The Plotmonkeys are excited to have Harlequin Superromance author, Helen Brenna, swing into our jungle! She has a book on the shelves now, so let’s give Helen a warm welcome! It sounds like the just the type of book we love here in the jungle…a great contemporary romance! And who didn’t dream of the romance of Mackinac Island after watching Somewhere in Time? Thanks for coming, Helen…your series sounds fabulous!
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Inspiration in a Tent
First off, thanks to the Plotmonkey ladies for having me here today. I’m looking forward to visiting with everyone!
A lot of you will think I’m crazy, but I’ve always loved camping. Yeah, you know that thing some folks do with tents and sleeping bags. The wood ticks, pit toilets, biting black flies and raccoons raiding campsites in the middle of the night kind of suck. But somehow the long hikes in the woods, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, picking wild raspberries with the kids and the sound of loons calling across a quiet lake at night seem to make all the hassles worthwhile.
Before kids, when I was much, much younger, my husband and I tramped all around Minnesota and Wisconsin, including Lake Superior’s north shore and the Apostle Islands, with just a tent, a couple sleeping bags and a set of Styrofoam mats. This was during my old life as a certified public accountant, so I didn’t know it at the time, but the seeds for the setting for my new series of Superromances were being planted.
I will never forget my first ferry ride to Madeline Island off Wisconsin’s north shore and how the wind felt on my face. The swarms of mosquitoes that kept us in our tent on more than one occasion or the sound of a park ranger singing a Smokey the Bear song to a group of young campers. Years later, with a couple kids and a dog thrown into the mix, we traded in our tent for a tent trailer with cozy beds that pop out the sides, and we kept on camping.
But, no, our family vacations didn’t always involve sleeping bags.
On a trip we made to Mackinac Island, Michigan we stayed in a gorgeous hotel and took part in everything that quaint little island had to offer. If you’ve never been to Mackinac think fanciful Victorian homes, cobblestone streets, country churches, virgin forests, colorful sailboats and historic lighthouses. My daughter says she spent one of the best days of her life on that island, horseback riding, eating homemade fudge, and getting her first ever horse-drawn carriage ride.
So when my editor asked me about the possibility of setting a book in Wisconsin, my imagination immediately went wild, combining the rustic wilderness of Madeline with the quaint charm of Mackinac. And voila! My very own Mirabelle Island was born. It’s the first time setting had become a true inspiration for me, and instead of one book my editor got four.
FIRST COME TWINS kicks the series off this month with a couple of high school sweethearts born and raised on Mirabelle who get a second chance at love. Rest assured there are no mosquitoes or wood ticks on my island, only great sexual tension and lots of romance!
So far, two of my Mirabelle stories are straight romances and two are romantic suspense, and I can already feel numbers five and six percolating!
FIRST COME TWINS – August 2009
NEXT COMES LOVE – October 2009
THEN COMES BABY – December 2009
ALONG CAME A HUSBAND – June 2010
So what about you? Have you ever been to a place, either on vacation or traveling for work, that’s had a big impact on you? Inspired a story or a change in your life? Is there a special place that never fails to refill your well?
I’d love to give away 3 copies of FIRST COME TWINS to three random commenters (US & Canada only,) so comment away!
Happy travels!
Helen
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
Destiny
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Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Welcome, Helen! Thanks for visiting the Jungle!! Your books sound fantastic!
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Hey Carly. Thanks for having me today!
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I’ve been camping in two beautiful National Parks: Glacier & Olympic. Loved hiking through snow in July with a halter top & shorts, Hurricane Ridge was so beautiful, the view overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca also breathtaking. Lake Montgomery gorgeous at sunset!
Wisconsin: we have camped all over the state:Point Beach, Terry Andre, Peninsula, Copper Falls, Wyalusing, Kettle Moraine- Long Lake, High Cliff, along the Wolfe River… all the places have lots of trees, lakes or river trails to hike, raft on or just relax next to. We haven’t gone camping for a few years. I will have to see if I can get my husband interested!!
Most inspiration spot Grand Canyon: Huge, Impressive, Beautiful . Actually I was awed by the whole view!!
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Okay, so Laurie probably doesn’t think I’m crazy for liking to camp!
