Kelly Depp

 Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
 A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
 A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
 Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
 Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
 Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

 "What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
 "Come in this moment, it ' s freezing out here!
 Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
 You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
 For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
 Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts...

 To the window that danced with a warm fire ' s light
 Then he sighed and he said, "Its really all right,
 I ' m out here by choice. I ' m here every night.
 "It ' s my duty to stand at the front of the line,
 That separates you from the darkest of times.

 No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
 I ' m proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
 My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,"
 Then he sighed, "That ' s a Christmas ' Gram always remembers."
 My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ' ,
 And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

 I ' ve not seen my own son in more than a while,
 But my wife sends me pictures, he ' s sure got her smile."
 Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
 The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
 "I can live through the cold and the being alone,
 Away from my family, my house and my home.

 I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
 I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
 I can carry the weight of killing another,
 Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
 Who stand at the front against any and all,
 To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

 "So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
 Your family is waiting and I ' ll be all right."
 "But isn ' t there something I can do, at the least,
 "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
 It seems all too little for all that you ' ve done,
 For being away from your wife and your son."

 Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
 "Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
 To fight for our rights back at home while we ' re gone,
 To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
 For when we come home, either standing or dead,
 To know you remember we fought and we bled.
 Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
 That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

30 October 2009
The American Princess

Chapter 1

At age 24, I had my whole life ahead of me. I was finishing my Master's degree in gifted education at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and then headed to Naples, Florida to be an 8th grade math teacher in a public school. As the last week of school was wrapping up, I was looking forward to my new adventures.

It was two days until graduation, my last Monday in San Diego. I would miss the west coast, but I was ready to get back east. I wanted to be closer to my family. My parents and younger siblings lived in Columbus, GA. My older sister, Marla, was living in New York.

In San Diego, I was renting a room in a house where I lived with three other people. I was in the process of packing everything that was mine and storing it all in one corner of my room until Friday morning. The plan was to graduate on Wednesday, spend some time with my friends on Thursday, then pick up the U-Haul I rented on Friday morning and hit the road for the drive to Florida. It would be a long drive and a bit lonely, but it would also be nice to have that time to myself. I was really looking forward to it all.

"Hey, Emily, you got some mail." Craig said as he wandered into my room with an envelope in his hand. "Wow, you're almost done packing." He paused, surveying my room, "You sure you'll be fine driving to Florida alone?"

"Yeah. I'll be fine." I turned and looked at Craig, winking at him. I took the envelope from his hand. "And what's this we have here?" I looked at the letter funny. It was an envelope with my name on it, Emily Wilde, but it had no address, no postmark or anything. "Where did you find this?" I asked, confused, as I began to open the envelope by running my index finger under the flap very gently.

Craig crashed on my bed in his designer jeans and t-shirt and began looking at my most recent copy of Cosmopolitan. He looked up at me and said, "Oh, it was stuck in the door when I came in." This was a practice that I had learned over the past few years. It was quite normal for living in college dorms and the apartments and houses nearby that housed college students.

When I pulled the card out of the envelope, a business card dropped on the floor. I picked it up and held it with the envelope in my right hand while I sat on the edge of my bed and read the hand written card that was in my left hand.


Emily,
 
I understand that you are graduating on Wednesday and leaving the San Diego area shortly thereafter. I would like a chance to meet with you before you leave. Please call me at the number on the enclosed card to schedule a meeting.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Harding


"Hey, is this a joke or something, Craig?" I re-read the card.

He looked up from the magazine, confused, "What?"

"It's a note from Elizabeth Harding. It's got to be a joke, right?" I inspected the card, which was cream with a beautiful silver cursive "H" on the front of it. Then I looked at the business card that had fallen out. It wasn't a business card at all. In fact, it was a calling card. It simply said "Elizabeth Harding" in a beautiful script that matched the "H" on the note card with a phone number below her name. All of the print was in silver and it looked very elegant.

Craig took the hand written card and inspected it, then suggested, "Call and see. What can it hurt?" He shrugged then returned to looking through the magazine.

I took the card back, picked up my cell phone and dialed the number. What the heck? Craig was right.

"Hello?" came a voice after two rings.

"Hi. This is Emily Wilde. I got this number in a card from Elizabeth Harding."

"Ms. Wilde, thank you for calling. Would you like to come to the house before or after your graduation?" The woman's voice was kind, but all business.

"I'm sorry...who am I speaking to?" I asked, confused.

"Oh, I'm sorry, this is Carole, Mrs. Harding's personal assistant." She paused a moment. "So, would you like to come by tomorrow or Thursday? I understand that you will be very busy on Wednesday."

"Um...is this THE Elizabeth Harding we're talking about...?" I had to ask because this was all so bizarre.

"If you mean the mother of the First Lady and the former First Lady herself, yes." Carol replied, very matter of factly.

"I'm sorry, I'm just a little surprised." I paused, trying to determine what to say next. Why did she want to meet with me?

"Ms. Wilde, are you still there?" Carole inquired.

"I'm sorry, yes, I am." I paused to contemplate what to do. I figured I should take the meeting. It isn't often that you get to meet a First Lady. "Um...let's meet tomorrow." Why not, right? Then it would be over and I wouldn't have it hanging over my head for graduation.

"Wonderful, Ms. Wilde. Would lunch work for you?" Carole inquired.

"Lunch sounds good. Where shall we meet?" I wondered to myself - where exactly does a former First Lady dine with someone like me?

"The house is actually in Carlsbad, on the beach. I'll send a car to pick you up. Does 11 am work for you?"

Pausing only long enough for effect, I answered. "Sure. I'll be ready then. Um...do you happen to know what Mrs. Harding wants to see me about?" I was completely at a loss but trying to play it cool and confident.

"Unfortunately, you'll have to find out for yourself. She doesn't normally let me in on what the meetings are regarding, just who will be calling." Carole was very matter-of-fact. There was a reason she was Mrs. Harding's assistant - she was all business.

"Okay, thank you, Carole. I'll see Mrs. Harding tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it." I hung up the phone feeling as though I sounded too eager and completely confused. What in the world would Elizabeth Harding want to meet with me about? 

Though Craig was still perusing my magazine, I knew he had been listening to every word. As soon as I hung up the phone, he said, "So?"

He was very curious, so I filled him in on everything. I was having lunch tomorrow with THE Mrs. Elizabeth Harding. She's American royalty. I mean if America had royalty...she would be the Queen. And I had absolutely no idea what she wanted to meet with me about.


29 October 2009
Happy Halloween!

Yes, I am doing the Halloween blog a day early...but that's because tomorrow I am posting the first chapter of The American Princess in the blog.

So...I hope everyone has a safe, fun and happy Halloween. Enjoy the parties, the trick-or-treating and all the candy. But be careful and safe at the same time.

I look forward to seeing pictures. We're heading to a block party with lots of food and candy.


28 October 2009
Teachers are Wonderful!!

We had parent/teacher conferences Monday and Tuesday this this week. After their normal day of teaching, they then had to stay at school and talk to parents until 8pm. They do get a few minutes after school and a small break for dinner in there, but that's a long day.

Thank you to all the teachers for taking the time to spend with the parents. We really appreciate the feedback and the opportunity to talk with you about our children. And thank you for being teachers and shaping the minds of our children. I'm pretty lucky in that my son has some pretty fantastic teachers who all clearly love their jobs.


27 October 2009
The Creative Mind...

I often forget that I'm not like everyone else. And I have to thank my family for putting up with me on a daily basis.

Most people regard me as normal, because I try to stay on topic and keep up with the conversations around me; however, I am anything but normal. I have a strange and twisted sense of humor and all the while a conversation is going on, my mind is going nuts behind the scenes.

I often drift off in conversations as my mind begins to create a story based on what someone has said or I begin to visualize what they're talking about and I wind up laughing at inappropriate moments because I can see how to turn someone's upsetting story into a funny one... So I'm not laughing at them, but it comes across that way.

My son has recognized how and when to bring me back to a conversation - and he's realized that though I'm there, I'm not always there. 

It's not that I'm not interested in the conversation - it's actually quite the opposite. The conversation has captivated my interest and sent my mind in all new direction. In reality - when this happens - the person I'm talking to has sparked my creativity.

So thank you for understanding and tolerating me.


26 October 2009
The American Princess

On Friday of this week, I will post the first chapter of The American Princess here. Why Friday? Well, I just got it back from the final editing process and it will be ready to post by Friday morning.

I still haven't heard from the agent yet on whether or not she wants to take it through to publishing; however it takes time. She's had the first few chapters for just a few weeks. When it's been about a month, I will follow up with her and see where we stand. Then I will update you all. I know that most of you are eagerly awaiting it's release.


25 October 2009
Taking the day off from the blog

I'm on a roll with the sequel to Finding Home so rather than spend time here writing, I'm spending it on the novel.

Catch you all tomorrow.


24 October 2009
Random Acts of Kindness

I was at the store not long ago with my son. As we were heading into the store, there was a mom with two children at her car. She had just finished putting all the groceries in the car and it was clear that she was debating over whether she should put the kids in the car then return the cart or take the kids with her to return the cart then get everyone in the car.

As anyone who's had kids know, this is one of those things a mom struggles with. Which one is the right choice. As we approached her, I stopped and asked if I could take the cart for her. The relief she experienced was evident in her face...and the cost to help her out was literally nothing.

My son commented to me that, "You're always doing stuff like that, mom. Whenever you see someone that needs a little help, you just help them."

This is something that I didn't even realize I was doing, it's just a part of who I am. However, as we walked into the store that day, I was very proud of myself and my son. I was proud of myself for being consistent in what I do and for showing my son through my own actions that you just help people out. I was proud of him because he recognized that I was 'always' doing stuff like that. He was that I was helping someone and got nothing in return for helping them...other than knowing that I helped them.

There have been documented cases where random acts of kindness spur other random acts of kindness. If everyone out there would participate and do one thing a day for someone else, a complete stranger, where you get nothing in return for it, we would all feel better about ourselves and the world we live in. It would also spur others to do the same...

So I challenge you all - go out and do something for a complete stranger every day for a week. I bet you keep doing it after that because it's easy and makes you feel good about yourself.


23 October 2009
Read something that you wouldn't normally pick up

I was contacted by another aspiring author and was asked to do a review of his work. After several emails back and forth, I agreed and was looking forward to it.

When I received the book, it was electronically delivered, I was surprised. I started reading and his style of writing drew me further into the book. It is a book that I would never have picked up in a store; however, I'm very happy that I was given the opportunity to read it.

When the book is released, I will give you all the title and author, but know that there is a fantastic novel out there waiting to be put into print.

This novel is very well written. The author has a complex story line that is very easy to follow. As you read, you can't help but wonder what happens next and how it is going to tie together. Twists and turns that are surprising and a simply beautiful ending.

