Hi ho, MMMLOGerinos!

Weather: A cloudy, rain-threatening topless Red Therapy day.

AIRPLANES and MEMORIES
Aviation is a huge part of our lives. When we lived in England we managed to get to every aviation display and museum. We counted ourselves among the first supporters of Boeing's Museum of Flight here in Seattle, and though we are no longer members, the DH and I went to the Museum today for their annual Memorial Day program.

Though I don't have my new digital camera up and running yet, groan, I did take some pictures with my camera phone that yells, "Say Cheese" every time I click the shutter button. Groan, again. Only three of them were worth saving and if I can figure out how to post them here, I'll so do. As you can imagine after all those visits to airplane museums and air shows, I've got a bunch of photos, and why I keep taking them . . .I don't know. There's just something wonderfully inspiring about airplanes and huge horsepower that I think I can capture for the future with my camera. The engines on stands or hanging off a wing are as thrilling to me as the airframes, sometimes more so.

Waiting for the program to start, we toured the exhibits and made our way to the adjacent display area where Air Force One, a Concorde, the first 747 and a 727 are parked. We'd been aboard a Concorde at British Airways, so passed on that line opportunity. We did tour through Air Force One last used by Richard Nixon. When we got to the top of the stairs, I dared the DH to turn around, hold his hands up with the V sign and give that stiff swipe of a wave as if wiping away a career that splatted on a windshield like a swarm of bugs. He wouldn't, and if I were my sister I'd have offered him all kinds of money to do something publicly outrageous for my entertainment.

The Boeing Employees Concert Band played a program of martial music, then three retired military men read the 108 names of Washington state military personnel killed in Afghanistan and Iraq since September 11, which was terrifically sad. Three fighter aces of World War II gave short addresses, the last one of whom opened his talk with, "You can always tell a fighter ace, but you can't tell him much." The three reminded the audience to remember the sacrifices of those who served our country in time of war.

I wonder if instead of throwing our children away on the today's foreign conflict of the moment, if we wouldn't be better served by focusing on this from the second verse of America the Beautiful:
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

MMMMMMMMMmmelinda

Hi ho, MMMLOGerinos!

It's sunny, high 80s and breezy in the Puget Sound. Feels like LA--looks like it, too, with the haze. All the Seattlites are dressed for summer--shorts and very smallish tops revealing lots of milky white skin.

CLOUD CAKES
There is a wonderful little bistro with a funky western flair in West Seattle called the Endoline. The DH & I did "blunch" there this morning with the mother-in-love of MMMMM. I enjoyed the best huevos rancheros this side of Santa Fe. The MIL didn't enjoy as much the Cloud Cakes--pancakes made with cottage cheese and sour creme and served with blueberry syrup. She'd ordered them previously and we thought that we remembered that they came with a dollop of sour creme on top with fresh berries. Today the short stack was covered with brown sugar with syrup on the side, at her request--a not as dreamy presentation that seemed to take away from the overall enjoyment.

DREAM WEAVER
I have an old vinyl LP by flautist Tim Weisberg by that name. Think I'll get that out again with the turntable or maybe just order the CD. As to dream weaving--I had a dream last night about a new story. This has happened before where I'll dream an entire storyline or about missing elements of a story I'm working on. I'm very excited about this new dream story and can't wait to get at it. It looks like it's going to be another paranormal. I'll tell you more about it as I get the idea fleshed out. Of course, I got the whole story in a dream dump, but the remembering is a bit trickier. I'll use relaxation and self-hypnosis to remember the whole story, but I need some focused time to do that. That isn't going to happen right now as I'm reorganizing my office and files as well as working with those June 1 deadline must-dos.

Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend!

Ciao, ciao, Mmmmmmmmmmmmmelinda

Happy HOT Morning, MMMLOGerinos!

It's sunny, gonna be a hot topless Red Therapy and the AC is set on 70.

Summer Travel Fun
I spent a good part of yesterday coordinating my upcoming travel this summer to Reno, Boston, Las Vegas, sweet home Arizona and our Med cruise next year. I'm prone to wait to book flights just in case there's somewhere else I need to or want to go--you know, on the spur of the moment. So I found myself with virtually the last non-middle seat on Alaska to Reno, and the last seat coming home! This behavior drives my critique pal, Darcy, crazy as she's a planner/cupboard stuffer Cancer.

