Wishing on stars . . .

The Perseid Meteor Showers are one of my very favorite meteorological events, and R and I spent the evening (well, after working on the house) sitting out on the porch watching the shooting stars. I made some good wishes. Here's to a good year for all of us, full of new agents, fat contracts and that all of our good wishes come true . . .

The Eagles are Back!

The Bald Eagles are back! If you haven't seen this astonishing sight, you should pack yourself a lunch and some cold co-colas, bring the binocs and settle in to quietly observe the pair of big birds hunting, fishing and feeding their eaglettes.

Each year the birds come back, build on to their already enormous nest and start hatching their young'uns, and each year we line up to watch as Mama fluffs in the nest, and Daddy makes breathtaking sorties from the highest branch, circles the horizon and comes back with dinner--rabbits, snakes (ick), and the occasional but thrilling fish. These are the same two eagles that come every year, and as a special note to my romance-writing friends, eagles mate for life. A good example as the National Bird if we can follow :)

Last weekend I saw two scruffy looking little poults, but I couldn't get a picture *guess who's asking for a better camera for her birthday*
If you go, remember not to disturb them, it is, afterall, their nursery, and it's against the law. And it's not very nice.The Llano eagle nest is about 100 yards off of Hwy. 29 halfway between Llano and Buchanan Dam.
Click Here for Map to the Eagles (Warning! Clicking this button is a promise that you will not be mean to the eagles!)

Fun Eagle Facts:

• Eagles mate for life
• The Llano Eagle nest is the furthest west nest recorded in the state of Texas.
• The Eagles usually stay through February
• The female Eagle's wingspan ranges from 75" to 90."
• She can fly 20 to 40 mph
• She can dive at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
• Bald Eagles weigh between 10 and 14 pounds
• They live an average of 15 to 20 years.
• Photo of the eagle in flight is by Bob Owens at San Antonio Express News.
  

Signings, retreats and other bumps in the night

It's been an incredible week, with lots and lots of stuff to do. USA Today Bestselling Author *and Super Pal* Julie Ortolon had a fantastic signing at A Thirsty Mind, where Pam & Anita hosted a killer champagne party, and Barbara Calderaro sang her big ol' heart out! Big, big fun.

Saturday and Sunday was the 2nd Annual Austin Romance Writer's Retreat at McKinney Roughs--and can I just say, "Wow!" This is THE most talented group of women on the planet, I'm sure. We critiqued, brainstormed, wrote and okay, had way too much fun with Skylar's Knock-You-Naked Lemon Drops.

Lexi Connor regaled us with a lilting rendition of Amazing Grace *probably also thanks to the Lemon Drops :)* but it was beautiful, and I got to know my writing pals on a whole new level.

Emily McKay and I went for a little brainstorming hike *okay, it was a walk, but it was hot, okay?* and sometimes I forget just how off-the-charts creative she is. She was The Key in our critiquing sessions, and I got a good, solid reminder in the most important plotting question--"What is at Stake?"

Skye, Robin and Jan Yonkin offered tarot readings, and toward the end of the day Sunday, I gunnied up the nerve to ask Jan to do my cards. I was afraid to sit for the reading because the last two years have been so emotionally sucky I wasn't sure I could stand anymore gloom and doom. But Jan is one of the most intuitive empaths I know--she's one of those people who emits calm spiritual strength, and it rubs off everyone around her. I needn't have been afraid. It turns out I am my own worst enemy, my guy loves me, and it's all blue skies ahead as soon as I get out of my own way. And, it seems there's a baby in my future... I'll keep you posted...

Until then, keep writing.
Kit

Rainy Days and Thursdays

So, Mother Nature's still pounding us with rain and we are "isolated by water" according to the newsfolk, which is just a fancy way of saying we're stuck here in the 'burbs and can't get out *photos below*

But, I got a very nice shout out from Heather Hinton who just read Scoop and is about to crack open Dead Copy. Heather, send me your address, and I'll send you some cool stuff...

Writer pal Jan Bold wrote to tell me her pal Pat Taylor and Pat Newman read Scoop and it is now in the library out in Lake Buchanan, and I'm pleased to say I'll be chatting with them on Oct. 24 at their Book Festival. Thanks, Jan! And I heard from writer pal Chris Keach, who said my blog was another good way to waste time. Glad to oblige.

Weather permitting, I'll be visiting Barnes & Noble CRMs and all around Good Guys Jo Virgil and Caren Creech (already spoke to CRM Frank Campbell) tomorrow to thank them for choosing moi as Author of the Month, and to extend invitations to a Booksellers Brunch sponsored by Austin Romance Writers. Saturday, I'm heading to Points Unknown to brainstorm *snort* with the ARWA Pro authors to get their pitches ready for the Dallas conference next weekend and for *trumpet sounds* the RWA National Conference in a couple of weeks. Ask me if I'm ready . . .

Photos: Above: Flood waters overflowing the San Gabriel, Below: Flood waters still coming; Car washed over bridge at Salado; Family loses home & belongings in Granite Shoals; Robert fixing the trafic signals in Marble Falls; Truck washed downstream in Marble Falls; Car tossed into the Colorado River

We're okay here at Frazier Central, but others have lost everything. Want to help? Find out how... http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/06/28/0628floodbox.html