Spring is Coming!

Indiana's beautiful state flower, the peony

 

Good morning, subscribers!   I went to a trivia contest recently.  Our group didn't win but we had a good time trying at Afterburners, located in Terre Haute, IN.  If you enjoy craft beer, welcome cats/dogs, and noisy comaraderie, stop in their brewery to wet your whistle!

Shout out to my author friend, Chris Bradfield, who reminded me that Indiana's state flower is the fragrant peony, pictured above.  Gorgeous, aren't they?  What is your favorite flower?  Mine are roses, carnations, and dahlias. 

I am beyond ready for this last bit of white stuff covering our yard and surrounding areas, TO BE GONE.  My house is sadly devoid of color and in need of a makeover.  I do have a tendency to begin decorating for the changing seasons early.  This is especially true for the warmer seasons of spring and summer. 

It's been a while since my last blog. Writing updates are primarily sent via monthly newsletters. Every now and then, I enjoy sitting down to blog, just like I first did back in 2014.  Blogging provides a deeper look into what makes me tick as a writer and has led to where I am now, a self-published multi-genre author with six books currently availabe.  Poetry, a middle grade science fiction trilogy, mature sci-fi, and my latest work, Lakeshore Secrets, are all available on Amazon.  Look for Night Passage, a spine tingling horror anthology, later this year. 

Lakeshore Secrets is based in Northwest Indiana. Even though our family lived for short periods of time in other cities and states, Da Region was/is where my roots remain.  Some experts advise to write about things that are near and dear to your heart. I tend to do this. During our youth, dad used to throw me and my two older sisters into the car, sans a seat belt, of course.  Off we'd go to one of the many beautiful beaches on Lake Michigan.  After arriving, dad proceeded to throw us into the frigid water, laughing at our wild antics to stay afloat.  Sometimes, parents possess an odd sense of humor and dad sure did. However, each of us learned to swim instead of sinking.  Guess he knew what he was doing.  Love and miss you, dad.

Author Thomas Wolfe quoted that you can't go home again, but when I write it invokes the same nostalgic emotions that enthralled me as a child. I hope my writing can help you do the same, no matter where your roots are planted. Each of us holds on to something from our past.  As time goes by, those cherished memories can fade, sometimes altogether.  In my opinion, it is important to preserve them as much as possible.

I'm excited to report that our author group will host its first book signing of the year at Corsair Cafe & Coffee, in Terre Haute, IN on Saturday, March 22nd, from 10-2.  You won't be disappointed in the great selection of coffee "flights", delicious entrees, and even a revamped gift shop!  Patrons can watch departing/arriving flights because the establishment is located within Regional Airport!  How cool is that? Thank you for hosting us Corsair!  

Another author friend I made last year, Brian Vukadinovich, will co-host a signing on June 28th from 10-2, at Fluid Coffee Roasters.  This family-owned business is located in Chesterton, IN, part of Da Region.  Brian has two incredibly successful books out that are must reads about judicial corruption which he unfortunatley experienced first hand.  Thank God Americans enjoy the right to free speech so those who read our writing can form their own opinions.  

The most thrilling news in this blog however, is not about writing.  We have a new grandson!  Burrow Robert, born on February 6th.  Isnt he the cutest thing ever?  Big sister Aspen is thrilled of course and already mothers him.

Autumn will be three in June.  Goodness, kids grow up so fast.  Be sure to cherish every minute.  Write about it if you can.  Preserve your thoughts for people to read in the future.  

Here are a few pictures of our three grandkids.  Thank you for your continued support of indie authors, small businesses and local libraries.  Until next time...

Burrow Robert-named after Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals!

Big sister Aspen who is 4, holding baby Burrow

Autumn Shayne-sassy girl!