Monday, July 30, 2012

Where Have I Been?

Many of you are probably wondering where the heck I went. Where are my blogs? Where are my Six Sundays? Where am I?!

Hiking Rainbow Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains!
Well, I've been really busy doing things like this ====>

That's right. My family and I hiked all over the Great Smoky Mountains. If you've never done it, I highly suggest you visit Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sieverville, Tennessee! Not only are there are a ton of tourist traps, but some of the most peaceful, gorgeous hiking trails exist there!

We made it a requirement to hike a new trail every morning. As some of you know, the United States has been gripped by a heat wave, which makes hiking a nice way to spend the day.

I hear you scratching your head and saying what! But you heard me right. The temperatures are cooler up there in those mountains--sorry; I channeled a bit of a southern twang.

One morning we had to wear sweaters! * GASP *


I really wanted my son's sweatshirt!
Once we made our way back down the mountain, those extra layers wound up in a pile on the floor of our truck. Too hot. Way too hot!

Don't worry. We took our kids to air-conditioned places like Wonderworks, Ripley's Aquarium, Blacklight Golf, Dixie Stampede, Lumberjack Feud, etc.

Whew!

I was a bit relieved when we were on our way home, until I remembered we were going to Virginia Beach for the 4th of July.

I didn't snap many pictures there. Who wants to ruin their phone with sand?

But those aren't the only reasons I've been away. When we returned from our long, and much needed, vacation, we unfortunately had to say goodbye to a dear friend. Our dog Zoe. She'd battled with many diseases for a long time, and it was time to let her go. No words can describe how much we miss her.


Arizona enjoying his favorite weather.
 And unfortunately, that's not where the sadness ends. Our dog Arizona was diagnosed with cancer. He's currently undergoing surgery to remove his tumor, and we're hoping that will be the extent of this illness, but we're just not sure.

To say it's been a hard month would be an understatement.

But we have faith. And sometimes that's all you've got--and all that matters.

Don't let my blog get you down. There are definitely plenty of things to smile about. My family is happy, healthy, and we love each other deeply!

Things in the publishing world are going great! I had the pleasure of editing Ayden Morgen's upcoming novel, Fade. I also edited Ever by Jessa Russo, someone who is quickly becoming a very close friend. Both of these novels will release soon, so be on the lookout for them!

OH! And if the release of Wilde's Army wasn't enough to make you smile, I finished Wilde's Meadow this month! YAY.

Cover Art - Coming Soon!

I have to run, but I promise to get back on track with you guys once my dog recovers and I'm not spending my evenings playing veterinary technician.

<3 Krystal

9 comments:

  1. Really sorry to hear about your dogs, Kristen. But it sounds like you guys had a ton of fun on vacation! I will have to put the Smoky Mountains on my list for sure. Congrats on finishing Wilde's Meadow! Super exciting. :D

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    1. Pfft, Krystal, not Kristen. Who knows where my mind is this morning? ;)

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  2. Smokey Mountains is in my neck of the woods. Not far from where I *actually* live when I am not living in North Dakota.

    Flanna's character will be hosting a CQ Carnival booth on Wednesday. The House of Mirrors.... Hope to see you there...

    Sorry about your dog. Our family pet was poisoned last year and it was heartbreaking to say the least. I hope he recovers soon:)

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  3. Sounds like a beautiful vacation!! So sorry to hear about Zoe, and sending positive thoughts for Arizona!!

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  4. Anonymous7/31/2012

    So sorry about Zoe, sending best wishes and prayers for Arizona. Sounds like you are having a great summer otherwise. Thanks for sharing the great pictures.

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  5. Damn your kids look good!!! Yay Krystal. :( and sorry about the doggies, but hey, they'll be happy in doggie heaven.

    Just think about it that way. *hugs*

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  6. Hugs to you! I feel your pain because we lost our beloved dog (only 4 yrs of age) a couple of years ago. Sending good wishes for Arizona!

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  7. Great pics. Arizona is a beauty! Hope he recovers well.

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  8. Anonymous7/31/2012

    Love your pics. I'm jealous of your vacay! My daughter was reading over my shoulder as I looked at your blog (hate when she does that!) and is so sad about your dogs:-( She wants to be a vet when she's all grown up . . . pray the vet makes some wise decisions to help Arizona~hugs

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