I finally admitted I'd outgrown my kindergarten-level Samsung Galaxy Core Prime smartphone and upgraded to a Galaxy 7S a little over a week ago. I could sing love songs to this new phone. And I am extremely grateful to my favorite Verizon guy who took the task of transferring all my "stuff" from the old phone to the new. Technology-wise, the smaller the learning curve for me, the better. One of the things I did before putting my old phone on the shelf was transfer the photos I'd taken on it over the last two years to my computer. I've deleted more than I kept because--let's face it--3 megapixels. The camera sucked. But here is a sampling of life as captured by my cell phone camera over the last two years. Beginning with lunch with my friend, Terri Watson, in Nashville, TN. Such a fun afternoon! Great memories. An in-the-wild book sighting of Bridges Burned: Kensi daring me to keep working on edits: Caught on Mystery Lovers Bookshop's ...

Remembering my dad on this Memorial Day and every day as I offer up gratitude to all of those who fought (and continue to fight) for our freedom.

The 30th Pennwriters Conference was as close to perfect as one could get. Having coordinated one back in 2009, I know of what I speak. I'm sure there were behind-the-scenes glitches, but the conference committee, especially coordinators Heather Desuta and Carol Silvis handled them so that to the rest of us, everything flowed seamlessly. I was the Saturday luncheon keynote, and as such, was given an awesome room.  My house isn't much bigger than this! And my house doesn't come with maid service! I taught my first workshop, Setting as a Character, Friday morning. I was a slacker where photography was concerned, however I did manage to capture a few pictures. This was the Friday luncheon which combined the Published Penns business lunch with the Networking Lunch we usually have. Nancy Martin moderated the Littsburgh Panel. Before the banquet, Martha Reed brought wine and cheese to my room for an impromptu happy hour with a few friends...