I love pictures, taking them as well as posing for them. Here a just a few in my collection.
A few years ago I attended Rocky Mountain Fiction Writer's Colorado Gold Conference in Lakewood. I volunteered to do a Victorian fashion show for a few kicks and giggles. And what fun it was! That's me in the underwear. Corset and all. What I won't do for research. BTW--Corsets are truly uncomfortable. Glad we got rid of `em.
In 1996, I attended Romance Writers of America's National Conference in Dallas, Texas. I volunteered for this one, too. Instead of a fashion show, I worked the bookfair. And as luck would have it, I met these phenomenal and inspirational ladies who I consider dear friends. Pictured with me are Laura and Sunni (in the first, third and fourth photos). Also pictured are Cathy (third pic) and Margot (fourth pic). They made Dallas one of the best conferences I've ever attended.
Then, in 1998, I attended the RWA conference in Anahiem, California, where we met these heroes from Hollywood. Who can resist Errol Flynn, Clark Gable, and Rudy Valentino?
Not me.
I also met up with some friends of mine from Colorado. Barbara (3rd photo) is one of my current critique partners, while in the the last photo, Lesli (sitting next to me) and Rogenna (next to Lesli) are two of my former critique partners. I still go to them for help. Lesli is the best in line editing. Michele (sitting far right) is a paranormal junkie like me. She gets into vampires. Blood anyone?
I traveled to Great Britian September 2000 to do some much needed research. What an incredible trip! I shot 7 rolls of film--which wasn't nearly enough.
If you haven't been across the pond to Merry Ol' England, I highly recommend it. The people are tremendously kind and the sites are breathtaking. It's a sure bet that I'll be going back as soon as possible. I haven't even scratched the surface in the amount of research I need and want.
We basically started in Brighton, though it wasn't part of the tour. Mom wanted to see The Royal Pavillion (that's the Russian/Indian looking building behind me). We had tea and sandwiches there and saw some of the most spectacular Chinese artwork I've ever seen. BTW--The Royal Pavillion is owned by the city of Brighton and not the Royal family, and is the only palace in Great Britain with that unique distinction.
Okay, so who doesn't take these traditional pictures of the Royal Guard, Buckingham Palace, and a Beefeater. The tour had begun and this was our "first day" in London. We didn't tour Buckingham, but did do The Tower Of London. We saw ALL the crown jewels, platters, staffs, orbs, and etc.. WOW! No wonder it's so heavily guarded. Another little note here; The Tower Of London--or rather the White Tower wasn't always a prison. At one time--long, long ago, before Elizabeth the First, it was used as a royal residence.
My critique partners: (left to right) Barbara, Eva, Ingrid, and Anita.
In March 2001, I attended the Rocky Mountain Book Festival in Denver. I spoke on "If I Knew Then What I Know Now..." and Electronic Publishing. Meet some other ladies from Heart of Denver Romance Writers. (left to right after me) Cindi, Lynda, Maggie, and Patti. That's me in the last photo in my office with my assistants, Chico and Muffy. I can't write a word without them in my lap--at least that's what they think.
Took a little trip in June 2001 with some friends to the Napa Valley. We visited and drank at Robert Madavi and Beringers. That's Tracy and Jeff with me outside the Beringers main house.
We also visited San Fransisco, Pier 39, the whole she-bang. Whose bright idea was it to build a city on those hills? I may be from Colorado, but that was ridiculous.
I couldn't resist these last pictures. My friends are always telling me not to forget them on my way UP. HA! Like I ever could. But just in case I do get loopy, these three ladies are some of my oldest and dearest friends from my misguided youth. From left to right, Kandi and Mary flanking me--we went to high school together for a year. We also don't look like we've changed much in twenty-(ahem)-something years. In the other photo, the one and only Shara. We've known each other since age SEVEN!
That's all for now. I'll post more pictures later as I attend more events.
**I'd like to thank my friend, Butch Pounders, for taking the time and having the patience to put this page of photos together.
