New Car

Well, it was finally time to trade in the ole Camry. After 8 years and 140,000 miles we made the plunge. We spent the weekend car shopping, checking out the Subarus, Volvos, Toyotas and Jeeps. To both of our surprises, we ended up with a Jeep Compass. I had never even heard of them, but when we were test driving the Libery, the Compass caught my eye. Once I started looking it over and saw the gas mileage was way better than anything else we had driven, saw the option package was awesome (sunroof, 6 disc CD changer, lots of plugs, bells and whistles), the space in the backseat better than any of the other cars and the price was low I was sold. Then when we test drove it, I was really sold. It doesn't drive like a Jeep - it's a really smooth ride and easy to maneuver. The only potential drawback we could see is that it loses some space in the backend because of the rounded hatch. But it definitely has more room than my Camry or the station wagons we had driven. The color is silver and we pick it up tomorrow night.

Summer Daze

What I love about summer -

Taking walks
Relaxing on the beach
Reading in my adirondak chair while the kids play in the backyard
Playdates
Sleepovers
Catching up on movies
Not having anything to do
Eating seafood
Staying up late
Sleeping late

I wish this was what summer was really like! We are busy, but we find time to do some of those things. Two weeks ago, Kylie had Princess Ballerina Camp which I think was specifically designed with her in mind. She chose her outfit carefully every morning, dressed head to toe as either a ballerina, princess or fairy. They got to watch a bit of a movie everyday, do a princess themed craft and learn to dance. At the end of the week they did a little performance for us, which was unbelievably cute.



This week we all had Bible school at our church. I was one of the bible story teachers for the 1st-6th grade, while Melanie and Kylie attended. We all had a great time and we all learned tons of new songs, made great crafts (a really cool birdhouse and a jewelry box painted like the beach were my two favorites), and made lots of new friends. It was a great week.

I have been catching up on my reading as well. A couple of weeks ago I read The Liar's Diary by Patry Francis www.simplywait.blogspot.com . She is a local writer and The Liars Diary is her first published book. She was the person who inspired me to start my blog in the first place after reading a story about her in the Cape Cod Times. My friend Wendy gave me her book and I couldn't put it down.

Then I read the novel, The Edge of Winter by one of my favorite authors, Luanne Rice. She is very inspirational to me in my writing. She writes beautifully about New England in all of her novels.

The next book I read was Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for the second time. I wanted to read it again before I see the movie. I had forgotten a lot of what happened.

Now it's on to Janet Evanovich's 13th book about Stephanie Plum - Lean Mean 13. I started it last night and am almost finished today. All her books are a quick, fun and relaxing read. I love that she is seeing two men at once. It keeps things interesting!

Next I'll be reading Harry Potter's 6th book before I read the newest book (I hear a rumor that I'm getting number 7 for my birthday, so I'm not buying it yet!).

As far as my book sales go, things are great! I can't believe how many have sold already on Lulu! And the reviews have started to come in. I have two gracious reviews on Lulu (one is from my mom, of course she loves it. . .Thanks mom!) and I've gotten some great feedback via email and in person. I can't share those because most of them are spoilers to the ending. If you liked the books, feel free to leave feedback for others and pass along the word!

Golden Rain Now Available!

Thanks to everyone who has given me words of support after my publication of Cape Bounty. I have sold several copies on-line and received tons of emails about it. You guys are great. Now the novel I have been working on for a long time is available for purchase as well on-line at www.lulu.com. Do a search for Kelli Davis and you'll see both of my available books. Golden Rain is available in hardcover, paperback or downloadable from the internet.

Here is the synopsis:

Golden Rain is the coming of age story of young swimmer, Jessica Martin. When Jessica attends an intense summer camp for elite swimmers, she finds herself immersed in the toughest competition that she's ever experienced. A young, novice coach, Brad Davenport, discovers Jessica's hidden talent and takes her under his wing. Together they find a budding romance as they take the swimming world by storm. Brad believes Jessica's got what it takes to become an Olympic champion.

A tragic setback turns Jessica's world upside down. She must find a will to survive and battle back against all odds. Along the way she meets Jon, someone completely different than anyone Jessica has ever known. Now she has many tough decisions to make including whether she wants to follow true love or follow her dreams.

Cape Bounty

OK. . .you can now purchase a copy of my book - but Not Golden Rain yet. Golden Rain is a really long book that took me 12 years to write. After I finished it, another story flowed out of me. It's a much shorter, simpler story. . .a perfect summer read for the beach. Since Golden Rain is so long and I made it into hardcover first, it takes much longer to print, that's why I don't have my copy yet. But I did get an email today that it's on its way.