I’ve never been to either of those national parks – had snow in Denali in August up in Alaska, though. Boy, was that wild.
No mosquitoes in Wisconsin’s Door Country. Yay!
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I traveled to Venice Italy, and I’d love to go back. To be honest, any city of Italy is beauitful. I have fond memories of traveling to around with my mom and nono)means grandfather in Italian) anyways, we had alot of fun. I’d love to go back. I had my first kiss in Venice on one of the bridges, even though I knew the boy for over a month, I was shocked on the exiperence and it public my reaction was to slap him, then I cried and laughed at the sametime. I was only 14yrs. old. I went back when I was 24 and it was a totalyy different story. Its so romantic.
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Welcome Helen!
If you would of asked me last week I would of answered Hawaii Maui to be exact is one of my all time favoriote places to go. With the powere of the internet and facebook I have reconnected with many childhood friends from grade school. As a child my parents moved us around a lot. I found a friend from when I was in the 4th grade she posted some pictures of the town’s celebration and as I looked at those pictures I could see the moutains and town in the background and it brought back a ton of memories. The town is called Dolores Colorado it is down towards the 4 corners. It is a small town under 1000 people. My sister and I could ride our bilkes all over town and we would be out from morning till night never going home in between this was in the early to mid 80′s. I guess looking at those pictures brought back a calm feeling. I hope to take a trip back there next summer.
Another beautiful calming place is Rocky Moutain National Forest up by Estes Colorado the wildlife you see is amazing we saw two male elk locking antlers. Estes is where the Stanley Hotel is that is where Stephen King got the idea for the shining. They say if you are a Stephen King fan request room 217.
I’ve also been the the Olympic moutains as well as Mt.Rainer which is also calming when we lived in the Bremerton Wa area which is across from Seattle.
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I’ve heard the 4 corners area of Colorado is gorgeous, Michele, and Delores sounds perfect!
Oh, and that central area of the hotel from the Shining (disregarding the creepiness of the movie of course) was something to see.
Been to the Seattle area a few times. Isn’t Bremerton the town where you can take a ferry to Victoria Island?
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Helen Bremerton has a ferry to Seattle if you go up further to port Angeles you can take the ferry to Victoria it is spectacular. Bainbridge Island has been in many books there is a ferry that goes to Seattle from there. Bremerton is also near Port Orchard which is where one of Debbie Macomber series takes place.
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Gotcha! Port Angeles is where we were – did go to Victoria Island. Reminded me a lot of Mackinac with a European flare.
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Yep I though it looked very european. our trip was well had some issues it was the weekend before 9/11 we had family visiting and I kept saying everyone have your id we need id’s half way there I have a feeling to check the diaper bag (my daughter was 1 at this time) I had stuck my id inthe diaper bag can’t find it anywhere so my husband says we will just see what they say. they asked me a few questions and I was good to go we spent the day there walking around lost the camcorder found it at the place we ate lunch. Our way home take the ferry back (we just walked on the ferry left the cars parked in Port Angeles half way back my aunt can’t find her car keys customs took a little longer to let me back in the US had to wait for AAA to send someone to make a new car key. it was quite the trip lol
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I studied twice (once in high school and once in college) in Australia. I had a lot of fun. Not sure I learned what I was supposed to….
Have you written NASCAR books? I feel as if I have read books by you….
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Hey, Katie! Travel in and of itself is learning!
And, yes, I’ve written 2 NASCAR books. PEAK PERFORMANCE (Rachel and Payton’s story – which just won the Book Buyer’s Best award!!) and FROM THE OUTSIDE (Roberto and Mallory’s story).
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Hi Helen. I enjoyed your post. Nice photos. Renting a cabin in the Smokey Mountains always refills my well. It is peaceful and relaxing.
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Hi, Crystal. I drove through the Smoky Mountains once a long time ago and I thought they were so pretty I always wanted to go back. So many places to see, and so little time … Sigh.
