Up, Up and Away by Merrillee Whren

Does this look like fun? This is a photo of the one and only hot air balloon ride I took with my husband more years ago than I want to count. While I was writing my second book in the Village of Hope series, NURSING THE SOLDIER'S HEART, I wanted a unique date for my hero and heroine. Then I recalled the exciting experience we had when we took this balloon ride over Napa Valley and thought I could use that. I remembered what we saw on our balloon ride, but my characters live in Georgia, so I didn't know what one would look like there. Enter You Tube and a search for balloon rides in Georgia. If you'd like to get a little taste of a balloon ride in the Atlanta, Georgia, area click on the video.

You can read about Kirsten and Brady's date in NURSING THE SOLDIER'S HEART, which is available now. You can read an excerpt if you click the book title.

I will be giving away copies of the first book in the Village of Hope series, SECOND CHANCE REUNION. If you would like a copy, make a comment and leave your email in the comment.

What is the most exciting adventure you have had?

 

Merrillee Whren is the winner of the 2003Golden Heart Award presented by Romance Writers of American. She is married to her own personal hero, her husband of  thirty-five plus years, and has two grown daughters. Her latest book, Nursing the Soldier's Heart, is available at all major book retailers. You can find the buy links at her website. Connect with her on her Facebook page.

Hot Air Balloon Festival

A few days ago I awoke to the strangest noise. It sounded like a giant snake was outside my window. I glanced at the clock. 5am. Ugh. I just wanted to go back to sleep. But this noise wouldn't stop. I got up and went outside. There in the sky against the backdrop of the rising sun was a multi-colored hot air balloon floating over our neighborhood.

Ah, I knew instantly what was happening . The Allstate Festival of Balloons.

Every summer here in Oregon there's a weekend where you can look up into the sky and see the most beautiful, colorful hot air balloons floating over the Willamette Valley. Their launch pad is a lovely park not far from our house. The event spans the full weekend with not only the balloons but a BBQ cook off, a Festival of Cars, a fun center with games and face painting. The Allstate Festival of Balloons is a non-profit organization that benefits several local groups, including the neighborhood schools.

Its a beautiful sight to see the glorious balloons suspended in the air. One day, I want to go up in one.