Last Friday, Margo Hoornstra posted about the adventure she and I were
about to embark on. An all-day event in Alpena, Michigan. I’ve lived in
Michigan most of my life, yet I’ve never been to Alpena, a port city on Lake
Huron near the top of the mitten. On Monday, I wrote about the Alpena Book
Festival on my
blog. We both had a great time and can’t wait to go back next year.
Margo was the best traveling companion. She kept me alert on
the five-hour drive each way without being a Chatty Kathy. LOL We talked about
family, our books, marketing, our concerns about this unknown to us event
(going up) and how much fun we had (going home). I’ve shared a room with her
before—at our RWA chapter’s retreat—so I knew how respectful she is of a
roommate. Great quality in a traveling companion. And she’s a terrific
navigator—even if the GPS wanted to send us off on a circuitous route. The only
bad part was I had another hour plus drive home after dropping her off.
As September fades away, my birthday looms around the
corner. While I try to ignore another year’s passing, I remind myself to be
grateful I’m still around to celebrate birthdays. Health issues can plague us, but
at least our medical professionals don’t dismiss our concerns by claiming “aging”
as if they don’t matter. I’ve mentioned before my worry about dementia since my
mother had Alzheimer’s. I’d rather lose all physical abilities than lose my
mind like she did. Fortunately, my doctor said I didn’t need to worry because
my writing is keeping my mind active. From a guy who’s younger than my
children, that was a welcome piece of information. And a good excuse to spend
more time writing.
The giveaway accompanying Mission to New Earth ends
tonight. If you haven’t already entered, there’s still time. Just go to http://dianeburton.blogspot.com/p/mission-to-new-earth-blog-tour.html
Meantime, enjoy Autumn. Trees are just starting to turn here
along the west coast of Michigan. Days are shorter but warm. Nights are cool.
Love sleeping with the windows open.
Diane Burton writes science fiction romance, romantic suspense, and mysteries. She blogs here on the 30th of each month, with Paranormal Romantics on the 13th, and on her own blog on Mondays.
17 comments:
Looks like a great time! Birthdays do make us think, don't they? I love your doctor's comments that writing will keep the mind active. Yay, writing! :-) wishing you a wonderful birthday, Diane, and much success with the new book.
Thanks, Leah. I plan to keep writing as long as I can.
Thanks for sharing. I love sharing about other people's adventures.
Thanks, Barb. In the grand scheme of things, driving to a festival isn't that big of an adventure. Still, it was fun and we'd do it again.
Road trips...love them! When I go on golf trips with my buddies, I usually drive...the other three are extremely chatty, so I stay more than alert the whole trip. These journeys in the car are when/where I get to know my friends best and I cherish that more than the visits to new golf courses! Glad you had fun, Diane. Good luck with your novella!
Sounds like you had a great time. Did you learn any good tips at the conference? You two need to extend your travel adventures to the west coast for our retreat next fall. Come on...you know you want to!
I'm a road trip fan too. And love what your doctor said! Keep writing for sure.
Rolynn, you're right about learning more about your travel companions when confined to the car!
Jannine, we did talk about going out to CA to visit with you all. Yes, we want to. Just not sure if we could drive that far. We'll see.
Brenda, I agree about road trips. Fun.
How lovely that you two were able to share that trip. Isn't it funny how we writers can talk non-stop to one another, or sit quietly in comfortable silence? Happy coming-soon birthday and congrats on your new release!
Sounds like an awesome trip. I fear dementia, too. And my doctor, who I secretly call Doctor Blue Eyes (if he knew how many romances his eyes were in, he'd charge me double for a visit) said much the same thing about my writing keeping me mentally young. Happy future Birthday. Calvin has one on the 16th. Nothing like an October baby.
Right back at you with the best traveling companion and roommate. Glad my early morning coffee maker wasn't too disruptive. I enjoyed myself. Thanks for blasting me out of my comfort zone. CA in our future? It'd be nice!
Forgot. Happy upcoming birthday.
It sounds like you and Margo had a great time. My birthday is coming up next Thursday, so I know exactly what you mean about the vagaries of aging. Losing my mind is my #1 biggest fear, too. I hope your doctor's right about writing. Happy upcoming birthday to you!
All, thanks for the birthday wishes. So nice!
Alicia, we need both--the talking & the silence.
Vonnie, I'd like to meet Doctor Blue Eyes. LOL
Margo, that coffee sure smelled good in the morning. I was just too lazy to get up at 6am to join you. LOL I needed that extra hour.
Alison, happy upcoming birthday to you, too. I never would've given dementia a thought if not for Mom. The docs said the likelihood increases as we age. I'll keep writing and stave it off.
So glad you enjoyed yourselves!
You seem to have had a wonderful time, so glad you enjoyed it.
Snap - My birthday is just around the corner too! Glad writing helps ward off dementia. As I get older I get more forgetful and I was starting to wonder :) Reassured now!
Thanks, Andrea.
Lyn, happy upcoming birthday. From everything I've read, the more you use it (brain, muscle, etc.) the better. We can only hope.
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