June 11, 2008
Last night's opening cocktail reception for the Western Writers of America was a roaring success. Sponsored by True West, it was just flat out fun because I got to talk with successful writers from all over the country and compare notes. Introduced the staff to the assembled crowd. Attending from our camp were Trish and Bob Brink, Meghan Saar, Robert and Bea Ray, Sue Lambert and Tom Tumus.

Marshall Trimble showed up with his fiance, Vanessa and I had fun talking with them. Tom Carpenter also came up and shared a few laughs with Marshall and I (we're all northern Arizona guys). Johnny Boggs and Candy Moulton came, as well as Steve Lodge, Cotton Smith, Dusty Richards, Cowboy Mike, Miles Swarthout, Leon Metz, John Nesbitt and a whole slew of people I can't remember off the cuff.

Spent most of today down at the Heart Institute today. Had a test at 8:30, then Kathy and I drove to Scottsdale and met Deena for a bite at the Breakfast Club. Great little cafe across from the old Galleria. Had the oatmeal and jalapeno biscuits. Couldn't drink coffee because of the test.

Kathy, Deena and I drove up to PV mall and did some shopping at JC Penny. Kathy bought me a couple new shirts and a pair of Lee jeans (I've dropped down to a 34 waist, from a 36). We then went across Cactus to TJ Maxx, where Deena bought several mirrors for her remodel.

Went back to the Heart Institute for the second nuclear go-round (they injected isotopes into my veins then photographed my heart). Doctors weren't satisfied and asked us to return in the morning for a third test. So we're going back tomorrow.

For yesterday's sketches I noodled the effects of dust. May add another layer today. Kind of fun doing a pass at these one day, then taking another pass later:



"Everything in life can be nourishing. Everything can bless us, but we've got to be there for the blessing to occur. Being present with quality is a decision we are invited to make each day."
—MacRina Wiederkehr