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Five Things for Friday

It’s been a busy month. I went to Chicago, helped my son move, did a bunch of book research at the Newberry Library and The Chicago History Museum. And then had the great joy of taking the train home. Chicago to Seattle on the Empire Builder. I loved every minute of the trip. More on that below.

I also got a new author photo taken by my very talented cousin, Robin L. Green. She’s been a professional photographer for years–doing western photography, nature photography, rodeos, and of course, people. Follow her on Facebook–I always love seeing what she’s up to.

Now I know I told you I would ask for your help choosing, but I fell in love with this shot and picked it the moment I saw it.

Yep it’s me.

Now what else have I got for you:

One

Star Trek

, Strange New Worlds. I’m all about sci fi, love it—and have been a Trekkie since I watched the original. Am I dating myself? Probably. Just don’t do the math.

Anyhoo, this show is so much fun—while also tugging at the heart strings. I love the storytelling here and can’t recommend it enough. On Paramount Plus.

I suggest watching the trailer.

Two

The 2022 Tote Bag Reader Giveaway is on! My dear friend, Melissa McClone puts this together every year and I am always happy to support her. This year, the Authors With Heart have 8 Thirty-One Gifts thermal tote bags with lots of books and other items up for grabs. To find out all the details and enter, go here. To see the bags in all their glory, go here.

Make sure to enter by this Sunday!

Three

Apparently it is warm just about everywhere right now, so I offer my favorite way to cool down–homemade Lemon Sorbet. Even if you don’t have an ice cream maker, they show you how to make a wonderful, cool treat without one, but… if you love ice cream (like our house does) having one of these Cuisinart Ice Cream makers is a fun way to make your own. Super simple and fun.

Four

I have always loved traveling by train. When I have a choice, I will always choose a train over a plane. So earlier this month I realized a dream by taking the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle. Two days of joy, settled in my seat, watching the scenery go by and enjoying having someone else cook my meals. Just me, a stack of books, my knitting and the wide open view.

When you flyover, you never get to see the jaw dropping beauty and expanse that is the United States.

 

Crossing the Mississippi.

From the rivers to the plains and beautiful peaks of the Rockies and Cascades, it is a feast for the soul.

Morning in North Dakota.

 

 

Getting close to home. Coming down the western side of the Cascade mountains.

Now I am ready to start exploring more routes, like the Coast Starlight, or the City of New Orleans, and especially the California Zephyr. The Rockies in the fall would be breathtaking.

So before you email me and ask:

  • Yes, I had a roomette. If you are travelling overnight I would highly recommend getting a roomette. It has the advantage of converting the seats into a bed and it comes with all your meals. And you have your own little private, quiet corner to curl up in.
  • No, it isn’t all that hard to sleep on a train. I found the bunk very comfortable.
  • And yes, the food was really good. The desserts were heaven!

Five

If you have ever dreamed of writing your own book, now is is the time of year to start thinking about fall writing conferences. I am a huge fan of several: the Pacific Northwest Writers Conference, (September 23-25, Renton, WA), Women Writing the West, (Oklahoma City, OK, in October) and my very favorite, and I will go out on a limb and say the all time best writing conference anywhere, Surrey International Writers Conference (October, Surrey, British Columbia).

This year, SIWC is doing a hybrid model of in person and virtual. So no matter where you are in the world, you can “attend.”

I don’t think I would have ever gotten published without the help and encouragement I found at writing conferences. It is a great place to start or just dip your toes into.

Stay cook, eat some of that Lemon Sorbet and chat soon!

4 comments to “Five Things for Friday”

  1. NANCY M HELLER
    July 25th, 2022 at 3:45 am · Link

    Thank you for sharing…I look forward to hearing from you and loved the pictures from the train. I understand why you made an instant choice on the photo, it is fabulous! I hope you enjoy the rest of this very hot summer. Hugs.



  2. Elizabeth
    July 25th, 2022 at 10:29 am · Link

    Nancy,
    Thank you so much for your kind words. It is a great joy to put together the list and share it with all of you–And thank you–about the picture–author photos come fraught with anxiety, but I am so happy with the new one.



  3. Charlene
    July 28th, 2022 at 1:49 pm · Link

    Lovely pic! Also, just wanted to say that I enjoy your blog. I’ve always wanted to travel by train, it seems like a relaxing way to get from point A to point B and to get to see the scenery.



    • Elizabeth
      July 30th, 2022 at 3:30 pm · Link

      It is truly my favorite way to travel. And thank you for the kind words!







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