Cruising the Caribbean for Christmas

Christmas Under the Sea, Cozumel (Photo: Paul Getchel)

Nothing like a warm-up before Christmas. We recently returned from a cruise to the Western Caribbean with port stops at Grand Cayman, Roatan, Cozumel and Princess Cays (actually in the Bahamas). Sixteen of us travelled together to celebrate my brother Paul's 50th birthday.

Sting Ray City, Grand Cayman (Photo: Paul Getchel)

If you haven't cruised, you don't know what you're missing. It's the quickest way to release those tense shoulder and neck muscles. While we enjoyed the balmy tropical climate, the folks at home froze—in fact six inches of snow fell. After two relaxing days at sea, four fun-filled activities at ports of call, seven days of being pampered and fed the finest fresh food, we dreaded the return to reality, but arrived rested and ready to dive into life.

Gumbalimba Park, Roatan

Our cruise route to and from the Western Caribbean navigated the waters north of Cuba along the Florida Straits. On the return eastward through the straits the ship made a complete stop and announced they spotted a small boat in which there appeared to be a person in distress. As required by International Maritime Law, a rescue craft was dispatched to assist the person if possible. We watched the drama unfold from our balcony as the rescue craft sped toward the horizon to intercept the boat about six miles off. The rescue returned with the man from the small boat appearing in good condition.

Party on the Balcony

That evening the rest of the story circulated about the rescue. The man, a Cuban, got off course while fishing and would be turned over to immigration when we reached the Bahamas. He would certainly be returned to Cuba. The back story: He attempted to escape Cuba and reach U.S. soil before perishing at sea or being picked up by a ship and sent back. His gamble got him option #2.

Princess Cays, Bahamas (Photo: Paul Getchel)

During vacation I finished a non-fiction story about grieving and loss and began another, which I finished and submitted when I returned. I wrote the latter story in response to a call for non-fiction stories of how my marriage grew through a painful time to become a deeper, more vibrant and strong relationship.

Our Bungalow, Princess Cays

I wish you all a blessed and Merry Christmas always remembering that our gracious and merciful heavenly Father sent His only Son Jesus to be born a baby and then perish on a cross to redeem me and you from the penalty of our sins. And for that we celebrate Christmas!

More on Critiques

Autumn Leaves at Bridgeport, Nevada County on the Yuba River

I recently published a post on the treasures of critiques. My editor friend Jennifer Hamilton sent a helpful link to a blog post that digs deeper on responding to critiques. Hosted by Nathan Bransford—literary agent and author—at Curtis Brown Ltd, the post takes a slightly humorous approach to handling the seriousness of a critique. Read the six guidelines and ponder how you might take the wisdom and apply it to critiques of your manuscripts.

How to Respond to a Manuscript Critique/Editorial Letter

Where do you see your strengths and weaknesses as you respond to a critique?

A Picture Book: The Story of Nubs

While doing research for my first picture book, I became engrossed by stories of dogs in the military. Yeah... I know. What do stories of military dogs, called war dogs, have to do with a little boy and his dog? Plenty! You have a dog, a human whom the dog loves, loyalty, bravery and never a complaint. Okay?

In my reading about war dogs, I stumbled across the wonderful story about Nubs—A mutt in Iraq that had been cruelly treated even to having his ears cut off (hence the name). Major Brian Dennis first encountered Nubs running with a pack of desert dogs during a patrol of the border between Iraq and Syria. Dennis, a dog lover, worked his charm on the aloof dog and soon Nubs would show up each time Dennis and his unit returned to the border area. You can read the endearing story I first read at ABC News. And now children can read about Nubs in a picture book out this month—Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle.

Halloween Cuties

Dog, Yoda, Curious George (pinch-hitting as a Jedi Knight)

and Luke Skywalker

Halloween is a conflicting time for me. I love the dress-up part where it's almost obligatory that we don a costume and take on the persona of someone (or something) else. But I don't like the graveyard, vampires, and other ghoulish and frightening images that have become such a major part of the holiday. I don't get all wiggy about it though.

The cuties on display here are my grand-nephews. Aren't they adorable?

Awwww... Grandpa is reading a picture book to Yoda. So smart no wonder Yoda is!