It's time to announce my A-to-Z Minions (or Warriors, we're still deciding)!
The following lovely ladies have taken on the daunting task of being my Minions/Warriors:
Dani of Entertaining Interests shares a lot of similar interests with me. You have only to look at her profile to see that she's into writing and photography, tattoos, movies, books, horror, etc., etc., etc. She co-hosts the weekly "Express Yourself" meme with Jackie (Bouquet of Books). Who isn't into horror and tats!? (Don't answer that, people!) We tattooed horror freaks need to stick together!
Julie has been a friend since she helped with the very first A-to-Z Road Trip, the post-challenge to the A-to-Z. On her author blog, Julie Flanders (previously called What Else is Possible?) you can find information about her debut novel, Polar Night. Julie is passionate about helping animals, and writes non-fiction for various publications. If you're lucky, you'll get to "meet" Clancy when you stop by.
Jeanette blogs at her self-named blog, Jeanette S. Andersen, where you can find examples of poetry and updates on the editing process of her book. As of Monday, you can find a snippet of her book there, so check it out! Jeanette is always friendly and has something positive to say, which is nice in an online world where we're assaulted by so much negative some days.
Terri blogs at Scribbler's Sojourn. She's had two stories, a romance and a paranormal romance, published in the anthologies Christmas Magic and Make Believe. As of January, she's announced a standalone novella, set to be published in June. You can find more news on her website. Oh, and she's a stay-at-home mom like me. I need to get my butt in gear!
I look forward to working with these ladies! Thank you to each of you for volunteering. I'm open for one more volunteer if there's anyone out there who's interested, so just drop me a note in the comments or email via my profile.
Now that you've met my wonderful minions (and please do head over to their blogs to meet them and welcome them), it's time for a new meme, but one that will only be during the month of March. You see, March has been declared Colorado Book Month (you can find the badge in my right sidebar), and I'm participating (thanks to Stacy S. Jensen, who sent me the link). Each Monday there is a bit of a meme, a different Colorado-related topic, entitled This Colorado Life.
You guys know from my [Mostly] Wordless Wednesday posts how much I love the state of Colorado, especially the outdoors elements. Today's topic is to share some of our favorite elevated spots in Colorado.
Pikes Peak is one of my favorite elevated spots. Did you know Kathy Lee Bates wrote "America the Beautiful" in 1893, here in Colorado Springs, inspired by Pikes Peak? Pikes Peak is "purple mountain majesties." In fact, she originally wrote it as a poem entitled "Pikes Peak." She re-titled it "America" for publication. It didn't become "America the Beautiful" until 1910 when it was put to music.
Though we've got more than our fair share of fourteeners (mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation), Pikes Peak will always be my favorite, the most gorgeous mountain I've seen to date (and I grew up near two different mountain ranges: the Cascades--also magnificent--and the Appalachians). She looms over the city of Colorado, our protector. And protect us she does, as Colorado Springs has temperate seasons and limited snowfall due to our positioning. I always know I'm home when I see Pikes Peak, in all of her majestic glory.
As far as mountain cities, I love Estes Park. It's a little town near Rocky Mountain National Park, which also happens to have The Stanley Hotel, the hotel Stephen King wrote The Shining in. It's a gorgeous old hotel, with that haunting element to put it as over the top cool. In the summer, we go rent a boat to take out on Lake Estes, which the kids love.
If you're interested in Colorado Book Month, head over to LiteracyCO. At the very least, there's a great list of Colorado authors you won't want to miss.
What's your favorite spot in your state? Been to Colorado? What's your favorite thing about the part of Colorado you visited?
Don't forget to show my minions some love! They'll be investing a lot of hard work into the challenge in April.
May you find your Muse.
