Come For a Trot With Me

Every morning I try to go for a trot. I say trot very purposefully as it is faster than a walk yet I can't commit to calling it a run. It is a 1.5 mile loop, starting at the bridge on Lighthouse...
I then reach the dirt path around the canal...

I trot along here for a while, stopping, of course, to smell the roses.

I marvel at the homes in the area. If you look closely you can see the giant sculpture in front of this one...

This is the view from the other end of the Marina:

And then it's to the beach for the last 10 minutes. I'd be lying if I said I didn't check myself out in the mirrored windows...

And then on the way home I always see these fellows (dressed for the holidays in this picture)...
Yes...it's the Blues Brothers. By now it's normal for me to pass them on my trot, but what the f? Why does someone have a sculpture of the Blues Brothers on their deck? 

After my half hour adventure I finally arrive home...

...heart rate up, sensory satisfied and grateful to live in such beautiful surroundings.

Dating

Malena Lott is the author of Dating da Vinci and a member of the Girlfriend Cyber Circuit. Here are my questions and her answers:

Melissa: Which came first, the title or the novel?

Malena: For Dating DaVinci the title came pretty quickly. I love alliteration and really wanted to incorporate da Vinci since he's the catalyst that starts Ramon's renaissance. Since publishers have final say, I didn't get too attached to my working title, though I do like getting credit for this one, though!

Melissa: What other art form inspires you as much as writing?

Malena: I love photography and music. You don't get a single moment again, so I love capturing things on film - still and video. And wouldn't life be so boring without music? I appreciate all types of music, even those that I don't listen to very often. What I was little I really, really wanted to be Crystal Gayle. Sing it with me now, "Don't it make my brown eyes bluuuuue." I think the world will manage just fine without that dream coming true.

Melissa: Which comes easier for you - beginnings or endings?

Malena: Endings for sure. Beginnings are tough because if you don't catch the reader right from the start, you'll lose them. So I find that I rewrite beginnings several times to make sure it's the best kick-off for the story.

Melissa: What are you reading right now?

Malena: I'm reading a couple of women's fiction ARC's and getting ready to start Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.

Melissa: What's next for you?

Malena: Sleep. (it's 11 pm) Omelets, pancakes and bacon for the family in the morning. I'm in the throwes of marketing Dating da Vinci, including a radio tour next week. And writing-wise, I just hope to continually improve on my writing and tell great stories.