This book crosses the lines between general fiction, sci-fi, religious, inspirational, and a few others. The story is beautifully told in a way that makes the reader want to stay up late and keep reading. Congratulations Steve, you have created a masterpiece.

Keep checking back - as soon as it's released I will tell you the title, author and links on where to buy.


22 October 2009
Learn to Drive!

More and more, it seems as though there are completely incompetent drivers on the road. Is it just me? I don't think it's just me.

Lately, everywhere I go it seems as though about half the people on the road have no clue what they're doing. On Tuesday, I was in a double left turn lane. I was in the right one and there was a woman in the one to my left. When the light turned green, she proceeded to turn left and when she did, came all the way to the right, I had to hit the brakes to avoid being hit by her. HELLO...when turning left, you MUST go into the first lane available (i.e. the lane farthest to the left) to you. Not dang near run everyone else off the road. She also almost hit three parked cars after I was behind her.

And then there's the guy who drives 15 mph BELOW the speed limit. Did you know that 10mph over or under is legal...anything more than that in EITHER direction can get you a ticket. There's a reason - you're a danger to the other drivers!

Next are the kids who want to race or are in too much of a hurry to visit with their friends. These people are truly concerning...we all used to be one of them. What they don't realize is that in a matter of seconds, their actions can kill people.

Driving a car is dangerous. Many people are killed or injured every day. Take is seriously, please. My life is more important than what email or text you just received. So please, keep your eyes on the road and at least one hand on the wheel. Otherwise, get a bicycle.


21 October 2009
Ever ask someone for some help...only to have them throw it back in your lap?

I'm not talking about them asking you questions or needing some guidance on the project or letter, I'm talking about when they just throw it right back on you.

This happened to me the other day. I asked a few people to help me out with some things and rather than help me...they put it right back in my lap. The problem is that I don't have the information they do which is necessary to complete this project and move forward on other ones, nor do I have the time to get it done. They have both, they just don't want to have to do the work.

Frustrating and annoying. The work will eventually get done; however, I'm thinking twice about working with these individuals in the future. That's one of the good things about the work I do - I can pick and choose who I work with. And I enjoy working with good, honest, hard working people that are driven by a goal or a passion.


20 October 2009
On Reconnecting with old Friends....

If you haven't been on Facebook, you need to get on there. Earlier this year, my boyfriend sent me an invitation and I went on and set myself up. Within minutes, I had friend requests from people I hadn't talked to in years.

I've moved around a lot in life, so I know people all over the US. Keeping in touch has been challenging if not difficult. However, with Facebook and a few other social media sites...it's become very easy to talk again with my friends from High School, College, places I've worked in the past - and even a few from my Middle School days.

I can't tell you how amazing it is to find the girls you hung out with every day in High School again. And once you do, you realize how much you've missed having them in your life and just how much you shared with one another. I'm about to invite a few of them to join me on TokBox so we can video conference - I haven't seen them in what seems like forever!

So what are you waiting for? Get on there and reconnect with the people you used to spend all your time with - and have fun!


19 October 2009
A Good Day's Work

I will be the first to admit that I enjoy a lazy day as much as the next person; however, I also enjoy putting in a good day's work as well. We all need the lazy days here and there to refresh and energize ourselves.

After a good day's work, I always know I have accomplished something that day and I feel good about myself. I think it's because I was taught that it's my duty to contribute to society in a positive way. Therefore, when I have put in a good day's work, I know that I've lived up to my responsibility to myself, my family and society.

So think about it or give it a try - any time you're feeling down in the dumps, go put in a good day's work and see how you feel after. You may be tired, even exhausted...but I bet you feel better about yourself...especially if your job or work that day is something that helps someone else.

Thanks mom for instilling good, basic values in me. I can only hope that I am successful in instilling these same values in my son.


18 October 2009
On Judging Others...

We are all guilty. We have all looked at someone and made a judgment about them without knowing who or what they are or where they come from. It is something that we get into the habit of doing early in life, mostly for our own safety, but it is wrong and doing it shows our lack of intelligence and lack of respect for others.

To sit in a courtroom and blame the mother of a child for a crime the child committed shows a true lack of understanding. Especially when the child is an adult and the mother has tried many a time to correct the inappropriate behaviors of her child. Nature plays a part in every crime as does nurture; however, neither one is fully responsible for the actions a person decides to make...or even accidentally makes.

In a time of grief and sorrow, it is difficult to understand and to not blame; however, the only way to heal is to truly forgive. I cannot imagine having to forgive someone for some of the things I've seen in the court room; however, I do know that the families need to move forward with their lives and to do that, they must forgive the accused.

It is difficult to stop 'making judgment calls' based on very little information. It is time to delve deeper into each person and each situation before making decisions. No more skimming the surface, no more judgment of others...rather decisions made after looking deeply into the information that is available.

And not just in criminal cases or the court room, we need to make informed decisions about everything. Making 'quick and dirty' judgments are just that and will lead to more trouble than if we had taken the time to investigate the situation, analyze the information that is available and make an informed decision. There is always an abundance of information available, all we have to do is ask or look for it. Sometimes, the key is in asking the right person or looking in the right place. Sure, it takes more time...but it's well worth it in the end.


17 October 2009
Family Friendly Event Today:

JOIN US FOR Family Culture Day Saturday, October 17th from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Date: Saturday, October 17^th, 2009

Time: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Arizona Consortium for the Arts proudly presents a day of culture for the whole family. Come join us as we listen to Arizona Classical Kids and get carried away by 60's and 70's rock performed by Jonathan Gabriel and Neil Dicks.

This event is FREE to attend; there will be a raffle, silent auction, and live auction. Many of the items to be auctioned are donations from artists who are members of the Arizona Consortium for the Arts.

Please come join us for a day of fun festivities and more surprises await you!!! 

Please note only cash transactions will be accepted

Location:

Peoria Home & Garden Expo Center

8606 W. Ludlow Dr., Suite E

Peoria, AZ 85381

The Expo’s phone number is 623-487-3343

Directions:

From the 101 Freeway-Take the Thunderbird Rd Exit West -Take Rio Vista North (Rio Vista is a light) Take Ludlow Dr East - Follow road to the Home & Garden Expo Center

16 October 2009
Reminder: Family Friendly Event Tomorrow:

JOIN US FOR Family Culture Day Saturday, October 17th from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Date: Saturday, October 17^th, 2009

Time: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Arizona Consortium for the Arts proudly presents a day of culture for the whole family. Come join us as we listen to Arizona Classical Kids and get carried away by 60's and 70's rock performed by Jonathan Gabriel and Neil Dicks.

This event is FREE to attend; there will be a raffle, silent auction, and live auction. Many of the items to be auctioned are donations from artists who are members of the Arizona Consortium for the Arts.

Please come join us for a day of fun festivities and more surprises await you!!! 

Please note only cash transactions will be accepted

Location:

Peoria Home & Garden Expo Center

8606 W. Ludlow Dr., Suite E

Peoria, AZ 85381

The Expo’s phone number is 623-487-3343

Directions:

From the 101 Freeway-Take the Thunderbird Rd Exit West -Take Rio Vista North (Rio Vista is a light) Take Ludlow Dr East - Follow road to the Home & Garden Expo Center

15 October 2009
Reminder: Family Friendly Event this Saturday:

JOIN US FOR Family Culture Day Saturday, October 17th from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Date: Saturday, October 17^th, 2009

Time: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Arizona Consortium for the Arts proudly presents a day of culture for the whole family. Come join us as we listen to Arizona Classical Kids and get carried away by 60's and 70's rock performed by Jonathan Gabriel and Neil Dicks.

This event is FREE to attend; there will be a raffle, silent auction, and live auction. Many of the items to be auctioned are donations from artists who are members of the Arizona Consortium for the Arts.

Please come join us for a day of fun festivities and more surprises await you!!! 

Please note only cash transactions will be accepted

Location:

Peoria Home & Garden Expo Center

8606 W. Ludlow Dr., Suite E

Peoria, AZ 85381

The Expo’s phone number is 623-487-3343

Directions:

From the 101 Freeway-Take the Thunderbird Rd Exit West -Take Rio Vista North (Rio Vista is a light) Take Ludlow Dr East - Follow road to the Home & Garden Expo Center

14 October 2009
Family Time

Ever feel completely rushed? Like there just isn't enough time to do everything you want to do? Most of us do and we begin to skip things that normally are important to us. The one thing you can't skip out on is family time.

Did you know that simply by having dinner as a family two to three times a week, you reduce the likelihood that your child will become a criminal? Yep, it's that simple. When our friends and family know we care, when we're involved with them...they don't look outside the home for the attention they need. Simply spending time with our children lets them know they fit in and keeps them from looking for a group that accepts them and that they feel comfortable in. When they know they fit in at home, they are more self-confident and tend to search less for acceptance outside the home.

Having dinner together as a family is a requirement in my home - every night. We also have breakfast together every morning. On the whole, we probably spend more time together than most families.

So drop everything else and have dinner with you family two to three nights a week. It's actually a lot of fun with the right approach.


13 October 2009
I'm a Lucky Mom

We all want the best for our children. As such, we work hard, try to set a good example, and give them everything we can to help them succeed. We celebrate their victories and cry with them when they fall short.

I am extremely fortunate. My son is currently 12 years old and in 7th grade. He's in the gifted program and for the first time...when he makes a mistake on something in school, he takes responsibility and approaches the teacher to find out how to make it up.

Most kids have a hard time with the transition to Middle School because they now have 7 teachers instead of one and the teachers expect them to step up when they are having difficulty. Report cards come home this week and if his grades online are up to date...he's getting 6 A's and 1 B.

My son has struggled with one or two teachers, realizing that if you do what they say, you will get a good grade. however, if you resist what they want to see...you're getting an F. He made a few mistakes early on in the quarter, but has since corrected his errors and made peace with the teachers.

I am a lucky mom - I have a responsible, reliable young man.


12 October 2009
Another event this Saturday:

JOIN US FOR Family Culture Day Saturday, October 17th from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Date: Saturday, October 17^th, 2009

Time: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Arizona Consortium for the Arts proudly presents a day of culture for the whole family. Come join us as we listen to Arizona Classical Kids and get carried away by 60's and 70's rock performed by Jonathan Gabriel and Neil Dicks.

This event is FREE to attend; there will be a raffle, silent auction, and live auction. Many of the items to be auctioned are donations from artists who are members of the Arizona Consortium for the Arts.

Please come join us for a day of fun festivities and more surprises await you!!! 

Please note only cash transactions will be accepted

Location:

Peoria Home & Garden Expo Center

8606 W. Ludlow Dr., Suite E

Peoria, AZ 85381

The Expo’s phone number is 623-487-3343

Directions:

From the 101 Freeway-Take the Thunderbird Rd Exit West -Take Rio Vista North (Rio Vista is a light) Take Ludlow Dr East - Follow road to the Home & Garden Expo Center

11 October 2009
Book Signing Yesterday:

Details:
Thank you to everyone who showed up and everyone who wanted to but couldn't make it.