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Welcome to the jungle Helen. It is really nice meeting you. I haven’t really camped for camping sake…we did what is called
“bivouacing,” (sp?) in the military…
There are so many places that I have been that have meant a lot…I loved the Grand Canyon…it was eerily quiet, and I saw one of the most beautiful sunsets there…When I went to Korea last year, I must say that my visit to one of the temples was the most peaceful. It was an amazing experience…the colors, the foliage, the calmness of it all…I just felt a ton of worries leave my shoulders while I was there…Those are two of the places that come to me right away…I haven’t read your books yet, but I will…I love small towns and that sense of community and friendship it allows people to form, even though sometimes they get on your nerves because everybody knows your business…
It is really great having you here…I am about to drive back to CT, so I will swing by later on in the afternoon…hopefully I don’t get caught in the thunderstorms that are coming this way…enjoy your time in the jungle…we have lots of fun here…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Hi Paula. I’d like to try hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon one of these days. Better get on that – I’m not getting any younger.
A temple in Korea. Just imagining that brings a sense of calm.
Safe travels today!
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The trip was uneventful. I didn’t hike down the Grand Canyon; we just didn’t have time, but I think that it would be a wonderful experience. I think that you can camp there too. That would be an awesome experience…I can just imagine it.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Helen, your setting sounds so interesting! And makes me want to check out Mackinac. My books are all set in New York at the moment; I lived there for five years after college and a big part of what prompted me to write my culinary romance series was feeling homesick for Manhattan. Every time I go back to visit, I get a rush of energy and excitement! There’s no place like it on earth.
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Hey Louisa. Do check out Mackinac. It is a bit like stepping back in time.
Manhattan is one place I wish I’d lived – pre-kids, anyway. What a GREAT setting for books with a culinary backdrop!
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Hi Helen, welcome to the Jungle! Thanks for visiting here today. Your book sounds wonderful! I haven’t read a Superromance in years to be honest and would love to jump back in to reading them with one or three of your books.
I live in Colorado so I’ve set a book or two here. Montana is gorgeous and I’ve set a book up there. Yosemite National Park has gotten ideas percolating and also Lake Louise up in Canada. I have also set a book at the foot of the Smoky Mountains and have another planned about a female park ranger. South Florida inspired me to set a book there which is plotted but hasn’t been written yet.
Thanks againj for swinging through the Jungle with us today.
Cher
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Hey Cher…glad you were able to post today…I really got into Superromances in 6th grade…I used to devour them, two or three at a time, but I haven’t read one in a while…I definitely want to check them out again, and reading Helen’s books would be a great start…gotta go…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Paula, you and Cher will have to tell me what you think if you do end up getting a chance to read one of these Mirabelle books.
The first one is straight romance. The second a romantic suspense. Third straight romance again. And fourth suspense. Funny, I didn’t plan to alternate like that. Just kinda’ happened.
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I got the first one today. My first stop after getting back to CT was Walmart. I will let you know my thoughts when I read them…I think that it is interesting that the books alternate that way, and I like both genres, so that is also a bonus.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Hey Cher. Haven’t been there in a loooong time, but I remember Yosemite as being one of those incredibly inspirational places. I’ve been thinking about a female park ranger story, too. Something like the River Wild movie with Meryl Streep. Have you seen it?
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Welcome to the jungle Helen! We camped all the time when I was growing up, but I’ve only been camping a couple of times as an adult. The beach is my favorite place to go to refuel. My allergies go away because of the salt air and I love to listen to the ocean.
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Hey Liza. I even camped on a beach once – out in California along the coast. I’d almost forgotten all about that! Thanks for the reminder. lol
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Welcome to the Jungle, Helen! Mackinac Island! I loved the vacation I took up there in the early 80s. I went up by myself and had quite the adventure. I was in love with the Grand Hotel (this was not long after the Christopher Reeve/Jane Seymour movie Somewhere In Time where the Grand played a prominent part. I’ve always wanted to go back. I’ll have to get your book and visit vicariously through Mirabelle Island.
The one place I love to visit above all others is another grand hotel – the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. It was a favorite place when my family (and I as a young single) lived there, and the DH and I honeymooned there. And yes, I’ve set a book there.
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Hey, Silver. I loved that movie. And I’ve heard of the Broadmoor – going to google it now!
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Broadmoor’s gorgeous!
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Helen, there’s so many wonderful restaurants and shops right there on hotel property. And it’s so peaceful to sit on the terrace at Broadmoor Main and listen to the bells at the Will Rogers Memorial atop Cheyenne Mountain while feeding the ducks, geese and swans on the lake. I hope you get the chance to visit it sometime.
