Wow! Where did the last six months go?

Today I came to this site to update my header to a fall scene (something I do about this time every year. What did I see? My last post was entitled “Spring?” and dated February 21st. I had no idea it had been that long since I posted! That was before most of us had even heard of coronavirus or Covid-19. If we had heard of it, it was something far, far away in China. It wouldn’t ever affect our lives here in the United States. If you read my last post, the heaviest thing on my mind was if the danger of frost was over so I could plant spring flowers. My, how our world had changed in the last six months! No matter where you fall on the political spectrum of all of this, I think we will all agree our lives have been changed in ways we never imagined. Quarantine, social distancing, mask mandates, schools closed, events cancelled–all concepts that were completely foreign to me six months ago, concepts that were completely foreign to me for the over sixty years I’ve been alive. And yet, here we are. Living day to day and trying to make the best decisions possible for ourselves, our loved ones, and all of society.

To say it’s been a wake-up call would be too simple. We’ve all had to examine our lives and what’s most important to us. Some things have fallen by the wayside, while others have become more important. Apparently, writing on this blog fell by the wayside for me. I’m not happy about that. I like to interact with all of you who read this, but it happened. Anyway, I’m back, still writing, and getting ready to make a long distance move back home. For the most part, my life has been thankfully untouched by all that is going on around me. My loved ones are all safe and healthy and learning to deal with our new normal. I try to make smart decisions each and every day. I hope all of you are doing the same.

I’d love to hear from you, if you want to leave a comment. Let me know how you’re doing. We’re all in this together. Much love to all.

2018 in review

Hi Everyone, Can you believe that in a few short hours it will be 2019? This year sure has flown by for me. It’s been a year of ups and downs, but at its close, I want to focus on the positive–the things that have stood out for me this year as highlights, events that I am especially grateful for. So here’s my top five:

5.  This was my complete year of writing full time. I loved being able to follow my passion on a daily basis. I finished and published four full-length novels, a record for me, and had many more sales than in the previous years of my writing career. I finished book eleven in my Peakview Series and the first book in my new Aspen Ridge Series.

4.  I was able to travel to Denver this summer to attend RWA (Romance Writers of America Conference). What a wonderful experience being around so many talented authors and members of my tribe. The classes were excellent and I came home renewed and excited about my career.

3.  Lost Valley Ranch–my favorite place on the planet. This November I got to spend a weekend at this beautiful resort high in the Colorado Rockies. I started going to Lost Valley in 1967 with my family on vacation, later worked there when in high school and college, and its been a favorite weekend retreat for me and all three of my children and granddaughters. This time was especially great because I was there with both my daughters, my brother, who had not been there since 1973, and my sister in law and son in law who were first time visitors. What a great family weekend.

2. Time with family. This year one of my biggest blessings was time with my family. I was able to travel to Colorado four times this year to spend time with my son, my granddaughters, and extended family members. I traveled to San Diego for a week this summer to spend time with my oldest daughter at her home on the beach. I got to meet her boyfriend and experience her lifestyle. Most precious of all, I got to spend an entire year living only a couple of miles from my youngest daughter. Whether it was meeting at Starbucks, taking walks with our dogs, or enjoying local events, we had a great time spending moments together. I cherish the time I get to spend with those I love.

1. Merlin came into my life 🙂 Anyone who follows me on social media is well-acquainted with Merlin, my toy Australian shepherd. Merlin joined my family just twenty-four hours after the sad event of the passing on my dog, Laddie, who had been my best friend for sixteen years. Merlin had brought such joy into my life. He’s gone from 3 pounds to almost 15, where he should stay for awhile. He gets me moving–we walk four to five miles a day to try and use up some of his never-ending energy. Not a day goes by that I don’t laugh out loud at some silly thing he does. And at night, he’s there curled up beside me his head on my body. Who knew something so small could bring so much joy.

There you have it, my five highlights of 2018. I’d love to hear yours 🙂 Happy New Year and cheers to an even better 2019!!

Merlin 2019

romance on sale

Hi everyone, my latest release, Mountain Cowboy, is on sale for $0.99 today and tomorrow at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DX7526T  You’ll want to meet sexy horse trainer, Tex Ranger, and see how he finds more than he was looking for when he accepts a job at Walker Horse Ranch. MC final cover front 2 - Copy (463x800)

I love Autumn

Autumn 1

Fall is my favorite time of year. Changing leaves, cooler temperatures, football, the beginning of holiday season with Halloween and then Thanksgiving, and pumpkin spice (we can’t forget pumpkin spice), these are all things that make me love this time of year. I’ve lived in many different parts of the country during my life, and although Autumn presents itself somewhat differently in different regions, it’s still the best.

This is my first Autumn in East Texas. It’s warmer here than in my last home of Colorado. No frost yet. But it has cooled off from the constant stream of 90 degrees plus. It was 44 a couple of mornings ago! We’re in a drought this year, not much rain. Leaves are just starting to turn. The stifling humidity from the summer for the most part seems to be gone. Flowers are going strong in my yard in many vibrant colors. My lettuce and carrots are thriving. And there’s football. No major college football here, but high school football is huge. Really huge. And the festivals, each weekend is another festival or two. Looking forward to Yamboree this weekend. Who wouldn’t love a sweet potato festival complete with a barn dance?

I’ve spent a small fortune on pumpkin spice drinks, one of my favorite. My Halloween lights are up, and shine brightly in my yard each evening. It’s also the time of year when all of a sudden the days get shorter. Time to snuggle up on the couch in the evenings, and watch a new season of my favorite shows. Or even better snuggle up and find romance by reading my Peakview Series set in beautiful Peakview, Colorado where everyone has a chance at love. I’m busy working on book 8, Colorado Autumn Sunrise.

I hope you all enjoy Autumn as much as I do, if not, don’t fret, winter will be here soon.

Autumn 2

Moving on down

It’s a time of change for me. After 22 years in the same house I am in the process of downsizing. Yep, 4000 sq. ft. to 2000. I’m excited, this house had gotten way to big for me since my children all moved out. But, holy crap, I have accumulated a lot of stuff!!! (hint, don’t ever live in a house for 22 years).  This house was great: lots of walk-in closets, a full basement and a three car garage, so many places to put stuff, lots and lots of stuff! I didn’t get rid of things-buy a new couch? move the old one to the basement; buy a new bed? move the old one to the basement; old work files? store them in the basement! What a nightmare. My house wasn’t cluttered, just full. And now it isn’t. After three months of countless trips to Goodwill and ARC, and the landfill and various recycle centers around town, I have started to make a dent in my “treasures”.

My moving date is fast approaching, two and a half more weeks, the roughly 590 pictures that hung on my walls are down. Things too precious to give up are packed in stacks of boxes and my house looks bare, so bare! Will the remains of my life really fit in a 26ft. moving van? I hope so. It was time–probably past time. We all need to declutter our lives once in a while. I feel good about the thing I let go-mostly.

I’m excited for a new chapter in my life. This time I swear I’m not going to accumulate anything I don’t need. Will it work? Time will tell. Check back with me in another 22 years!packing pic