Joyful!

Cindy Romero December 23, 2021

Anticipating, questioning, planning, and waiting. These are verbs that describe the month of December this year. Along with colder temperatures and unexpected winds and snow, it is now winter.

We anticipated the arrival of the new book way back in September. We cleaned out the Tough Shed and made space for our new edition in the literary world. Our baby needed shelter from the elements and would share housing with book #1 and book #2.

We questioned whether our Christmas book would arrive in time for the holidays. Printing was behind thirteen weeks and we were four weeks behind on our end.

We planned our holiday markets. With only so many days to schedule for, we set up dates and times that we thought would work best for us. We designed our displays and made our presentations bright and colorful to attract customers.

Then we waited. We were told shipping would be after Thanksgiving now instead of before. So, if we were lucky, our books would arrive the second week of December. We told ourselves, it is what it is and whatever happens, happens. If we had to cancel some dates we had planned, so be it.

When Signature Book Printing in Maryland called and said the shipment was ahead of schedule, we were elated! Books would be to us in four days! The champagne got chilled and we waited for the call to schedule delivery from XPO Logistics. The weather is so unpredictable here in Utah, all we could do was pray for the best conditions. The books got delivered Thursday December 2 at 4:30pm with clear sunny skies and no snow anywhere, cold, but no snow.

That Saturday the 4th, we took our new baby to places that already carried it’s older siblings and they were delighted to have this new edition in their stores. It was a joyful time for us. Christmas was just around the corner and things were falling into place. We didn’t have to cancel any of our scheduled markets.

The book launch at Varex Imaging on the 7th was a great success. They put up advertising inside the company on big screens letting people know when we were coming. I was really impressed that they would do that for Tim. He has a lot of great support there. We were so appreciative to them for allowing us to be there during work hours and letting Tim have the day off to do it. Everyone was happy and excited to come by and get their books signed. I enjoyed meeting all his co-workers and friends.

The Winter Market at Daybreak went ahead without a hitch both days, the 10th and 11th. Still no snow yet, just sub-degree temperatures. We got to see Santa and had a great time there.

Our online orders started to come in. Everything was more than we could have anticipated. I was up bright and very early for a full week, everyday mailing books so everyone could have them in time for Christmas. Was it exhausting? Oh, yeah. Was it rewarding? You betcha!

We finally got the bad weather and winter officially arrived on the 21st. Our first snow storm brought fifteen inches of snow! I baked my annual orange-cranberry holiday bread for the neighbors. Then Tim and I donned our NFL Santa hats, Tim’s Green Bay Packers and my New England Patriots Superbowl Champs, and sprinkled joy in the neighborhood.

With things under wraps, it’s now time to sit back and relax; Time to reflect on what Christmas is really all about, the birth of our Savoir Jesus. From our house to yours, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. We wish you good health, safe travels, and making happy memories with your loved ones.

Until next time,

God bless!

Skip’s mom, Cb

The Blue Boar Inn in Midway, UT carries our books in their gift shop.

At Varex Imaging where we did our book launch.

With Santa & Mrs. Claus, and one of the elves.

Grateful

Cindy Romero November 24, 2021

This will be a short version this month, as it’s almost Thanksgiving.

We’ve been blessed with good weather this month. The leaves have fallen from the trees and our willow got the trim it so desperately needed. Temperatures have been warm enough for us to rake and bag all the leaves, and that in itself was a blessing. We winterized and covered the motor home, and got the RZR trailer covered as well. Those tasks are finished and checked off the to-do list. The sun is still shining and for that I am grateful.

We got great news this morning. Our books have been shipped and are expected to arrive in Salt Lake City next Tuesday! Yay! We’re so excited to see them! We don’t have a book launch scheduled, so if anyone is interested in purchasing, please check the website or message me, and we will do everything in our power to get them to you for Christmas.

We have a few markets set up in December, one of which is the Daybreak Winter Market. The hours are Friday, December 10, 2021 from 4 pm - 7 pm. Also Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 9 am - 2 pm. We will have an awesome display at the Daybreak Community Center, 4544 W. Harvest Moon Dr. in South Jordan, UT 84009. Come by and shop with us! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there, too, on Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm.

Alpha Graphics in West Valley City, UT is working on our bookmarks and posters for the Christmas book. We are excited to get them and show them off.

We are getting our Christmas market display put together. Decor from Hobby Lobby gave us everything we needed for a beautiful setup. We are ready!

I am still working on some children’s paintings to help with gift buying and decorating. I get enormous enjoyment in making these and seeing the reactions I get. I hope you like them, too.

Here are just a few things I love about November:

Daylight Savings Time ended.

The crunch of leaves under foot while going for a walk.

Sipping a cup of hot tea while reading a book wrapped up in a blanket.

The crisp days and cold nights. Putting an extra comforter on the bed and snuggling up.

Football!

The clear blue skies and the soft afternoon glow of sun at 4 pm.

And last but not least, THANKSGIVING and all that entails!

So in closing this month, I wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving enjoyed with those you love. Until next time, be grateful for everything in your life.

God Bless

Skip’s mom, Cb

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

Cindy Romero October 30, 2021

We finally got to take the trip we had been waiting for. The fall temperatures and the spectacular colors in the canyon were well worth the postponement of the June trip first planned. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah was more then we could ever have imagined and it didn’t disappoint.

The morning we left it rained. But, we didn’t mind, in fact for the first four hours of the road trip it rained. We were on a mission to deliver books to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. In the final hour, the sun was shining and the red rock canyon walls and the foliage along the Virgin River were a blaze with colors I can’t even name. It was breathtaking.

We were giddy with excitement and had our eyes peeled for the big orange sign to welcome us to our home for the next four days. And there it was, in all it’s glory. We made our way to the Welcome Center to check in. We stayed in one of their cabins, which was more of a studio apartment, but was just perfect. Since we didn’t have any tours the first day, we took our own tour on Angel Canyon Road.

