2013 Holiday Highlights

It seems hard to move into 2014 when so many wonderful thoughts of the 2013 holidays linger in my mind. Flashbacks of moments like . . .

Stopping by to say happy 21st birthday to grandson Brax. We like to create a picture lap-quilt for each grandchild when they turn 21. This is our seventh one.

The birth of our second great-grandchild, Tesley to Matt and Kacey on December 5th. What joy a new little one brings to a family.

Our kids at our annual Christmas family party in the Angler Room at Maddox.

Now the New Year can begin with rid'in high grand-daughter Ashlin making that jump during indoor motorcross. Way to usher in 2014.

My novel, SALLEE'S SECRET has left my computer with my edits and back on the computer of the Safkhet Publisher's proofreaders. I can't wait until September and my novel is on store shelves.

I MADE IT

For several days getting into my blog has been a real trial. I just finally threw my mind in the snow outside and cooled off. Then started the process all over again.
At the time I wanted to write I had a lot to say, now, it's all frozen in time.
I will say I'm thrilled that my edits from Safkhet Publishing have arrived, and I'm learning so much from them. Onward, onward, toward publication of SALLEE'S SECRET this summer.

Happy New Year

I made only two resolutions: 1- to keep up my blog more and 2 - to really learn how to tweet. Threw over the usual loose ten pounds, thought some brain-walking might do me better.
Received my edits from Safkhet Publishing, so my heart and mind are steadfast on reading and tracking the words of wisdom from Rebecca and Kim. Thanks gals.
Listened to a wonderful New Years concert from Vienna last night while we ate pancake sandwiches. So uplifting to here notes from the Masters.
Well, I best sign off for now and get to my manuscript, oh the joy of getting traditionally published.
C/Ya Bye

Delight, Pure Delight

I attended the most delightful play by local playwright, Clarence P. Socwell last night. After asking family and friends to join me, and everyone choosing to do other things, I kept remembering the title of a recent book written by a Utah author, The Pleasure of my own Company. Joe and I attended a showcase of this author at the Kings English book store a couple of weeks ago. Well, the author's book review kept ringing in my mind, "Don't stay home just because no one will go with you." So I ventured to Ogden  with the rain being swished off my windshield, and wow, what a grand time.
The six actor play was performed in a quaint tiny theater (little is good for me) in the basement of the Eccles Community Art Center at 2580 Jefferson Avenue. Monastery music greeted me (not my favorite) but the atmosphere was full of smiling faces of all ages. I sat on the top of a three tier high rise directly in front of the floor level stage. There were like high rises to my left and to my right, with a little corner filled with white wicker furniture for more comfort.
The title of the play, MONTSERRAT MORNING was funny, serious all wrapped into one, even had some poetry which is how I know Clarence. We were in the Utah State Poetry Society together for years.
My heart and hat goes off to him and the actors. It is a joy I will remember for a lifetime.

Deer Hunt with Dandelion Girl

The silver helmets are in hibernation, but just have to tell about our five days of deer hunting in the mountains:

A lowering full moon lead the way while a glowing sunrise covered our backs as we hiked past ditches, over beaver dam-logs, through leafless willows to a spot high on the mountainside to take our stand. We passed a lot of deer, elk, coyote, and rabbit tracks. At one point in the snow it looked as though the coyote was chasing the rabbit. I wonder who won?
We hiked with our thermals and six layers of clothes covered by orange on top of crusted snow, boot deep powdered snow or just left plain boot prints in the snow.
Cold wind blew over the pines, naked aspen trees and through stumbles of brown and gold weeds. The morning sun was a welcome sight.
Golly gee, low and behold, out from beneath the snow popped a dandelion. Dandelion Girl is thrilled!

Our hard side popup was a joy, we had power all five days and nights. What a joy. No more tenting it for us!

Our alarm clock battery let us down, so we didn't get in a very good Sunday morning hunt, but we soon learned how to set the alarms on our trusty cell phones.
All in all, beautiful crisp fall days of hunting.
Bonnie's Haiku

From sun's warm patches
snow smothered autumn leaves twirl
with wind's bellowing whips

Joe's Haiku (his words put into place by Bonnie)

Campfire's companion
consists of moon sillouetted
amidst stalwart conifers

Mud and more Mud

The sun came out, we loaded our silver helmets, Ruffus our ATV, packed a lunch and headed for the fall foliage up Mirror Lake Byway.
With the government shutdown, there wasn't anyone at the pay booth, so we filled out an envelope, put in our $6 and found the mountains.
We rode though the musty smell of dying leaves and the moist smell of a recent snowfall over very muddy, muddy trails. Fallen leaves were polka dots on the snowbanks.What delight, and dandelion girl found her flower!
Now Ruffus will get a bath and go into hibernation til next spring. Silver Helmets over and out.

Fall aspen and winter

can you see the tiny yellow dandelion in the foreground?

summer aspen and winter

Mud and more mud, not fun to drive through the puddles today

Lunch by a beautiful 'widow maker'

A side-trail note

Due to another stormy weekend, we won't be ATVing, but wanted you to follow an exciting dream come true path we me. My novel, SALLEE'S SECRET is being published by traditional publishers, Safkhet, and will be ready for distribution during the summer of 2014. Man oh man, what a ride this is.  Come along with me.     www.safkhetpublishing.com/authors/bonnie_glee.htm and see my author page.