolate Cake
4 oz. fine quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Powdered sugar for sprinkling
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Flour and butter an 8 inch round baking pan. Line the bottom of pan with a round of wax paper; butter paper. Chop chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler or metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, melt chocolate with butter. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Add sugar and whisk. Add eggs and whisk again. Sift cocoa powder over chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined.
Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven for 25 minutes. The top should form a thin crust and cake will puff. Be careful not to overcook. Cool the cake on a rack for 5 minutes before removing. Cake will deflate as it cools.
Serving options: Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a simple dressing. Serve with whipped cream and your favorite berries to dress it up. Serve with ice cream or sorbet for a cool treat.
Note: Once cake cools, it will keep for a week in an airtight container. It will also freeze well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in refrigerator and serve at room temperature.
In honor of the cooler weather, here's a wintery sneak peek:
Feeling the situation had gotten way too serious, he paused beside the bed before launching her into the air. Her squeal echoed around the room as she landed and bounced, the fluffy blankets jumping under the impact. Now that made for some interesting shimmies. He couldn’t help but grin as she burst into laughter. Then his eyes narrowed on the now empty expanse around her.
Empty except for one thing.
“What’s this?”
Her look was confused until she saw the direction of his gaze. With a cry she reached across for the nearest blanket and jerked it toward her, probably to cover it up, but— Too late. He’d already seen it.
“Since when does a pretty princess like you need a vibrator?”
Hand fishing under the blanket, he pulled out a soft gel vibrator. Pink, of course.
“Give me that,” she said, grabbing for the toy, only to come up with empty air.
Damon held it higher, the transparent soft gel allowing him to see the candle on the dresser through its pink surface. A silver, cylindrical motor provided a hard core. “Very nice, Princess.”
“Please, please give it back.”
He turned his gaze from the little toy to the woman who was giving him more surprises than a night out with his army buddies. “Why? I think you’ll have more fun if I’m at the wheel.”
For once Miss Priss had nothing to say. No pithy comeback, no sarcastic put-down, no prim comments. Simply a gaping mouth and wide eyes, as if she couldn’t believe what she’d just heard come out of his mouth. So he set out to prove himself right.
I love cooking for the holidays, seeing my family and friends enjoy things that I've made. I give away goodies for gifts (men especially like this) and look forward to holiday parties that give me a reason to cook. Now the clean-up... that's something I never look forward to!
So I thought I'd share this super easy, low mess, divine chocolate flourless cake recipe. A co-worker, who has to eat gluten free, made it for a department party. It tastes like chocolate melting on your tongue. Best of all? It can be made ahead of time and stored or frozen. I hope it makes your holiday season easy and enjoyable!
Flourless Chocolate Cake
4 oz. fine quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Powdered sugar for sprinkling
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Flour and butter an 8 inch round baking pan. Line the bottom of pan with a round of wax paper; butter paper. Chop chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler or metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water, melt chocolate with butter. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat. Add sugar and whisk. Add eggs and whisk again. Sift cocoa powder over chocolate mixture and whisk until just combined.
Pour batter into pan and bake in middle of oven for 25 minutes. The top should form a thin crust and cake will puff. Be careful not to overcook. Cool the cake on a rack for 5 minutes before removing. Cake will deflate as it cools.
Serving options: Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a simple dressing. Serve with whipped cream and your favorite berries to dress it up. Serve with ice cream or sorbet for a cool treat.
Note: Once cake cools, it will keep for a week in an airtight container. It will also freeze well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in refrigerator and serve at room temperature.
In honor of the cooler weather, here's a wintery sneak peek:
Snow Bound by Dani Wade
Feeling the situation had gotten way too serious, he paused beside the bed before launching her into the air. Her squeal echoed around the room as she landed and bounced, the fluffy blankets jumping under the impact. Now that made for some interesting shimmies. He couldn’t help but grin as she burst into laughter. Then his eyes narrowed on the now empty expanse around her.
Empty except for one thing.
“What’s this?”
Her look was confused until she saw the direction of his gaze. With a cry she reached across for the nearest blanket and jerked it toward her, probably to cover it up, but— Too late. He’d already seen it.
“Since when does a pretty princess like you need a vibrator?”
Hand fishing under the blanket, he pulled out a soft gel vibrator. Pink, of course.
“Give me that,” she said, grabbing for the toy, only to come up with empty air.
Damon held it higher, the transparent soft gel allowing him to see the candle on the dresser through its pink surface. A silver, cylindrical motor provided a hard core. “Very nice, Princess.”
“Please, please give it back.”