Special thanks to my son and boyfriend for helping make everything easy on me yesterday. I couldn't do this without you two. And thank you to Sondra, Rom, Holly, Linda, Steve, Becky, Christine, Eric, Kay, Mom, Chris, and everyone else who showed up or showed their support. I love you all. Thank you to the North Scottsdale Writer's group for making an appearance and thank you to the Arizona Consortium for the Arts, particularly Elena, for stopping in and your support.

Most importantly, Thank you the Melanie and Tom at Dog Eared Pages Used Books for hosting the event. We had a wonderful time.

Visit me on Facebook to see all the pictures.

And if you didn't get to stop in on Saturday, visit the bookstore anyway as they stock all of our books on a regular basis (and it's a really neat bookstore to visit):
Dog Eared Pages New & Used Books
16428 N 32nd Street
Suite 111
Phoenix, AZ  85032
(602) 283-5423
"Bringing Affordable Reading to our Neighborhood"


10 October 2009
Book Signing Today:

Details:
Who's invited: Everyone - we'd love to see you there. Bring
friends, family, neighbors...it'll be a fun afternoon.

What's happening: Many local authors are getting together at Dog
Eared Pages Book Store to sell and sign books. We will also be able
to give you information and updates on our next projects.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2009 Noon until 4pm

Where:
Dog Eared Pages New & Used Books
16428 N 32nd Street
Suite 111
Phoenix, AZ  85032
(602) 283-5423
www.DogEaredPagesUsedBooks.com
"Bringing Affordable Reading to our Neighborhood"

Why: Because it's always fun to meet the author and it's fantastic
to have a signed, personalized copy of a book.

Stop in even if you already have a copy. I'd enjoy seeing you all.


9 October 2009
The Book Signing is Tomorrow!!!

I feel like a kid at Christmas! I am so excited about the book signing tomorrow.

We're going to have a wonderful turnout and we're going to have so much fun! I'm baking cookies in the morning, I'll be handing out bookmarks, I'll have scrapbook pages that visitors, friends and family can write notes on...and that's just what's going to be happening at my table!

So...if you haven't decided whether or not to stop by, at least drop in to say hello, grab a cookie and a bookmark...and sign my scrapbook pages. We'd love to see you tomorrow.

Details:
Who's invited: Everyone - we'd love to see you there. Bring
friends, family, neighbors...it'll be a fun afternoon.

What's happening: Many local authors are getting together at Dog
Eared Pages Book Store to sell and sign books. We will also be able
to give you information and updates on our next projects.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2009 Noon until 4pm

Where:
Dog Eared Pages New & Used Books
16428 N 32nd Street
Suite 111
Phoenix, AZ  85032
(602) 283-5423
www.DogEaredPagesUsedBooks.com
"Bringing Affordable Reading to our Neighborhood"

Why: Because it's always fun to meet the author and it's fantastic
to have a signed, personalized copy of a book.

Hope to see you all out there.


8 October 2009
Reminder: Book Signing at Dog Eared Pages
Book Store in Phoenix, this Saturday, Noon to 4pm.

Who's invited: Everyone - we'd love to see you there. Bring
friends, family, neighbors...it'll be a fun afternoon.

What's happening: Many local authors are getting together at Dog
Eared Pages Book Store to sell and sign books. We will also be able
to give you information and updates on our next projects.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2009 Noon until 4pm

Where:
Dog Eared Pages New & Used Books
16428 N 32nd Street
Suite 111
Phoenix, AZ  85032
(602) 283-5423
www.DogEaredPagesUsedBooks.com
"Bringing Affordable Reading to our Neighborhood"

Why: Because it's always fun to meet the author and it's fantastic
to have a signed, personalized copy of a book.

Hope to see you all out there.


7 October 2009
Do What You Love and You'll Never 'Work' Another Day...

Odd but true. This is one of my favorite sayings and until you are truly doing what you love, it makes no sense.

The theory is that is you truly love what you're doing, it simply doesn't feel like work any more. It doesn't mean that all the aspects of work are gone - as with anything that you get paid for - there are days when it feels like the most difficult work you've ever done. However, when you are finally doing what you truly love, over 90% of the time, it doesn't even feel like work.

I write. The only time it ever feels like work is when I cannot come up with something for my daily blog or when I'm stuck at a particular spot in a story and I can't figure out how to move it forward. That's it - 99% of the time, I have a great time writing and feel like I'm just goofing off - even though I know I'm not.

I teach - as a substitute teacher. Yes, difficult situations arise in the classroom at times, but I actually get paid to go into a school, hang out with kids, and help them understand or reinforce a concept. I've never had so much fun at work and the added bonus with this job are the 'aha' moments that happen for students when they finally get a concept. That makes it all worth the time and effort.

So, if you aren't doing what you love...figure out a way to start and you truly will never feel as though you are 'working' again. And when you start having fun every day...life is just better.


6 October 2009
Thanks for the memories...

It's always sad when a local icon closes; however, when you find out a new, updated restaurant is taking it's place with a similar theme...it's not so bad.

The Fish Market here in Phoenix closed on Sept 27th. Having eaten there several times, I was sad to learn that it was gone for good.

However, some new owners have stepped in and are completely updating the restaurant. Renovations are going on now and the new Bluewater Grill will be opening sometime this month. My boyfriend's long time friend is overseeing the renovations, so he has assured us that when the restaurant re-opens, it will be even better than before.

For more information on the new restaurant, visit their website: www.bluewatergrill.com


5 October 2009
Book Signing at Dog Eared Pages Book Store in Phoenix, this Saturday, Noon to 4pm.

Who's invited: Everyone - we'd love to see you there. Bring friends, family, neighbors...it'll be a fun afternoon.

What's happening: Many local authors are getting together at Dog Eared Pages Book Store to sell and sign books. We will also be able to give you information and updates on our next projects.

When: Saturday, October 10, 2009 Noon until 4pm

Where:
Dog Eared Pages New & Used Books
16428 N 32nd Street
Suite 111
Phoenix, AZ  85032
(602) 283-5423
www.DogEaredPagesUsedBooks.com
"Bringing Affordable Reading to our Neighborhood"

Why: Because it's always fun to meet the author and it's fantastic to have a signed, personalized copy of a book.

Hope to see you all out there.


4 October 2009
Being on a Harley

There is nothing out there that compares to being on the back of a bike. Your only responsibility is to not fall off. Which, if you've ever been on the back of a bike, requires very little effort.

90% of the the time we're on the bike, I can be in my own little world, free from everything. I still pay attention to the traffic and what's going on around us because there are a ton of idiots on the road and people who just don't know how to drive. But I do drift off into my own world as we take off down the road - the feel of the wind throwing my hair around, the breeze on my face and arms, the rush as we lean into the turns and he hits the gas...there's nothing like it out there. And believe me, I've looked.

So many people have told me how scary it must be to be on a bike...they've never been on one. I can't explain or describe it them. And I tell them all, you just have to find someone you trust and get on the back of a bike once...then you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.

There are three things that heal my soul and lead to my creativity: one is writing, the second is yard work and the third is being on the back of a Harley. I'm just glad that I have a man who knows this about me, happens to own two Harleys and loves being on his bikes. So everyone have a great day...we're going for a ride.


3 October 2009
"Always sitting, waiting, wishing..."

They're lyrics from a Jack Johnson song and though I love the song...it implies that someone or something else is in control of you.

I believe that though there are higher powers at work in our lives, we have to take the bull by the horns and make our lives what we want. And you truly can do anything you set your mind to. I remember being a child and being told that I could be anything I wanted to be...I just had to decide what it was and then make it happen. The problem is that society told me differently and I listened to society rather than the encouraging teacher who actually knew what she was talking about.

Today, I am on the path of becoming what I've set my mind to and it is happening. I was further encouraged by someone pointing out "what an example you've set for your son." I hadn't even thought about that part until she said this to me...but she's right. Nobody but you can hold you back.


2 October 2009
Fairytale Brownies

Anything can happen when you set your mind to it. Which is exactly what David Kravetz an Eileen Spitalny have proven. Friends since kindergarten, they decided to make their dream come true and go into business together making brownies. "Inspired by a treasured family recipe and a commitment to excellence, we created Fairytale Brownies." David said last night as he led the tour of the facility.

The company has been around since 1992 and from the taste of their brownies, this is a company that will be with us for a long time to come. Rich, chocolatey and down right yummy is the only way to describe their products. And they give back to the community on a regular basis. From sending brownies to our soldiers fighting and protecting our freedom around the world to donating to local charities regularly, this company is exactly what we all hope for in a large company.

From the facility, to the products, to the people who work there - every time you turn around you can find another good reason to do business with this company. Thank you for a wonderful tour last night, David, and for the wonderful goodie bag you sent us home with.

For more information and to order brownies: www.Brownies.com.


1 October 2009
It's October already?

It seems like just yesterday that I was struggling with what to do for Valentine's day and here we are already working to figure out what to do for Halloween. It seems all too often we are caught realizing just how fast time passes and wondering where it went.

We all get caught up in the flow of work, exercise, extra-curricular activities and before you know it, an entire month is gone and you don't know how you spent it. Do your best to slow down at least one day a week, spend time with your friends and family, and make certain you have a meal with your entire family. Sharing a meal with people truly is a bonding experience and is one of the easiest ways to spend time with one another.

So slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy a few minutes of each day...then enjoy time with friends and family on occasion. We all need it.


30 September 2009
Values in Life...

This came to me in an email forward and I wanted to share it with you all today:

To realize
The value of a sister
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.

To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.

To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate..

To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.

To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn..

To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train , bus or plane.

To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when
you can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.

The origin of this letter is unknown ,
But it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.

Do not keep this letter.
Peace , love and prosperity to all!

Remember...
hold on tight to the ones you love!  


29 September 2009
The Well Red Coyote

This weekend, I went up to Sedona and Flagstaff with some friends. It was a beautiful weekend - perfect for riding - and we had a wonderful trip.

What made the trip even better was that I had the opportunity to talk with Joe Neri, one of the owners at The Well Red Coyote, a real book store for real book lovers. And now, 'Finding Home' is on their bookshelves.

Here is the link for The Well Red Coyote: www.WellRedCoyote.com
They are located at: 3190 W State Route 89A, Sedona, Az 86336

They have a fantastic location and a great store. I highly recommend stopping in and checking out the store any time you are up in Sedona.


28 September 2009
Are you kidding me?

It seems that the truly strange and bizarre only happen to me.

