Road Trip Day #7 "Put That in Your Story"

 When surrounded by family at a reunion, one will notice the different generations. I love chatting with the elders as much as I enjoy catching up with those my own age. Funny how conversations turn when your relatives find out you are a romance author. Add a little wine and the juicy stuff comes out.

One cousin could be and should be a writer. She's incredibly creative and finds a story everywhere. Throughout the weekend, Cousin J would gasp and turn to me with wide eyes and shout, "Put that in a story!"

After asking the cousins about their "cute meets" with their husbands, I have enough fodder for several more books. Cousin J suggested I write one book based on all of them.  

Subject matter includes the heroine in a long-term relationship when Mr. Right comes along, but he certainly has to work to turn her head after fumbling numerous times for a first date. 

Put that in your story!

Let's take a look at a bedraggled heroine heading back home on a plane after everything that could go wrong goes wrong, only to have Mr. Right sit next to her. 

Put that in your story!

Oh... the list of ideas continues.

Sharing a quiet moment with the eldest generation proved to be fruitful as well. Mom was married to dad for over 60 years. Aunt Val long marriage to Uncle Rog ended with his death. Ironically, after closing her heart, she found love again in a sweet fella who has a witty sense of humor. When asked the secret of a long, healthy marriage Uncle Larry said it best.

"Marry your best friend."

Put that in your story!

Road Trip Day #6 "Family Traditions"

 Family traditions help strengthen family bonds and gives family members a sense of belonging especially when miles often separates them. Nothing brings loved ones together than celebrating traditions and often creating new ones.

The Family Reunion concluded with traditions.

Aunt Val made Lefsa for breakfast. She has been sharing the secret recipe and cooking process with her daughter who will carry on the tradition.

Lefsa is a Norwegian flatbread cooked on a large, flat griddle. Our family eats it warm with butter and sugar. It is also good with brown sugar and cinnamon or jelly. We roll the tortilla-like bread into a roll and quickly stuff it into our mouths.

Worshiping together as a family was taken outside and the "service" prepared by the cousins. 

After reminiscing all weekend about when all the girl cousins chased a young Flyboy and tied him to a pole, the cousins turned the memory into a tradition.

It's tough being the only guy to all these dolls.

Take a moment today to think about what traditions you have in your family. 

Roadtrip Day #5 "Take Time for a Break"

Being together is nice but sometimes stepping away from the schedule is needed.

Flyboy, I and our niece who is in the Navy slipped away from the family reunion for an hour in the morning to explore the quaint little lakeside town.

Flyboy was such a good man following us into each store while were examined every ware, smelled all the candles, tried on numerous outfits and wandered an art gallery. 

The romance of the shops became a refreshing break. A little something for the heart and soul. (A fun way to get extra steps if anyone's counting!)