We stopped at Angels Landing, where they do memorial services each month. This isn’t the resting place, that came a ways up the road. Angels Rest is where the animals crossed the Rainbow Bridge to their final resting place. This was so emotional for us. There were thousands of angels there. This is the area where your can have your pets buried. The mega wind chimes are all tuned to the same tone and are unbelievable. The eerie solitude you experience on this hollowed ground brought tears to our eyes. We felt the animal spirits there. The other resting place is at the Gratitude Garden and Angels Overlook on top of the canyon. Another emotional tribute to the animals that never got adopted and passed away at the sanctuary. Also, some of the founders and workers are resting there as well. There are stone benches all throughout the garden to sit and meditate. This is a very touching and peaceful place with gorgeous views of the canyon in every direction.

The next day we went into the town of Kanab to visit the Best Friends Roadhouse & Mercantile. That’s where we met with Mike, who gave us a warm welcome and took our books. The Mercantile is a gift shop/coffee shop and has a visitor center upon entrance. It was very inviting and full of colorful merchandise, which we definitely made ourselves available to. You’ve got to stop there for a visit and get some gifts for yourself and your animal loving friends. It’s really a fun place. The Roadhouse is the hotel where you can have pets stay with you while visiting. These rooms are really nice, too.

Our first tour was Old Dogtown Behind The Scenes. Our tour guide was John and he was great. The grounds are very clean and the dog runs are very spacious. Every dog has his/her own area outside for fresh air and exercising, as well as indoor shelter to sleep. John knows every animal’s name and personality. And there’s over 200 dogs that live there! There’s a senior area, a puppy area, an aquatic physical therapy & rehabilitation area, grooming area, and just about anything a traumatized animal coming to the sanctuary needs to help heal and get better. Most are adoptable, some need more rehab time.

Our second tour was Wild Friends at Feathered Friends. These are the birds you see in nature. There weren’t a lot of them there, which is really pretty nice. That means they are living happy and healthy in their natural habitat. We did see some ravens, crows, chickens and owls.

Our third tour was the Parrot Garden. There were quite a few birds there. We got to see Cockatoos, Cockatiels, different kinds of Parrots and other birds. Most are up for adoption and are carefully paired with a human, as we were told not all birds like certain people! So, before they go to their forever home, they are carefully matched with a compatible person.

The fourth and final tour was the Grand Sanctuary Driving Tour. Our tour quide, Deb, was astounding! She took us everywhere and gave us an amazing history lesson of the place. We stopped at Cat World which was very impressive. The cat houses were very clean and spacious, just like Dogtown. Each animal had it’s own play and sleep area, as well as trauma centers for rehab and healing. This tour was two hours and was just beautiful. If you have the chance, get this tour and ask for Deb. It’s truly worth the time.

There are up to 1,600 animals that call Best Friends their home-between-homes. Dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, horses, pigs, and other barnyard animals come here from all over the country, seeking a safe haven where they can find refuge, love, and acceptance. I am already planning my next visit so I can tour other areas that we didn’t have the time for; the horses, pigs, and ruins.

I know this was kind of long, but I hope you enjoyed our trip with us. There was so much we did, but I don’t have enough space to tell you all and show you all. (Check Skip Thomas Adventures Facebook for more photos.) So, if you go to Kanab, try to visit Best Friends, especially in the fall when the weather is cold in the mornings and just perfect in the afternoon, and the fall colors are spectacular! We left with a feeling of purpose and belonging, and can’t wait to come back again.

Til next time, God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Welcome to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Entrance to Gratitude Garden & Angel’s Overlook

One of the memorials inside Gratitude Gardens.

A small part of Horse Haven. Mama’s with their foals.

Cb & Norbert on top of Angel’s Overlook.

Tim & Deb, our awesome Sanctuary Tour Guide!

Busy-Busy-Busy!

Cindy Romero September 28, 2021

I don’t know where to start; we’ve been so busy this month. I have a lot to share, so I’ll just dive right on in.

Skip Thomas Adventures is finally ready to hit the road with a traveling billboard. The wrap was completed the first weekend of September. It was such an interesting process. We got to be there and see it from beginning to end. The installation was nothing like what we expected. Seeing our design on vinyl and at that magnitude was truly amazing. We want to give Doug Layton at TRON AUTO LAB a big thank you for doing a great job.

The second weekend was a Daybreak Farmers Market event. We had thunderstorms, torrential downpours, and sunshine that day. That’s Utah weather for you, so unpredictable this time of year. We were so thankful when the sun came out. It was a very special 9/11 celebration with taps being played and a release of butterflies in remembrance of all the fallen heroes that day. It was a very touching ceremony.

On September 15th, our publisher uploaded the Christmas book files to us for approval. This was such an exciting time for us. Once we go over everything with a fine toothed comb, so to speak, and make any corrections we want, then it goes to the printer. The next step was just that. It was sent on to our printer. They in turn sent us a final proof and on our approval again, they start the printing. I proof read that copy over and over again to make sure it was exactly the way we wanted it. It’s quite nerve racking to tell you the truth. I don’t want any mistakes because it all falls on us if anything gets printed wrong, not them. Tuesday September 21st, our book went into production. Our part in this long process is done and now we wait. It’s in the hands of Signature Book Printing. We expect shipment sometime near Thanksgiving.

The third weekend was another Daybreak Farmers Market. It was a nasty drive all the way there with thunder, lightening and downpours. We waited as long as we could to see if it would clear up, or at least stop raining, but it never did. So, with heavy hearts, we cancelled our day there. We didn’t want to, but books don’t do well when wet!

