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Trains and Tunnels

Here’s another highlight from our trip–a train ride through climbing vistas and numerous tunnels. The longest tunnel on this track is over a quarter mile (437 meters.) This short rail ride also boasts the largest wrought iron structure in the entire country–a trestle over 646 feet long (197 m) and more than 154 feet high (47 m.) The ride takes passengers over 800 feet (250 m) skyward traveling through the “Hills of Heaven.”
My son, Dan, and his wife, Megan, are shown sitting in the train passenger car, enjoying a snack. The second photo shows the train winding its way upward. Any idea where you could find this mystery train???
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Hands to Work; Hearts to God

Here’s another stop on our mystery tour. See if this clue helps you discover our whereabouts–or only throws you half a world away.
This kind woman let me take her picture as she tatted. A nearly forgotten art–lace-making. Her fingers fairly flew as she twisted the bobbins all about, following her paper pattern. You can see the reflection of the stained glass on the table beside her lace. She worked inside the Anglican church, just off the city square. Hmmm…what city might that be???
If you’d like to learn more about tatting, here’s a link to Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatting
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Dolphin Day

Here’s another vacation picture. These dolphins are the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world. We were lucky to spot a few on this wildlife excursion. They raced our boat for a bit and frolicked all around us. What a joy it was to see them. Do you know what these rare dolphins are called and where they live???
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Amazing New Year!

Happy New Year!–a bit late. Sorry, but I’ve been on an adventure over the holidays. I’ll share one picture with you today–more later. See if you have any idea where I’m rafting…I’m the one in the yellow helmet farthest back. My son, Matt, and his friend, Jordan, are the two up front. Although this looks wet’n’wild, it’s only a level 2 white water river. Final clue today, the river starts with an “R”
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December Additons

Holly wanted to extend Holiday Greetings to all and to let everyone know about the new additions this month.
In KIDS, you’ll want to try the recipe for Southwest Rollups. It’s easy & yummy!
In PARENTS & TEACHERS, you’ll discover games for Reading Fun. Plus, here’s a link for more reading activities: www.ed.gov/pubs/compactforreading/index/.html
In WRITINGS, you can read the Christmas Day poem.
In TRAVEL & FAMILY, you’ll find new photos from travels in 2007.
Enjoy!
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Main Street Books Book Signing


What a fun afternoon I spent at Main Street Books in St. Charles today, meeting incredible people and signing my books, KITTY KERPLUNKING and GIFTS FROM GOD.
Brooke and Kaylynn were two of my special visitors.
Thanks to Vicki Erwin at Main Street Books for inviting me. This bookstore is overflowing with wonderful reads–all set in such an inviting locale in historic St. Charles, just steps from the Missouri River. The bookstore made me feel as though I’d just returned to my comfy, cozy home and found every nook and cranny offering a new reading delight. What a paradise!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to visit with me. Happy Reading!

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Book Signing

I have exciting news today!

Vicki Erwin, owner of Main Street Books in St. Charles, Missouri, has invited me to sign my new book, GIFTS FROM GOD, on December 8 from 1-3 pm.

You can visit her store online at mainstreetbooks.net

or find additional pictures and information at Alice Morris’ blog (http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/660000266/post/790016679.html)

“Mo’ Love for MO’s Main Street Books.”
You’re all invited to join me for this joyous event.

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Getting the Words Right

In my ongoing effort to enhance my writing skills, I’ve been reading some grammatically-correct books and websites of late. Here’s a few suggestions for you, if you’re ready to face the rules:
Great Guide to Grammar (http://andromeda.rutgers.edu/~jlynch/Writing/index.html) by Jack Lynch, an English professor at Rutgers University
Common Errors in English (http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/errors.html) by Paul Brians, an English professor at Washington State University
The Curious Case of the Misplaced Modifier: How to Solve the Mysteries of Weak Writing by Bonnie Trenga (http://www.fwbookstore.com/product/157/23)

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Short Story Award

Although we’ve barely passed Halloween on the calendar, I received an early holiday present this week.

My children’s short story, “CHRISTMAS TREASURES,” was just awarded 1st runner-up in the Springfield Writers’ Guild Jim Stone Memorial Fiction Contest!!!

I consider this a wonderful achievement, since my kids’ story had to compete against adult short stories as well.

Thanks, SWG Judges!!! I appreciate your vote of confidence in my writing.