Saturday afternoon, we were up in Flagstaff on the Road King. It had been a wonderful day of riding, we had just had an early dinner and were meandering through town. I left my hair down because it had been up all day and I was tired of it being up. My boyfriend was slowing down and pulling into a turn lane so we could ride through a neighborhood and all of a sudden, I felt a stinging sensation on my right ear. I grabbed my hair and pulled it away from my ear and sure enough, there was a bee caught in my hair! I couldn't see it, but I could hear and feel it. I knew if I grabbed it, it would sting my hand as well and I didn't want that, so I yelled to my boyfriend who was coming to a stop and alerted him to my situation. He got the bike stopped, turned around and grabbed the bee and threw it on the ground (along with a few strands of my hair...).

He made the left turn and pulled the bike into a parking lot so I could get the stinger out and attend to my wound. Everything turned out fine and my ear is still slightly swollen and stings a little...but this definitely falls under the heading 'it would only happen to me'. And you better believe that this little tidbit will wind up in one of my future books somewhere.

Hope everyone had a happy, fun and safe weekend.


26-27 September 2009
Have a Fun, Safe Weekend!

It's about time that I take a day or two off from work so I am wishing you all a fun and safe weekend. I'll be back blogging on Monday.


25 September 2009
Wishing Away Our Time...

Isn't if funny how we all work so hard all week and the entire week, all we can think about is what we are going to do for the weekend?

We all do it. Every one of us is as guilty as the next; however, it is a bad habit. The end result is that you spend you life wishing it all away rather than embracing each new day and making the most of every single day.

Why wait for the weekend to visit with friends? Why wait for the weekend to do all the things that make us happy? Why do so many of us put off the things we truly enjoy until the weekend? There are a multitude of things that we all enjoy and most of them don't involve being out of town. So why do we wait for the weekend and wish our entire week away?

Wishing our time away is not fair to us or our children. And it teaches our children the same bad habit. So I challenge each and every one of you to stop wishing your weeks away and start doing the things that you enjoy every day.


24 September 2009
Wet Pants

Come with me to a third grade classroom......

There is a nine-year-old kid sitting at his desk and all of a sudden, there is a puddle between his feet and the front of his pants are wet. He thinks his heart is going to stop because he cannot possibly imagine how this has happened. It's never happened before, and he knows that when the boys find out he will never hear the end of it. When the girls find out, they'll never speak to him again as long as he lives...

The boy believes his heart is going to stop; he puts his head down and prays this prayer, 'Dear God, this is an emergency! I need help now! Five minutes from now I'm dead meat.'

He looks up from his prayer and here comes the teacher with a look in her eyes that says he has been discovered.

As the teacher is walking toward him, a classmate named Susie is carrying a goldfish bowl that is filled with water. Susie trips in front of the teacher and inexplicably dumps the bowl of water in the boy's lap.

The boy pretends to be angry, but all the while is saying to himself, 'Thank you, Lord! Thank you, Lord!'

Now all of a sudden, instead of being the object of ridicule, the boy is the object of sympathy. The teacher rushes him downstairs and gives him gym shorts to put on while his pants dry out. All the other children are on their hands and knees cleaning up around his desk. The sympathy is wonderful . But as life would have it, the ridicule that should have been his has been transferred to someone else - Susie.

She tries to help, but they tell her to get out. 'You've done enough, you klutz!'

Finally, at the end of the day, as they are waiting for the bus, the boy walks over to Susie and whispers, 'You did that on purpose, didn't you?'

Susie whispers back, 'I wet my pants once too..'

So if you encounter someone today in need of a little help, please look for the nearest 'fishbowl' and do your best to help them out.


23 September 2009
Lean on me...

Any time I'm having trouble with something, this song comes to mind. It's about friends, trust, respect and just plain being there for one another.

When things start to go wrong in life - and they do more often than not - it's always nice to know that there are people out there that you can call on to help. Whether it's a simple little thing that you just need to get off your chest or it's something big and possibly life altering.

Friends and family are what make the world go 'round. Don't forget to tell them all that you appreciate them and that you're there for them as well. Too often they are taken from us before we are ready to let them go...tell them today how much you appreciate them.


22 September 2009
Inspiration...

Where does it come from? What is it exactly? What do you do when you aren't inspired?

All of these are questions I've been asked and the simple answer is - I don't know. The true answer is that it's different for everyone and it's different every time. But let's break it down a little:

Where does it come from?
Well, it comes from many different places. It depends on what you're working on where you're stuck in the process. My first book was inspired by the death of a friend's husband. The second one was inspired by a Mary Englebreit notebook that I have. And the third was inspired by all of my reader's requests for the sequel to the first... So my only answer to where does it come from is, well...everywhere.

What is it exactly?
I have a hard time putting this into words. It's a feeling...or a drive...that strikes at any given moment. But the moment it strikes, you need to be able to harness the inspiration and use it. Sometimes it strikes when I'm out to dinner, sometimes when I'm in bed asleep...you never know when you're going to be inspired.

What do you do when you aren't inspired?
That's the hard one. Inspiration is not something that we can control. Either you are or you aren't inspired. The worst thing you can do when you're not inspired is to focus on needing the inspiration and searching for it in every little thing you do. The best thing to do is to simply move on to other tasks and handle the other things in life that need your attention. Usually, when I do this - it's not long before inspiration strikes and I'm back at work on another novel.

Hope that helps.


21 September 2009
Haven't hit 5,000 in book sales in a week yet...

I don't know what else to do. I can't do it on my own. I need your help - each and every one of you...

I will ask one more time. Will you please help make my dream come true and Rich Mackney's at the same time?

I can and have used this blog for a lot of things, but today I am asking for you all to help someone. He is the friend of a friend of mine and I have gotten to know him only online. Rich is fighting ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease.

The fight is going well, but it is long and exhausting - physically and financially. Rich's friends and family have rallied around him, but it's not enough. I would like to ask that you help Rich - through your own efforts or through me.

Rich's blog: http://themackneywarriors.wordpress.com/
Rich's store: http://themackneywarriors.wordpress.com/the-mackney-warriors-store/

I would like to stop all votes and make Rich Mackney the beneficiary of donations from the sales of Finding Home. For every week we hit over 5,000 books sold, I will donate 20% of the Author's Royalties to Rich Mackney's fight against ALS.

Let's all pull together and make a real difference in someone's life. Let's do it now - Rich can't wait.


20 September 2009
Making Lemonade when Life hands you Lemons

Things almost never go as planned. In fact, more often than not, something happens to throw your plans off. What defines each one of us is how we respond to those kinks.

When I was a child and things would go all wrong and throw off our plans, my Grandma used to say, "When life hands you lemons...choose to make lemonade." She taught me how to make the best of a rotten situation and how to always look for the good in a situation.

This weekend, my plans got thrown off track and rather than wallow in self pity, I turned it into a great experience and we are all thankful for the outcome. Of course there is always some disappointment when things don't happen the way you intended; however, you can usually overcome that disappointment if you approach the situation properly.

As it turns out, we missed spending some time with family; however, my son and I were able to spend some much needed time alone together and did a few things we had been putting off due to a lack of time to do them. As a result, my son told me last night that even though things didn't go the way we had planned...it's the best weekend he's had in a long time.

So with that I pass on to you the challenge: When life hands you lemons, choose to make lemonade.


19 September 2009
People You Can Count On.

I am so thankful to have people that i can count on in my life. Yesterday was a shining example of all the good people that I have surrounded myself with and I am thankful for every one of them.

Becky, thank you for taking me down for a behind the scenes tour and thank you again for going to the meetup last night. Both were equally fun and I learned a lot.

Charles, thank you for being there for Bradley and me. You made it possible for me to do the things I needed to do for myself.

Elena, thank you for all of your positive energy, for bringing me further into the consortium, for the link to the ASU site and all of the support. And thank you for appreciating what little I can do to help the consortium.

Bradley, thank you for being trustworthy, understanding and going with the flow. You are an amazing young man.

Lindsay, thank you for including Becky and I in your meetup last night. We both had a great time and made a lot of important connections. You are a wonderful host and have a great group of women in your life.

There are so many more people that I could thank, but my boyfriend is trying to get me out the door this morning...so if you're not listed here please do not take offense but know that I love you all and appreciate each and every one of you.

Have a great day!


18 September 2009
Making Time for our Friends

We all get busy. As if there isn't enough to do already with work, school, volunteer activities, our children's homework, making dinner, keeping the house clean, keeping up the yard, taking care of the pool, working on the cars, bikes, motorcycles and boat, finding time for ourselves, spending time with our families (ours and extended)...you mean we need to find time to spend with our friends too?!

It seems as though every year I have more things to do and more people to take care of. Many people tend to look at this as a burden; however, I see it as a blessing.

In the midst of a very hectic week, I met with an old friend for coffee yesterday morning and was reminded again that it had been too long since I had seen her. We only spent an hour together but it was a wonderful hour. I enjoy talking with friends, finding out what's going on in their lives and what's going on in their kids' lives. Hopefully we will get together again soon and it won't be so long between visits with one another.

Take time for your friends, you won't regret it. Yes, it is hard to fit it all in but I would rather go to bed every night completely exhausted and having done everything I can than leaving some of my ideas, strength and energy on the table. It feels good to have a completely full day even when you aren't looking forward to it in the morning. Trust me, by the end of the day you're tired but happy that you made everything happen that day.


17 September 2009
Do a Good Turn Daily...

Do you remember being told that as a child? It's been a while since I've heard it and while it's still a good mantra to live by...there are ones that I like better such as Pay it Forward.

Regardless, they all encourage us to be good people and to help out others. When we hear this, we usually fell like someone is looking for a handout. This is not what I'm talking about. What I'm focusing on are the little things that make the world go 'round.

We were at breakfast several weeks back and paying for our meal. The woman in front of us was paying for her takeout order and headed back to work, but she was about a quarter short. The cashier would not let it go and was going to make her walk back across the parking lot to where she worked for a quarter. It seemed like harassment to me, so I interrupted and handed the cashier the difference. The woman smiled at me and thanked me then offered to repay me. It was the principal, not the money so rather than follow her to her work and take the quarter, I simply asked her to 'Pay it Forward'. She smiled and thanked me again as we all left the restaurant.

So when you see someone struggling with something and you know you can help them out...stop and think 'Were I in their situation, what do I hope someone would do?' Once you answer this question...if it's something you can do then by all means, do it. It makes the world a much happier place. And who knows, you might be the one that sparks a full day of kindness to strangers. Don't laugh - it has happened.


16 September 2009
Remember to Take a Little Time to Yourself

Times are tough right now for a lot of people. When this is the case, we often forget to take care of ourselves because we are so busy trying to take care of everyone and everything else. And it's usually even worse if you're a single mom.

As a single mom myself, I have many a time seen myself putting all of my energy into my relationships and ignoring my needs. Of course, you usually only realize this once you are worn down, tired, sick or just plain worn out.