The last weekend was the final market of the summer. It was very busy with lots of people. We had a great day and met so many new friends. It always makes us feel good when a child runs by pointing a finger and says,” I have that book!” It’s a bit sad when things come to an end, but fall and winter markets now take over.

So, as we close this month on a good note, and a little exhausted, we look forward to our next projects. We hope you keep following us on our adventures. Life is good.

Until next time, God bless and stay safe.

Skip’s mom, Cb

The beautiful & talented Kristen Beckwith

Cb & Laura Gaillard, Marketing Director of Daybreak Farmers Markets

An Exciting Time

Cindy Romero August 18, 2021

So, the “Dawg Days of Summer” are still with us, along with the heat, fires, smokey skies, and flooding. Will it ever get back to normal? (whatever that may be…) We are still hoping for the best.

This month has been a good one for us. We just signed our third book contract with Surrogate Press. Yea! Now it’s a waiting game. It’s time for the publisher to get the layout and legal stuff filed. Then, it’s off to the printer for ten-twelve weeks. I know, it sounds like an awful long time, but hey, all good things come to those who wait.

We’ve had some really great weekends at the Daybreak Farmers Market. Selling our books and other items has been fun. It’s always nice to meet new people and see what other vendors are all about. There is a lot of awesome talent out there. We are so happy to be a part of the vendor community and share our story. Our next dates will be August 28, September 11, 18, and 25. Come by our booth and say, “hello.” We will be in booth #B 14. We would love to meet you.

August is our time to shine. Our birthdays and anniversary are other days we celebrated. We just had our twenty year wedding anniversary. Where does the time go? It seemed like yesterday we had a luau in the backyard. And birthdays, we’re still young at heart. As my ninety year old Aunt told me, the way to stay young is to stay busy. Well, we definitely are doing that!

We hope you are all staying safe and enjoying the rest of summer before the kids go back to school. As for us, we will continue to write and illustrate our stories for you.

Til next time, God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Just signed our third book contract with our publisher, Katie Mullaly! So happy! :)

We had a front row seat to the concert. These guys were amazing! The band’s name is Dangerously Close.

Awesome book mobile, great reads for kids inside, including OURS! :)

Back In The Saddle

Cindy Romero July 28, 2021

This newsletter is a bit late, but we’ve been pretty busy. Our weeks have started at the market, we’re closer and closer to finishing the next book, and we have two new places to tell you about that carry our books now. Yes, we are back in the saddle again after a very long time off in 2020.

We took a short trip to the High Uinta Mountains to escape the heat. Taking the Mirror Lake Hwy to the very top, elevation 10,000 feet, really felt good. We left 106 degrees and welcomed the cool night air of 40 degrees. Jackets, long pants, and the furnace even kicked on in the motor home at night! Hard to believe the drastic change just two hours east of Salt Lake City. We had an amazing campsite off the highway. All the campgrounds were full, but we found the perfect quiet spot with a beautiful meadow with moose.

Along the Mirror Lake Hwy is a small, but awesome smoke shop. Not a “vape” smoke shop, but a smoked fish/salmon smoke shop. This country general store has the best smoked salmon, such a delicacy on crackers and enjoyed with a bottle of wine…..I’m getting lost in my thoughts here…..but seriously, they have maps, food, drinks, postcards, sweatshirts and tee shirts, mugs, books, etc. And now they even have our books! They carry other local author’s books as well and I am so happy to be a part of them. This is where I found my publisher three years ago. I bought some of her books here. So, when you’re heading up Hwy 150 in Kamas, Utah, stop at the Samak Smoke House. The people are friendly and the scenery beautiful.

Our first farmers markets this year were the 4th of July weekend and the 24th of July, which is a Utah State holiday called Pioneer Day or also known as Days of 47. We were at the Daybreak Farmers Market in South Jordan. We really like this place. It’s not too far of a drive for us, about 30 minutes, and the people are diverse and friendly.

We were across from another book seller and I have to say I was a bit apprehensive at first. But after checking it out, because I’m such a big book fan, I fell in love with the place. By the end of the day, I was so happy and grateful to Forgotten Pages Book Mobile for carrying our books! Rebecca, the owner, is charming and though we had just met, I felt as though we were old friends. You’ve got to visit this bookmobile if you ever come across it. There are books for kids of all ages. (even this one!) It will be at Daybreak Farmers Market throughout the summer.

So there you have it. The hot month of July. We here in northern Utah are in a big drought season with lots of wild fires going on. We get surrounding state’s smoke from their fires, too. With nightly thunder storms it makes it very humid, unlike Utah weather. In the southern part of our state, they are getting floods! Climate change, it’s real. So stay safe, keep pets and children out of the heat and hot cars, and as Smokey the Bear says, “Only you can prevent forest fires!”

Til next time, God bless my friends.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Where you need to stop by to see our books!

Setbacks & Disappointments

Cindy Romero June 27, 2021

“The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want. And if they can’t find them, make them.” English playwright George Bernard Shaw

That is what June seems to be about for us this month. Things we had planned and things we looked forward to just didn’t materialize. Yes, we were disappointed. But we looked at them as minor setbacks. We rescheduled the trip to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, waited patiently for the “wrap” on the motor home, and used our time well spent on pursuing artwork.

Sometimes things happen for a reason. For instance, the trip was cancelled due to excessive heat in the southern part of Utah. Temperatures rising to 106-115 degrees were just too much for the animals, and us, to get together; therefore the tours were cancelled. Minor disappointment, no problem, we just re-booked for October.

Not getting the weekend dates in June we first put in for at the Farmer’s Market was a little disappointing, but all-in-all worked out for the best. We have time to re-design our booth and add product we didn’t have in the past. We are looking forward to our first show July 3rd at Daybreak Farmer’s Market in South Jordan, Utah. Be sure to come see us at booth #14!