He turned his gaze from the little toy to the woman who was giving him more surprises than a night out with his army buddies. “Why? I think you’ll have more fun if I’m at the wheel.”
For once Miss Priss had nothing to say. No pithy comeback, no sarcastic put-down, no prim comments. Simply a gaping mouth and wide eyes, as if she couldn’t believe what she’d just heard come out of his mouth. So he set out to prove himself right.
Snow Bound is only 99 cents at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
One lucky commenter will win a $10 gift card from Amazon or Barnes & Noble for some holiday shopping! Simply share your favorite holiday dessert with us (and recipe, if you want). Sign up for my newsletter and get a second chance at the prize! (Please include your email address to win!) Enjoy!
And There's More: each comment with email address will be entered in the Grand Prize Giveaway from The Romance Troupe. (First Prize = $450+ Gift Card) (Second Prize = 1 eBook from each participating Author) So comment for a chance to win big!!!
Check out more Home for the Holiday recipes at The Romance Troupe Home for the Holidays blog hop list!
I think, no matter whether your dream is writing a book, being a photographer, being the best mom and wife you can be, or going back to college, every woman has a dream. We all struggle to balance our dreams with the demands of every day life. That's why I enjoyed this post on The Romance Troupe about one author's inspirational struggle. She has a tremendous load to carry, but still doesn't give up on her dreams.
I hope you find it as inspirational as I did!
Dani
I hope you find it as inspirational as I did!
Dani
Well, it really started in the Dublin airport on my recent trip to Ireland. As I, my sister, and our traveling companions exited the plane and trekked the long hallways in search of customs, I kept noticing signs that looked like this:
My sleepy, jet-lagged brain thought, Boy, these people sure like to run. Is there a track downstairs? Or is it in case of zombies...if the apocalypse hits, flee--this way! These Irish sure are prepared...
Then we get on the road, and I saw one of these:
Then another, and another. Honestly, I thought they were to warn people not to picnic on the road when I first saw them in Scotland. Though strangely they are usually located near an overpass. Who wants to picnic near an overpass? Voicing my strange thoughts to my sis, Ella Sheridan, led to a love affair with the oddly humorous signs we encountered throughout Ireland, Wales, and London.
Her interpretation of the picnic on the road sign was even funnier than mine, but I won't spoil the joke. You can check out her version of this story from the link at the bottom of the page. First, let's take a look at some of the very interesting signage that had us laughing, pointing, and scratching our heads in confusion:
Is this supposed to be an invitation to come on inside? Depending on how "kranky" the barber is today, you could end up with just a close trim...or completely skinned!
From Ella: Uh, no. Never trust anyone who is both 'kranky' and holding scissors.
My, what big teeth you have! What that poor little fish doesn't know, won't hurt him. Oh yeah it will--he's what's for dinner!
Um, just why? Was the Far Out Ferret already taken? I mean, this does not entice me to shop. I can't even imagine what those clothes must smell like.
Ella: At least they're right out there with it. The people with the next sign are just plain confused.
One thought: how fresh can poison possibly be?
Only 36 books? Are there more downstairs? Otherwise, this is the smallest bookstore I've ever seen.
Ella: And what if you've read them all?
Should the zombie apocalypse truly arise, Wales will be the country to beat. They have already brewed the perfect survival weapon: Brains beer.
Ella: Braaaiiins! Braaaiiins! (I bet they have fun at Halloween!)
This one is just for us 'girl's of plenty'. All you skinny thangs have to find another loo to use!
Ella: Do I look bloated? I feel a little bloated. Look at me from this side. Whatdya think? Bloated, right?
Do we really need to encourage this kind of behavior?
Ella: For the late-night snacker in you, apparently.
I have to wonder what kind of pharmacy these chemists are really running?!?!
We're not the only ones, obviously the Irish think their signs are totally cool too. After all, even the banks are in on it!
I mean, over the top, y'all!
Ella: Not just out, but way out!
So there you have it! Our trip throughout Ireland and the UK, told through signs. We'd love if you'd share the favorite/funniest/weirdest sign you've ever seen. Or tell us your unique interpretation of these signs. Help us know we aren't the only ones to view the world in a weird way...
Dani
For more kooky signs (and the other half of the story) visit my sister Ella Sheridan's blog today, where she tells in her own words How it all started...
My sleepy, jet-lagged brain thought, Boy, these people sure like to run. Is there a track downstairs? Or is it in case of zombies...if the apocalypse hits, flee--this way! These Irish sure are prepared...