How do you prevent this? It's actually really simple. Just like everything else, you schedule time for yourself. I know it sounds kind of silly, but if you don't then it winds up the end of the day and you're exhausted, climbing into bed and before long - you're sick.

You don't need a lot of time, but everyone is different. I usually get up before anyone else in the morning (no, I'm not a morning person but taking care of me is that important) and enjoy a workout. Some of us can sit and enjoy the beauty of a sunrise or sunset, sometimes finding 5 minutes to sit on a park bench and watch children play does the trick. Whatever it is that relieves your stress - take those few minutes every day and take care of yourself. You'll be happy you did in the long run.


15 September 2009
Pizza Heaven Bistro

Looking for that local pizza joint that you can hang out with your kids and/or friends? Something small and quaint but with good food? A place that might even have live music on Friday and Saturday nights?

Pizza Heaven on 7th Street south of Missouri is that place.

This restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1982. All the pizzas are cooked in a brick oven and everything is homemade and fresh.

Prices are very reasonable, the staff is friendly and attentive and the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. With daily pizza specials (2 slices of cheese + unlimited fountain soda) for $4.00 - you can't go wrong here.

They even have free wireless internet and cable TV for those of you who work from home and need to get out of the house but still need to get work done. A great place for that lunchtime meeting or that after work, on the way home drink with friends or co-workers.

Check them out and let them know they were blogged about on here .


14 September 2009
Get on your Bike and Ride!

Ok...most who know me would be surprised to find out that I love Harleys...but I do. Now I'm accident prone so actually riding one is not in the cards for me; however, I am lucky enough to have a boyfriend that owns two Harleys - so I get to enjoy riding on the back. And that's just fine by me.

If you've never been on a bike - you need to try it. It is the most amazing feeling in the world (and I've been skydiving). But I will warn you that once you try it - you will most likely be addicted. I've never felt more free in my life than when I'm on the back of the bike.

Living here in Scottsdale, AZ it is too hot to ride in the summer unless you get out early, head north and get back late. Suffice it to say it's been a while since we've been riding. But we got on the bike yesterday, met up with some friends at 7am and headed north to Prescott...we just wanted to go have breakfast together (2 hours away ). We got back just after noon and I feel so refreshed. My mind is clear and I am re-focused on my goals. That's what being on the bike will do for you and that's why I love Harleys.

So if you don't have one - go get one - and if you do...GET ON YOUR BIKE AND RIDE!!!


13 September 2009
O'Brien's Pub

Talk about a great place to meet up with friends. Inexpensive, good and a fun time to be had by all. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights...and a fantastic bartender!!!

35th Ave just south of Northern on the East side of the road.

Check it out.


12 September 2009
Finding Home is now on Bookshelves....

Well, at least one. I'm working on getting the books in more local bookstores, but progress is showing.

Click here to purchase at Dog-Eared Pages Used Books:
http://www.dogearedpagesusedbooks.com/?CLSN_2929=125184853029291672a03ed088c30f16&keyword=kelly+depp&searchby=author&page=shop%2Fbrowse&fsb=1&Search=Search
or visit the store to purchase:
Dog Eared Pages Used Books
16428 N 32nd Street
Phoenix, AZ  85032

The owners are fantastic people and the selection of books is very extensive. Thank you to Thom and Melanie for supporting local talent.


11 September 2009
The Next Big Thing...

Have you ever realized you possess a talent and know that you can become an overnight success...you just can't seem to get a break? Ever felt like, as you try to get somewhere with something that you know will be big...you just feel like you're banging your head against a brick wall?

Then you know what it's like to be an author trying to break into the business and make a living at writing.

I know it sounds very self-centered, but I am the next big thing and I know it. I just don't know how to get an agent to realize that I will be a gold mine if they would just take a chance on me. Because that is exactly what they would be doing - taking a chance on me.

At this day and age, it is very hard to risk anything. Unfortunately, there is so much demand on agents and publishers to pick 'the right' books/novels to sell that they truly are 'risking' their jobs and their livelihoods when they take on a new author. And if the first book sells well, then you have to have even better sales of the second and so on...otherwise the author's career is over. And that reflects on the agent...

Unlike most new authors, I do have some understanding of the industry, I have already worked hard to create a following and to build on that foundation. Social networking, websites, blogs, book talks - I am doing them all to promote myself and my books. Which takes some of the work off their shoulders and helps ease the burden of marketing (to a degree). It also lets them know that I am serious about making this happen and that I intend to work hard to get where I know I should be.

See, I am the author an agent wants to take a risk on...


10 September 2009
I am the Author You've been Looking for

Dear Agent,

Looking for an Author that can produce two good books a year? One that can create a following like Nicholas Sparks and Clive Cussler? One who leaves their readers wanting more? One that already has two books written and at least 4 more ideas started?

Then look no further, I'm right here.

My first novel, Finding Home, was self-published in May of this year. The second one, The American Princess, is complete and ready to be put into print. The third book, which I am in the process of writing now, is the sequel to Finding Home. Finding Home was not originally intended to be a series; however, everyone that has read it has asked me for the sequel...so I'm writing it. The fourth book is the sequel to The American Princess and the fifth one will have all new characters.

All of my books, though different characters and story lines, follow a similar style and draw the same audience. And I've already created a following. Though small right now, it will grow.

If you want to take a look at The American Princess, let me know. Thank you for your time.


9 September 2009
Selflessness...

Yesterday, a friend of mine commented on how so many people are nice when they want something and once they get their way...well, you know the story.

Unfortunately, as a society, is seems as though we have enforced that mentality. However, I have worked hard to teach my son to be nice and do good things for people no matter what. We watch the movie Pay it Forward at least once a year to remind us that doing something nice for someone feels good. It's even better when it's something they needed and you are doing it simply out of the kindness of your own heart. With no expectations of anything in return.

Can we get back to that type of society? Can we manage to get away from the 'entitlement' attitude that seems to have infected our youth as well as many adults?

I have hope that we can. Pay it Forward.


8 September 2009
Happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Labor Day weekend.

I am back to writing and getting those queries out for The American Princess. Several of you have already let me know how anxious you are to read this book, so I am trying to find a publisher and get it into print as quickly as I can. Thank you for your patience as I work through the query process.

Have a fantastic day!


6 September 2009
No blog today or tomorrow.

Sorry everyone - I am taking today and tomorrow off to be with friends and family. Catch you on Tuesday.

Have a fun and safe Labor Day.


5 September 2009
Holidays are Meant to be Spent with Family and Friends

With Lador Day Weekend, we all rejoice at the three day weekend. I have heard from just about everyone I know, "No work on Monday!! Yeah!" As it should be. We all work hard and should look forward to an extra day off.

Most of us have plans to go to the lake, go camping, or head to a party. All of us plan to spend at least some time this weekend with our family or friends. Enjoy the weekend, your family and your friends. Don't forget to be safe and responsible. Though we should all go have a great time, we should also all come home safely.


4 September 2009
Write, Query, Rejection, Query, Publish...

Or so that seems to be the process, but with a lot more query, rejection, query, rejection in there.

The American Princess is almost complete so it is time to begin the process of finding a publisher again. I had a fantastic meeting with a retired Random House sales and marketing guy yesterday. Seems I am on the right track, it's just time to take it to the next level.

Over the next few weeks I am delving into the process of sending out the queries and will let you all know the progress. I am excited and nervous as I begin this adventure, but I am also certain that The American Princess will be picked up.

Have a fantastic and safe Labor Day Weekend!!


3 September 2009
Yogurt Builderz...YUM!!

Remember being a kid? The greatest treat was being taken for ice cream after dinner. It was always better when you got to go to THE ice cream shop where everyone hung out.

My son, boyfriend and I went to Yogurt Builderz last night for the first time and I am happy to say that Yogurt Builderz is that place.

Yogurt Builderz is unique because you get to serve yourself. You can create any combination you want and then choose from a large selection of toppings - they even have mini rolos! I highly recommend easing into the experience. You will have to go several times to figure out the right combination for yourself. The options can be overwhelming (in a good way) and you are bound to over-do it on your first trip.

Yogurt Builderz is a fantastic 'Mom and Pop' shop with a neighborhood feel. The owner is warm and welcoming, the staff is ready to answer any question and very helpful and even though they were 'crazy busy' last night with a fundraiser, service is quick, fun and easy. Good service with a smile - how could you work there and not have fun?! It's a fun place to be. And yes, they do fundraisers for all you schools and groups out there looking for a fun and alternative way to raise money.

For more information: http://www.yogurtbuilderz.com/
Located on Scottsdale Road 1 block North of Thunderbird Rd.


2 September 2009
Please Help Rich Mackney

I can and have used this blog for a lot of things, but today I am asking for you all to help someone. He is the friend of a friend of mine and I have gotten to know him only online. Rich is fighting ALS - Lou Gehrig's Disease.

The fight is going well, but it is long and exhausting - physically and financially. Rich's friends and family have rallied around him, but it's not enough. I would like to ask that you help Rich - through your own efforts or through me.

Rich's blog: http://themackneywarriors.wordpress.com/
Rich's store: http://themackneywarriors.wordpress.com/the-mackney-warriors-store/

I would like to stop all votes and make Rich Mackney the beneficiary of donations from the sales of Finding Home. For every week we hit over 5,000 books sold, I will donate 20% of the Author's Royalties to Rich Mackney's fight against ALS.

Let's all pull together and make a real difference in someone's life. Let's do it now - Rich can't wait.


1 September 2009
Thank you...

Thank you to all my friends, Family and Colleagues for their love and support. There is no way I could do this without all of you and your faith in me.


31 August 2009
The Campaign Continues:

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is in the lead as the charity to receive donations. Continue the sales so we can make the first week a big one!!


30 August 2009
Let's get the Donations Started!!

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Help make a dream come true and let's start out strong! Get online and buy a book, forward the email and send me your votes on which charity to support.

Details are below:
We all have dreams...it's how we approach them that differentiates us.

When we are young, we are told that we can become or do anything we set our minds to. As we grow older, most of us being to feel as though this is not true so we take on jobs and roles that don't align with our dreams. There are very few of us who are able to break from that shell and actually attain our dreams. I had the dream of becoming a published author. On May 19, 2009 - with the support and help of my dear friends and family - I accomplished that dream.

My next dream is one that you and everyone you know can help make come true. I want to make it on the Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com Bestseller's lists. To accomplish this, I have to record about 5,000 book sales each week.

Want to be part of making a dream come true? You have the power to do exactly that. The cost to you: $16.95 + shipping and handling and about 30 minutes of your time. All in all, a small price to pay to help someone realize their dream.

