Florida has Sunshine!

After a few weeks of typical January weather, including a week with the warmest temperature still being below zero, a quick trip to Florida was an amazing break from the cold!

We went to the NAFDMA Agritourism conference and what an amazing time it was!

Our hotel was right next to the Universal Studios, and we got to walk down their lanscaped walk ways in the sunshine. It was beautiful, but I'm beginning to wonder if Alligators really exist. . . There are always these signs saying to watch out for snakes and alligators, but I've been to Florida several times now, and I've still never seen one . . .

The vendor show had 120 different companies represented, and we had a lot of fun checking out all the fun things to add to the farm. A lot of the things we saw weren't necessarily things we'd use at our maze, but they were sure fun to look at!

We did manage to find a little crabcake and shrimp shop along the coast, and they had amazing food! If you're ever near Daytona Beach, check out the Grilled Cheese and Crabcake Shop!

I love this picture, because it looks like we've got a new dog! It's actually not ours . . . a gentleman out walking his dog offered to take our picture. I handed him my phone, and he handed us his dog!

There was frost that morning, and with the damp breeze and cooler temperatures, it was still jacket-weather, but we still managed to get out and enjoy a bit of the beach!

When I rent cars, I always debate between size, comfort, price, etc. and I usually end up with the cheaper option, but at the check-in counter, sometimes you can get a free upgrade. Getting a free upgrade to a jeep was pretty great.

The conference had dozens of great sessions, and I think we all came home with a pile of notes and ideas! It was incredible to be in a place surrounded by people who understand all the quirks of life in the agritourism world.

Then, when I went back to work, I discovered that we'd gotten a new espresso machine!

A hazelnut hot chocolate anyone?

In the writing world, I'm still working with an editor on my book, Prisoner 1-8-6 that's scheduled to be published sometime in May if all goes as planned.

I'm also working on finishing up the rough draft for Fatal Fraud and Fruitcake a Christmas mystery that takes place in Duluth, MN and is a companion to my other three Christmas mysteries.

I'm also heading to the ND Homeschool convention end of the month, where Dad and I are doing a workshop!

January Wrap

 It’s been a pretty typical month. Lots of hours at the coffee shop, lots of paperwork, and a few minutes writing here and there. 

I did get to take a trip to Grand Forks on one of those white-out-no-travel-advised days . . .

Thankfully, Dad came along to do a bunch of the snow-drift driving. I needed him along as a designated driver because . . . I FINALLY got my last three wisdom teeth out.

And who doesn't want to go shopping at Cabela's after having surgery and still being a little drugged up and mouth full of gauze? Actually, I handle the knock out surgeries really well, and I'm afraid the drugs make me a little bit slap-happy. I warned Dad before, not to let me actually buy anything if I got excited shopping afterwards.

I did manage to read a book! Actually, I've read a couple, but wow, my to-be-read pile doesn't move very fast . . . :( I was super excited to read The Healer's Secret by Given Hoffman, because it was the third book in a series that I've been waiting for since I finished book two over a year ago.

I got an early advance copy, because the book isn't actually being released until February 21st!

 It’s available for pre-order on Amazon, and will officially be released on February 21st. Until then, here’s my thoughts. If you’ve read the first two books, you’ll be thrilled to get to continue the journey with Prince Gage, but if you’re new to the series, start with book one! As soon as I finished book three I wanted to go back and re-read the first two books because she weaves a lot of details along the way that create an ongoing gripping plot. I especially loved the way Given shared Gage’s spiritual struggles in The Healer’s Secret. We all question God at times, so Prince Gage’s struggles are relatable, and encouraging! And the action… just be prepared to stay up way too late reading, “just one more chapter”! Thank you Given, for continuing Gage’s story, and for letting me be a part of the kickstart process!

Then, being an avid reader of Amelia Bedelia when I was growing up, I thought this meme was hilarious! Although, I have to admit, I have caved some on that issue, and have learned to use it as a tool in some cases.

And on another note, I've been doing a training course, and they suggested a fun exercise. Ask your family and friends this question. "If you were to market me as a brand, what three words, adjectives, or descriptive phrases would you use to describe me?" So, feel free to drop a comment with how you would describe me!

Then, I just got my newest book in the mail! Well, it's actually classed as a booklet. It's the booklet that our workshop at the North Dakota Homeschool Convention will be based off of. Everyone who attends will get a free copy of the booklet! Other copies will be available for purchase at my table for $6.

5 Essentials for Raising Successful Adults

 Save the date for the North Dakota Homeschool Convention! There's still time to sign up with the early registration. https://ndhsa.org/convention-information

And, at the convention, not only will I have a table of all my latest books, I'll be teaching a workshop along with my dad! If you can make it, we'd love to have you!

The session will be based on excerpts from my latest project, 20 Things My Parents Did Right, a booklet exploring a handful of the things my parents did that led to me being where I am today.

Happy New Year!

Starting the year off right with a full pot of coffee! Or maybe just a new mug..,

My parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on New Year’s Day!

And one of my best friends got married last week!!! I keep track of weddings I’ve attended, and this wedding marked the 30th wedding that I remember attending.

In addition to regular work at the coffee shop, and prepping for a few crazy months with my ACE students, I’ve been working on a few other projects… more on those will be coming soon.