Thanks for sharing the day with us here in the Jungle. It’s been fun to read about everyone’s “personal destination.”
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Thanks for having me guys!
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Good Morning!
My brother and I spent our summers in MN all through school. It definitely turned me into a tom-boy…all that tree house building, gun shooting, four-wheeling, fishing, exploring, blueberry/raspberry picking…I loved every minute of it! I haven’t been back in about 5 years now, and I miss all the adventures I had there. Especially hanging out with my cousins and getting into a lot of trouble. I miss the quaint little towns around the lakes. I still crave the need to explore, and jump at every opportunity to scope out new terrain. It’s in my blood…
Helen, your books sound like they’re right up my alley and I can’t wait to check them out!
Have a great day!!!
<3 J
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Hey, Jessica, the best time to be in MN is definitely in the summer. lol And I always thought it was my brothers who turned me into a tomboy! Now you got me wondering.
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Your books sound great. I’ll have to look them up. My special place is Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter, Florida. When I was in physical therapy three times a week, I’d go there afterwards to relax. It’s a very peaceful place and so beautiful.
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Hi Angela – another spot I have to google!
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I google imaged Blowing Rocks. Fantastic pics!
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Hi there Helen!
Welcome to the plotmonkey jungle! Oh boy, your blog reminds me of when my parents used to take us kids to Wisconsin. We would rent a cabin and stay there a whole week. My dad was originally from Wisconsin and he loved fishing. He would catch enough of fish for supper for all of us. My mom took movies of us when we were up there, back when movies were black & white, and on an old film reel. I have so many fond memories of vacationing in Wisconsin even though I was just a little kid at the time.
I remember one time my brother and I went walking in the woods. We heard something rustling around and then my brother yelled, “Bear!”. I screamed, turned around and ran. I tripped over a tree root, soiling my clothes, bruising my knees. Gary took off running after me and I beat him back to the cabin, I ran so fast. I was probably only 5 years old at the time and I can still remember it to this day.
We used to swim and jump off this old dock in the lake. We had a grand old time! One time my mom said when I was just a wee thing, a baby in diapers, I took off running down the dock, slipped, slid on my butt, and flew right off the
end of the dock, plunk right into the water. My Uncle Warren plucked me out of the lake. To bad she didn’t get that on film!
Thanks for bringing back so many good memories of the times my family had in Wisconsin along with our relatives! Those were the good ol times!
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Fantastic memories, Michele L – you had me laughing. Bears have been known to coming right into campsites. Hasn’t happened to me, but it did to my dh.
As for falling off the dock – at least you didn’t have brothers PUSHING you in! lol Can’t imagine how much lake water I sucked down as a kid getting dunked by my dear bros!
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Hi Helen! The titles alone make the series intriguing. Places that I found interesting/inspiring: London, Monaco, Nice, Santa Monica, Bear Mountain, Miami, San Diego and a host of quaint towns all over America.
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I loved London Patricia. And you got me on the others. I need to get in gear – seems like I travel in my books too much these days!
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Hi Helen – thanks for visiting with us today! As for travels… :) I’m going to NYC today – so I’m excited about that. However, I don’t think I’ve ever been a place that was life changing. Although there are certain cities I really love – Seattle, DC… and seeing well, everything in Taiwan was amazing.
I love to travel, but I’m a home body too. It’s a nice mix.
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Hey Limecello – Taiwan would be amazing. And I agree about having balance in travel vs time home. Lately, I’ve had too much time home. Wah!
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A girl can always use a little more romance! Love camping too, we’re still roughing it though – Taking a boat out to a remote campsite; waving to the black bears on shore as we pass them by (they’re eating all the blueberries) and hoping that they don’t follow the smell of marshmallows and fresh fried fish to visit us!
would love to read your series!
Love to hear about how other writers are inspired and I
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We’re going to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area this weekend. Total roughing it. I don’t do this type of camping that often or for very long. I guess I’m more of a wieney than I think. lol
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LOL! Not for the faint of heart. My fiance went to cut down wood, disturbed a wasps nest and got stung three times. I slipped on the rockes and ended up on my butt in the water and cut my knee and my daughter was traumatized by the unfortunate lost of her pet frog.
