Hello and Goodbye, NM

This past weekend was the Western Women Writers New Mexico gathering in Albuquerque. I think I speak for everyone when I say it was a lot of fun. At least, it seemed that way from all the smiling and laughing that I saw.

We all drove up to Pine Flats Picnic Area in the scenic Sandia Range. There was some concern about being rained out because the area got more than its usual share of rain. But Fortune smiled down on us and kept the rain away for most of the day. There was also a little concern about being able to get a fire going in the grill because of the dampness, but Bliss stepped in and worked on that baby until the fire was red hot. As the designated Grill Master, I kept my post at the grill, throwing on burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, and sausages, but the smoke was killing my eyes. I gladly handed over the spatula to Bliss when she wanted to do some flipping.

After we ate, we got to hear from some great authors: Lynn Ames, Andi Marquette, Karen Badger, Jeanne Magill, Nat Burns, and Bett Reece Johnson. Andi donated the proceeds from the sales of her books to the Watermelon Mountain Range no-kill shelter and I loved going with her to the adoption event they were having in town because I got to meet some of the sweet, adorable doggies and kitties waiting for homes. Go to the event Facebook page to see some photos HERE.

Part of the day’s jocularity was thanks to Lynn Ames’ chaperones, Parker and Dixie. I think it’s safe to say that they were the belles of the ball. No one—not even the authors who were reading—got as much attention as these kids. And, believe me, they had no problem with the attention, as you can see from the photo of Parker showing us his…assets.

At the end of the day, it was dinner and margaritas at Sadie’s, where we talked, laughed, and said goodbye with plenty of hugs.

Although some people were unable to make it because of the insane weather out there, we still had a good turnout, and the event, all in all, was a success. So, talk immediately began about where the event will take place next year. We have some possibilities and, of course, everyone will keep you posted. Many thanks go to Jeanne Magill and Andi Marquette for doing all the groundwork on the event and pulling it off.

I also got to spend some time drooling over the Native American crafts, buying some jewelry from authorized Native American jewelry makers, and do a wine tasting in Corrales. All activities were so much fun.

But all too soon, the trip was over and it was time to go home. I hope I get to go back soon.

On a different note, the cover has been finalized for the Halloween anthology When the Clock Strikes Thirteen, due out in mid-October. What do you think?