Red Therapy is zooming me south for lunch with the best guitarist in the Northwest, Kathye Long. Then it's back home to sort and repack the son of MMMMMM's remaining possessions that will be shipping next week and work on the June 1 deadline stuff. We'll be seeing Star Wars III this weekend.

#2 Writing Consideration
The last exercise asked you to consider what you didn't want to write and to list them. One MMMLOGerina emailed to say that she didn't want to write crap. Fair enough. I suggest that you may want to start a new "don't want to write" list for each of the next few days to see what comes up and how your "don't want to write" expands and changes--because it will. As you continue to consider what kind of a writer you are and want to be, you'll be digging deeper into what your real beliefs are about yourself, which most of us hide from ourselves. And when those are revealed, acknowledged and released--then you can begin to create yourself as the writer you want to be.

#2 Consideration: What do you want to write?
Make a list, just let it flow from you without judgment and continue to do this for several days as you do with #1. Email me with your lists, your questions.

A New Addition to THE LIST
THE LIST is a constantly updated reference archive of romance novels offering hope and inspiration to victims of domestic violence. Author Mia Zachary's Blaze title is now included and she writes, "My second novel, YOURS IN BLACK LACE, featured a heroine who had survived an abusive marriage and she openly discusses it with the hero at one point in the story." For more information on Mia's book, click this link.

Have a cool one!
Ciao, ciao! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMelinda

Hi ho, MMMLOGerinos!

It's sunny today here in the Puget Sound with a few thin wisps of high cloud and strong breezes. The DH is driving Red Therapy and the wind chimes outside my office are playing a fine tune.

What Kind of Writer Are You?
Pay attention to how you answer that question. What does your body do as you ponder or react to the question? Stomach tighten? Quiver with joy? You may notice that you think one thing while your body says something else. You may think--I'm a good writer or I'm a beginning writer or frustrated writer. Or best selling writer. Or I write paranormal romance or westerns.

In last weekend's workshop, I gave participants a handout that asked each to consider their creative goals. The first consideration was what don't I want to write? This is a good starting place in establishing creative goals and determining what kind of writer you are. What don't you want to write?

Think about that awhile, then write down what you don't want to write. Usually it's easier to know what we don't want than exactly what we do want. I'm betting you'll be able to dash off quite a list of what you don't want to write. And when you do, email me and we'll share with the MMMLOGers. Then we'll move on to the next consideration.

MMMMMMStuff
I'm hip-deep in deadlines. Seems like everything is due June 1. While having deadlines sure beats the alternative, I'm really feeling the need to rearrange, reorganize and repaint my life--that is, my office. I'd also like to do some time in the garden and maybe get out the rice paper and sumi brushes. Yes, I'm feeling an overflowing creative drive to do something active, something different. Think I'll sign the DH and me up for those salsa dance classes. Hooooohaaaa! The DH thinks that he might even be able to find a beat in that music...somewhere. The last time we took dance lessons was in Las Vegas through UNLV continuing ed. Our son was six months old and we tried to learn to swing dance with the son of MMMMMMM between us, because I wouldn't leave the baby with a sitter. I think we only learned the rock step before we threw in towel and quit. We don't have the son along with us these days in our adventures, but he keeps close tabs on us as he can never be sure what craziness MMMMM and the DH are going to get up to. Ahhh, yes, the joys of son torture. Though the son does remind us that eventually there will come a time when he'll be in charge and enjoys threatening MMMMM with Lonely Pines while the DH gets to go to Happy Acres. I guess one of us should change their attitude . . . or go to their room!

A Joke
This was sent to me by an old friend from high school.
WOMEN'S REVENGE
"Cash, check or charge?" I asked, after folding items the woman wished
to purchase. As she fumbled for her wallet, I noticed a remote control
for a television set in her purse. "So, do you always carry your TV
remote?" I asked. "No," she replied, " but my husband refused to come
shopping with me, and I figured this was the most evil thing I could do
to him legally."

Ciao, ciao! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmelinda

Hi ho, MMMMLOGerinos!

Weather report: Fluffy clouds, warm and sun breaks--a perfect Red Therapy day here in the Puget Sound!

My MMMLOG heckler in Kansas reminds me that I haven't updated the MMMLOG in days. So, Suz, this is for you!

4 1/2 Dancing Unicorns
ESSENCE OF TRUST rates 4 1/2 mythical creatures from Enchanted In Romance reviewer, Laura. Some of the good stuff . . .
"This book is a nonstop thrill ride of intrigue and the paranormal. Ms. Rucker Haynes produces a fascinating story filled with the fight against evil with fantastic characters and overwhelming tension. A truly great read for someone who adores the paranormal and suspense gripping stories. Great job, Ms. Rucker Haynes. I look forward to reading more of your work in the future."