Good times! But yeah, with the loons calling and the fish biting, it’s such a welcome change from phone calls, deadlines and housework!
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Sounds par for the course, Nadine!
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LOL! Not for the faint of heart. My fiance went to cut down wood, disturbed a wasps nest and got stung three times. I slipped on the rockes and ended up on my butt in the water and cut my knee and my daughter was traumatized by the unfortunate loss of her pet frog.
Good times! But yeah, with the loons calling and the fish biting, it’s such a welcome change from phone calls, deadlines and housework!
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Hi Helen. Welcome.
I have only tried camping once, in third grade. Just the idea of no pottys or walking in the dark to get to one, does not sit well with me.
I love the idea of your series. I just love when stories are tied together in more than one book. I always hate to end a good book and miss the characters.
Have a fun filled day in the jungle.
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Debbie, you’re not a one. A lot of people, women in particular, don’t like camping. I’ve been doing it since I was a kid, though, so it seems odd NOT to camp.
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It has been years since I went anywhere, but for a long time my special place was my grandmother’s. Anytime I went there, I always felt better about myself, things looked brighter. Taking the 3 1/2 hour drive to her house, seeing the known scenery, knowing that I was going to a place that always made me happy…
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Colleen, your trips to your grandmother’s sound exactly as a trip to a grandmother’s should be.
My grandma passed away a little more than a year ago – at 101 – and I miss making the trip down to Chicago to see her. Would’ve been planning one about now – for before school starts.
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Hi Helen,
Edinburgh is my special place. I just have to think about it, and I recharge.
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Been there once, Chey, on my honeymoon. I took a picture of my dh there in one of the castles and it was so sexy I framed it and had it on my bedside table for years!
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Rome was the very first trip I took outside the U.S. and it impacted me greatly. I’ve been on many more international trips and I would say my heart still calls out for Rome.
I just got back from Ireland last week, and I could easily see myself moving there. I loved it and do think a future book could have some irish influences!
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Sabrina, I’m officially jealous – two places I’ve never been and would LOVE to go!
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Hi, Helen! Thanks for being here today. I’ve never been camping.
I love to hike, and love the outdoors, but I need a nice comfy bed to sleep in at night. I just got back from a trip to Kauai and for me, Hawaii is one of those places that totally refills my well. I’d love to write a story set there some day.
Mackinac looks like such a wonderful place to visit! We have family in Michigan so next time we’re there I’ll have to plan on us seeing it.
Congrats on all your upcoming releases! Considering I married my high school sweetheart, FIRST COME TWINS sounds like a book I’ll love!
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Robin, I hear you on the nice comfy bed. That’s why we bought the tent trailer. It has amazingly comfortable beds. I told my dh that when we have to get rid of it, I’m done camping.
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Back in the 60s&70s we camped all over MN with our 3 boys – such wonderful memories. I still love the mountains of PA. Haven’t been there for years but love to visit all the old homesteads, farms, cemetaries going back to the 1700s.
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Karen, you and my sister, a history major, would get along famously. She can spend hours and hours in old cemeteries reading the head stones!
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You know, I’ve never liked camping. My whole family dosn’t mind it, but me? I’m the one going “Oh no, ya’ll go have fun! I don’t mind staying home. SOMEONE has to watch the house, right?” lol. Any excuse I can get not to go, as you can see
But Mackinac Island, Michigan sounds beautiful! Now that’s a place I’d want to go!
Now, where I’ve been…. I really like it in New Orleans. I can’t put a certain reason on why, I just do!
I look foward to read your books, Helen! They sound really good!
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Hey, Chelsea!
You know, I think there’s even a lot of men who don’t like to camp.
And, yes, New Orleans, is awesome. Have you been there since the hurricane? I wonder how much it’s changed, if at all.
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I love the mountains and beach. Totally different places, but both are relaxing and cause my mind to plot. The mountain for some reason sends the RS plots my way and the beach is more straight romance. Of course both always have a paranormal twist in there somewhere.
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Hi Vicki.
That’s interesting that different places inspire different types of stories for you. I never know what’s going to hit me or when. You could plan your career by the vacations you take!
