Lila Johnson's Blog - Posts Tagged "travel"
Shakin' Off the Dust
Howdy and welcome to my blog. Forgive my language but I've just returned from celebrating my birthday at Wilson Ranch and Retreat in Fossil, Oregon. There are two things I look forward to during the New Year; a month long celebration of my birthday and trying to find unique places to visit or things to do to usher in another year.
In the process of traveling, I love meeting people, getting to know their stories or seeking out what makes a town, city or country so special. I take all that information and turn it into stories.
Although I've never married because I was never asked, that doesn't stop me from believing in love and celebrating its power.
I look forward to sharing my adventures and talking to readers about books we have in common and ones that I "should read."
Here's to a fun filled year and new friendships. Welcome aboard!
In the process of traveling, I love meeting people, getting to know their stories or seeking out what makes a town, city or country so special. I take all that information and turn it into stories.
Although I've never married because I was never asked, that doesn't stop me from believing in love and celebrating its power.
I look forward to sharing my adventures and talking to readers about books we have in common and ones that I "should read."
Here's to a fun filled year and new friendships. Welcome aboard!
All Things-Paris
As words like le Tournesol, le Metro and le Croissant zip pass my brain through the use of French audio, I'm entertaining myself and possibly my downstairs neighbor.
Why so much madness? I plan to return to Paris, France again in the fall. More research for the second book in The Fat Girls Club series and the need to escape and land softly on the grounds of one of my favorite places in the world.
As Angela, Nicki and Sissy explore, grow and of course get into a bit of mischief, they pull me into their world and as their writer I must find a way to bring them back to reason. At the same time, I'll have a chance to expand my "little grey cells" and become a better person because of it!
Au revoir!
Why so much madness? I plan to return to Paris, France again in the fall. More research for the second book in The Fat Girls Club series and the need to escape and land softly on the grounds of one of my favorite places in the world.
As Angela, Nicki and Sissy explore, grow and of course get into a bit of mischief, they pull me into their world and as their writer I must find a way to bring them back to reason. At the same time, I'll have a chance to expand my "little grey cells" and become a better person because of it!
Au revoir!
Paris is still...Paris
A deep yawn, a heavy sigh and eyelids that want to close for a long, deep sleep.
I'm still in recovery mode after my trip to Paris. My five days whisked by so quickly that I thought I was dreaming. With each morning, I spent it either writing in the lounge of the Victoria Palace Hotel at 5:30 in the morning or I was chasing down subways to my next destination.
Sometimes disappointment would set in as I revisited a diner that I enjoyed last year and upon this visit, the service was poor and the food bland. A shop that I purchased several scarfs from last year, this time around the clerk chatted on the phone and looked at me in surprise to find me waiting for him to finally cash me out.
But I did not allow those things to distress me and continued to search out my subjects to research for the book. The Pantheon was just as majestic as its photos as Saint Chapelle is breathtaking.
The 15 stained-glass, 50 foot high windows are enough to make you say a little prayer. If I could, I would have spent two hours just in the Upper Chapel with the 1,100 scenes surrounding me.
I found my way through back streets with twists and turns to find The Abbey Bookshop run by a kind French-Canadian gentleman.
I stepped into a world of art, history and wealth when I visited the chateau Vaux Le Vicomte and Fontainebleau.
A train ride to London placed me at the doorsteps of the British Library. With a collection that extends to 160 million items, it continues to grow on a daily bases. To view the works of Bach, Handel, Jane Austin's writing desk and glasses or the lyrics to the Beatles song, Help is priceless.
So my five days of research were full of disappointments but the good, the wonderful and the beautiful surpassed the bad. I have collected postcards, tickets, papers, pages of notes, several thick, beautiful scarfs and chocolates and delightful, sinful macarons from Laduree.
But the most wonderful gift of all is the blessing to be able to experience it all and to share those stories with others.
I'm still in recovery mode after my trip to Paris. My five days whisked by so quickly that I thought I was dreaming. With each morning, I spent it either writing in the lounge of the Victoria Palace Hotel at 5:30 in the morning or I was chasing down subways to my next destination.
Sometimes disappointment would set in as I revisited a diner that I enjoyed last year and upon this visit, the service was poor and the food bland. A shop that I purchased several scarfs from last year, this time around the clerk chatted on the phone and looked at me in surprise to find me waiting for him to finally cash me out.
But I did not allow those things to distress me and continued to search out my subjects to research for the book. The Pantheon was just as majestic as its photos as Saint Chapelle is breathtaking.