We got new phones this month. It was about time we did an upgrade. Now, we just need to figure out how to use them! When it comes to techie stuff, I’m not real informed. So, if I call you and ask, “Where do I find this?” or “How do I do that?” or “What is this?” please bear with me as I try to learn new things with new apps.

As this month comes to an end, I see that it flew by without us realizing it. I don’t have a lot to share, but we have been busy. This has been the hottest month of June in Utah in a very long time. Here’s a little bit of trivia for you: On June 4th, Salt Lake City officially broke its record of the earliest triple-digit temperature in the city’s 147-year-old documented weather history. Yikes! Let’s hope the Dog-Days-Of-Summer in August don’t compete with June!

In closing this month, we pray for rain in this drought stricken state. We pray for the winds to die down and not spread wild fires throughout our lands due to dry lightening strikes. Fireworks have been banned due to this unpredictable weather, and its for our own good. Let’s hope everyone abides by the laws.

Til next time, be safe, be smart and God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Set the Dates

Cindy Romero May 25, 2021

Busy, busy, and busy. This month as been, did I say? Busy! We’ve set the dates for the summer markets and planned some trips, too. We’ve been painting, illustrating, and writing to bring you more of SKIP THOMAS ADVENTURES. We have some new characters we’re adding to Skip’s friends and they will eventually show up in future stories. So, for now let me tell you what we have planned.

The new logo is about ready to be put on the back of the motor home. In it are three new characters that we will add to our stories. One is Bear, a brown Aussie mix we found in the mountains, and Joshua, a Samoyed who loves to play soccer. The third is the Taos Mouse, who Skip actually came across one day and became friends with. All of Skip’s friends are rescues and are real. Can’t wait for you to see them in our future books.

Our itinerary for the Daybreak Farmers Market this summer is as follows:

All are on Saturdays from 9 am - 2 pm

The address is: 11274 Kestrel Rise Rd., South Jordan, UT 84009

July 3 & 24 August 14 & 28 September 11, 18, & 25.

All dates will be in booth #14 with the exception of September 25, booth will be #12.

Our first getaway trip this year was to Marysvale, UT to do a little trail riding and get some R & R. We did get some trail riding done, though not as much as planned. It was a high wind stricken weekend the whole time we were there! We didn’t get to see Butch Cassidy’s childhood home like we planned. What a bummer that was. But, we were stable and secure with our new Tri-Lynx Levelers that held up to the 60 mph winds. Those little orange squares and chocks really saved the trip. We actually won their contest we entered! If your trailer, motor home, boat, or fifth-wheel need leveling, these are the levelers you need. Check out their website to see which products can help you. We highly recommend them.

Our trip next month is to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, UT. We will spend a week there touring the grounds and visiting the animals. Things will be different this year as well because of the COVID outbreak. But we have some tours scheduled, and we’ll be able to drive through the sanctuary on our own. We will be donating some books that they will place in their Welcome Center and Roadhouse Mercantile. And who knows, maybe we won’t come back alone. We’re really looking forward to this trip, as we’ve wanted to go there for sometime now.

We will end this month with Memorial Day. To all those who courageously fight to defend our country, to those who’s lives were lost, to the past, present and future heroes, we salute you. Thank you for your sacrifices and giving us our freedoms.

Til next time,

God Bless America. Stay safe my friends.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Tri-Lynx Levelers really do make a difference!

Remembering all our heroes on Memorial Day.

Preparation Month

Cindy Romero April 24, 2021

There are things to do before the summer markets arrive. Hence the title, Preparation Month. I’ll try to give you an idea of what goes into getting ready for the weeks ahead. Following is our to-do list:

We got our COVID vaccines, yay! Hopefully this will keep us safe from the virus and put us a little more at ease. We will still sanitize our products and our hands, along with wearing the mask if necessary. That was #1 on our list. Check!

If you’ve ever done Farmers Markets or vending of any sort, you know that insurance to sell your products is a must. We found ours at Lake Point Insurance Agency, right here in Lake Point, Utah, just three miles from home. They were super friendly and got right back to me with a quote in one day. I got a great rate for the whole year and now we can go anywhere in Utah to sell our books. That was #2 on the list. Check!

Getting the motor home ready for travel was next. We found a great place to do all our advertising. JC Pro Design Print Shop in Murray, Utah is doing a logo wrap for us. So happy we came across this place! Beautiful work, friendly people, and affordable prices.

Legacy RV Center in Salt Lake City, Utah (where we purchased our motor home) installed our backup camera. Couldn’t ask for a nicer bunch of folks. They know us by name and treat us like royal family. We’re always welcomed with open arms and smiles.

The last thing for now was a bug shield! Yay! No more nasty kamikaze flying insects or rock chips. We used Etrailer for this. Quick delivery and product fits like a glove. These were #3 on the list. Check, Check & Check!

Markets are slowly accepting applications from vendors this time of year. They plan just as we do, though on a much larger scale. We have a few places in mind. Can’t wait to get back in the swing of things again and meet new animal and book lovers. This is an exciting time. Though a lot of work goes into planning our booth, it’s definitely worth it. Finding the right markets? That’s #4 on the list. Check!

Taking time to stop and smell the roses, or in our case the tulips, lilacs and daffodils, you get the idea, is something my Sweetie and I do on a daily basis. Whether it’s sitting on the front porch sharing a hectic day at work, giving each other constructive criticism on art work, or discussing retirement, we’re always there for each other. It’s really quite impressive, or scary, how alike we both are. Or, maybe we’re just blessed to have found each other. I’ve heard it said that two Leos can’t share the same den, that each wants to be the center of attention and be in charge. Not so in this lion’s den! We are equal in every way. It’s a conscious choice to always be kind and share a positive thought. This is #1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 on the list. Check, Check, Check, Check, and yes, Check! :)

I hope you got a glimpse of what goes on in our world. I’ve linked the businesses we use in case you need any of their services. Tell them Skip Thomas Adventures sent you!