So far this book is getting great reviews. If you'd like to taste a bit more, read an excerpt. If you buy an autographed copy at discount from the site, you get a delightful gift with purchase, too. Go for it!

Out of This World Paranormal Workshop
The DH and I didn't take a topless Red Therapy to the Peninsula on the weekend because it was raining like . . . what was it that the Brits used to say . . . it was just tipping down! Until we got there, of course, then it began to clear. (You will note that weather is a big issue with me.) There was a great bunch of writers at the workshop. We experimented with some new ideas to increase creative awareness, improve production and journeyed within to our creative centres in a lovely guided meditation. One participant emailed me that she'd read paranormal a couple of times, but didn't particularly enjoy it. Though after her experience in the workshop, she was willing to try it again. She also said, "...what you gave me this morning was pure gold. Just wanted to thank you." Another wrote to thank me for the "entertaining and unique workshop." Unique. Unusual. I've been getting that a lot lately. And that perception is definitely okay with me!

Spendy Coat Story
Speaking of the Kansas Heckler . . .she pens our latest installment in the $2600 Zegna coat with the tag left in (see MMMLOG May 15.)

The Kansas Heckler writes: the coat obviously belonged to Mario's (i.e. price tag which no thinking individual would leave attached). Said snappy wrapper was being delivered by the Mario's store manager to one of the more affluent clients who was in a coat crises,but obviously not a financial one. The purchaser was perhaps someone traveling to West Yellowstone, MT to view and purchase a large retreat along the shores of Lake Hebgin which is still frozen over but showing signs of spring. The big questions, however, are: Who left with the coat, buyer or seller? Was there more than one coat? And most importantly, who paid for lunch?

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMMmelinda

'Morning, Guys!

Weather report: rainy, T-storms and sun breaks.
Note: My DH is completely disgusted with the weather forecasters 'round here. They never seem to get it right and the DH thinks they ought to be "caned". Oh. My.

Paranormal Perspectives Workshop
The DH and I are driving over to the Peninsula today for my workshop at the Peninsula RWA Chapter's meeting where I'll be giving a Paranormal Perspectives: Creating Magic in Your Writing and Life workshop. It'll be great fun and I can't wait. Of course, getting away for the weekend with the DH is a great good thing, too. I've got to take the Airedale to the Vet and update her shots, then to the kennel this morning. We'll be taking Red Therapy on our road trip, though I doubt we'll have a top-down opportunity. But as long as it isn't raining buckets, we'll put the top down, turn on the seat heaters and go!

Another Installment in the Zegna $2600. Coat Story
Here's a Short Short--Silent Streets by John Dark

He wanders alone through the silent streets of New York City wearing layers upon layers of the finest, most expensive clothes that he can find.

All the world is his.

It hadn't been so long ago that he was cold and hungry and cast out from society. He slept wherever he could, he scrounged whatever food he could find and no one would look him in the eyes lest they see their own fate there.

One night in the bitter cold when the snow came he climbed into a steel dumpster and buried himself among the trash to find a few moments of warmth.

The thunder came and his steel haven was tossed like a leaf on the breeze and when he dug himself out there was only devastation.

All the people were gone.

All the people were dead.

The world was his,

And he was glad.
----------------------------------
While shopping with the son of MMMMMM this last week, we stopped by the men's fragrance counter in Macy's. And what was the first fragrance that was pointed out by the sales clerk as just in stock and completely new? Why, Zegna, of course. That makes it twice within so many days that the designer comes into Mmmmmmm's world. Interesting!

Ciao, ciao, Mmmmmmmmmmmmmelinda

Hi ho, MMMLOGerinos!

The current weather report is muggy and cloudy with occasional sun breaks.

The Son Also Leaves . . .
The son of MMMMMM leaves tomorrow morning and we're rushing about trying to cram in as much time together as possible.


ESSENCE OF TRUST
Five Star Publishing announced that Essence of Trust was published on Friday 13th. See, another freaking lucky day for mmmmmmmmmmmm. All you who have backordered copies through my site, the books will zoom out to you next week with a little extra thanks for waiting gifty.

A Very Cool Mysterious Coat Story
I threw down the gauntlet for you to send me your best take on the $2600. coat story mentioned in my previous MMMLOG and Lorelle Marinello is the first submitter. You'll enjoy her answers (see the previous MMMLOG for the setup and questions). . .

