Friday, September 30, 2016

Adventures & Birthdays by Diane Burton

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.

 I spent the month of September promoting my new release. So many wonderful people welcomed me to their blogs where I shared tidbits of info, the characters, the background of Mission to New Earth, which started right here at The Roses of Prose. If you were around three years ago, you might remember “Christmas in Space” the short story about astronauts preparing to depart on a one-way trip to a new planet. I had a great time expanding that story into a novella, even if it did take me three years to complete. While doing so, I kept getting ideas of what could happen next. Another series maybe? I don’t think I’ll ever run out of stories to tell.

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:

Leah St. James said...

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.

Diane Burton said...

Thanks, Leah. I plan to keep writing as long as I can.

Barbara Edwards said...

Thanks for sharing. I love sharing about other people's adventures.

Diane Burton said...

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.

Rolynn Anderson said...

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!

Jannine Gallant said...

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!

Brenda Whiteside said...

I'm a road trip fan too. And love what your doctor said! Keep writing for sure.

Diane Burton said...

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.

Alicia Dean said...

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!

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

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.

Margo Hoornstra said...

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!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Forgot. Happy upcoming birthday.

Alison Henderson said...

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!

Diane Burton said...

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.


Andrea Downing said...

So glad you enjoyed yourselves!

Hywela Lyn said...

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!

Diane Burton said...

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.