Until next time; be safe, stay positive, and show some love. God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

A Joyful Month

Cindy Romero March 20, 2021

Today is the first day of Spring! We say goodbye to the long months of winter and welcome the new season. What’s not to be joyful about? March brings color into our lives. The flowers are blooming and the birds are up early singing their little hearts out. They, too, are excited for a season of change. The spring equinox shows no favor between day and night times today, twelve hours to each, util the fall equinox.

All that time spent indoors has had it’s rewards. We’re getting closer to completing the next book in the SKIP THOMAS ADVENTURES series. The illustrating is coming along in a timely manner and the editing is on track as well.

Now is the time to seek out summer markets. With COVID-19 still looming around every corner, we will be very careful and try to schedule our weekends wisely. We are doing our part and getting vaccinated next week. We will still wipe down our booth and display books, along with wearing a mask. Hopefully this ugly sickness will be a thing of the past by July.

We have more things to bring to our tent this year. We have dog frisbees, drink cups and support wrist bands. We will have some playful tole paintings perfect for your child’s room and painted signs great for displaying. All of these sales add to our charitable donations supporting animals in need. We will post our summer schedule and let you know where we will be as soon as possible.

I would like to share with you something about my writing career. Maybe you, or someone you know, might be interested in learning how to write or polish your writing. I got my diplomas from the Institute of Children’s Literature and the LongRidge Writers Group, now both under Institute for Writers. They are an amazing tutorial group of instructors who offer one-on-one instruction while you work at your own pace. I found the school affordable with a variety of courses and offering six college credits per course. You can transfer your credits to an accredited university, if you wish, and have them added to your college degree. Just a little FYI, if interested check on the link above.

Until next time, enjoy Spring! Stay safe and God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Not quite finished, but you get the idea

Loving My Creative Self

Cindy Romero February 15, 2021

Last month I promised myself change. Change for my better self. I’ve taken back control of my artistic soul and I’m on a new path to freedom: freedom of expression.

I have all the things I need to “get going” again. My art studio is equipped, my supplies are getting replenished, and my muses have shown up. Nothing excites me more than new art supplies; whether it’s new paint, brushes or mixing mediums. When my mail order tells me an expected delivery date, I expect it to arrive on that designated date. So when my latest shipment was pushed back a few more days, this lioness paced restlessly in her den until Fed Ex arrived. Even for my illustrating husband, waiting for a new color pencil can be torture. Us Leos can only be so patient.

BLICK Art Materials is our “go to” for art supplies. Our closest location is in Sugar House, Utah, just 32 minutes from home. We don’t get there very often, so when we do, we’re like two kids in a candy store. We stock up on what ever we need to create our children’s books.

Do you have an inner dream that you’ve put on the back burner? Is your talent being suppressed? Life is busy, yes, I get that. There was a time in my life when I was working three jobs. You heard me right. I felt stifled and lost because “I didn’t have time” in my days to be my creative self. Art is my God given talent and I wasn’t using it.

One day I was at one of those huge outdoor events, I think it was Strawberry Days. I came across an older woman who was painting a picture. I stopped to admire her work and she asked me if I painted. I told her, “I used to.” She asked me why I stopped. I don’t know exactly what I said next, for at the time my life was a turbulent mess. But I will never forget what she said to me. “When your life settles down and you find yourself, you will paint again.” It was some years later, but she was right. I wish I could thank her for seeing in me what I, at that time, couldn’t see in myself.

So for all of you that have that one thing you’re passionate about, I say, don’t follow your dream, CHASE IT! Find your passion and don’t be afraid to pursue it. What makes you happy? Love yourself first, and happiness will follow. I knew nothing about writing children’s books until I pursued the thought of it. Now I have two published books and the third on the way. And that makes me happy.

Until next time, happy soul searching and God bless!

Skip’s mom, Cb

Some of Tim’s illustrations for the next book

Who says you have to go out for a good Valentine’s dinner?

New Beginnings

Cindy Romero January 21, 2021

What are we waiting for? Life as we knew it before the COVID-19 pandemic hit us? Many of us secretly believe that we have to wait until things calm down before we can start to get our lives back in order. Fear and procrastination have robbed us of too many precious opportunities. I know these two evils to be true, for they have taken a hold of me.

Life never slows down long enough for us to wait until tomorrow to start living the lives we want. So, I ask, what are we to do about it? Speaking for myself, I am going to stop waiting for that perfect moment and start to work with what I have to make my life more satisfying. By calling forth the riches from my everyday life, I can accept reality, give thanks, and start doing!

The world is always moving, changing, and throwing unforeseen circumstances our way. It is in the simplest details of life that beauty and light are revealed. While it is still unsafe to gather together, I make my home a safe haven. It is a place I find peace, comfort, happiness, love, and harmony with the one person I couldn’t do without, my best friend and husband, Tim. We don’t need outside forces to make us happy. We are blessed to have each other’s company, whether we go for walks and enjoy the fresh air or sit on the front porch with a drink and share the episode of our day. And us both being artists, we always have something in common. We love being together. It is sad knowing so many people that don’t do things with their spouses. They each go their own separate way looking for happiness. I’m happy to say my happiness is being at home with the one I love. We dream, laugh, and cry together. It makes life’s burdens so much easier.

This past year is exactly that - past, over, done. I realize I’ve built a shell around me that I need to break free from. I have kept my God given artistic talents locked up for far too long. It’s time I stop procrastinating and start being more creative and productive. I’m looking forward to changes that will help me become a better person and share my inner spirit. With less tears and less fears, I know I can do anything I set my mind to.