The 15 stained-glass, 50 foot high windows are enough to make you say a little prayer. If I could, I would have spent two hours just in the Upper Chapel with the 1,100 scenes surrounding me.
I found my way through back streets with twists and turns to find The Abbey Bookshop run by a kind French-Canadian gentleman.
I stepped into a world of art, history and wealth when I visited the chateau Vaux Le Vicomte and Fontainebleau.
A train ride to London placed me at the doorsteps of the British Library. With a collection that extends to 160 million items, it continues to grow on a daily bases. To view the works of Bach, Handel, Jane Austin's writing desk and glasses or the lyrics to the Beatles song, Help is priceless.
So my five days of research were full of disappointments but the good, the wonderful and the beautiful surpassed the bad. I have collected postcards, tickets, papers, pages of notes, several thick, beautiful scarfs and chocolates and delightful, sinful macarons from Laduree.
But the most wonderful gift of all is the blessing to be able to experience it all and to share those stories with others.
A Lovely Day
Today I took a break from work and writing and stepped out into the overcast sky covered day. Some friends invited me to join them as they ventured to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm in Woodburn, Oregon.
When we approached the grounds to park, the field reminded me of Dorothy and her friends when they reached the poppy fields on the way to Oz. Now I don't know the different varieties by name without a marker like, Blushing Beauty or La Courtine. All I can say is that they are real and wonderful. They swept the fields like one long colorful blanket that made adults smile and children laugh.
People flocked to flowers like bees in search of nectar. Cameras in every style, shape and price range could be seen clicking away at the sight. How could you not be anything but happy with tulip cups in bright yellows, soft pinks or corals standing proud against the wind while being knocked about as people tried to photograph love ones in the fields?
Before leaving, I purchased a roughly made wooden shoe by one of the craftsmen to use as a planter and a pair of wooden shoe magnets from the gift shop. Along the way I also picked up a fresh prospective for my next story and healthy dose of fresh air as well as a clear mind.
It all reminded me of why I travel; the people, places and the learning experience helps to make me a better person each and everyday.
When we approached the grounds to park, the field reminded me of Dorothy and her friends when they reached the poppy fields on the way to Oz. Now I don't know the different varieties by name without a marker like, Blushing Beauty or La Courtine. All I can say is that they are real and wonderful. They swept the fields like one long colorful blanket that made adults smile and children laugh.
People flocked to flowers like bees in search of nectar. Cameras in every style, shape and price range could be seen clicking away at the sight. How could you not be anything but happy with tulip cups in bright yellows, soft pinks or corals standing proud against the wind while being knocked about as people tried to photograph love ones in the fields?
Before leaving, I purchased a roughly made wooden shoe by one of the craftsmen to use as a planter and a pair of wooden shoe magnets from the gift shop. Along the way I also picked up a fresh prospective for my next story and healthy dose of fresh air as well as a clear mind.
It all reminded me of why I travel; the people, places and the learning experience helps to make me a better person each and everyday.
A New Year, A New Book
The New Year is off and running at full speed and so is THE FAT GIRLS CLUB PARIS BOUND!
The second book in the series is special for a couple of reasons. First of all, this was a way to get my writing legs back on the ground after several personal issues sidelined my work. Once I found my way, I knew that my love for the written word would never die and that no one or thing would stop me again.
Second, I returned to France and England in 2014 and 2015 to do the research for this book. It had been many years since my first visit and I wanted to touch, taste and feel all the things that my characters would explore when they arrived in Paris and London. Although it was fun to be in my favorite cities, it was just as exhausting. I had to cram a lot of research into a very small amount of time; rising early in the morning while staying up until midnight in some cases.
I wrote a lot of the scenes during my visits and took copious amounts of notes and photographs. At times I felt as though I had returned to my part time job as a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers. All in all, it was so worth it for all the knowledge I gained along the way.
For Angela, Sissy and Nicki, this trip was an eye opener for them too. It was the first time the friends had traveled together overseas while revealing things about each person’s character that they were never aware of. Isn’t that how it goes in real life? The people we are closest to, that we think we know so much about does an about face and surprises us with an opinion, action or behavior that we never had a clue about?
I hope you enjoy THE FAT GIRLS CLUB PARIS BOUND as much as I enjoyed writing it. Au revoir!
The second book in the series is special for a couple of reasons. First of all, this was a way to get my writing legs back on the ground after several personal issues sidelined my work. Once I found my way, I knew that my love for the written word would never die and that no one or thing would stop me again.
