We have a two-week RV trip planned for later this summer, so we thought it might be a good idea to do a “shakedown” run closer to home. We chose mid-week to avoid the crowds—and it worked. We were one of three rigs in the entire Bagby campground.

My take-away:

They call it: “fishing” not “catching” for a reason. Paul’s catch-of-the-day was a mini-crappie that went right back in.

Wildflowers are not reserved for springtime. We walked 1.5 miles of lakeshore in the blazing heat, but the cool flowers were worth the effort.

Sunrise, sunset, and moon glow by the water is always memorable.

Camping with good friends is a very good thing—anywhere, any time.

Raise a toast with me (coffee, iced tea, mimosas, wine…anything works)! I’m celebrating because on Sunday I typed THE END to my sweet novella that you helped title: HER COWBOY VALENTINE – Book 1 in the Cowboys of Prospect Creek series.

This book was my personal escape during the very troubling early days of the pandemic. Meeting Paige and TJ and a sweet donkey named Miss Valentine, learning their pasts, and writing their love story helped me stay connected to hope, trust, infinite possibilities, and happy endings. This story will always have a special place in my heart.

The novella will be part of an 8-author anthology you’ll be hearing more about in coming weeks. It will be available for PREORDER on July 7, with a wide RELEASE on January 5, 2021.

I feel so fortunate to be part of the writing community at large and to be working with such talented and generous authors is a true blessing.

Speaking of the Writing/Publishing community, I’d like to share this beautifully penned, heartfelt Black Lives Matter statement from Tule Publishing. We stand united. We can—and must—do better.

Last week’s Q&A was: Do you play a musical instrument? Yes or No? (If yes, I’m dying to know what type.)

Wow! I know a lot (32% of those answering) of musically gifted people. I am not musically gifted, although when I was 10, I took ACCORDION lessons. My mother gave me a choice of instrument: the accordion or the guitar? After considerable thought, I decided on the accordion because I thought the keyboard would translate to being able to play the piano…um, one-handed? Hey, I was 10. 😉

Alas, I soon discovered I had no real affinity for playing, so now I enjoy music—passionately—through other people’s gifts.

My two randomly selected winners this week are:

AmyLin Brooker – Yes (piano)
and
Gina Hillhouse – No

(AmyLin and Gina congrats. Please email me your pick of either a $5 Starbucks or a $5 Amazon gift card.)

Q&A

This week’s Q&A: Have you ever traveled abroad? Yes or No?

This is just wistful thinking on my part. I fear I missed the best window of opportunity for global travel, but one can dream, right?

(Two winners will be chosen by random drawing to receive either a $5 Starbucks gift card or a $5 Amazon gift card. Please reply the usual ways: email or on my DebraSalonenAuthor Facebook page.)

This beauty turns 13 on the 13th! Happy Birthday, Daisy.

Stay well, my friends!

Happy reading,

Deb

Next week: Another BOXING video (the kind with books, not black eyes)…