Hello everyone...

It's been awhile since I updated you on what's happening, so here goes.  August was and continues to be filled with plans and preparations surrounding my book, Extraordinary Visits, Miracles through Divine Intervention, and of course..writing, writing, writing... that's what it's all about for those of us who must talk on paper.

Promoting and marketing, writing letters, preparing books to mail (complimentary) to TV, Radio, and other contacts that may assist in booking me for an interview.  Newspapers, magazines...anyone who will listen, is on my list.  I've prepared packages with announcement/release of the book, copies of the Sales/Order sheet info, Bio, and everything else I can enclose in a large envelope,  in the hopes that soon I can begin to promote my wonderful book in the manner it deserves.  

In the midst of all of this, we are preparing to move...it's called...downsizing...when one gets older...darn it..   That is not an easy adjustment, I guarantee; looking for another home and/or location... 

Also went to the White Mountains in PineTop, AZ for a long weekend.  Phoenix is soooo hot right now, and with temps around 115; working so hard, and just needing to TAKE FIVE... the trip was such a wonderful treat.  Dressed for the drive, which takes almost four hours from Phoenix, in a sundress with tiny straps.. sandals and my hair in a ponytail.  As we drove up through the mountains, we had to pass a lot of ROCKS...desert and just plain desolate areas... Rocks that were little, rocks that were BIG and some ENORMOUS.. then suddenly... you could feel the change in the air..it was fresher, cleaner, with a little chill...but not too much. We stayed in a wonderful place called Whispering Pines, and the cabin was rustic, with a cute kitchen, fully equipped, a clean nice bathroom/shower, and the bedroom was small, yet lots of windows so the view was lovely.  The living room was comfy, and we even had a nice fire in the fireplace that evening after dinner.  Dinner was at a family restaurant within walking distance of the cabin, and the food was great. However...my sundress was too skimpy for the dinner crowd...it was too cold now; and I didn't have appropriate clothes... I brought sundresses and tank tops... and nothing but 3 pair of sandals! Ok... I changed into a tank top, capri length pants, sandals, and borrowed Joe's jacket... it had begun to rain too.. so.. when I took off the jacket at the dinner table, the people around did stare alittle, so I put the jacket back onto my shoulders... as it was Joe had teased about me not bringing sensible walking shoes... ME...sensible... he says I'm the only one who can be in a blizzard in Alaska wearing clothing and shoes that TinkerBell wears!   By bedtime, the windows were all raised, the air was chilly and the breeze was fabulous.  Slept like a baby.

Okay... onto September.  Joe's son will be turning 50 at mid-month, so we will be driving to southern California for the DISCO PARTY... spend the nite, then leave early the next morning to San Diego where we will catch a flight to Guadalajara, Mexico...then take a cab to Lake Chapala...possibly rent a car ?? We aren't sure how it all will work out yet.  Our goal is to check into finding a part time residency; perhaps a small villa, where we can enjoy the resort life, other American, Canadian and ex-pats who have made this their permanent lifestyle.  As Americans, it seems that the entry into our great country has given many opportunities beyond their hopes and dreams...however, for many of us seniors, our lifestyle has begun to erode... not so golden as we had planned; so the Exodus has begun for many who now must leave the country we love in order to afford a better life... So... We are on a mission.  Check out the area, and decide whether or not we will make this important decision to live there part time.  The second goal is to have FUN... to enjoy  the culture, the people, the food, the lifestyle, and just relax...perhaps meet others who can share their stories... I hope to write about them...and about this particular visit.  It's also time for me to drag out my paints and charcoals and try some fresh new scenery, since Southwest  objects have been my favorite painting subjects.   

We'll be back, and hopefully, my book tour will be ready to begin, and I should be rested and ready to tackle more of the hard work that goes with being an author...a fledgling, starving, author!  

Until then... Hasta LaVista'    or like Arnold says... I'LL BE BACK...

lindalaw