Author life

5 minute Friday – VACATION

I traveled a few miles this June.  School let out for the summer, and I left for Spain and Italy with a group of students and co-teachers.  We had a blast!  Here are a few of my favorite pics:

Parque Guëll in Barcelona

Las tres profesoras en Toledo

Roma

Roma
Island of Capri

Next, I hit the road to celebrate my parents’ golden 50th anniversary!  Kudos to them for staying together for the long haul.  I am proud to be their daughter.  We celebrated at my brother’s new home/farm in Springfield, MO.

Next stop, Ohio!  Another anniversary–my husband’s parents celebrated a 60 year milestone which Google tells me is the “diamond” anniversary.  Amazing. We spent the weekend swimming, barbecuing, and eating homemade ice cream. A lot of it.

Finally, my family and I went to Michigan–to Macinac, Island and the Upper Peninsula. This was our first time in the area (except for me when I was six years old so it still felt new).  We enjoyed ourselves!  I can’t even begin to tell you how relaxing the bike ride around the island was. I loved it!!
I highly recommend it for your next get-away.

Our bike ride on Macinac Island

Upper Peninsula

I have more photos of my experiences on Instagram at @mindybakerbooks.  It is such a treat to travel and see new sights and places with the ones I love.  I treasure each moment! Where have you been lately and what have you been up to?  I would love to hear about it!

Mouse's Christmas Gift

Mouse’s Christmas Gift — available for pre-order!

Yesterday marked the first day for pre-orders of Mouse’s Christmas Gift on the Zondervan website.  As the days draw closer to the actual release date, I have to admit…I’m so excited!!  It is hard to believe this is finally happening!

I’m starting to schedule events for the fall…Story times, Author visits, Meet and greets, and a Book Launch Party.  Check out my calendar page for details.

Pre-order Mouse’s Christmas Gift on Zondervan website

Pre-order Mouse’s Christmas Gift on Amazon

Pre-order Mouse’s Christmas Gift on Barnes & Noble website

Author life

FLAPJACK FRIDAY #50PreciousWords Challenge 2018 (my entry)

Vivian Kirkfield is holding a challenge on her blog to write a complete story in 50 words or less. It must have a beginning, middle, and end. The title is not included in the word count. So…here is my entry.  (It is 47 words)

Link to Vivian’s website:
http://www.viviankirkfield.com

Flapjack Friday

Flapjack Friday,
Hip, hip, hooray!
Each Friday night,
A holiday.
Pour the batter in a pan,
Heart, star, or circle?
Dad’s the man!
Dad flips them high,
Then to my plate.
Butter, syrup,
Don’t make me wait!
Come and get it!
Don’t delay,
You’re invited…
Flapjack Friday!

Author life

Whole30…I’m on day 15!

My husband and I are on day 15 of the Whole30.  It has been a very interesting exercise in will power!

And an education in cooking and buying new products to use to cook!

My favorite dishes so far that we have tried:

Pineapple Firecracker Chicken  served over Cauliflower fried rice.

Lemon Thyme Roasted Sole and Asparagus

Chile Lime Fish Taco Bowls

Pizza Potato Skins

Foods I miss:

Not that many, really.  Mainly my snacks.  15 days to go!

Author life

I joined a critique group

I joined a writing critique group that meets twice a month. I have attended twice so far. I really enjoyed getting to know other authors, hearing about their writing journeys, and listening to what they are working on.

Last night I even shared something I have been working on since my trip to Prague.  The seed of the idea started then, but I have been tweaking and revising it off and on. I think it is almost ready.

It was such an encouragement to hear the feedback and ideas from the authors in the group. And helpful!

I can’t wait to attend again. I highly recommend critique groups!