My Books and I Will Be at an Event!

This year is the year I am determined to do more out in the world projects with my writing and not just in my head imagining and writing in the corner of my favorite coffee house. So, to go along with this I will be working an event at the NIWA table on April 18, 2026. The event is The Salem Paper Arts Festival in Salem, Oregon. The day fair runs from 11 am to 5 p.m. and is free to attend. At that time you'll be able to find some of novels for sale. Then the great event, the one I'm looking forward to, is The Evening Ball (runs 7 p.m. until 11 p.m.). This ticket event ($45 a ticket) allows you to attend this costume/formal ball. That is the part of the day you will find me at the NIWA table, and of course I will be dressed up. These book experiences are being held at The Grand Ballroom and Lodge located at 187 High Stree NE, Salem, Oregon. I hope to see you there!

Ice Storm

Yesterday we had an ice storm the likes of which I've never seen in my years of living in Northern California and Oregon. Our yard now needs major clean up and we count ourselves lucky that we only lost 8 feet of wooden fence do to a fallen limb. One neighbor's roof was damaged. Another had damaged cars that were buried under limbs. Trees and limbs are everywhere. A cable line even fell across our driveway. I was so glad my car was in the garage and that it wasn't a power line.

We did lose power and were originally told we would be without until Sunday or Monday, but fortunately it came on early this afternoon. Glad we have a fire place, but not so happy with having an instant heat water heater. Ice showers are not fun.

Here are some photos and a video.

Lilac tree bent over from ice storm.

Ice Storm February 13, 2021, Oregon

Apple Tree after ice storm.

Oregon State Fair 2017

Yesterday, Friday, was the first official day of the Oregon State Fair. As it is the $2 a person day as well, I headed out there.

Most of the features like the carnival and the vendor booth are as they always were. The Oregon Lottery booth changed things around and instead of giving scratchers out, gave out $2 in free Keno play.  When passing by another booth I was given a free vegetarian cookbook.

Dwight Yoakam performed the opening show for the fair this year. New to the concert stage was a video screen projecting the show. While others may like this feature, I found it distracting from the event. If I want to watch something on a screen I can do that at home.

Dwight Yoakam, Oregon State Fair 2017

Dwight Yoakam, Oregon State Fair 2017

For me the highlight of the fair was the Fire Show they had at 9:40 p.m. in the food court stage. Several performers played with fire on everything from stick to wing shaped objects. I sat close enough I could feel the heat at times.

Fire Show Oregon State Fair 2017

Fire Show Oregon State Fair 2017

Fire Show Oregon State Fair 2017

Fire Show Oregon State Fair 2017

Fire Show Oregon State Fair 2017

Fair is going on through Labor Day, so if you haven't gone yet, you still have a chance. Also, this coming Tuesday is another $2 day.

P.S. Be aware that if you do go, you may find creatures like these wandering around.

Dragon Running Loose at Oregon State Fair

Books for Sale in store in Salem, Oregon

My novels are now for sale at The Fussy Duck in Salem, Oregon. So if you live near that area, and aren't into buying books on-line, here is your chance to get copies at a store. All these copies are signed too!

The Fussy Duck is located at 3170 Commercial St. SE, Salem, Oregon. The books can be found in Booth B19. The workers there can help you find them if you don't want to spend time searching through all the wonderful antiques and other unique items for sale.

Of course, if you can't get to the store the books are all available on lulu.com and amazon.com as paperbacks and kindles. Enjoy reading!