In a Little Blue Truck

First, I owe a super-sized thanks to all you blog readers out there. You help validate my insanity as a writer. Did you know that? Yeah, probably a whole lot of you are crazy writers too. Someone told me that you have to be a little crazy to be a writer. Consider it a rite of passage.

And, I went to Cascade. It was the first spontaneous thing I've done for years. Ouch. I used to be fun. First mosquito bites of the summer-that has to mean something.

I drove there with my five kids. Didn't sleep much, but we had a great time.

And, I had the greatest chat with my teen editor, aka my niece, who I haven't seen forever. She sat in the front seat while I drove up the mountain and we talked. I caught her up to speed with the second Alvor book, and she helped me figure out some of the pieces I needed to finish the novel.

Never underestimate a teenager. They are smart, imaginative and genius given the right set of circumstances. It's in nearly all of them, even if they don't know it themselves. I am constantly amazed at the clarity of perspective and understanding so many teens today have.

Maybe not all, I know, but I have such a respect for a whole lot of really smart kids. I love to listen to their thoughts on so many different things.

I'm leaving first thing in the morning for Utah, which explains why I'm sitting here writing instead of packing or washing the dog. This is the little blue truck part. We're leaving the minivan at home and taking the mini-truck instead. We have a miniature dog, three miniature horses, a minivan and a mini-pick-up. I'm starting to see a pattern. I wonder if I should be developing some kind of complex, or if I already have. Hmmm. I'll have to think about that one.

If you're in Utah, I can't wait to meet you. Find me at American Fork Library from 3-4 PM, Barnes & Noble at Gateway Mall 7-9 PM both Friday, July 17. Then Saturday at Confetti Books from 10-12 morning shift.

Until then, signing out. Hope you found something wonderful to do with your weekend.