So, now to tell you about Cape Bounty. I got my copy and made a few changes and I have now made it available to the public.
OK? So, here's the synopsis:

Maggie Baker has the perfect life - two gorgeous little girls, a devoted husband and a nice home on Cape Cod. In one tragic instant, her life is changed forever and leaves Maggie lost, alone and confused. Matt Bennett is the new doctor in town. Moving from New York City to become a family physician, he plans to work on his marriage and start a family with his wife, Judy. When old flames Matt and Maggie meet after 18 years apart, they are taken back to a time when life was not so complicated and remember what it is like to feel love from another person.

So if that interests you at all, here is the link to purchase the book if you are so inclined. It's $10.99 plus a couple dollars for shipping. If you do buy it and like it, feel free to spread the word to your friends. If you don't like it, well maybe just keep it to yourself. Thanks!!

www.lulu.com - Search for Cape Bounty

Busy Week!

We had a great week this week (and it's not over yet!). Our friends Ken (Tom's best friend and college roommate) and his girlfriend Kim came on Saturday from Florida for a week's stay. My brother, Eric, his wife Joni and their 3 year old son Alex got here on Sunday from Kansas. Here's how we spent our week:

Sunday - Clambake day! We had several friends and Northern Images employees over for our annual Northern Images clambake complete with steamers, lobster, corn on the cob, burgers and hot dogs. The kids had a blast throwing water balloons and the top employees were awarded with plaques for all their hard work.





Monday - Whew! We're tired after the clambake but we headed to the beach early for the kids to play in the water and sand. Unfortunately it wasn't an ideal beach day, so our Florida guests were bundled up! The kids didn't mind the weather and had a blast. Then we had lunch at Seafood Sam's, fed the fish at the Fish Hatchery then headed to Heritage Museums and Gardens for a tour of the grounds, museums, carousel and the pirate exhibit. Joni and I took the kids for ice cream while Tom and Ken went to the Red Sox game in Boston.



Tuesday - Up early for me, Eric, Joni and the kids as we head off to the Pirate Adventures cruise in Hyannis. The kids had a great time (other than my kids being a bit nervous) finding clues, searching for a hidden treasure and blasting the bad pirate with the water gun cannons. Then off to lunch at Tugboats on the water in Hyannis, a bit of a stroll down Main Street then we met up with the rest of our group for a Whale Watch out of Barnstable Harbor. We saw 5 different Humpback whales, which the kids thought were amazing. We tried to go out to dinner after but it was crowded everywhere so we ended up at home with pizza.




Wednesday - Happy 4th! The day started with Tom and Kim (Ken's was sidelined with a back injury this year) running the annual 4th of July road race in Sandwich, followed by us all walking in the Sandwich Town parade. The kids loved throwing out the candy from the wagon. After the parade we enjoyed a picnic (lobster rolls!), ice cream and field events, followed by the fireman's muster and foam (unbelievably fun). Then it was home for a rest, then out to dinner at the BBC in Falmouth where we stayed until fireworks time.





Thursday - Tired yet??? We babysat Alex Wednesday night while Eric and Joni stayed at a bed and breakfast in Falmouth. Alex spent the night in Melanie's room and they had fun waking up together. We took the kids out to breakfast for Mickey pancakes, then home for some playing and down time. When Eric and Joni got back from Falmouth, we took the kids to bowl at the arcade. Then Eric, Joni and Alex left from there for Boston where they will be until Sunday. I plan on taking the girls tomorrow (Saturday) for a day in Boston with them (Swan boats and Aquarium are in the plans). Last night we got a babysitter and went to dinner with Ken and Kim at Sam Diego's (Thanks guys)

Friday - Ken and Kim left early this morning for the airport to head back to Florida. Today we are catching up on laundry, groceries, cleaning and RESTING!!

Published!

Well I did it! I finished my book. Finally after days staring at the computer screen, rewriting and editing I have finally created a product I am happy with. I went on Lulu.com and spent a couple of hours creating the actual book. And now I am officially published. . .self-published that is.

I ordered a copy for myself to see before I make it available to the public. Once it's available, I'll put a link on for anyone to be able to order the book.

Here is the synopsis I finally came up with:

Golden Rain

by Kelli Mustard-Davis

Golden Rain is the coming of age story of young swimmer, Jessica Martin. When Jessica attends an intense summer camp for elite swimmers, she finds herself immersed in the toughest competition that she's ever experienced. A young, novice coach, Brad Davenport, discovers Jessica's hidden talent and takes her under his wing. Together they find a budding romance as they take the swimming world by storm. Brad believes Jessica's got what it takes to become an Olympic champion.