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Welcome to the Jungle, Helen. Years ago as a child we did a lot of camping. I loved it! What kid wouldn’t. It was so much fun, campfires, running around in the woods or by the lake all day. Great experiences with my family. As an adult raising my two daughters we did a lot of camping as my husband loved it. I did love the outdoors and Mother Nature but learned that camping meant a lot of work. After our divorce I quit camping, just give me a good motel with hot & cold running water, a good bed, some nearby restaurants with food I’m set. I can sight see and hike during the day and come back to some basic comfort at night!! For me the ocean/coast is my place to “restoreth my soul”. When I was going through my divorce it helped to save my sanity when things got to be to much. Lucky for me it is only about a hour to the coast depending on where I go. Other places I love that remind me there is so much more to the world than my own little patch of it, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, the beautiful redwoods. Our National Parks and other beautiful places away from cities, traffic and the hustle and bustle cannot be equaled.
I’m sorry to say I’ve never read any of your books but these sound very good. I do like good romantic suspense. By the way, the Stanley Hotel may have been the inspiration for Steven King but the movie was shot at the Lodge at Crater Lake in Oregon.
Hopefully you enjoyed your visit here with the Plotmonkeys today.
Thanks for entertaining us. 
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Hi Donna. Didn’t know that about the Stanley, and yes camping is a lot of work. We don’t do anywhere near as much of it these days as we did when the kids were little. And, honestly, I’m not sure how much I’ll do when my kids have moved on.
My mom used to come and stay with us when we’d camping the state park near their house. I have this feeling I’ll do that, too, when I’m old. Let my kids take care of all the work! I’ll watch the grandkids!
I went to a couple of redwood forests in CA last year when I went to San Fran for the RWA conference. There was one, can’t remember the name of it, that was so incredibly quiet and cool and peaceful. It was wonderful.
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And I am having such a nice time visiting with you folks today!
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Helen, you probably went to Muir Woods which is north of San Francisco, it is not to far.
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You’re right, I did go to Muir woods, but that place is busy. We took an overnight trip up into wine country and the forest I was thinking of was up there – kind of out of the way and very quiet.
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Hi Helen,
We rented an RV when our kids were little and went to Chincateague, Virginia. The wild horses are amazing to see.
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Maureen, the only time we ever rented an RV was up in Alaska. It’s the only way to go up there – perfect. My kids LOVED that trip. I think it was one of our family’s all time favs.
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Welcome to the Jungle Helen.
I am what you would call an “urban” camping girl. A bed, a pillow and a shower and I am all set. But I can say that I tried camping three times. Everyone of those trips was a disaster. The first time was a port a potty problem.
My second time, hubby and I got stuck in a “pup” tent when it colllapsed on us during the night. And the third time it 
on us in July. All I can say is…”Hello Hilton.”
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Rain is the worst if you’re not in the right set up.
My dh and I, before kids, packed it up one night and took off for home at about 2am when we woke up in the rain and found a river flowing between us on the tent floor.
We laugh about it now, but … Traded in that tent for another one, needless to say!
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Jules, thank you so much for inviting Helen to swing with us today. It was a blast having her here.
Helen, I look forward to reading your books. Love the pics. I love small towns, especially those near water. Have a great rest of the evening. It was so much fun talking to you, and getting to know you a bit.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Thanks Paula!
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Welcome, Helen!
Growing up in the military I was fortunate to live in some great places. The most memorable place for me is Brazil. There is something magical about the people and the culture. I would love to go back!
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Carol, I’ve written several books that take place, at least in part, in South America, and have never been there. Some day!
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Hey, Helen! What a great day at Plotmonkeys!!! Thanks so much for guest blogging. I must admit, my idea of camping is a Holiday Inn. Roughing it? An Express that has no room service. I’m spoiled, I admit it.
I actually used to camp with my parents when I was younger…in a camper, though, no tents. With airconditioning. And plumbing. I’m sure it doesn’t count, but I paid my dues. My daughter will have to go without that experience until she’s an adult!
You series sounds wonderful though and I can’t wait to read it!
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Julie, thanks again for having me here – had a lot of fun!
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Hi, Helen!