Then we get on the road, and I saw one of these:
Then another, and another. Honestly, I thought they were to warn people not to picnic on the road when I first saw them in Scotland. Though strangely they are usually located near an overpass. Who wants to picnic near an overpass? Voicing my strange thoughts to my sis, Ella Sheridan, led to a love affair with the oddly humorous signs we encountered throughout Ireland, Wales, and London.
Her interpretation of the picnic on the road sign was even funnier than mine, but I won't spoil the joke. You can check out her version of this story from the link at the bottom of the page. First, let's take a look at some of the very interesting signage that had us laughing, pointing, and scratching our heads in confusion:
Is this supposed to be an invitation to come on inside? Depending on how "kranky" the barber is today, you could end up with just a close trim...or completely skinned!
From Ella: Uh, no. Never trust anyone who is both 'kranky' and holding scissors.
My, what big teeth you have! What that poor little fish doesn't know, won't hurt him. Oh yeah it will--he's what's for dinner!
Um, just why? Was the Far Out Ferret already taken? I mean, this does not entice me to shop. I can't even imagine what those clothes must smell like.
Ella: At least they're right out there with it. The people with the next sign are just plain confused.
One thought: how fresh can poison possibly be?
Only 36 books? Are there more downstairs? Otherwise, this is the smallest bookstore I've ever seen.
Ella: And what if you've read them all?
Should the zombie apocalypse truly arise, Wales will be the country to beat. They have already brewed the perfect survival weapon: Brains beer.
Ella: Braaaiiins! Braaaiiins! (I bet they have fun at Halloween!)
This one is just for us 'girl's of plenty'. All you skinny thangs have to find another loo to use!
Ella: Do I look bloated? I feel a little bloated. Look at me from this side. Whatdya think? Bloated, right?
Do we really need to encourage this kind of behavior?
Ella: For the late-night snacker in you, apparently.
I have to wonder what kind of pharmacy these chemists are really running?!?!
We're not the only ones, obviously the Irish think their signs are totally cool too. After all, even the banks are in on it!
I mean, over the top, y'all!
Ella: Not just out, but way out!
So there you have it! Our trip throughout Ireland and the UK, told through signs. We'd love if you'd share the favorite/funniest/weirdest sign you've ever seen. Or tell us your unique interpretation of these signs. Help us know we aren't the only ones to view the world in a weird way...
Dani
For more kooky signs (and the other half of the story) visit my sister Ella Sheridan's blog today, where she tells in her own words How it all started...
But I left my brain somewhere in Ireland, I think. :)
I had a wonderful trip and saw so many cool things! Not to mention inspiration for Sean's book, my upcoming Irish drummer. Here's a small glimpse of the pictures, but there are tons of them on my Facebook Page if you'd like to check it out! Enjoy!
[caption id="attachment_592" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani at St. Stephen's Green Park in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_593" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani with Ella Sheridan in Killarney Pub for my first cider[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_595" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Ross Castle in Killarney, Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_596" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Blarney Castle, Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_597" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Trying to kiss the Blarney Stone--its not as easy as it looks![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_599" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Stonehenge - Cool place, awful hair day![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_600" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
With my best friends: Marilyn Baxter, Andrea Laurence, Kira Sinclair, Kimberly Lang at Stonehenge[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_601" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Tower Bridge over the Thames River near Tower of London[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_602" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
My London Tube buddies: Lori Handeland, Ella Sheridan, Linda Winstead Jones, Linda Howard[/caption]
Did I get any work done while I was gone? Very little! :) But I felt like the entire trip was one big research experience and creativity renewal exercise. Plus I got to spend quality time with some wonderful people in my life and meet all kinds of cool new people. I was exhausted when I returned, but it was totally worth it!
Where was your last "dream" vacation?
Dani
Dani at St. Stephen's Green Park in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_593" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Dani with Ella Sheridan in Killarney Pub for my first cider[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_595" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Ross Castle in Killarney, Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_596" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
Blarney Castle, Ireland[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_597" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Trying to kiss the Blarney Stone--its not as easy as it looks![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_599" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Stonehenge - Cool place, awful hair day![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_600" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
With my best friends: Marilyn Baxter, Andrea Laurence, Kira Sinclair, Kimberly Lang at Stonehenge[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_601" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
Tower Bridge over the Thames River near Tower of London[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_602" align="aligncenter" width="225"]
My London Tube buddies: Lori Handeland, Ella Sheridan, Linda Winstead Jones, Linda Howard[/caption]
Did I get any work done while I was gone? Very little! :) But I felt like the entire trip was one big research experience and creativity renewal exercise. Plus I got to spend quality time with some wonderful people in my life and meet all kinds of cool new people. I was exhausted when I returned, but it was totally worth it!
Where was your last "dream" vacation?
Dani