"The man is an employee of Mario's. Mario is head of a secret terrorist cell in the US and has sent him on the errand with instructions to leave the coat just so. The price tag is a coded message for a terrorist who works as a waiter in the restaurant. The employee is having lunch with Mario's wife, who is actually secretly working against her husband for the American government. She has a deep sultry voice, easily mistaken for a man's. The employee is young, cocky and has eyes for Mario's wife." ~ Lorelle Marinello

I think you'll agree that Lorelle's answers really kick off the "what if" creative juices, no?

I'll publish these I as I get them and I can't wait for tomorrow's installment, a short-short from author John Dark. It's amazing! Then there's the one from from my deep cover source in Kansas . . .

Ciao, ciao, Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmelinda

Hey there, it's raining. Surprise, surprise.

A VERY MYSTERIOUS WRITING EXERCISE
My schedule had me taking tea with Seattle RWA chapter friends at a tea house in Redmond yesterday, but my son, who is home on leave, surprised me (and his grandmother) with a lovely special brunch at the Des Moines marina. I guess he doesn't read the schedule posted on my site, and of course I forgot to tell him about my tea plans. eeeeeeeeeek. In any case, again big regrets to Seattle tea friends and I hope you enjoy this little exercise.

Exercise
Imagine, if you will, that you are dining in a fine restaurant. You and your party have the best table in the house. The elevated booth faces the marina on the Sound. It's a lovely day, the views magnificent, the conversation sparkling. You glance over the shoulder of your friend across the table and notice a man's fine topcoat hanging on the edge or corner of the booth's high back. The coat's label is exposed as is the still attached price tag that reveals the following information:
Ermenegildo Zegna $2595.00 Natural Cashmere

All you can see of the coat's owner is the top of a stiff brush of gleaming black hair. You only hear a murmur of men's voices from the next booth. Even though you try to see the coat's owner, see him claim that incredible coat with the dangling price tag as he leaves the restaurant, somehow you miss him. You look up from your lobster and the coat is gone, leaving you with questions that you must find the answer to even if you have to post them to your MMMLOG . . . The questions are these:

1. Who owns the coat?
2. Why does he leave the price tag in the coat?
3. Why was he in the restaurant and with whom?

Answer these questions in 250 words or less and email them to me. If your answers imaginatively satisfy my curiosity, I'll name you winner and send you a fun gift. Whether your answers are fun gift winning or not, I'll still post 'em for all to enjoy with a link to your site, if you like.

I'll start you off with these answers to the above questions from MMMMMMelinda's DH's----The guy is a clerk at Nordstrom's on lunch break and has to get the coat back to the store.

Good answer, but nope. I checked the designer online and the ONLY place in Washington state to carry this designer's collection is Mario's in Seattle.

Have fun with this and email soon. I've really got to know!

Ciao, ciao, Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmelinda

Hi Guys! It's sunny and WARM, a perfect top down Red Therapy day here in the Pacific Northwest.

ANOTHER REVIEW OF ESSENCE OF TRUST
"NOT YOUR AVERAGE ROMANCE!"
On lucky Friday the 13th I got a review of Essence of Trust from Romance Reviews Today.
". . . I would highly recommend reading the previous books [THE ETERNAL TRUST & BREACH OF TRUST] . . . One of the good things I got from ESSENCE OF TRUST is it piqued my interest to pick up the first two books . . . If you're looking for angst, psychics, gods and demons, pick up a copy of ESSENCE OF TRUST. It's not your average romance." Kathy Samuels, Romance Reviews Today

Click Here to Buy Your Autographed Copy of ESSENCE OF TRUST at a 20% Discount and Get a FREE Gift.

STUFF and More. . .
The Minnow sailed home late yesterday with my boys aboard, fishless. Though they did come home with a large fillet of cod--a gift from Captain Steve and the three other fisherpeople who did catch fish. I think we'll barbeque it this afternoon. I'm not much on fish, but grill cookery renders pretty much anything almost edible as far as I'm concerned.

The DH and son are off to see the movie, Kingdom of Heaven. I'm staying home with the Emmadale and working in the office. Tomorrow I'm Sassy Teaing with Greater Seattle Chapter RWA in Redmond, WA. Should be great fun.

Ciao, ciao, Mmmmmmmmmmmelinda

Happy Another Grey Day!