Lovely to read your post today! I think a world-view changing trip was the one I took with my family to China (where both my parents are from)–it was amazing to have the chance to see where they grew up and to hear from them how much things had changed/stayed the same. It was also incredible to have the chance to sightsee with them parts of the country they’d never visited before either. It’s such a big, rich in people/experiences/history country that our couple weeks was really the tip of the iceberg.
As for refilling the well, I haven’t found one place in particular that does it for me–it’s mainly the chances to vacation with family and friends and to spend relaxed time with them that I enjoy the most!
Congrats on launching your Mirabelle stories, Helen!
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Thanks Fedora!
My daughter has always wanted to go to China. Hopefully, some day we’ll make it.
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Thanks for the post today Helen. I’ve been to Madeline Island in the fall for Bayfield’s Apple Festival — it was gorgeous. One of the places I’ve been that sticks in my mind is Cozumel. The weather was beautiful, the food was wonderful and the cerverzas hit the spot! Thanks for the great giveaway!
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Hi Darcy. Haven’t been to the apple festival in Bayfield, but that area would be beautiful in the fall, no doubt.
Cozumel and cervezas. A perfect combo!
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My parents have a camp house up in the Adirondacks, right on the lake. It is beautiful and it … well, before I had to follow kiddies around – never ceases to inspire the storyteller in me.
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Ban, there is something special about a cabin on a lake. Always.
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My sister used to live in Durango Colorado. We used to go visit and it was so beautiful we decided to move there. I would say it changed my views about a lot of things. For one, unless you have a job paying big bucks you can’t afford to live in a resort town. The people were great, the scenery was beautiful but we struggled to make ends meet. It made me appreciate where I came from. So, I’m back home and very happy. Now if I want to visit Colorado it’s great. But there’s no place like home.
Linda Henderson
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That’s a good point, Linda, about resort towns. I think the influx of tourists would be hard to deal with, too. That’s actually something that comes up in this book. lol
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Welcome, Helen. I love the fast pace and busyness of New York. I’m attracted to cities, having grown up in one, and I’d like to try living in New York if the winters weren’t so cold. However, San Francisco, my hometown, never fails to refill my well.
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San Fran is a great city. Surprisingly, I enjoy big cities as much as camping.
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Hi Helen, Your books sound great! I hope I win!!!
I actually have two places that have made an impact on my life. The first is the beach. I have always dreamed of being able to fall asleep to the sound of the ocean every night. I feel more at peace there than anywhere else so far. Since I can’t afford to buy a house at the beach my next best choice is Tennessee. It’s lush and green almost everywhere you look. (where I’ve been in middle Tn. anyway). The people are nice, the food is yummy and there is country music everywhere!! My best friend lives there too! 
I hope to make it there this year. Wish me luck!! 
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I went to Nashville with a bunch of my cousins last year, Tamara, and we had such a great time. Great music and we could be out late and always felt safe. We did get out into the countryside a bit, too, and it is a beautiful state.
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Wow, you guys kept me busy!
Thanks for a great day chatting and all the wonderful ideas for places to visit.
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You are very welcome…we, natives of the jungle, love when new faces swing by…even if they have been here before…it is always a
time. Thanks again for swinging with us.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Helen, I’m so sorry I didn’t get to pop in yesterday while you were “here”. We really appreciate having you and obviously everybody in the jungle loved your visit, too! Please come back sometime!
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Hi Leslie. I’d love to come back some time. You guys are great!
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I LOVE Mackinac Island. Of course, i’m close to it. It is an hour and half drive for me to Mackinac City then the ferry ride over which is about 20 minutes. Star Line had become my favorite ferry due to free overnight parking. This was important because I had friends that worked at a hotel on the island. (I am lucky I know). Of course I had to walk the 2 and a half miles to the hotel up the Grand Hotel hill (it is fun..lol) but visitng the bars and restaurants at night is a blast! I love the food at The Pink Pony! Of course Labor Day weekend there is the Bridge walk (better not be afraid of heights for this one) and then there is the sail boat race which I cannot remember the dates.
I miss it!
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Jess, you’re making me want to go back.
Guess I could write another book … lol
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Always could…there are lots of hidden places on islands like that. Back where there is no tourists….