A Thing of Beauty is a Joy Forever,

especially when it's made of bronze. I see this lovely girl everyday on my way to work out as she rides her bicycle for all eternity,and through all weather conditions, including snow and fog.

Today's Cool Photo

Yesterday was sunny and gorgeous.  This is what I awakened to this morning. Spooky-cool, eh?  

Spring Time in the Rockies

You never know what incredible views await you when you look out the window.  

You never know who will be having a party in your yard.

There are even visions of beauty overhead.

Hike to the Barn

Spring time in the Front Range of the Rockies can bring any sort of weather from snow to sun to rain to intense wind. Spring time in general engenders a yearning within us to do new things, or simply to explore that which surrounds us each day but remains unknown to us.

For nearly two years I have driven by an enormous meadow containing an old abandoned barn. I always wanted to stop and explore, but life always intervened. The characters in my novel have no such constraints upon them, and ride their trusty steeds over the miles to investigate. Yesterday we awoke to glorious skies and warm temperatures, and I decided on a whim that it was time for my two companions and me to explore that place as well. Our trusty steeds were not the sort to be saddled, but were leashed until the park ranger was out of site and they could then be released to run with us. Wind gusts were so intense that we were tossed about several times, but we were not deterred in our quest to explore the abandoned barn seen in the photo above.  Beanie ran ahead while Sparky the Wonder Dog courageously (the black and white blip in the right foreground) followed.     

Mo had to be carried by Katherine, as the prairie grass was taller than he is and was cruelly whipping him. As you can see, he didn't really mind.

The barn was a wonder of patterns with rough hewn logs going parallel and perpendicular. But it was also creepy, and I would not have been surprised to have found a body within the abandoned shell. What had happened here? I think that is something my characters will have to work out.

Another Amazed Reader

Here's a photo of  a very special someone enjoying my new book.  

My New Book is Out!!!

My non-fiction book, Start Your Retail Career, was published in February by Entrepreneur Press. The book was written with the 20-something set in mind, or for people who are looking to change careers. It contains job descriptions as well as earnings info for the top ten retail careers and is available at bookstores across the known universe, so get your copy today!

Many individuals gave generously of their time to talk about their love of retail. Their stories are the heart of the book.

Just for fun, I did wander into the Tattered Cover bookstore in downtown Denver, where I had to beat off hoards of people to get to the shelf where my book was sitting. Apparently I arrived just in the nick of time to get a photo of the last copy before it was snatched up.

Snowy St. Patty's Day

I love St. Patrick's Day. Here's how our day is starting, with lots of beautiful snow. Notice the white spots on the photos? Those are the falling snowflakes reflecting the flash from the camera. I snapped these shots around dawn while taking a break from shoveling, which I actually enjoy. (Crazy, I know!)

More St. Patty's Day

Let the celebration begin!

The weather was grand and glorious for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Denver (LoDo). We got great parking in the “secret” parking lot. (I’d tell you where it is, but then it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.) As we headed towards the parade route, a group of revelers folded in with us. Though only mid-morning, party group had already started indulging and was carrying large cups of spirits. “After all, tis cocktail time in Dublin,” one guy explained.

This first photo is of the facade of Union Station, built in 1880. Vendors can be seen in the foreground, hawking balloons and other assorted items to make St. Patty's merrier. Crowds were well-behaved and polite.



St. Patrick and his wee doggies got the parade off to a great start.


Here a wild leprechaun rides what appears to be a motorized ice chest. Of course, we all want to know what's in the ice chest.


The Irish Wolfhounds made a grand showing, as did the Irish setters later on.


The pipe bands were all terrific, but why did two of them play Scotland the Brave? No matter, it's a great song. All in all, a glorious day.

The Sweater

I am a writer who is having issues right now writing my novel. Rather than consult a trained professional, my self-cure involves knitting a sweater. WHY? Because I will only knit little things that I can finish, like scarves and felted purses. I am making myself knit a bigger project and making myself finish it no matter how dreadful it may be. WHY? Because I think I am intimidated by writing an entire novel. I am not going to take this crap from my sub-conscious anymore. I'm going to teach the beast who's boss. What do you think? Therapists everywhere are sure to implement this revolutionary treatment.

Getting Ready For St. Patty's Day

Here's Mojo, modeling the latest in bandana wear. He's checking out his wardrobe to make certain he'll be ready when the big day arrives next week.

Begin it Now

"Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it." --Goethe