2021 is a new year. With every new beginning, there’s the uncertainty of the unknown. That’s the challenge we all face. Live your life now. If you need to, make changes now. TODAY is the day for New Beginnings. Make this year an unforgettable one.

God bless and stay safe,

Skip’s mom, Cb

A beautiful January day for a beautiful walk - Stansbury Golf Course

A beautiful shot of The Millpond in Stansbury Park

The bridge connecting the Millpond & the Stansbury Lake

Another beautiful January day on the golf course

An Unusual Christmas

Cindy Romero December 23, 2020

It’s December. The year is coming to an end. If you’re like me, you are looking forward to a better time, a do over, so to speak. We need a new beginning with no COVID-19, no stress and worry about what’s next.

It’s an unusual Christmas this year. For us in Utah, no snow! We’re told not to gather for family celebrations, no work parties, and limited Church services.

Through it all, I still decorate the house, hang lights on the eves, put on Christmas music, and watch all the new Hallmark Christmas movies, over and over again…. I bake my special breads that only come out this time of year and give them to my neighbors and friends that shared in the chaos of 2020 along with me. And I don’t forget the people who come to my house nearly everyday; my mail carrier, my trash collector, and my newspaper deliverer. It’s just a little, but the thanks and delightful expressions seen on their faces warms my heart. It gives me reassurance of the community connection we all share, even while still distancing.

I still keep the tradition of writing notes to keep in touch. I send out Christmas cards to family and friends far away. Some of you may think that silly, as we have email and social media which is so much easier. But, I am old school. To me there is nothing more special than receiving a hand written letter from a loved one.

Another tradition in my home is to read a Christmas story every night the week before the big guy in the red suit comes. (Yes, I still believe in Santa Claus.) I buy a new holiday children’s book every year to add to my HUGE collection. This year I purchased two Hanukkah books. Though I am not Jewish, I was included in a Jewish family years ago that taught me the customs and celebrations of their holidays. I learned how to make challah (the braided egg bread), latkes (the potato pancakes), and a “to-die-for” brisket from a Jewish grandmother who I loved dearly. We chanted the blessings when lighting the menorah. The children played spin the dreidel and collected gelt, the chocolate coins. It’ s a beautiful and joyous celebration of family, freedom and light.

Speaking of light, I got to see the “Christmas Star" the night of the winter solstice, December 21. Jupiter and Saturn appear so close together that they appear as one star to the naked eye. It’s said that nearly 400 years ago the planets passed this close to each other, and nearly 800 years since the alignment occurred in the sky so people could actually see it. How lucky for us to see such a sight.

So in ending I say to you all, we need a bit of Christmas right now. No matter what your beliefs, tis the season to be looking for the story of the manger, the singing of the choir, the king on a white horse, and an eye toward the future. 2020 has taken so much from us, but it can’t take our salvation and peace.

Merry Christmas to all and God bless

Skip’s mom, Cb

Just a few of the many holiday books I read every year

Thankful, No Matter What Happens

Cindy Romero December 5, 2020

The last of the leaves are tap dancing down the street. Heaven knows we’ve had more than our share of rakin’ and baggin’. It’s getting colder as the days grow shorter. I sneak in every bit of warmth from the sun on my front porch before slipping myself into a cozy blanket. I wrap my fingers around a hot cup of tea, do a little bit of reading, and reflect on the changing season.

Yes, I’m a bit late with this newsletter so this will be a short one. The month of November came and went quickly for us.

After four months of waiting, we finally got our license plate for the motor home. “SKIPPIE” it says. We are so excited to go RVing again, though it probably won’t be until next spring now. Also, our Skip Thomas Adventures characters are drawn and ready for vinyl. So, when you see us driving down the road, honk & wave! We look forward to meeting you.

November celebrated Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day. These two honorary days shouldn’t be limited to just this month. I am thankful everyday for the Veterans who sacrificed their all so we can enjoy the comforts we sometimes take for granted. I am thankful for my country, my family, my friends, my home, and my health. None of these things are to be taken lightly.

This November was also a Presidential Election month this year. Whatever the outcome, we should all be thankful we have the right to vote and make our voices heard.

So, I am going to make this short like I said. I will post my next newsletter soon. Until then, stay safe my friends.

God Bless America

Skip’s mom, Cb

Ghosts of Halloweens Past

Cindy Romero October 28, 2020

This October has been extremely warm in Utah. No complaints here! We’ve had the chance to take a few extra weekends with the motor home and enjoy the extended fall colors. We did get our first snowfall of the season this past week though. But if you know our indecisive weather patterns here, you know it didn’t last very long.

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. I know it’s really not a “holiday” per se, but the idea of having a special day set aside to have fun is always something to look forward to. As a little girl, I loved dressing up in costumes and going trick-or-treating. As an adult, I still love doing it. I can tell you, my husband is just like me. We’ve designed our own costumes ever year since we met. I guess it’s just the kid in us that never grew up. But, what fun we have!

As much as we love Halloween, this year is different. We’ve decided not to entice trick-or-treaters to our home due to the pandemic. It breaks my heart to say that. We’ve always had one of the best decorated houses in the neighborhood and people come from all over just to see what we’ve done. We’ve decorated, though not like in the past. It’s fall of course, but not Halloween. I feel as though there’s a void or disruption in the season, obviously there is. It’s like we’re missing something and in reality, we are.

So, I am going to share with you what I call Ghosts of Halloweens Past. That is, some of our favorite costumes and memories from bygone days. Skip Thomas loved his costumes but Bear, not so much. Honestly, what choice did they have! We took them door-to-door to our neighbors, that also had dogs, for treats. At night, Frankenstein talked to the kids that came to the door. Some were afraid of him, but most were not and had conversations with him. It was really quite fun to watch.

In ending this short blog, we hope you all stay safe out there in whatever you do. Happy Halloween!