There are 3 things that I am asking you to do:

1)    This doesn't cost you anything but time - forward this email to EVERYONE in your address book and ask them to help make a dream come true. Ask them to help and forward this to EVERYONE in their address book, etc.
2)    At the small cost of $16.95 + shipping, log on to one of these sites and purchase at least one copy of the book, Finding Home. For those of you who buy gifts ahead of time, it makes for a great gift for birthdays and the holidays.
a.    http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Home-Kelly-Depp/dp/160264389X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245947663&sr=1-1
b.    http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=kelly+depp&box=kelly%20depp&pos=-1
3)    After you receive and read your copy, I would greatly appreciate it if you would log back onto the site where you bought the book and write a review. Again, the only thing this costs you is a few minutes of your time.

As an incentive to help make my dream come true, I want to support a charity and help others - giving back to the community is a big part of who I am and what I believe in.

 For every week that sales hit 5,000 books sold or more, I will donate 20% of the Author's Royalties to a charity. Which charity? Well, why don't you help me decide...I'm between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, ALS Association and Sojourner Center. I would also consider a charity supporting our veterans...but I can't find one that I like/agree with (any suggestions?). Cast your votes via email or posts on my Facebook Fan Page. I will post regular updates on my website and Facebook Fan Page as to which charity is in the lead - but you can only vote once. November 1, 2009 will be the deadline for all votes on the charity. I am not placing any limit on the number of weeks for this promotion nor am I placing a dollar limit on the donation.

This is your opportunity to make a dream come true - and help others while we're at it. So what are you waiting for? If you're thinking it's a long stretch and can't happen - you're wrong. I've seen the power of networking and people helping people. I have gone out of my way to help others achieve their dreams...now I am asking for your help in achieving mine.

For more information on this drive and the progress for both Finding Home and the charity, please visit my website www.KellyDepp.com or check out the posts on my Facebook Fan Page.

Thank you,
Kelly Depp


29 August 2009
We are defined by our actions, not our words...

Which person will you be? The one who says they will help or the one who actually helps? I challenge you all to be the latter.

We are moving forward. I have heard from many people - all positive comments. let's start placing orders tomorrow. And get the first week of 5,000 books sold so we can donate a large amount of money to a charity.

Right now, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is in the lead as the charity to support. Don't forget to buy a book and forward the below to everyone in your address book! You can make a difference.

We all have dreams...it's how we approach them that differentiates us.

When we are young, we are told that we can become or do anything we set our minds to. As we grow older, most of us being to feel as though this is not true so we take on jobs and roles that don't align with our dreams. There are very few of us who are able to break from that shell and actually attain our dreams. I had the dream of becoming a published author. On May 19, 2009 - with the support and help of my dear friends and family - I accomplished that dream.

My next dream is one that you and everyone you know can help make come true. I want to make it on the Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com Bestseller's lists. To accomplish this, I have to record about 5,000 book sales each week.

Want to be part of making a dream come true? You have the power to do exactly that. The cost to you: $16.95 + shipping and handling and about 30 minutes of your time. All in all, a small price to pay to help someone realize their dream.

There are 3 things that I am asking you to do:

1)    This doesn't cost you anything but time - forward this email to EVERYONE in your address book and ask them to help make a dream come true. Ask them to help and forward this to EVERYONE in their address book, etc.
2)    At the small cost of $16.95 + shipping, log on to one of these sites and purchase at least one copy of the book, Finding Home. For those of you who buy gifts ahead of time, it makes for a great gift for birthdays and the holidays.
a.    http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Home-Kelly-Depp/dp/160264389X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245947663&sr=1-1
b.    http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=kelly+depp&box=kelly%20depp&pos=-1
3)    After you receive and read your copy, I would greatly appreciate it if you would log back onto the site where you bought the book and write a review. Again, the only thing this costs you is a few minutes of your time.

As an incentive to help make my dream come true, I want to support a charity and help others - giving back to the community is a big part of who I am and what I believe in.

 For every week that sales hit 5,000 books sold or more, I will donate 20% of the Author's Royalties to a charity. Which charity? Well, why don't you help me decide...I'm between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, ALS Association and Sojourner Center. I would also consider a charity supporting our veterans...but I can't find one that I like/agree with (any suggestions?). Cast your votes via email or posts on my Facebook Fan Page. I will post regular updates on my website and Facebook Fan Page as to which charity is in the lead - but you can only vote once. November 1, 2009 will be the deadline for all votes on the charity. I am not placing any limit on the number of weeks for this promotion nor am I placing a dollar limit on the donation.

This is your opportunity to make a dream come true - and help others while we're at it. So what are you waiting for? If you're thinking it's a long stretch and can't happen - you're wrong. I've seen the power of networking and people helping people. I have gone out of my way to help others achieve their dreams...now I am asking for your help in achieving mine.

For more information on this drive and the progress for both Finding Home and the charity, please visit my website www.KellyDepp.com or check out the posts on my Facebook Fan Page.

Thank you,
Kelly Depp


28 August 2009
Update: Make A Dream Come True:

Right now, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation is in the lead as the charity to support. Don't forget to buy a book and forward the below to everyone in your address book! You can make a difference.

We all have dreams...it's how we approach them that differentiates us.

When we are young, we are told that we can become or do anything we set our minds to. As we grow older, most of us being to feel as though this is not true so we take on jobs and roles that don't align with our dreams. There are very few of us who are able to break from that shell and actually attain our dreams. I had the dream of becoming a published author. On May 19, 2009 - with the support and help of my dear friends and family - I accomplished that dream.

My next dream is one that you and everyone you know can help make come true. I want to make it on the Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com Bestseller's lists. To accomplish this, I have to record about 5,000 book sales each week.

Want to be part of making a dream come true? You have the power to do exactly that. The cost to you: $16.95 + shipping and handling and about 30 minutes of your time. All in all, a small price to pay to help someone realize their dream.

There are 3 things that I am asking you to do:

1)    This doesn't cost you anything but time - forward this email to EVERYONE in your address book and ask them to help make a dream come true. Ask them to help and forward this to EVERYONE in their address book, etc.
2)    At the small cost of $16.95 + shipping, log on to one of these sites and purchase at least one copy of the book, Finding Home. For those of you who buy gifts ahead of time, it makes for a great gift for birthdays and the holidays.
a.    http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Home-Kelly-Depp/dp/160264389X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245947663&sr=1-1
b.    http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=kelly+depp&box=kelly%20depp&pos=-1
3)    After you receive and read your copy, I would greatly appreciate it if you would log back onto the site where you bought the book and write a review. Again, the only thing this costs you is a few minutes of your time.

As an incentive to help make my dream come true, I want to support a charity and help others - giving back to the community is a big part of who I am and what I believe in.

 For every week that sales hit 5,000 books sold or more, I will donate 20% of the Author's Royalties to a charity. Which charity? Well, why don't you help me decide...I'm between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, ALS Association and Sojourner Center. I would also consider a charity supporting our veterans...but I can't find one that I like/agree with (any suggestions?). Cast your votes via email or posts on my Facebook Fan Page. I will post regular updates on my website and Facebook Fan Page as to which charity is in the lead - but you can only vote once. November 1, 2009 will be the deadline for all votes on the charity. I am not placing any limit on the number of weeks for this promotion nor am I placing a dollar limit on the donation.

This is your opportunity to make a dream come true - and help others while we're at it. So what are you waiting for? If you're thinking it's a long stretch and can't happen - you're wrong. I've seen the power of networking and people helping people. I have gone out of my way to help others achieve their dreams...now I am asking for your help in achieving mine.

For more information on this drive and the progress for both Finding Home and the charity, please visit my website www.KellyDepp.com or check out the posts on my Facebook Fan Page.

Thank you,
Kelly Depp


27 August 2009
You can help make a dream come true:

We all have dreams...it's how we approach them that differentiates us.

When we are young, we are told that we can become or do anything we set our minds to. As we grow older, most of us being to feel as though this is not true so we take on jobs and roles that don't align with our dreams. There are very few of us who are able to break from that shell and actually attain our dreams. I had the dream of becoming a published author. On May 19, 2009 - with the support and help of my dear friends and family - I accomplished that dream.

My next dream is one that you and everyone you know can help make come true. I want to make it on the Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com Bestseller's lists. To accomplish this, I have to record about 5,000 book sales each week.

Want to be part of making a dream come true? You have the power to do exactly that. The cost to you: $16.95 + shipping and handling and about 30 minutes of your time. All in all, a small price to pay to help someone realize their dream.

There are 3 things that I am asking you to do:

1)    This doesn't cost you anything but time - forward this email to EVERYONE in your address book and ask them to help make a dream come true. Ask them to help and forward this to EVERYONE in their address book, etc.
2)    At the small cost of $16.95 + shipping, log on to one of these sites and purchase at least one copy of the book, Finding Home. For those of you who buy gifts ahead of time, it makes for a great gift for birthdays and the holidays.
a.    http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Home-Kelly-Depp/dp/160264389X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245947663&sr=1-1
b.    http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/results.asp?WRD=kelly+depp&box=kelly%20depp&pos=-1
3)    After you receive and read your copy, I would greatly appreciate it if you would log back onto the site where you bought the book and write a review. Again, the only thing this costs you is a few minutes of your time.

As an incentive to help make my dream come true, I want to support a charity and help others - giving back to the community is a big part of who I am and what I believe in.

 For every week that sales hit 5,000 books sold or more, I will donate 20% of the Author's Royalties to a charity. Which charity? Well, why don't you help me decide...I'm between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, ALS Association and Sojourner Center. I would also consider a charity supporting our veterans...but I can't find one that I like/agree with (any suggestions?). Cast your votes via email or posts on my Facebook Fan Page. I will post regular updates on my website and Facebook Fan Page as to which charity is in the lead - but you can only vote once. November 1, 2009 will be the deadline for all votes on the charity. I am not placing any limit on the number of weeks for this promotion nor am I placing a dollar limit on the donation.

This is your opportunity to make a dream come true - and help others while we're at it. So what are you waiting for? If you're thinking it's a long stretch and can't happen - you're wrong. I've seen the power of networking and people helping people. I have gone out of my way to help others achieve their dreams...now I am asking for your help in achieving mine.

For more information on this drive and the progress for both Finding Home and the charity, please visit my website www.KellyDepp.com or check out the posts on my Facebook Fan Page.

Thank you,
Kelly Depp

26 August 2009
I hope this makes you smile...

I received this as an email forward. The original was written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio. I've revised it and added a few of my own twists.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's worth it.
2. When doubt overwhelms you, take the next step anyway.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Keep in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month. You'll worry less.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. Normal is what people are until you get to know them.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. Cherish what you have right now.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. The second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after your dreams, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Today is a special occasion.
22. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age.
24. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
26. Always choose life.
27. Forgive everyone everything.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
30. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
31. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
32. Believe in miracles. They happen every day.
33. Less is always more.
34. Give your children the childhood you wished you had.
35. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
36. Cherish the people in your life while you can. They will be taken from you too soon.
37. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
38. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
39. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
40. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
41. The best is yet to come.
42. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
43. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
44. Dare to dream - you will never know your potential otherwise.


