New interview

Learned a bit more about some UConn mares last night. Some of them were real hot tickets!

My husband said he'd take me to the Altnaveigh Inn and Restaurant when my book is done. It's near UConn, and it's a 1700's colonial house steeped in history. Perfect.

And who wouldn't like something like this:

Filet Mignon Wrapped in Bacon & Gorgonzola
Char-grilled ten ounce filet wrapped in bacon and grilled over an open flame to your request. Served with our classic demi glace and Béarnaise sauce, then topped with crumbled gorgonzola cheese.

You're hearing me.

Don't forget the carrot cake!

YES!

Finished the UC Toronado chapter!

A handful of mare chapters are all that are left. I made some phone calls, waiting for them to be returned. Then, a phone interview this Wednesday, then one final research call.

Then, I add few more illustrations and VOILA.

I am so excited for the moment I get to write, "The End."

What should I do to celebrate when it's done? I say a nice dinner date with my husband. *big smile*

Have I mentioned...

...how much I love history?

I had a wonderful chat with Dr. Donald Balch last night. He was the director of the UVM Morgan Horse Farm for over thirty years, and he is UVM Viking's breeder.

UVM Viking was herd sire at UConn for about a year in the 1970s.

When I asked him about Viking he said "I can see him in my mind as if it was yesterday."

Dr. Balch loved every one of his horses.

Thank you for sharing, Dr. Balch. It was an honor to speak with you.

Here is a great video about the UVM Horse Farm featuring the Farm Director, Steve Davis. Steve Davis was Dr. Balch's successor--recommended highly by Dr. Balch himself.

Thank you, UVM, for your help in keeping the Morgan breed alive!

Chapter updates!

Nearly finished the UC Toronado chapter this weekend. His story is really heartwarming--I loved writing it.

Just need to add a few more details to the UC Show Biz and UVM Viking chapters, then the stallion chapters are DONE.

Then, a phone call or two--and perhaps an e-mail or two-- and the mare research is done.

Still on track for a summer, 2012 completion. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

wrapping it up!

The final chapters are in the homestretch, just received some info on the last few mares-- hopefully I will be able to start their chapters soon.

(....Because I just called a bunch of people to ask them to share their stories with me...Hope those return phone calls start rolling in! Happiness!)

Had a wonderful conversation about UC Expectation last night. Oh my goodness, there is quite the funny and delightful story about her--no spoilers! Wait for the book.... *big smile*

Research! And MORE research!

Ah, yes--my plan was to write the UC Toronado chapter this weekend. That didn't happen because I drowned myself in American Morgan Horse Association registry information.

This will help me connect the dots and complete those last few chapters.

However--I've run into a snag with UC Esther--I can't find much on her, even in the registry. Can anyone help? E-mail me at soundthebuglestudio (at) charter.net

Thank you!

UC Show Biz

Fun with research:

UC Show Biz, a full brother to UC Ringmaster, was a bit of a "stinker" when he was a youngster; full of energetic shenanigans. Picture the lovable neighborhood kid with a red baseball cap looking for mischief, that was him. He could be a bit of a spirited chap, and hence, he was mostly trained and groomed by the more experienced handlers during his time at UConn.

The beautiful bay spitfire grew up to be a gorgeous stallion that was, "gentle as a kitten."

How cool is that? So many gentlemanly stallions graced the barns at UConn--a handsome, noble lot they were.

writin' writin' writin'

....up to 37 chapters. Whew! *wipes brow*

Almost finished the chapter on Delmaytion Desire....and then, it's tweaking the UC Show Biz chapter.

Who do I have left?

UC Esther, UC Expectation, UC Aria, UC Carberry and the black stallion, UC Toronado.

...and a little more for the UVM Viking chapter.

There ya have it. Watch this space!