Second, I returned to France and England in 2014 and 2015 to do the research for this book. It had been many years since my first visit and I wanted to touch, taste and feel all the things that my characters would explore when they arrived in Paris and London. Although it was fun to be in my favorite cities, it was just as exhausting. I had to cram a lot of research into a very small amount of time; rising early in the morning while staying up until midnight in some cases.
I wrote a lot of the scenes during my visits and took copious amounts of notes and photographs. At times I felt as though I had returned to my part time job as a freelance writer for magazines and newspapers. All in all, it was so worth it for all the knowledge I gained along the way.
For Angela, Sissy and Nicki, this trip was an eye opener for them too. It was the first time the friends had traveled together overseas while revealing things about each person’s character that they were never aware of. Isn’t that how it goes in real life? The people we are closest to, that we think we know so much about does an about face and surprises us with an opinion, action or behavior that we never had a clue about?
I hope you enjoy THE FAT GIRLS CLUB PARIS BOUND as much as I enjoyed writing it. Au revoir!
April Excitment
Hello!
April was an exciting time for me. So far, THE FAT GIRLS CLUB: PARIS BOUND is triggering laughter and wows from readers who are looking for escape, history and a little fun on the side. As Angela, Nicki and Sissy explore London and Paris, they find that sometimes when you think you know someone, you really don't!
I appeared on a local televised program, Better Kansas City on April 18th to share with viewers the reason behind the book series, the importance of friendship, taking ownership of one's health and that beauty is much deeper than skin level.
Thanks again to Sue and her staff at the Phoenix Gallery in Lawrence, KS and Brad Mitchell at Rockwood Books and Collectibles in Manhattan, KS for hosting my book signings. I had a great time meeting new readers and autographing my books for their collections.
April was an exciting time for me. So far, THE FAT GIRLS CLUB: PARIS BOUND is triggering laughter and wows from readers who are looking for escape, history and a little fun on the side. As Angela, Nicki and Sissy explore London and Paris, they find that sometimes when you think you know someone, you really don't!
I appeared on a local televised program, Better Kansas City on April 18th to share with viewers the reason behind the book series, the importance of friendship, taking ownership of one's health and that beauty is much deeper than skin level.
Thanks again to Sue and her staff at the Phoenix Gallery in Lawrence, KS and Brad Mitchell at Rockwood Books and Collectibles in Manhattan, KS for hosting my book signings. I had a great time meeting new readers and autographing my books for their collections.
Aloha
The Hawaiian word means hello or goodbye. It can be used in the spirit of love, affection and kindness. During the research for my new book, The Fat Girls Club Hawaii Five-NO, I immersed myself in the lifestyle of Maui and all that it offered.
Hiking with newfound friends lead me to high ridges to look at plants and trees that I’ve never seen before. Walking deep in Haleakala Crater provided views to its uniqueness. But it wasn’t until I sat high above the clouds at Haleakala’s summit to view a majestic sunrise, my belief in God was confirmed. For nine months I explored, observed and tasted many things that make Maui, Lani and Oahu the unique islands that they are. And now the new book will be released later this month.
During the last three days, I was sequestered in a hotel room with nothing more than the basics; food, water and DVD’s of the original Hawaii Five-O. When I emerged back into the real world after submitting the manuscript to my editor, I was introduced to more changes that were going on in the world. It was no longer one submerged in constant reports of COVID-19 but of deaths, race riots, curfews and the National Guard called to duty.
I’m not going to discuss my views on the above because they are my private affairs. All I want to say to you, my readers, is to remain safe, stay healthy and be mindful that all lives matter despite what race, creed or color they are.
“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls” -Aesop
Hiking with newfound friends lead me to high ridges to look at plants and trees that I’ve never seen before. Walking deep in Haleakala Crater provided views to its uniqueness. But it wasn’t until I sat high above the clouds at Haleakala’s summit to view a majestic sunrise, my belief in God was confirmed. For nine months I explored, observed and tasted many things that make Maui, Lani and Oahu the unique islands that they are. And now the new book will be released later this month.
During the last three days, I was sequestered in a hotel room with nothing more than the basics; food, water and DVD’s of the original Hawaii Five-O. When I emerged back into the real world after submitting the manuscript to my editor, I was introduced to more changes that were going on in the world. It was no longer one submerged in constant reports of COVID-19 but of deaths, race riots, curfews and the National Guard called to duty.
I’m not going to discuss my views on the above because they are my private affairs. All I want to say to you, my readers, is to remain safe, stay healthy and be mindful that all lives matter despite what race, creed or color they are.
“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls” -Aesop