25 August 2009
Becky McAneny - You Are Fantastic!!

Becky is the artist behind my portrait and the cover for The American Princess. And I absolutely LOVE her work.

Words that describe Becky (in no particular order): modest, honest, thorough, conscientious, giving, caring, reliable, kind, sweet, mom, friend, talented, creative, accomplished, genuine, conscientious, careful, devoted, interesting, remarkable, noteworthy, extraordinary, considerate, fun, teacher, patient, gifted, authentic, sincere, etc...

I can go on and on about her work and how much I love what she does, but what you need to know is that when she tells you something will be done, it will be. I have given her two photos and asked her to recreate them - each with a twist - and given her artistic freedom on both. Both pieces of work have come back more amazing than what I ever imagined.

For a little more on Becky, click About The Artist. 


24 August 2009
Chompie's - The Good and The Bad...

A friend, Jim, was visiting from California and we took him out to breakfast at Chompie's this morning - the one at PV Mall. We love Chompie's and he's never been there. They have fantastic food and the service is usually top notch. Unfortunately, we were a little disappointed this morning - not with the food or service, but with their policy.

Immediately upon entering the restaurant, we were seated (a rarity at this location). Heather came by within a few seconds of our being seated and was absolutely delightful. However, when we were ready to order, I became disappointed. I was dining with my boyfriend and our friend Jim. They both enjoy the over-sized portions most restaurants serve and when it's something that is good the next day, I don't mind them either. However, when you want pancakes and know you can barely get through most of a child's size serving - LET THE CUSTOMER ORDER THE CHILD PORTION. Otherwise, it's simply a waste of food and really annoys the customer (many of whom do not like to see food go to waste). And pancakes aren't good the next day...

Other restaurants don't make a big deal out of it, especially when everyone at the table is ordering regular meals and we're all ordering drinks...but for some reason Chompie's seems to have a big problem with this. For that I must say "Shame on you, Chompie's!" My complaint has nothing to do with price and everything to do with the policy. You have the child size portion - if a customer wants that much food - let them order it!

Otherwise, the food was fantastic and Heather is one of those waitresses you ask for when you go back. Lovey, you're lucky to have Heather on your staff - she's quick, attentive, accurate and always has a smile.


23 August 2009
I'm back from the digital abyss

Finally. I'm coming off a very frustrating week of technical and internet problems. Thank you all for worrying about me and where I disappeared to. I didn't actually disappear and everyone is just fine. I just had to work my way through several technical and internet challenges that seemed to converge and hit my desk one after the other.

I am back up and running and there should be no further interruptions to my daily blog. Thanks for your understanding and patience.


18 August 2009
Technical Difficulties

I must apologize. My blog is normally up by about 8am every day; however, I have been experiencing technical difficulties and have had trouble getting on the internet.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Technical difficulties seem to happen when they are the least convenient. It was once said that humans make mistakes but to really FUBAR something, it takes a computer.

Don't get me wrong - I love technology; however, I also respect it's power and it's limiting capabilities.

I wish you all a glitch free day! With any luck - my blog will be up on time tomorrow morning.


17 August 2009
The First Day of School

Remember the first day of school? You woke up before the alarm went off and lay in bed until it went off. Your hand was poised over the alarm so that when it did go off you could turn it off immediately - but didn't dare turn it off before it went off. You then jumped out of bed excited to get to school and see all of your friends for the first time. As you got ready for the first day, you started getting nervous. And by the time you were ready to walk out the door and go to school - suddenly you wished there was one more day of summer...

My son is starting Middle School today. I am excited and optimistic...at the same time I am terrified for him. Luckily, he is in a gifted group and has classes with most of his friends from last year. There isn't one class where he doesn't know somebody already. That is very nice and is easing his fears about starting a new school today.

To my son and all children: the school year will be what you make it. Approach it with optimism and excitement and you will have a great year. Best of luck to you all. Have a great day and a wonderful year!


16 August 2009
Grant Patrick Smith - Go Grant Go!!

Yesterday, I went over to Fountain Hills to meet with a friend of a friend regarding business. They were holding a fundraiser so I took the family along and we planned to hang out for an hour or so and then head on to a back to school party for my son - once I had a chance to do some networking and see what the fundraiser was all about.

We wound up staying for several hours and missed the back to school party. I was impressed with Grant and the efforts everyone was going to in order to help him realize his dream. I sat and talked with Grant for a few minutes and was blown away with how much energy and dedication is packed into this one man. He is a triathlete who has been asked to represent the US. He will compete on September 9, 2009 with Team USA in the Aquathon, Surfer's Paradise (near Brisbane, Australia). Not only is he a triathlete, he is a chiropractor, acupuncturist, father, retired professional racquetball player, author, etc. The list just keeps going.

In the few minutes that I spent talking with Grant, he mentioned how thankful he is to all of his sponsors and wanted to make certain that they get their recognition. Without them, he wouldn't be able to accomplish everything that he has. His major sponsors can be found on his website at: http://grantpatricksmith.com; but there are also many local sponsors in Fountain Hills that should be mentioned. They are: Kay Kinders, Selzey's, Lisa Mac (Massage), Judy Seivers (Massage), Liz Smith (Custom Decorative Pillows), Shannon Davis (Cheesecakes), Pauline's Kahlua Chocolate Chip Cake, Diana Mallak (Cookies), Donna Mitzler (Fantastic Sams), Fisher's, Greulich's, Dr. Carol Jamison, Harry Hover (Reflexology), Peggy Garner (Wine and Holder), Camelback Coaching, Ace Hardware, Zogisle (Sports Massage), Cheryl's Interiors, Sara Goodnick Photography, Remember Me Photography, Hair by Justin Neal (Salon Moda Fina), 93.39 KDKB, Muscle Max, R&R Nails, Sami Jack, Judi Yates F.H. Creations (Jewelry), Fort McDowell Casino, Bodyworks Massage (Sherry Sledge), Margaret David (The Welcome Lady).

Out of the roughly 72 members of Team USA, Grant is the only one representing the State of Arizona. Grant mentioned that he had been contacted by the Governor's office, so Jan Brewer - kudos to you and your team for taking the initiative and we hope you can help support Grant in representing our state in this competition.

It was a great event, but Grant still needs donations to help cover the cost of his trip. The trip is anticipated to cost between $10,000 and $15,000. All donations need to be in by August 31, 2009. Any amount helps. Donations can be sent to:
Grant Patrick Smith
11673 N Saguaro Blvd
Fountain Hills, AZ  85268

For more information on Grant, check out his website: http://grantpatricksmith.com


15 August 2009
Service with a Smile at Chick-fil-A

I grew up in Columbus, GA and absolutely LOVE Chick-fil-A. I've lived places that didn't have Chick-fil-A and had it Fed-Ex'd in - I'm a Chick-fil-A junkie. I visit the location at Tatum and Cactus at least once a week, however, today was a truly exceptional experience.

My son and I walked into the Tatum and Cactus store at 12:15pm - lunchtime rush. The parking lot was packed (for those of you who haven't tried it - YES, it's that good) and I was certain we were going to wait a little to place our order and get our food. I was pleasantly surprised when, within less than a minute of walking in, a bright, cheery young lady, Amanda, offered to help us.

Now - Amanda is not your typical 'fast food' employee. It was clear that she truly enjoys her job and is very good at it. Amanda is the kind of person that - when you go into a place, you wait in the long line just to have her wait on you. Friendly, happy, bright and cheery are the best way to describe her, but you truly have to experience her for yourself to truly understand just how fantastic she is. Thanks Amanda - YOU ROCK!

But I digress and must get back to telling you how wonderful Chick-fil-A is. Our order was up before Amanda could even get our drinks (love their fresh-squeezed lemonade) and it was piping hot!! A fast food experience that, at any other fast food place would have take 10 to 20 minutes to place the order and get your food, took maybe 5 minutes during the lunch rush hour. The food was fresh and delicious (as always) and piping hot.

Thank you Chick-fil-A for not letting me down and for bringing my favorite fast food chain to Tatum and Cactus. And thanks for finding and hiring Amanda - she truly is an asset.


14 August 2009
Back to School - already?!

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time goes by. It seems just yesterday that I was bringing my newborn baby home from the hospital. However, it's been almost 12 years and he is starting middle school on Monday.Yikes! Where did the time go?

I am thankful that my life has been such that I have been able to spend a lot of time with my son. I have been home with him in the afternoons for every year except Kindergarten and home with him over the summers - and I am thankful to those who have made that possible.

As time goes by, things change and people change. No matter what happens, you have the memories that you made together. I cherish every memory that I have and look forward to making many more. Being a mom has been a great adventure so far and I'm looking forward to watching my little boy turn into a man - even though I'm trying to hold on to my little boy . Baby steps, right?


13 August 2009
My Favorite Web Developer - Dan Brown

Ever meet one of those people who knocks your socks off from day one? Dan Brown is one of those people.

I met Dan about 10 years ago when he started dating a dear friend of mine. When I first met him, he made such an impression and I knew he was one of the few 'good guys' left. I was thrilled for my friend when she told me they were engaged! Dan is one of those people who doesn't promise more than he can deliver and is very humble - so humble you almost wouldn't know just how good he is at what he does.

I developed my own site and maintain it every day; however, I encountered a text-wrapping problem that I just could not figure out. I let it go so I could take a fresh look at it in a week or two. Luckily, Dan took a moment to look through my site and he saw the error. Immediately, he sent me an email detailing the issue and letting me know where it was (what pages). When I told him I knew about it but couldn't figure it out, he immediately hopped on my site and figured out the fix.

He has been keeping an eye on my site to see if he finds anything else wrong and immediately tells me about any issues he sees the goes in and fixes it. Then checks back in with me to see if I'm having any problems with what he's done or if I'm having any other problems.

I don't know about you - but when running a business on your own, that's the kind of tech guy I want to have in my corner. And I'm thankful and grateful to know him. Thanks Nanci for bringing him into my life and for marrying him!! You've got a great man there.

Anyone interested in Dan's services, let me know or find him on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=1830489630


12 August 2009
The Hourglass Principle by Ray Kelly III

This book is well written, but could use one more edit process. Look past the typos and you will find a good book that is easy to read and is full of good, useful information. Slightly redundant - but gets it's point across.

If you steer away from religious quotes, this book is not for you. If you have no problem with religions quotes, it will help you grow your business.

Good, common sense information. www.TheHourglassPrinciple.com


11 August 2009
Ever try to find that perfect gift, but nothing seems to be just right?

Check out Something Old Linens at www.SomethingOldLinens.com Here, you will find unique pillows and pins that are sure to delight everyone on your list.

