Cascades Galley

In September my next book comes out, Cascades. It is a historical compilation of Uncertain Alliance, The Captain's Wife, and Reckless Rogue. Each of these is set in a different Washington State town; Seattle, Port Townsend, and Cashmere.

I have been working on the galley for this books for a week or so, so this post won't be very long. I'm just taking a short break between loads of laundry and reviewing the galley to pop in and say hi.

I haven't read these stories in over a year and am finding that I'm really enjoying visiting with these characters. I am liking them all over again, feeling for my heroines and falling in love with the heroes.

I can't wait to see what they choose for the cover. Washington State is so beautiful.

Back to work. :-)

Renaissance Festival

We have a great Renaissance Festival in our area. We go every year. We wouldn't miss it. This past weekend was opening weekend. We had a great time and took one of my son’s friends with us who never knew the festival was there. He had a great time.

If you've never been to a Renaissance Festival, you are missing out. It allows you to step back in time. Food, entertainment, and harassment.

The food is great. We always have a turkey leg. They are delicious. There is also frozen flavored ice on a half of an orange, funnel cakes, baklava, corn on the cob, beef kabob, turkey sausage, shaved ice, smoothies, and much more.

There are shows going on all over the festival all the time. There’s a magician, acrobats, jugglers, ventriloquist, hypnotist, comedians, musicians, storytellers, and much more. We have our favorite shows and usually find a new one or two each year. Last year Cast in Bronze was there. He plays Carillon Bells and is fantastic. If you go to the link below and wait for it to load, you can hear him play. Or go to Cast in Bronze Web site.

There are dozens of little shops. There is pottery, glass blowing, swords, period clothing, jewelry, leather journals, crowns, wings, stained glass, artists, hair braiding, and so much more.

The festival hires actors to roam the park or to stand around and harass you. They are great. They call out to you as you walk by and some times they might start walking with you. They are always in costume and in character with old world speak. One of the ticket taker girls at the gate was calling out my son and his friend (they are both 20) to come over to her. My son and his friend were far to shy for that. Their eyes got big and they stayed with us as we entered. It’s always fun. Especially when your son turns red at a pretty girl calling to him.

Of course, King Henry is there every year with his full court of ladies.

I look forward to going a couple more time this summer .

For more information on my local festival go to http://www.coloradorenaissance.com/
You can also Google Renaissance Festival to see if you can find one in your area.

Have fun!

History & Air-Conditioning

I used to hate history. In school it was dry and boring. You would say the word history and everyone would grunt or groan as if in pain.

But now I find history fascinating. I’m not sure why. Little known stories about real people or inventions. Our history classes told us about some inventions like the cotton gin, penicillin, and the automobile. But what about all those everyday items we use that we don’t even think twice about.

I found a fascinating book call Origin of Everyday Things by Johnny Acton, Tania Adams, & Matt Packer.

Did you know that air-conditioning dates back to ancient times? People in hot environment have always sought out ways to cool their environment. The Babylonians splashed water on the outside of the dwellings to draw heat from the inside as it evaporated. Egyptians would moisten mats/veils and hang them so the warm breeze would cool as it went through them.

British scientist Michael Faraday (1791-1867) discovered air could be cooled by compressing ammonia. American physician John Gorrie (1803-1855) used tubs of ice to blow cool air over his patients during an outbreak of yellow fever. In 1902 Willis Haviland Carrier (1876-1950) built the first modern air-conditioner for a printing plant to keep the paper dry so it could be aligned correctly.

So due to these ingenious people, we can stay cool and dry on hot summer days or when traveling in our cars.