Vacation: Good for a Creative Cowgirl's Soul

I've been on a blogging/social media hiatus and am just returning from a cowgirlious vacay with my cowboy in Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast. I find unplugging every now and then is good for my creative soul. In this blog post, I'm sharing a little glimpse of my getaway and a peek at what I'm up to next.

The view from our balcony was breathtaking!

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I had fun using some of the goodies I brought home from the American Horse Publications conference last month! Here we are using the SmartPak tumblers to keep our drinks cool. Aren't my sunglasses fun? I had to bring some bling on vacay.

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Rockin' our SmartPak tumblers poolside!

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This Cowboy Magic travel bag was amazing! It fit everything I needed. Thank you to Straight Arrow Products, Inc. for the super swag at the AHP conference.

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Love my Cowboy Magic Travel Bag!

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I had plenty of time for poolside reading. The Idea of You by Robinne Lee was an amazing romantic read and a total page turner. I highly recommend it. I didn't bring a horse book on vacation this time! Can you believe it? 

This summer read was a perfect poolside companion!

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From The Idea of You Amazon Description:
Solène Marchand, the thirty-nine-year-old owner of an art gallery in Los Angeles, is reluctant to take her daughter, Isabelle, to meet her favorite boy band. But since her divorce, she’s more eager than ever to be close to Isabelle. The last thing Solène expects is to make a connection with one of the members of the world-famous August Moon. But Hayes Campbell is clever, winning, confident, and posh, and the attraction is immediate. That he is all of twenty years old further complicates things.

​What begins as a series of clandestine trysts quickly evolves into a passionate and genuine relationship. It is a journey that spans continents as Solène and Hayes navigate each other’s worlds: from stadium tours to international art fairs to secluded hideaways in Paris and Miami. For Solène, it is a reclaiming of self, as well as a rediscovery of happiness and love. When Solène and Hayes’ romance becomes a viral sensation, and both she and her daughter become the target of rabid fans and an insatiable media, Solène must face how her romantic life has impacted the lives of those she cares about most.

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Speaking of summer reading, I met some new In the Reins readers while on vacay, too. Thank you to Rhonda, Effa, Brona and Catherine for your interest in my books!

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In the Reins Reader Rhonda and me!

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Effa, Brona and Catherine are new In the Reins Readers!

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Check out this awesome surprise that was waiting for me when I got back to Arizona. Love my friends at Straight Arrow Products (makers of Mane 'n Tail, Cowboy Magic and more horse grooming products)! Thank you for the beautiful bracelet. It was an honor to do a product review for you at the American Horse Publications conference.

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Straight Arrow Products thanks Equine Author Carly Kade

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What's Next? Ride, Write, Puppies ...

I loved every moment of Mexican getaway, but it felt good to return to Arizona and be reunited with my girl! I am recharged, rejuvenated and ready to be back in the saddle!

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Sissy at sunset!

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Another reason I've been quiet on the blog and social media is because I am hard at work on the third book in the In the Reins series. I just passed 70,000 words & expect to have it available this year. 

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The manuscript to book three is getting thick!

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​It would make my spurs jingle if you would join my newsletter so I can keep you updated with series sneak peeks, event updates, & new release info! ​

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My favorite fuzzy companions are keeping me company! Writing is a pretty solitary occupation and their voiceless company paired with positive energy is perfect for generating creativity. Roper and Ryder are always with me in my office during my writing sessions, tails wagging, and ready for a petting session. If only I could keep them from biting my toes! Ahhh ... life with puppies.

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Roper and Ryder in my office.

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Related Videos

In these videos from the American Horse Publications Conference, I share some of my top spur jingling moments including being KNOCKED OVER by a pack of Foxhounds! As an American Horse Publications member, I was contacted by Straight Arrow Products, Inc. to sample their Mane 'n Tail Ultimate Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner. Check out my video product review below.

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