Until next time, God bless.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Our very first Halloween together - year 2000

Pumpkin patch Skip Thomas - 5 weeks old - 2001

Fall Begins!

Cindy Romero September 23, 2020

It is September 22, 2020 the start of the fall season. Today the fall equinox marks both day and night as equal lengths. I will miss the long hot days and the late sunsets of summer. My early mornings on the front porch with a cup-a-Joe and my daily scripture reading will also be missed. Now, I will have to wrap up in a nice cozy blanket to watch the sun come up and enjoy my morning ritual. I will also say goodbye to the hummingbirds, as the cooler temperatures lure them to the warmer climate in the south. Til next summer my feathered friends, fly safe, I’ll miss you.

Fall is the best time. I love this season. For me it is football, hot bowls of chili, canning the harvest from my garden, apple picking, and the changing colors of the leaves. These are just a few of my favorite things.

September was Skip Thomas’ birth month. We still celebrate the 5th with his favorite meal, cheeseburgers. And now that we are proud owners of a motor-home, we can spend more time in the mountains or desert to inspire us with new stories. “Skip Thomas Goes RVing” is on the list of ideas for a future book. We are heading out this weekend to enjoy nature and rejuvenate. We’re also looking forward to some Walleye fishing at our new getaway, Yuba Lake.

It is time for us to get back on track with the next book. We took time off this summer because of COVID-19. Sadly, the Christmas book won’t be out this year. But now that the weather will be changing soon and we will be indoors shortly, we have plenty of time to work on new things. Tim will be trying out some new colored pencils that are sure to make our illustrations better and brighter. He will be using a new layering technique by using the Caran d’Ache Luminance Colored Pencils. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with!

The DOGTHORITY website will be up and running within the next two weeks. I’m really excited to see where this leads. It is mostly to promote our books and get people to know who we are. There is an article about us and a business page showcasing our books and our website. Shoot me an email when you read it and let me know what you think.

So for now, let’s keep being safe out there and be kind to one another.

Happy Fall & God Bless

Skip’s mom, Cb

First time making pickles, can’t wait to try them.

A Skip Thomas look-alike found us! How ironic is that?

Our Month

Cindy Romero August 27, 2020

August is our month. There’s my dad’s birthday, Tim’s birthday, my birthday, Josh and Bear’s birthdays, (two of our rescue dogs) our anniversary and the month for annual physicals. Sounds like we’re pretty busy. But, truth be told, it’s been so hot this month we didn’t really get to do much.

I’ve been working with a new website called Dogthority. It’s a business source for everything dogs. If you need a dog walker, groomer, veterinarian, or obedience training, this is a site you can check out. Where we fit in is the area of children’s books about dogs. This is still on the ground floor and should be published soon. People will be able to see the Skip Thomas books and read articles on us. I’m really excited to be a part of this. It will give us exposure all across the country. I will let you all know when it’s up and running.

Tim and I bought ourselves a small motor home for our anniversary! This is a first for us and we are so excited to start travelling with our books. Once we get back into doing the markets again, this is going to be great. I already have a new book in mind, Skip Thomas Goes RVing. Yey!

It’s hard to believe we are at the end of August already. Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday I was still working at Tractor Supply Co.. That was in April. This year has been a real mess with the COVID 19 pandemic, earthquakes, fires, homeschooling, social distancing, and wearing masks everywhere. I admit, I’ve been a recluse. When all our markets cancelled, we decided to take the rest of this year off and slowly work on our Christmas book. Even though some of the markets decided to re-open, we chose to wait until next year. We want to stay safe. So we have to wait a few more months, it’s no big deal. We will have the next book in the series out in 2021. We hope you can wait patiently for it, because it’s going to be a good one.

We just delivered SKIP THOMAS’ FIRST HALLOWEEN books to All That Stuff In The Barn. We’re real happy about that. We love this gift shop, it’s very unique. If you’re in Midway, UT, you have to stop by and check it out. Their address is 168 W. 100 N., Midway, Utah 84049, phone number is 435-654-5889.

I hope you are all well and staying safe out there, especially now with schools re-opening. Be kind to each other, lend a helping hand when needed, and stay positive. This will all pass. Have faith.

Until next time, God bless all.

Skip’s mom, Cb

A little something to brighten the world.

HOT! HOT! HOT!

Cindy Romero July 24, 2020

Last month I told you about a trip we were going to take. Well, it came to be and we had a nice getaway to clear the mind and rejuvenate the soul.

The climb up Ephraim Canyon was steep, with sharp winding turns making the ascend long and slow. But once you make it to the top, that’s all forgotten. The summit at Skyline Drive is 10,231 feet in elevation. We set up camp with a few of our friends and took in the spectacular view of endless mountain ranges.

This was the home of Bear, the herding dog we rescued ten years ago. His story is one for another time, though abandoned and starving, we took him home with us, nursed him back to health, and gave him five years of happy retirement. So, it was natural for us to think of him as we spent the week in his homeland. And the irony here is we were camping along side a sheep herders camp!

One of our friends knows this mountain like the back of his hand. We called him our “tour guide.” He knows every lake and trail there is up there. We drove miles of trails and saw beautiful lakes and streams. Some trails were wide and flat, some steep and rocky, a true test for man/woman and machine. Patches of snow still remained at the highest peaks. We saw horses and sheep standing or lying down on the frozen snow seeking comfort from the heat.

Fishing was relaxing. We did catch a number of lake trout in the crystal clear cold waters. Some trees we came across showed evidence of bear in the region. Claw marks were distinct in the bark of a few trees. Luckily, we didn’t see any bear. I am deathly afraid of seeing such creatures in the wild and that would have truly put a damper on my camping trip.

The night sky was amazing. Being that high on the mountain, stars were endless. The planets, constellations, and the Milky Way were so brilliant. We even got to see the comet!

