My blog decided to have a meltdown last week, but it’s up and running again thanks to Dee. Don’t know what I’d do without you, Dee! You’re a gem.

I like this new version and plan to post more often, just because it’s fun. I’m currently learning the layout, so check back often to see what new things I’ve learned along the way.

Life continues to be exciting. John & I are training for the MS150 - no Ironman races this year, so our focus will be on the bicycle. We’re still enjoying the motorcycle, taking it out almost every weekend. Our kitties are growing up. Tango will be a year old in two weeks, and Samba will celebrate his first birthday two weeks after his sister.

PASSION’S RACE is in the hands of an agent, and I’m hoping she LOVES the story and feels it’s ready for publication. (Maybe a movie deal, too.) I’m working on PASSION’S PROMISE - revamped the plot ideas and started over with a more exciting premise. (Which reminds me; I need to update my WORKINGS page.) I’m spending some time with writer friends this summer and know I’ll get a lot of productive work done. So much creative energy flows when we sit in a room together … can’t wait.

If you haven’t done so already, please sign up for my newsletter. I don’t send out many, but it is my tool to keep you posted on when I get THE CALL. Until then - check in from time to time. I’m off to train, then it’s back to work on my WIP. Hugs - Christine

John & I just got back from a fabulous week on the motorcycle. 5 bikes & 8 people, boy, did we have a blast. We called it the Great Lakes Tour … day 1, we rode to Iowa and saw Field of Dreams - and how ironic, the movie was on TV monday night!! Day 2, we traveled through Wisconsin, from the southwest corner to the northeast corner - such beautiful country! We rolled into Escanaba, MI in time for dinner - (turned out to be our least favorite place). Day 3, we got caught in the rain, but luckily dried off before crossing the Macanaw Bridge … rolling into Macanaw City for two days. Day 4, we ferried over to Macanac Island: rented bikes, played Golfito, had a martini in the copala of the Grand Hotel (where the movie Somewhere in Time was filmed), ate toasted coconut ice cream & ferried back to Macanaw City. (Little bit of trivia - Macanaw is the English version; Macanac is the French version. The French refused to change the spelling so the Island is Macanac Island!) Day 5, we circled down to Muskegon, MI - had several adventures & Groundhog Day moments, when one of our bikes died and had to be trailered back to a city we’d riden through an hour prior.  

John came up with a new plot for me as we followed the trailer through back streets and not so scenic neighborhoods. Pat will be the heroine … and well, let’s just say, it will be a fun MS to work on. Day 6, we took the Lake Express Ferry to Milwaukee, WI - had lunch at the Iron Horse Hotel then went to the Harley Davidson Museum.

Day 7, we headed home. Got rained on twice, but isn’t that part of the adventure? We’re already planning the next trip!!  Check out my facebook page for pictures from the trip … until next time, enjoy!! Christine

My husband surprised me with a Bose docking station for my office. I love it! My new writing routine now includes picking the music I want to listen to as I work on edits or on my other WIPs … genre, artist, specific album, or simply mood music. I’m putting together a few playlists, too, to capture a mix of my favorite songs.

Because music influences feelings, I choose the music for the day based on the scenes I’ll be working on. The beat has to match the flavor of the characters and the actions they’ll be involved in. I also found that specific songs speak for individual characters within each story. As an example, each song on George Michael’s - Older, helped me define all the characters in PASSION’S PROMISE. PJ, Spenser, Nick, and CJ have their own songs. I listen to them as I delve into their emotional journeys and the story unfolds with ease.

As I finish the edits on PASSION’S RACE, I listen to a mix of Lyle Lovett, Moby, Sting, and Lifehouse. An eclectic mix, I know, but they work for me. Sting started my morning and Lifehouse has taken the afternoon. What artist or genre will end my day?

That remains to be heard, because it all depends on the mood of the last scene I’ll touch tonight. For now, I’ll let the words dance on the screen. Maybe I’ll dance around the room a bit, too. What would the world be without music?? I think of gray, overcast days and turn up the volume to bring out the sun!

Sending hugs your way … Christine

1600 miles in four days … John, me, a friend & two motorcycles. Day one: 500 miles, Dumas, Arkansas. Terrible ‘all-fried food’ dinner but great company and lots of laughs. Day two: 400 miles and a night on Bourbon Street (New Orleans). Day three: 500 miles and a night on Beale Street (Memphis). Day four: 200 miles, a gorgeous, very scenic ride home!! Can’t wait until the next motorcycle road trip. Woohoo! 

in St. Louis, the sun is out, the temp is great, & there’s a mild breeze. I have latin music playing as I write, but my eyes keep straying to the front yard and all I can think about is being out there in the gorgeous weather.

I remind myself that I have an article to finish and the polishes on MYSTICAL CONNECTIONS to complete, but the need to run or walk keeps pulling me.

So, in the end, I make a deal with myself - I’ll get the draft of the article down, I’ll think about what threads still need to be woven into MC, then I’ll go for a run and let my thoughts percolate. I’ll savor the sun on my skin and let my subconscious mind fill in what might be missing in my work.

When I get back, I’ll be ready to tackle my tasks with a fresh mind set & renewed energy. Enough said, I’m out of here. Until next time - I hope you have time to enjoy nature. Hugs - Christine 

all the tabloids commenting on stars not wearing their wedding rings. What is the big deal? I’m an athlete, I don’t wear my wedding ring 24/7. Does that mean I don’t love my husband? Or that I’m not committed to our marriage?

Of course not. Come on people, get a life. There’s more to love and life committment than a piece of jewelry!! Can we please stop the insanity???