Warmer Weather, Dolphins, and Visitors!

Melissa and I shortly after picking her up from the airport!

Summer has definitely made its grand entrance the last weekend as the temperatures here have shot up into the 80's; proving once again that I am not quite yet used to the heat! Though we made the best of it by spending a great deal of the weekend at the beach. My friends Melissa and Kyle were visiting from Kansas so we headed down to St. George Island to cool off and have fun. It ended up being even more fun when Josh and I ventured way out into the deep blue sea (though it was more like he pushed me out on a pink inner-tube because a) I had twisted my ankle the night before jogging on the beach and was unable to swim long distances and b) I may still be irrationally afraid of sharks). We just kept going and going until he could barely touch and then floated for a bit. It was a beautiful view, but the best part was by far when we were surprised by some special guests; a group of dolphins! One swam right in front of us, maybe 10 yards away! It was an amazing experience (after Josh had assured me several times that they were not sharks and I was able to calm the inner 5-year old down). They swam around for a bit, slowly getting farther and farther away before we were no longer able to see them. We realized after turning around that several people on the shore had figured out what was going on as well as they were snapping pictures as quickly as possible. Sadly we didn't have a camera with us, but if I had to choose between being on the beach taking pictures of the dolphins far away, or being the 2 people swimming with the dolphins... I'd stick with what I got ;) It was such an amazing weekend and we all desperately needed the break!

Josh and I on the beach at St. George Island

Website Under Construction

As of next weekend my website (not to be confused with this blog - they are two different things) will officially be under construction! I bounced the idea around for a few months and finally decided why spend a great deal of time updating the old one when I could be utilizing that time to start a new and improved one? So grab your hardhats! To visit the old site visit: http://www.freewebs.com/katcallaway/

I hope to have the new site up and running in a month or so, just in time for summer conferences. Look back here for updates!

Creatively yours,

Kat

Two Best Friends, Seven Novels, One Goal: The Jane Austen Challenge

Recently, I introduced my best friend to the world of Jane Austen through the film Pride and Prejudice. Like most girls do, she quickly fell in love with Mr. Darcy! Soon, we couldn't get enough, which quickly led to the desire to watch another movie. The Jane Austen Book Club was up next; and we weren't disappointed. By the time the credits were scrolling up the screen, however, we craved more than just another film, which led us to a challenge and ultimately to the bookstore where we both purchased "The Complete Novels of Jane Austen." As you can see in the photo, it's far from a quick read! Though all seven novels are there, buried in the 1278 pages! Our goal is to read one novel a month, and then have an improv book discussion at a coffee shop to discuss what we thought.

I have only read a bit of Pride and Prejudice, but not enough to truly say I have experienced Jane's written work the way it should be appreciated! Thus the journey begins! I have always been told that to be a great writer, you must appreciate the greats. I feel like Jane Austen is a great start! I will post updates of my progress here, and if you feel like joining in on our literary journey please do!

Island Getaway Weekend

Island relaxation with my best friend made this weekend beyond perfect. We visited Pass-a-Grille Island to visit Uncle Clint and Aunt Marge. It was beautiful and the weather was amazing. Here are a few pictures, enjoy!

The "pink castle" on the island, which is actually a hotel.

Random photo of the island.

There were many sailboats out this weekend enjoying the warm weather.

Heather enjoying the view of the sunset at "The Hurricane."

The restaurant we ate dinner at Saturday night!

The sunset was breathtaking! Each night someone on the beach is selected to "ring in the sunset." This means they ring the bell as the sun sinks below the horizon and you can hear it throughout the island. It's a very beautiful tradition!

Uncle Clint enjoying some beach time!

Uncle Clint's backyard!

Best friends :)

SCBWI Florida Chapter!

Thank you to my tax refund I was finally able to update all my accounts including my SCBWI membership! Back on track and officially a Florida Chapter member! Up next? June conference in Orlando at Disney World, yes please! :)

Creatively yours,

Kat