A tragic setback turns Jessica's world upside down. She must find a will to survive and battle back against all odds. Along the way she meets Jon, someone completely different than anyone Jessica has ever known. Now she has many tough decisions to make includeing whether she wants to follow true love or follow her dreams.

Happy 80th Uncle Walter

Today we went to a local race that Tom was running. The kids enjoyed face painting and balloons before the race. Tom ran well and we all enjoyed the morning. Then it was straight to Kylie's last day of soccer (which she is very happy it is over!). Then it was off to Tom's Great-Uncle Walter's 80th birthday party. We were entertained with magicians and clowns. It was fun seeing Aunt Alice (Walter's sister) too! What a great day!

Last Day of School - Finally!

Today was Melanie's last day of school and it being a half day, we had several of her friends over for a party. It was tons of fun with the water slide, sprinklers and FOOD! We all got to find out who everyone's 2nd grade teachers will be, so that was fun comparing classes.




We also enjoyed watching our adorable mom and dad Chickadees keeping track of their baby in the birdhouse. They were very guarded and watchful with all those noisy kids around.

Tomorrow we are going to sleep in!!!

Here's some photos from our party and of our birds!

Brownies 2007

My first year as a Brownie Girl Scout leader has come to an end. We ended things on a high note with a camping trip over the weekend. The weather was perfect for canoeing, archery, games, crafts, songs and s'mores around the campfire. We did lots of awesome things throughout the year including service project for hospice, the MSPCA, and our soldiers in Iraq. We also marched in the Memorial day parade last week, took field trips to a horse farm and to the Coast Guard station where we met two real female pilots.

Here are photos of the girls getting ready for the parade and Melanie's fairy boat that she made at camping.

Happy Birthday Tom!

Friday was Tom's 39th birthday. His parents are in town and took the girls for a sleepover at their RV, giving us a chance to go out. I accompanied him to a prom his company was photographing. We stayed for an hour or so to help them get through the beginning rush, then went to see Pirates. I LOVED the movie. . .of course I've liked all the Pirate movies.

Yesterday we celebrated by inviting some friends over for a cook out at the new house. We had a good turnout and lots of food. It was a fun, tiring day.

Recital Day/Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!

Today was Kylie's ballet recital. She did great up on stage singing and dancing. The show was Aladdin and the preschool class were all pink genies. It was adorable. We are so proud of her. . .she really loves ballet (much more than soccer!).

We started the day with breakfast out then went out for dinner after the recital AND ice cream. It was a full day and everyone is tired.

Good news

So, I have a little bit of good news. I have several children's stories "cooking" in my brain and submitted some queries to literary agents and publishers this week. I heard back from two who are interested. The first one I did some research and found out that they don't have the best reputation, but the second one is very promising. They are educational publishers, so if they find my material to be educational enough, then they might consider it. I have some work to do to submit it to them, but keep your fingers crossed!

Photos of the house

Finally, I took a couple of pics of the house. Now that the grass is green and the trees are starting to show their leaves, I thought it was time to take some shots. We still have work in the yard to do, but it's looking very pretty already.

Fun at the Pond

Monday was a 1/2 day of school for Melanie and with a touch of spring in the air we decided to head to the beach with our friends! It was still a little chilly (there was a couple there in winter coats!), but the girls begged to let them wade in the water. They couldn't help themselves once they got wet, they wanted to go in ALL the way. Before we knew it they had stripped off their pants and were laughing, splashing and playing in their T-shirts. They are true native Cape Codders.

Sunday Night

We've had a busy couple of days. Kylie played soccer yesterday. . .her second game. She still is very shy about participating but seemed to do a little better than last week. There were friends of ours at the field and Melanie was having so much fun running around with one of the little girls, we left her there to play. I went to pick her up later at their house and ended up spending 2 hours visiting with the mom. I wonder where the day goes!

Last night we had a really fun night. Tom was working late and my friend Donna's husband was out of town, so she had some moms over for drinks and food. I took Melanie and Kylie along to play with Donna's daughter. The moms laughed and talked for several hours while the girls played. Melanie spent the night, but I carried a sleeping Kylie home around midnight.

Today we were all sleepy, but we managed to get to church for me to teach Sunday School.

I got a little time this afternoon to work on my book. I have changed a bunch of stuff and realize that I have to rewrite most of the last half. It will take lots of editing and work.

Time for Desperate Housewives!