Today I turn fifty.*** I like to think this summer’s goals reflect my newfound maturity.
Here are my 2017 summer goals:
- Birthday dinner with my family. I can’t wait to feed them homemade pizza baked on my new pizza stone. I’ve been practicing my dough-making skills with this recipe from the Pioneer Woman. Which brings me to Goal Number Two.
- A birthday trip with my sister-in-law. In the immortal words of Suzy Boggus, we plan to Drive South—ain’t gonna pack our nylons—to the two hottest destinations of 2017: Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and Waco, Texas. If you don’t know what we’ll do there, you haven’t been paying attention. (Also, you can find out here, and here.)
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- Peach Nehi Floats
Getting my daughter back—the best birthday present. Betsy’s time at Oxford is drawing to a close. Right now she’s finishing her classes and trying to put closure on the life she’s built in that ultimate university town. In two weeks, she’ll be ours again. I. Can’t. Wait.
- Family Day at Boy Scout camp. My son is seventeen. His camping days are numbered. It’s show-up time, whether he likes it or not. While I’m there, I plan to enjoy a traditional peach Nehi float.
- A writer’s workshop in July. My writing life is a good-news, bad-news story right now.The good news: Lottie’s Hope is finished and will be published by CrossRiver Media sometime in the coming months. I’m proud of Lottie’s continued adventures, and can’t wait to share them with you.
The bad news: My twin enemies of Overconfidence and Inexperience nearly submarined this second book. I didn’t even know what I didn’t know about writing when I started Lottie’s Hope. Boy, did I learn some lessons in humility! And the result, as I mentioned, is pretty enjoyable. BUT….
I’m on an urgent quest to improve my storytelling skills. That’s where the Glen Eyrie Writer’s Workshop will help. I’m so excited to spend a few days with fellow fiction writers, talking shop and learning new ways to write.
- A really exciting birthday celebration for somebody else. Jon’s grandma turns 100 this year. Who even does that? Of course we’ll be there to celebrate.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I know you are excited for Betsy to return – and what stories she will have to share. The Writer’s Workshop sounds divine. What a fantastic summer you will have this year 🙂
Thank you, Molly! This summer has a lot of potential.
Happy Birthday Jane! So now you’re going to go to Waco??? We lived there for 4 years and you never visited us in “Jerusalem on the Brazos”. Ok, I realize Chip & Joanna Gaines weren’t transforming the place back in the late 80s & early 90s, so you’re timing is probably better now. Have a great summer and think about heading east in the near future. Love you!
“Jerusalem on the Brazos”! I need to remember that. And oh, I’d love to head east this summer, but alas! I’m stuck in the middle of the map. Love to you, my oldest friend!
The Glen Eyrie conference, I trust that’s in Colorado Springs at the Eyrie? Amazing place and magnificent terrain to inspire you!
It is indeed, Deb. I’ll be staying in town at my sister-in-law’s house. The workshop is led by Angela Hunt, Nancy Rue and one more fiction writer. I’ve learned so much from Angie Hunt in the past–I trust her to be part of high quality events.
That sounds awesome! Where did you find out about it? I’d like to look into it.
I follow Angela Hunt on Facebook, and she posted about it. Here’s a link to the particulars: http://gleneyrie.org/event/writers-workshop/
I’m going to pray about attending this. It might be what I need to get me past the hurdle I’m facing with my latest WIP. And I can combine it with vacation to see my son and granddaughter who live in the Springs.
Ooh! What an exciting idea!
Happy birthday and here’s to 50 more with at least 50 published books! Have a wonderful trip to Pawhuska and Waco !
Thanks, Rebecca! If you have any must-see spots in eastern Oklahoma, we’re open to side trips. We are in a second-hand shopping frame of mind, too.
Happy belated birthday, Jane! I hope you have a great trip! My summer goal is to get my name changed to Irons on everything – Where did this year go?
Thanks, Lisa! And I will try to help you with your goal by changing your name in my address book–and in my head. Not so easy!
My summer plans are to cease activity and wait for what God says is next.
You are a wise woman, Sally Jadlow.
Happy birthday! The fifty decade is a great one! Enjoy every minute.
Thanks, Sally!