And one more...

Me and UConn junior herd stallion, UC Doc Sanchez.

He wanted my attention as I was talking, so I offered my hand for him to nuzzle. He played and fiddled with my fingers as I blabbed about his sire, UC Doc Daniels. Yes, you could say he was being really cute.

UC Doc Sanchez has his sire's kind energy---not to mention that rich bay coat and otherwordly Morgan horse beauty. Simply breathtaking...


"Sanny" is  a superstar, and he likes me. *smile*

halfway...halfway....

My editor has informed me that she is HALFWAY done with the final draft!

*deep breath*

That's halfway to the design phase....

Okay, I have discovered that the journey from "writer" to "author" is a long one, filled with delightful little speed bumps and distractions.

Get this: I have re-written the WHOLE book about six times. Because, as Hemingway stated, "The first draft of anything is crap." He actually said a stronger word than "crap," but this is a family show and all.

I had to force myself to walk away from the final draft, slam the laptop SHUT and go out and have some fun already.

I printed it out, my Canon i9990 whizzing and clicking as it devoured about a gallon of black ink. I slapped myself when I felt the need to re-write something YET AGAIN. I forced myself to look away from the words on the monitor.

I gave the final draft to my beautiful editor. She e-mailed me and told me she was basically squealing with delight over it.

So, I figured squealing with delight is a good thing. I need to sit back and allow the final product to emerge, all burnished and gleaming.

My editor has a purple pen. That makes me smile.

The photo is of me  UC Doc Sanchez, junior herd stallion at UConn. He's an enchanting little bay, cute as a button and very polite. The above photo captures the exact moment he stole my heart. (Many thanks to my husband, Steve, for his photography prowess).

Many thanks also go  to Kayleigh Meyer for introducing me to "Sanny." He is a son of UC Doc Daniels--and he is totally handsome, sweet and utterly charming. I mean, hello? He's a stallion and I am just hanging out with him in his stall, like he is some kid's friendly little 4-H pony.

Those UConn Morgans are pretty special...

Nothin' left for me to do--except DANCE

I finished my sources pages yesterday. *wipes sweat from brow*

All I needed was a day with no plans, a little rain, and BAM! All done.

Now, the final draft is ready to go to Nan, my wonderful editor.

NOW that I have nothing to do but wait for the final corrections--I think I'll start another book. 

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT AHEAD:

Keep reading:

Wait for it:

Here it is:

My second project will be a children's illustrated book on UC Ringmaster Titled The Great Horse. Kids love the UConn horses, why not make a book just for them?

And, I know lots of adults, such as myself, who absolutely adore children's books. Children's books are sweet, funny, imaginative, joyful, colorful, educational and just plain FUN. They are for everyone. I have quite a collection of children's books, including first editions of Marguerite Henry's beautiful masterpieces King of the Wind and Justin Morgan Had a Horse--both feature the amazing artwork of Wesley Dennis, my equine art hero. (yes, first editions--don't be jealous! *book geek alert*)

Some my other favorite children's book authors and illustrators include:

Normand Chartier--(and I met him two days ago! I've been a fan for YEARS! What a super nice guy and great artist): http://www.normandchartier.com/

Barbara McClintock--oh my...just exquisite work: http://www.barbaramcclintockbooks.com/

Steven Kellogg (I met him, too--I was a little kid and he was giving a drawing demo at my school. He helped ignite a creative fire in my heart): http://www.stevenkellogg.com/

Ricard Scarry--I grew up on his books. He passed away in 1994, and his books are still as popular as ever: http://www.goodreads.com/shelf/show/richard-scarry

....Just to name a few.

Oh, and if you love children's books as much as I do, you NEED to go the Connecticut Children's Book Fair: http://bookfair.uconn.edu/

Thanks again for coming along on this exciting book journey!

UC Serendipity

It's not everyday one gets to ride a Reserve World Champion.

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to swing a leg over the incredible UC Serendipity, 1993 Reserve World Champion Hunter, daughter of two-time World Champion, UC Ringmaster and the beloved mare, Delmaytion Desire.

I had pulled a back muscle just the day before--I rescued two cats, one of said felines was a whopping 15 pounds. And, combined with the the other smaller cat, his mother--I was hauling around nearly 25 pounds of tabby. Woke up with an "ow!" as I pitifully rolled out of bed.

But, hey, put a beautiful saddled horse in front of me and pulled back muscle be damned. I'm riding, gol dang it!

SO GLAD I did. 'Dippy' was a gracious hostess, and she trotted out beautifully. Her trot has spring and pep, and combined with that INCREDIBLY comfortable Barefoot Endurance saddle (omg I need one of these!), my back never felt a twinge. I felt as if I could ride all day, strained spine and all.

Okay, so not only did I ride this awesome mare (28 years old and you'd never know it!), I got to meet some of the famous Trail Riding Thompsons! Yes, the very ones who sing "goin' off the trails on a crazy horse!" as they trot along...or is it gallop along? Megan and Burnie, I thank you for a great morning at Depot View filled with entertaining stories, laughs and donuts.

And, much to my delight, Megan had stacks of photo albums and scrapbooks for me to peruse. JOY! Lots of UConn history in those laminated pages, including some incredible pro shots by Howard Schatzberg.

I can see why 'Dippy' won so much, she still possesses a Champion look and sparkle. Megan and Dippy were quite the superstar team. Now, UC Serendipity enjoys an active and comfortable life at Megan's farm. Her golden-red coat gleams with health.

Life is good. Ride horses!

Mama O doin' sidesaddle!

Just one more testament to the versatility of the UConn Morgan, and the Morgan breed itself.

Here is the always lovely and elegant UC Ovation rockin' it old school at the Woodstock Fair yesterday. Mama O earned a shiny red second place ribbon in a large sidesaddle class.

Hands up, who just adores this mare?

"I do, I do!" says everyone, everywhere. *grin*

Here she is again--a beautiful mare on a beautiful day. It doesn't get much better than this, really.

Final draft

Thank goodness I had enough ink.

Here it is: the final draft. Over two years of writing and research--in the homestretch for publication.

My editor is gonna have some fun now! *smile*

Riding a beloved UConn legend....

Here I am with UC Ovation, aka "Mama O."

I had the distinct honor of riding her this past June.

She is a lovely, patient mare, and she gave me wonderful ride. She is in her 20s now, and some gray has sprouted on her beautiful face, proudly displaying her nobility and wisdom.

She is absolutely gorgeous.

I must admit I had a few shivers of awe when I swung a leg over and landed on her back. I thought of all the students she taught, all the hearts she touched. This mare was loved by so many.

Wow. How lucky am I? (And, I get to ride her again!)

Thank you, UC Ovation.