What Had Happened Was…

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: Ireland, Dublin, Exit Sign, Dani Wade, Ella Sheridan 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: Dublin, Ireland, road sign, Dani Wade, Ella Sheridan 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: Kranky Barber, Ireland, Dani Wade, Ella Sheridan, signs 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. Ireland, Killarney, signs, Dani Wade, Ella Sheridan 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! Funky Skunk, sign, Killarney, Ireland, Dani Wade, Ella Sheridan 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. Fresh, Dublin, Ireland, sign, Dani Wade, Ella Sheridan One thought: how fresh can poison possibly be? Books Upstairs, sign, Ireland, Dublin, Ella Sheridan, Dani Wade 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? Brains, Wales, Cardiff, sign, Dani Wade, Ella Sheridan 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!) Heathrow, London, UK, England, sign, Dani Wade, Ella Sheridan 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? Fridge Raiders, food, London, England, UK, Dani Wade, sign, Ella Sheridan Do we really need to encourage this kind of behavior? Ella: For the late-night snacker in you, apparently. Hickey's Pharmacy, sign, Ireland, Dani Wade, Ella Sheridan 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! Bank of Ireland, exit sign, sign, Dublin, Ireland, Dani Wade, Ella Sheridan 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...

I’m Back!

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 Wade, Ireland trip, St. Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland Dani at St. Stephen's Green Park in Dublin, Ireland[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_593" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Dani Wade, Ella Sheridan, Killarney, Ireland Dani with Ella Sheridan in Killarney Pub for my first cider[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_595" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Dani Wade, Ross Castle, Killarney, Ireland Ross Castle in Killarney, Ireland[/caption]   Dani Wade, Ross Castle, Killarney, Ireland   [caption id="attachment_596" align="aligncenter" width="225"]Dani Wade, Blarney Castle, Ireland Blarney Castle, Ireland[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_597" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Dani Wade, Blarney Castle, Blarney Stone, Ireland Trying to kiss the Blarney Stone--its not as easy as it looks![/caption]   [caption id="attachment_599" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Dani Wade, Stonehenge, Ireland, Wales, Stonehenge - Cool place, awful hair day![/caption]   [caption id="attachment_600" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Dani Wade, Stonehenge, Ireland, Wales, UK, Marilyn Baxter, Andrea Laurence, Kira Sinclair, Kimberly Lang With my best friends: Marilyn Baxter, Andrea Laurence, Kira Sinclair, Kimberly Lang at Stonehenge[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_601" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Dani Wade, Tower Bridge, Thames River, Tower of London, UK, England Tower Bridge over the Thames River near Tower of London[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_602" align="aligncenter" width="225"]Dani Wade, London Tube, Lori Handeland, Ella Sheridan, Linda Winstead Jones, Linda Howard, London, UK, England 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        

RWA Nationals Recap

I had the privilege of attending Romance Writers of America's National Conference in Atlanta, GA this year! It's been several years since I've been able to go, and the fact that this was the year I was eligible for the pink SOLD! ribbon made it that much more special.

Dani Wade, RWA Nationals, First Sale

 

 

I helped out at the PASIC reception held at Miss Pittypat's Porch! This restaurant was incredible! Great food. genuine southern hospitality. and a really cool atmosphere.

 

[caption id="attachment_552" align="aligncenter" width="300"]PASIC, RWA Nationals, Miss Pittypat's Porch Authors Kira Sinclair. Dani Wade, Andrea Laurence[/caption]

 

I only got to attend 1 workshop while I was there but both the luncheon speeches were very inspirational! I'd forgotten how beneficial it is to listen to other authors talk about their journeys, the pitfalls and the high points. I came away with my creative well full and energized to write.

 

RWA Nationals, RITA Awards

 

The majority of my time at Nationals was focused on the RITA Awards ceremony, as I was on the Awards committee this year. But those rehearsals were all worth it! And I got to see my lovely sister, Ella Sheridan, on her big night! She was a finalist for RWA's Golden Heart Award for Paranormal Romance. She didn't win, but we still celebrated her first publishing contract by dancing the night away after the show.

[caption id="attachment_548" align="aligncenter" width="225"]RWA Nationals, Ella Sheridan, Dani Wade, Golden Heart Awards Authors Ella Sheridan, Dani Wade[/caption]

The other major event for me was meeting my editor for the very first time! Charles Griemsman is my editor at Harlequin Desire. It was wonderful getting to know him better, and attending a dinner with him and other Desire authors. They were all very welcoming and I truly enjoyed learning about each of these lovely ladies!