There’s nothing like sitting around a campfire telling stories and having a laugh or two. We didn’t want to think about heading home, but it was inevitable. All things must come to an end. But we know we will do this again sometime, hopefully sooner than later. The fall would be beautiful.

Our drive down the canyon will be one we will never forget. We lost our brakes. The scariest thing ever! We just happened to be in the right spot at the right time or we would have gone over a cliff. We reached the only pull over on the canyon road and if it weren’t for my husband’s quick thinking and driving ability, we wouldn’t be here today. We truly believe Bear saved us that day, as we had saved him those ten years ago. We always said he was our “Angel From The Mountain.”

So now I have more memories to write about. How about “Skip Thomas Goes Camping”? I already have that in the making…

Til next time, God bless and stay safe.

Skip’s mom, Cb

The “Tour Guide” pointing out the endless scenery

Summer Begins!

Cindy Romero June 30, 2020

June brings warm weather, longer days, and barbecues in the back yard. It boasts the beginning of summer, Flag Day, Father’s Day, and General Elections. Markets are starting to open up amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Is it safe? I don’t know.

More cases of the virus are popping up with folks letting their guard down and going out to socialize. The six foot distancing and face masks in gatherings seems to be less and less, as the number of infected goes up and up. As for me and my Sweetie, we are still staying safe and doing all we can to be healthy. With that being said, we decided not to hit the markets this year. We will still be working on the next book, though it may take a bit longer than anticipated under the circumstances. I will slip in sneak peeks of illustrations as they come along, as you’ll see in this blog.

We had tickets to the Rice Eccles Stadium in the beginning of the month to see the Motocross races. We even had pit passes to see our favorite, Eli Tomac, all time World Motocross Racing Champ. We were so excited to see him and have him sign one of Tim’s pen & ink portraits of him. But, like most things, it was cancelled to the public because of safety concerns. All the races got confined to Salt Lake City as well. But, at least we got to see them all on TV, though not the same as being there in person. What a bummer! We are lucky enough to live on a golf course though. At least we can do something to keep our sanity.

We are looking forward to a camping trip next month. I can’t wait to get out in nature and relax with a fishing pole in hand, enjoying the still waters and quiet times. We’ll explore the mountain wilderness with trail rides leading into sunsets, and listen to mother nature, be it the quaking aspens rustling in the breeze, or the birds, chipmunks, or deer showing us their silent beauty. If we’re lucky, we’ll have a campfire at night and tell stories of old and new, having a laugh or two. And, we can’t forget the telescope to view the stars at night!

I got my first cucumber this month from my garden! So exciting! I also have zucchini, jalapenos, and bell peppers on the way. The lettuce has been giving us salads regularly and the herbs have been great on home made pizzas. Who knew I could grow a garden in wooden boxes?

Until next time, embrace the summer, wear your mask in public, keep washing your hands and stay safe. May God bless us all.

Skip’s mom, Cb

Where Flowers Bloom, So Does Hope - This is one of the Easter Lilies I planted years ago for our baby Bear when he passed. I call it Bear’s Lily.

One of my muses, Milo, helps me with my visions of how I want the illustrations to look. I scribble, then Tim creates his vision for the books.

One of my scribbles for the Christmas book.

Luke 2:4-5 “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was e… — Luke 2:4-5 “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.”

The Merry Month of May

Cindy Romero May 20, 2020

Here it is May already. Ah, the month that comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb….oh, wait, that was March. But, right now the wind is howling 50 mph, the Cottonwood trees are spewing pollen, and my allergies are acting up! What gives?

Days to celebrate in this 5th month of the year are May Day, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, Armed Forces Day, and Memorial Day. Now there’s some ways to enjoy the spring. The days are warmer and longer. That means more time outside with fresh air and sunshine. If this doesn’t lift spirits, I don’t know what will.

We are still social distancing and trying to stay safe from the Coronavirus. At this time, all of the Farmer’s Markets we planned on are closed. Because of this, we joined up with an online market, the Daybreak Farmer’s Market in South Jordan, Utah. We are able to sell our books and products through this venue until, hopefully, the state’s safety sanctions are lifted. I already miss meeting the new friends and the atmosphere of a cheerful and busy marketplace. I miss my excitement of seeing a smile generate on the face of a child upon opening one of our books for the first time. I can’t wait to see these things again.

We received two new products this season, a new support wristband and a soft dog Frisbee. Skip would be proud, that was his favorite sport next to swimming. We had our neighbor’s dog, Max, try it out for us and he loved it. We are working on a few other items to add to the Skip Thomas repertoire: visors, posters and a coloring book. We will keep you updated when these are available.

In the meantime, I am content in my little fantasy world of art and books. It doesn’t take much to make me happy. I can sit for hours reading or go for a bike ride. I can paint a birdhouse, take pictures or draw a new coloring book. I love planting my vegetable garden and learning a new recipe. It all may sound so cliche, but I don’t mind. As long as the “stay home, stay safe” rules are in effect, me and my muses won’t be bored. There’s always a lot to do here.

One more thing I almost forgot to mention. Last night I heard fireworks and couldn’t figure our what was going on. Then it occurred to me. Congratulations to all the 2020 Graduates! This is one celebration you won’t forget, seeing how things are today. Be strong and be safe. Make your life matter. Cure something, invent something, create something, explore or teach something that interests you. Your lives have just begun. Be proud of your accomplishments and strive for excellence. No one said life would be easy, because it isn’t, but work hard, enjoy the journey and success will follow. Believe in yourself, be yourself, and follow your dreams. I’m proud of you all. Now, go conquer the world! That’s my advice to you. :)

Until next time, God bless, stay safe and support your local Farmer’s Markets.

Skip’s mom, Cb