I'm catching the What's Up Wednesday hot air balloon from the blogs of Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk. Go to Jaime's blog to add your link and make the rounds to get to know other bloggers!Here's how it works:
WHAT'S UP WEDNESDAY
WHAT I'M READING
After finishing my Jessi Kirby book-a-thon (love!), I proceeded to Miranda Kenneally. I've read CATCHING JORDAN and STEALING PARKER and have her third book on order at the library. While I wait, I believe I will read IN SEARCH OF MOCKINGBIRD by local author Loretta Ellsworth, since last week marked the anniversary of the publication of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD.
WHAT I'M WRITING
Still plugging away at my revisions for WAITING FOR THE SUN. My Ready. Set. Write! goal was to write every day for the last seven, and I have achieved that goal. I even wrote a scene in a notebook, like, longhand, with a pen, when we stayed at a hotel last weekend. It's been good to get back into the habit of daily writing, but unfortunately I have not had a good knock-down, drag-out writing session. I hope to get one of those in this upcoming weekend and really make some strides.
My RSW goal for the upcoming week is to get through my first round of edits, then move on to the trickier stuff - and still write every day.
My RSW goal for the upcoming week is to get through my first round of edits, then move on to the trickier stuff - and still write every day.
WHAT ELSE I'VE BEEN UP TO
My apologies that I was unable to make the What's Up Wednesday rounds last week. The kids started swimming lessons plus we were out of town on our mini-getaway weekend! I'd received a free night stay at Grand Casino Hinckley, so we got up early on Saturday morning and drove to Duluth, my second home, my favorite place. Oh, how I needed it.
 |
| Annual Empty Shoes photo |
We didn't have much time in Duluth, but arrived at the harbor in time to see the arrival of the American Century, a thousand-foot ship. It's kind of a joke in our family any time a "Once-in-a-Lifetime" Thousand Footer comes into port, but it was the first time seeing such a massive ship for the kids.
To finally celebrate my agent news, we had lunch at our most favorite restaurant, Fitger's Brewhouse.
 |
| My Favorite Beer |
We visited my sister briefly and then headed across Skyline Drive to visit Enger Park and Enger Tower. Enger Tower is a five-story structure up on the hill, built in 1939 and dedicated by the Crown Prince of Norway, with amazing views in all directions. The park recently underwent a renovation and is now home to a lovely Japanese Garden as well.
 |
| Birdy & Toad at Enger Tower |
 |
| Zen Garden at Enger Park |
After leaving Enger, we drove about an hour and half south to stay at the Casino. The kids are always beside themselves any time they get to stay at a hotel. They enjoyed the pool and the food and the arcade. Before heading home, we stopped at the Hinckley Fire Museum and learned about the horrible, tragic firestorm that destroyed the town and five others in September of 1894.
Knock on wood, I think we've turned a corner on vacations with Birdy. Both kids were well behaved and patient and we all had a marvelous time.
WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW
Returning to Duluth, even for such a short time, was so inspiring to me. I'm almost in tears writing about it - I love the city and the lake so much and have such fond memories of my time there. I'm inspired by the people and the beauty and the majesty of nature. Duluth is an amazing place - a city with a rich and varied history, with so many natural attractions within the city limits. And even when the place is crawling with tourists, I've never felt like a tourist there. I've always felt at home in Duluth, from my very first trip when I was five.
And I love sharing it with Hammer Guy and the kids, and I love that they are learning to love it as much as I do.
What's up with you, friends? Do you have a special place of inspiration that you return to again and again?