Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Keep Calm and...

I should have applied for a passport long ago, because ever since I got one I've been finding opportunities to go places I've only dreamed about. First was Ireland. Then hubby Joe and I went on a cruise to the Western Caribbean.


Joe and I have been married nearly 28 years now (our anniversary is coming up March 21st). We didn't get a honeymoon. We rarely (and by rarely I mean almost never) get a date night together. I'm not complaining. Family is everything to me. But it was sure nice that we got to do this:


The first question everyone asks when I mention a cruise is, "Where did you go?" Glad you asked! We hit ports in Honduras, Belize and Cozumel. Enjoyed lots of wonderful scenery, got up close and personal with some wild animals in the Belize zoo (I also managed to pick up a tick, but that's a horror story for another day. Let's just say I have a queasy stomach when it comes to insects burrowed into my body drinking my blood! <<shiver>>) After a 3 1/2 hour bus ride, we saw Chichen Itza for about five seconds before we had to climb back on the bus to get to the ship on time.






And while I really enjoyed those outings, it wasn't so much where we went but with whom. Specifically, The Texas Tenors. Anyone who knows me knows how special these guys are to me. Best. Voices. Ever. So for me, the cruise was more about this:



But the true highlight came near the end of the cruise. I dedicated The Cowboy's Forever Family to John Hagen, Marcus Collins and JC Fisher. I still remember the day I found out The Texas Tenors were still a thing. The last day of a deadline--or technically, an all-nighter. I downloaded two of their albums and their spectacular music accompanied my every word. I can't even count the times their songs lifted my spirits that first night. And now it's become a tradition for me. The Texas Tenors accompany me on all my deadlines. So it just seemed right to dedicate a book to them. And give them autographed copies. In person. So this happened:


Leaving me a very happy writer. Tan and relaxed, too!

Tell me about your favorite vacation memories. I've got a copy of The Cowboy's Forever Family to give away to one commenter (US only.)

The Cowboy's Forever Family is Deb Kastner's March release from Harlequin Love Inspired.


14 comments:

  1. How cool that you got to give the Texas Tenors signed copies of your book. You should have gotten them to sign a copy for yourself! I've never heard of them, so I'll have to go look them up (I love tenor voices, and cello...)

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  2. What a great post and to watch the Tenors, take in a cruise and get a tick! You've done it all! I really enjoyed the post. Thank you for sharing your vacation with us!

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  3. Deb, what a fun post. When I read Chichen Itsa, my first thought was a tasty Italian casserole!

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  4. Thanks for sharing your photos! I missed an opportunity to visit the Mayan ruins years ago and still regret it. Glad you are using your passport to explore new places.

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  5. Your cruise sounds like so much fun. We love to cruise. I also love the cover of your book.

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  6. Deb, I'm glad you had so much fun on your cruise, the tick aside. How cool that you got to meet The Texas Tenors and give them copies of your book. What a thrill that must have been.

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  7. Loved the pictures of your fantastic trip, Deb! How fun!

    I also enjoyed seeing the photos you posted on Facebook. Sorry about the tick bite! Glad you're home safe and sound...as well as tan and rested!

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  8. You make me want to listen to music, but I'm at work.

    LOL, when our dogs got ticks, we lit a match, blue it out, and put the still smoking end at the spot where the tick was.

    It was supposed to make the tick back out. I was so young, I have no clue whether it worked, but I remember my mom using the matches.

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  9. Pamela, I live in Colorado so I'm familiar with ticks. Usually we heat a needle and burn their butts, but it was eleven o'clock at night when I discovered it in my leg and we didn't have a lighter or matches in our cabin. Joe had to dig it out. Took him a half hour of digging AND trying to talk me off the ledge. LOL

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  10. Becky, if you haven't heard of The Texas Tenors then by all means look them up! They sing everything from classical to country to opera. They were on America's Got Talent a few years ago which is how they formed their group. I take every opportunity I can get to go see their shows live and chat with them. Super nice guys.

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  11. What a fun post, Deb! Those guys must've been very honored that you dedicated a book to them. :)
    Blessings, Patti Jo

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  12. Belize is on my short list - Looks like you had a great time - BTW - You look stunning in that pink dress.

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  13. How exciting to meet The Texas Tenors and give them autographed copies of your book! I loved seeing your pics and hearing about your wonderful trip. We love traveling but haven't tried a cruise yet.

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  14. Ahh, looks like you had a grand time! I've never heard of the Texas Tenors & for you to dedicate your book to them & have a picture taken with them, well that would feel like you're over the moon!! I'm sure they were honored to have an autographed copy of your book :-)
    Keep those memories in your heart to cherish always!
    Thanks for a great post & for the chance to win a copy of "The Cowboy's Forever Family"! Blessings to you and yours!

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