SOLD OUT!
The June 2 Online Class Care and Feeding of Your Muse: Introduction to Creative Block Busters is sold out! I keep these online classes small because that's the best learning environment for the students and the most fun for me, the teacher. And I'm all about fun in learning, though I know that sometimes adversity is the best teacher. So if not getting in on this class seems adversity to you, hang on! We'll be offering it again in the fall. Keeping checking the schedule.

A THREE HOUR TOUR . . .
My son and DH left the house at zero dark thirty this morning to go fishing on a charter out of Shilshoe Marina on the Sound. The first time these two went "deep sea fishing" was many years ago when the son was rewarded for all As on his fourth grade report card. It was Kauai and the boat not as big as the Minnow. Both got really, really urpy. The DH spent most of his time heaving over the side, while a kindly fellow fisherman held onto the boy by the back of his waistband as he heaved his Cheerios. Then, wouldn't you know it, the DH's line hit and he grabbed the pole to reel in a nice big mahi mahi, the only fish caught that day. When the others grumbled about it, the DH replied that he caught the prize because he'd chummed for it. The son has since gone deep sea fishing many times, loves it. He sent us a picture from one such trip off New Zealand, showing him taking a bite out of a freshly caught and filleted fish. He does love fresh sushi. Urp!

Haven't heard from the two yet this morning, but maybe they'll come home from the sea with true cod for the bar-b and fish stories to tell.

Ciao, ciao, MMMMMMMMMMMMmelinda

Hi, Guys and Suzanne!

Yes, it's been a couple of days since I MMMLOGged last. I'll do better, SIL.

We've been out doing touristy things with the son of MMMMMMM and having a great time. The DH is taking Ms. Emma the Airedale to the groomer this morning. We've downloaded some photos off the web for the groomer as we can't find our Complete Airedale book. The clip for an Airedale is quite different from any other terrier's clip, but most groomers seem to do a fusion clip--Schnauzer fluffy eyebrows and high water mark on the belly. This is embarrassing to the largest of the terrier breed. Airedales like to appear very serious and wise, but are actually the canine otters of the universe.

Your Creative Flow Workshop
On May 5 the Friends of the Federal Way (WA) Library invited me to present a creativity development workshop for writers and poets. We celebrated Cinco de Mayo and had great fun with exercises and a guided imagining to our creative centres. Several of the participants have written to me about their exciting production after the workshop.

One woman, a published author who is now retired, hadn't begun the sequel to her young adult novel. After the workshop she emailed to say that not only has she begun the sequel, she has produced twenty pages and going strong. During the workshop she had an ah-ha moment and declared, "This is why I came here. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I thought I was too old to write and now I know I'm not!"

Another author, John Dark emailed to say this: "...I was so impressed with your class. Thanks again for the class. What you do works. I checked out your website and you do have a lot of good resources that I'll be looking into in the future." John posts a monthly story on his site that he warns is "rude and crude" and says that what he writes "is probably the polar opposite of what you [Melinda] do." John Dark writes "Horror/Sci-fi/ Detective/Noir fiction."

The June 2 Care & Feeding of Your Muse Online Class is filling up quickly. Register now. I keep the size of the Online Classes very small as I work one-on-one with the students as will as provide group experiences.

I have some people coming over in about an hour and have to prepare. That means get out of my robe and into mmmmmmmode.

Ciao, ciao, Mmmmmmmmmmmelinda

Good Morning, MMMLOG fans!

Mercedes M-Class Drive Party
Remember I said that I was going to spend my Mom's Day at the drive party at the Port of Seattle with my son and DH? Oh. My. That we did and it was one to remember. But then, most of mine are.

First, the directions to get to the drive party are always wretched. MapQuest sends you off on its own misdirected adventures and we arrived thirty minutes late to the appointed time. No problem as it was early Mother's Day, Sunday and raining. We lined up to drive the M500 (all wheel drive SUV) as there was certainly no point in driving the 350 when there was that V-8 waiting to be taken through its paces. I drove first and pushed it as much as I dared through quite a course that even featured a mechanical pop-up elk for a brake test. The vehicle's nose dipped which does not happen on my Red Therapy (SLK roadster) that squats to a stop RIGHT NOW. The ride is soft and pleasant which isn't that thrilling of a feel when cornering an SUV.

The DH drove next and got into it as much as felt comfortable as the Mercedes demonstrators that were posted at the start and end of the course to "watch over you" had advised to "have fun but not get crazy." That's sooooo subjective, you know? As will be shown when I tell you about my son's . . . test flight.