 

[caption id="attachment_549" align="aligncenter" width="300"]RWA Nationals, Dani Wade, Charles Griemsman, Harlequin Desire Dani Wade with editor Charles Griemsman[/caption][caption id="attachment_550" align="aligncenter" width="300"]RWA Nationals, Harlequin Desire, Desire authors Authors Anna DePalo, Katherine Garbera, Emily McKay, editor Charles Griemsman, Michelle Celmer, Dani Wade[/caption]

 

Probably my favorite time of the trip was the Harlequin Party! This annual event is put on by my publisher at Nationals to celebrate their authors. We danced, had desserts and drinks, and sang long into the night. I got to see my cover for His By Design make an appearance on the big screens hung near the dance floor. The Sale Shoes even made an appearance!!! It wouldn't be a Harlequin Party without them. 

[caption id="attachment_551" align="aligncenter" width="300"]RWA Nationals, Harlequin, Harlequin party, Ruby Slippered Sisterhood Authors Addison Fox. Liz Talley, Jennifer Bray-Weber, Dani Wade[/caption]

 

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="225"]RWA Nationals, Sale Shoes, Harlequin, Harlequin Party, First Sale, Romance Authors Sale Shoes!!! Black-Dani Wade, Silver-Andrea Laurence, Brown-Kira Sinclair, slippers-Kimberly Lang (who had a good excuse for not wearing her sale shoes)[/caption]

 

Every year that I've attended a National Conference has taught me something about myself, has pushed me forward in a career I love so very much. This year was about stepping outside my comfort zone, meeting new people, and trying not to panic in the glass elevators.  :) And it was my first time to really enjoy being Dani Wade, author. I think I accomplished a lot, hopefully started some new friendships, and created some great memories. I can't wait to do it all again next year!

Dani

 

Nationals or Bust Week 11: Happy Birthday!

Nationals or Bust, healthy writers, diet, Dani Wade, RWA National Conference, eating healthy, exercise     Well, ladies, I'm setting a bad example today. I'm celebrating being down another pound by going off my diet completely!!!! Actually, today is mine and Ella's birthday, so I'm taking a wee break, but back to it tomorrow. I used to take a break for any reason and could make just about any meal a special exception, but now I know that for what it was: rubbish. But being good for 11 weeks or so has earned me today and only today! I'd love to hear your progress! Dani

Nationals or Bust Week 7: The Value of Rewards

Nationals or Bust, Healthy eating, diet challenge, RWA Nationals, writing, authors, exercise, sedentary job, weight loss, romance authors We’re working hard to slim down before RWA Nationals in July through healthy eating, exercise, sharing information, and accountability. Join us any time along the way, introduce yourself and post goals, or just contribute to the conversation! We’re here to share! Welcome Ella Sheridan, who is sharing with us about rewarding ourselves this week!    When B. F. Skinner coined the term “operant conditioning,” we finally had a scientific name for a concept that has been around since the beginning of time: our behavior is modified by its consequences. Call it reward and punishment, reinforce and punisher, whatever; the truth is, rewards make us do more of an action and punishments make us do less. When it comes to losing weight, rewards are key. I used to reward myself with food—stupid, I know. I’m trying to get away from food, not use it to feed my addiction. Now I give myself a free meal once a week, including dessert, not because I need a reward but because I understand that deprivation leads to bingeing. If I don’t allow myself to have something on a limited schedule, I’m guaranteed to break at some point and gorge myself on all the things I keep away from myself the rest of the time. That’s a safety net, not a reward. So what do I reward myself with? Some of you have heard me talk about gold stars. I decided I needed immediate feedback on my daily efforts. I couldn’t reward myself with food, so what did I use? Well, I took a page out of my childhood book and put a gold start beside every day on my food diary where I have fulfilled ALL of my goals for that day. When I get seven of those stars, I give myself a non-food-related treat. A new shirt. An album off iTunes. A trip to the dollar movie theater. I’m not certain it matters what you reward yourself with as long as it makes you feel good. Make yourself a list; check it when you are doing well and boost that good feeling with some positive reinforcement. Press.sized I also give myself a number-related reward. Every five pounds. Every ten pounds. Every two pounds, doesn’t matter as long as you have a set schedule and stick to it. Knowing when you hit that five-pound mark and you get that new pair of jeans to replace the ones that are too big for you right now might just be the incentive you need to get through the week of hormone-related, I-can’t-get-enough-chocolate-to-save-my-life cravings from he**. My next incentive, when I hit the ten-pound loss mark, is a new bra and panty set from Soma. It’s been so long since I felt beautiful in my underwear, none of which is pretty. I can’t wait to go pick out something I can enjoy every time I put clothes over it—or when I take them off. c;  Challenge: So what’s your reward list? How often do you reward yourself? Do you need to do it more often? Let’s throw out some ideas to help each other build our list of “operant conditioning reinforcers”—and yes, cabana boys and chocolates count, if they’re real, not virtual (Bonnie! c;).

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