Something Old Linens provides high quality, hand made products at reasonable prices. And they are truly Made in the USA. Check out the pin that I got (to the left).

Mention KELLY DEPP SENT ME and get 10% off your order!


10 August 2009
Bad to the Bone BBQ (again)

It's not often that a restaurant will get two blogs so close together; however, I had to let you all know how much they care about their customers.

After I posted about Bad to the Bone BBQ last week, I got an email from one of the partners. He was very interested in what we didn't like with respects to the side items.

Now there's a company worth having around. Not everyone's tastes are the same; however, when they get a mild complaint (in the middle of a good review), they are interested in what the consumer has to say.

Kudos to you Bad to the Bone BBQ.


9 August 2009
Taking the day off and spending it with family. Check back tomorrow for my blog.


8 August 2009
The Writing Process

No matter what you do, you cannot escape the writing process. No matter how great the story - it won't be any good until it's been written, edited, revised, re-edited, revised again and checked one last time for errors. A story is only as good as its contents.

I write this as I am very excited about my second book, The American Princess. I want it in print and know that it will be a hit; however, I must contain my excitement and see the novel through the remainder of the editing process.

The American Princess is through the second round of editing and I will start the second round of revisions this coming week. I am hopeful that by the end of August it is ready.


7 August 2009
A Good Editor is Hard to Find...

As an author, I realize the need for a good editor. Unfortunately, most people believe that one person should be able to find every mistake in a manuscript. It simply isn't possible. I typically use three editors and on occasion, one or two mistakes still make it into the final product. What can I say, we are not machines. Humans make mistakes, though I do strive for a perfect end product every time.

Being edited is also no day at the beach. It is very difficult to have someone mark up your creation and tell you how it should be changed. However, I get over my ego quickly and realize how lucky I am to have such good editors on my team.

As an editor for a few authors myself, I try to be gentle in my editing but also keep the quality of the end product in mind. This is a very difficult thing to manage; however, the end result is always worth it.

Thank you to all of my editors.


6 August 2009
Bad to the Bone BBQ

Looking for a good BBQ place in the area of Scottsdale Road and Bell Road? Want good service while you're there too? Then you should check out Bad to the Bone BBQ. It's on the Frank Lloyd Wright side of the intersection and took over the old 'Redfish' location.

It's got atmosphere, good service and the BBQ is pretty good. The side items left a little something to be desired for me (not the best potato salad in the world) but honestly, we weren't there for the side items. The pulled pork sandwiches were over-filled with meat and when you took a bite it was a little piece of heaven. My boyfriend and mom both had the baby back ribs and are still raving about them. My boyfriend can usually eat a full rack of ribs; however, he only got about half way through this rack before he had to give up and take the rest home. They said the ribs were so full of meat neither of them could finish what they ordered.

Good food, good atmosphere, good service - isn't that what we're all looking for in a restaurant these days? Bad to the Bone BBQ delivers all three.


5 August 2009
Thanks, Mom...For Everything

Dads are important too; however, this is dedicated to my mom.

Ever stop and think of where you'd be without your mom? Yet, so many children grow up without their mom. I am thankful that I grew up with my mom around. Also, I had my grandma and several aunts around to help mold me and shape me into the woman I am today. I know that I would not be confident woman I am today without their love and support.

Thank you to all the women in my life who have molded, influenced, supported or helped me in some way. And a special thanks to my mom for putting up with me. I wouldn't be where I am without you!!

Take a moment to reflect on the women in your life. How they've helped you (yes, even the ones who have hurt you wound up helping you get where you are today), how they've influenced you and how they may have even pushed you beyond what you thought you might be capable of.


4 August 2009
We're Sorry, The Service You Paid For...We Can't Deliver...Even Though We Said We Would

A package shipped via UPS Friday afternoon from Los Angeles, CA for delivery Saturday before noon to Phoenix, AZ didn't show up.

Why? We can't seem to get that answer, but they are very sorry and are 'doing everything they can' to get it here.

Somehow the package wound up in Louisville, KY (look at a map - talk about wasting resources) and is now in Oregon.  How exactly did it miss Arizona? We are being told it won't be delivered until Tuesday!!! Now, they could have put someone on a plane with the package and gotten it here one day late...but they didn't. It would cost them too much. However, they aren't considering the cost of an unsatisfied consumer.

So, UPS cannot provide the service they promised and the consumer gets to bend over and take it - with no repercussions for UPS, other than an unhappy customer. Don't promise something you can't deliver. Ever.

3 August 2009
Wet T-Shirt Contest Anyone?

Any time you are trying to impress someone, you can usually count on everything going wrong. Last night, we went to my boyfriend's parent's house for dinner and I became the entertainment (I hate it when that happens).

Everything was going fine. My boyfriend was grilling the steaks, his dad was making spinach, his mom, aunt and I were chatting...and that's when it happened. My dear boyfriend, being a gentleman, flicked the tongs just right and I wound up with steak juice all over the right side of my white shirt. The fun was just beginning.

In an effort to help me out, his mom went to grab the Spray-n-Wash and a cloth. Upon entering the kitchen with the spray, his dad took the spray and began to douse my shirt - just helping me out. Of course the splatter was strategically placed on my right breast! We all immediately began cracking up. My boyfriend walked back into the house from the grill at that moment and upon seeing my predicament, he informed his dad that, "I don't date women like that any more." That did it. It took about 10 minutes for us to stop laughing. The rest of the night, I would occasionally look down to see how my stain was doing...every time I looked up someone was looking at me and we'd start laughing again...

And yes - you can bet that will make it into one of my future books!

Don't take life too seriously and have the courage to laugh at yourself! 


2 August 2009
Good Food + Great Service = Nice Night Out!!

After a frustrating day yesterday, my boyfriend took me out for dinner. He wanted a steak and decided that Outback was 'the' place to go.

I was tired, frustrated and very irritable. I don't know why he put up with me or why he chose to take me out for dinner. However, I am very glad that he did. When we got to Outback (Cactus and Tatum location) - there was a 30 minute wait for a table. Ugh! I checked the bar to see if there was anything open, but it too was packed. I found a seat on a bench and waited - even more frustrated. About 2 minutes later, two women walked out of the bar. I figured there must be at least two bar stools open if I hurried. Not ideal, but better than waiting half an hour to get a table.

I was thrilled when I found out they had vacated a booth (they didn't want to eat in the bar). Lucky us! Quickly, I found out that the bar at Outback is THE place to be - that is, if you get Brenna as your waitress. At Outback, you always know the food is good, the portion size perfect and the quality of the food is great. However, the service is strongly dependent on who you get.

This day and age, it's hard to find anyone who takes pride in their job or their work product. Most waiters and waitresses don't understand what good service is and that going from mediocre service to great service really doesn't take much. But it does take effort and caring about the job you do. Brenna at Outback is an example of the rare few who take pride in the job they do. She is a truly fantastic waitress and turned an irritable, grumpy person (me) into someone pleasant to be with. The food was fantastic - their new wedge salad is simply delicious - and the service was the best I've had in a long time.

We could all learn a little from Brenna and put a little more effort into what we do. Delivering the best work product possible should be the goal of everyone, no matter what your job.

If you have the opportunity to dine at the Outback at Cactus and Tatum, ask for Brenna and tell her that Kelly sent you. Thank you Brenna for being such a great waitress. Let's go Outback tonight!!


1 August 2009
Friends and Family...that's what Matters

As summer slips away yet again, I realize that time goes by too fast. I am a little sad that I live so far away from my family, but am thankful that my boyfriend's family is very close. I miss Sunday dinners with my mom and hanging out by the pool with my sister and nieces. However, I am thankful for all of the friends I have here in Scottsdale and for my boyfriend's family.

Last night, we joined my boyfriend's parents at Elephant Bar in North Scottsdale for drinks and appetizers. We had a great time end the bartender, Lisa even stopped over to chat with us. If you go there, you have to get Lisa to take care of you at the bar. She's one of the best bartenders we've seen in a long time. You can't miss her - pretty, long blonde hair and a great personality.

After we left them I realized how much I missed my family. My mom is coming into town for a visit this Monday and I am so excited to see her. When she comes to visit we enjoy time together as a family and time with my friends here. Someone once told me that your close friends are the family that you choose. As I think about all of my friends and all of my family, I realize that I live with my chosen family out here and return home to be with the family I was born into.

Take a moment and let the people that are important in your life know that they matter to you. To all of my friends and family - thank you for being a part of my life. I appreciate you all!


 31 July 2009
Hurry, Hurry, Hurry!!

We all get in a rush and forget to stop and take the time to appreciate those around us. As we grow up, we can't seem to help it. Unless you're a teacher, you no longer get summers off. Very few companies close down over the Christmas holidays and even if they do, we adults certainly don't get two weeks off - unless you're a teacher :) Most of us work in excess of 40 hours a week; however, our additional efforts are rarely appreciated.

And I have noticed that if you are a teacher, it is often overlooked just how many hours you do spend working and dedicating yourself to your students and your job. Most people think you have a cushy job working very few hours a day. What they don't realize is the time you spend preparing lessons, grading papers, tutoring students who need a little extra help and going the extra mile to make sure all of your students succeed. Very few people or parents recognize how much you care about each and every student and how much effort you put into helping the students be successful. For that, I want to take a moment to commend all of you teachers out there and thank you for your dedication to our children. Thank you for taking the time to care about the students and to give your all in an effort to better them as people.

Thank you to all the teachers out there and I look forward to seeing you again in the halls of the schools soon!! Enjoy your last days of summer vacation and know that you are appreciated!


 30 July 2009
National Cheesecake Day!!

I love Cheesecake. In fact, I have spent many years perfecting my step-grandma's recipe for 'The Perfect Cheesecake'. But did you know that there is a 'National Cheesecake day'? There is and it's today!!! Where's the best place to celebrate this wonderful holiday? The Cheesecake Factory, of course.  Don't believe me? Check out the link: http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/shareit/shareit

I was at the location in North Scottsdale about two weeks ago. It wasn't a special occasion or anything, but the waiter and the people I was with made it feel that way. I haven't had such a good time in a restaurant in a while. Having already had dinner at another restaurant, we drove 10 minutes out of our way to experience and indulge in the best cheesecake available in the area. Between 7 of us, we shared the Banana Cream Cheesecake, Carrot Cake (not the cheesecake...just the cake), Snickers Bar Chunks and Cheesecake, and Caramel pecan Turtle Cheesecake. And we ate every last bite!

The Cheececake Factory is a wonderful place to visit with friends and family. They deliver excellent service, a fun, relaxed atmosphere and, especially in today's economy, prices that are very reasonable for the portion sizes. Besides, it's great research for my next book - the people-watching is priceless!

So go - enjoy a piece of cheesecake in celebration of National Cheesecake Day!