My son, Extreme YeeeeHaaa Air Force Officer, climbed behind the wheel with me in the backseat and DH in the passenger seat. Now remember I taught this boy to drive back in the day and I'm still barely able to unkink my fingers from the leather when he's at the wheel and I'm not. I should have really paid attention to what was to come. He climbed into the driver's seat saying, "Well, this is going to be our last run of the day."

From the guy guarding the line, we got a smiley faced, "have fun." Here comes the subjective part--my son grinned back and said, "But don't get crazy, right?" Then he floored the throttle, smoked the tires off the line, hit some huge MPH down the way too short straight away before screeching into the first set of curves. I didn't see how fast we were going because I was gritting my teeth until my eyelids closed tight and my fingers grabbing leather. I understand I was a bit vocal as well. I think at one point I do recall saying something to the effect of "Please, don't roll this *@&^%$)#@ car!" The popping up elk brake check was equally as eventful, and yes, that car will stop even with wet pavement.

When we bumped over the 5MPH rough road at the end of the course covering almost a mile that we ran in 20 seconds, or so it seemed, I looked over at the start line. ALL of the other test vehicles were parked and the entire crew as well as all the test drivers waiting under the tent were staring our way. As we rolled up to park in the only vacant staging slot, the crew converged upon us.

"You over-rolled the tires!" were the first words out of her mouth. "We want you to have a good time, BUT--blah, blah, blah, glennie." She went on to say something to the effect of--if we were very, very good we could still drive but we had to agree to drive more carefully. As my son said--that was our last run of the day. After that test drive, there was not really anything else of interest to do there. We left.

Sometime I will have to tell you about another ride with my son after I'd flown almost 20 hours from Seattle to Auckland, NZ, arriving at 5:00 a.m. My son picked me up in his beater Honda and flew low to Hamilton on the "wrong" side of the road, in the dark, the fog and drizzle . . . Good times.

We're off to do some local touristing.

Ciao, Ciao mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmelinda

Hi, Guys!

This is a quickie update about blogger heckling. I received one such heckle today from, well, I'll tell ya in a minute. This heckler said I hadn't updated in days and what good was a blog if ya didn't update it. Harumph!

So, this is a quickie update, just to let you know that I'm truly dedicated to blogging or MMMLOGging, at least.

And, to my dear sister-in-law Suzanne in Kansas, satisfied?

More later--I gotta finish paying bills and getting the guest room ready as my son is home tonight. Woooohooo. Then I'll log back in and tell you all about my presentation at the Federal Way Library yesterday where I met some wonderful writers and had a great time.

Hasta luego, mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmelinda

Good Morning!

Yes, it is raining and grey. Thanks for asking . . .

Veronica Mars
I'm agog about last night's developments in my favorite TV show, UPN's Veronica Mars, which is ALWAYS better than nearly everything else on TV, including American Idol. Yes, I do watch that, too.

Fast Cars
I've got my own theories about that American idle circus, which may stem from my hearing my father's early declarations that the World Series was fixed. You baseball fans must understand that our family limited our rather tepid sport-mindedness to high school football and basketball games. Though, give us a car race, from the Indie 500 to local dirt track, and we're there. Or were. Dad still watches all the car racing he can stand on TV. Round and round. Not my thing. It was when Dad was racing his own cars and he built a pink quarter midget jellybean racer for me that I used to race when I was ten years old. I still love high performance cars, my Red Therapy being one.

Even some of my really good Mother's Days have been about cars. I got Red Therapy for Mother's Day a couple of years ago. And though I intend to drive that little roadster many longs, this year I'll be reveling in the new car smell and test driving 'em, too, at the Mercedes ML Drive Party. These events are inspiring grand, no-pressure fun. I'm really looking forward to my special kind of Mother's Day. Hope you have a great one, too!

Winner! No Winner Yet in My New Website Launch Contest
There's still time to email me with your answer to my website launch contest to win a First Class travel bag of goodies and surprises or a beautiful bag of Feng Shui crystals and a surprise. The question you must answer correctly is: Who is my DH's famous relative. The answer is found somewhere on this site. Good luck!

Your Creative Flow: Writing from Inside Out Workshop May 5
We're going to have a great time at the Federal Way (WA) Regional Library tomorrow from 10:30-12:30. Come celebrate your creative self with me on Cinco de Mayo!

Ciao, Ciao, mmmmmmmmmmmmmelinda