Spring 2003 Update

I haven't updated in quite some time, because, well, I've hardly had such a period where so little has happened. Anna and I have reached one year in our marriage and so can't call ourselves newlyweds anymore, but are still keeping the newlywed feeling going as much as possible.

Recently we have been getting out more. The Creative Writing Department at our local University, just a few blocks from where we live, had one week full of events, with writers, editors, agents, etc. that was all free and very inspiring.

Just a few days ago we took a free *second Saturday of the month* tour of local gardens, near the beach. From the photo below you can see just what a very lush area this can be. Azalea are big here, and transform the city this time of year.

For more photos I took at Airlie Gardens, CLICK HERE

My big project lately has been to make and sell on-line my Ojos de Dios. In order to promote the site, I'm holding a contest. This ojo is the Prize for the winning essay on the theme *Why this ojo, The Prize, should hang on my walls*.

Click on the ojo to open the page with all the detail YOU need to win!

As for my novel, well, I'm working on getting back into writing, and have pushed back when I hope to deliver it to my next *reader* to this summer. I also have a short story in mind, also set in the East Mojave, which I hope to work on very soon.

Anna is doing well in school, and working part time tutoring. If I think of more to add to this later, I'll BE BACK!

All for now, and best wishes to all,

Jay, April 16, 2003