TRIALS & TRIUMPHS = FUN (And the story behind the story!)   There’s so much news, I’m not sure my Bootober Newsletter will hold it all. HA! I’ll do my best to fill you in on all the latest happenings. As I mentioned last month, we’re back in Arizona for the winter. And knowing my hubby, pooch, and myself, we always have a story to tell, especially after we decided to leave our RV up in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Next summer, we'll pick it up and travel around the area again.   About a week before we headed out to Arizona, I suggested we buy a pop-up to tow behind the Jeep. This way we wouldn’t have to stay in hotels on the way down. Ray agreed, and we found one in Missoula, Montana. After getting sleeping bags and other supplies, we hit the road.   1st Night: It took us less than 18 minutes to set up the trailer. We gloated at our achievement since we’d never owned a pop up before. But after settling in for night, we discovered we’d be braving some chilly temps (mid-40s). Seeing our breath had us rethinking our decision. PS: Had to call the seller to ask how to turn on the lights. Who knew there was second switch? 2nd Night: Setting up the trailer that evening took well over an hour. A rather humbling experience to say the least. Pop-ups are a little trickier than just pulling our Winnebago into a spot. Weather was toastier that night. Side Note: KOA put us in tent site. We parked the trailer in the parking spot. Kind of strange. 3rd Night: We were back to a reasonable time of cranking the puppy up. However, when Ray tried to fill the water tank, we had a mini flood under one of the banquette seats. No, we didn’t call the seller again, but a quick clean up told us all was well.   Lake Powell Horseshoe Bend at sunset 4th and 5th Nights – Page, Arizona: We finally mastered the pop up upper and downer, and you could call us Tom and Terry Tourist while in Page. If you’ve not been there, it’s a must see. And as usual, I’ve attached a few photos for your viewing pleasure (see above).   Chapel of the Holy Cross 6th Night – Sedona, Arizona: Beautiful scenery everywhere we looked. A gorgeous day to see the sites. Our campground almost caused me to spend a night in jail, but we lived through it, and it will be in my next book. Who makes their guests find their spot then go to the office and check in? They did.  7th Night: We’re in our park model for the season. And the pop up is in storage. There you have the Messmer Adventure in a nutshell. And speaking of nuts – yes, we are!!! And that's the story behind the story!!! WRITING NEWS: I told you last month that I was going to a writer's conference. It happened, and all I can say is that I met so many nice folks. Even though I have an outgoing personality, I’m a little shy (yes, it’s hard to believe) when I’m put in situation where I don’t know anyone. But not that weekend. I decided there was no time like the present to be bolder. And it worked. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed something or laughed as hard as I did those two days. If the Lord and I hadn’t had our discussion beforehand, it may have had a different outcome. Sometimes, we have to put ourselves out there and see what happens. It was pure joy!!!   PS: Before Ray dropped me at the conference, we decided to go to breakfast. On the way, he saw the low tire light on the dash. We got there and sure enough, the right rear tire was low. Went and ate and when we came back out—the tire was completely flat. No worries, we had plenty of time. Ray called for roadside assistance, but then I noticed an Ace Hardware across the parking lot. We went and bought an air compressor and plugs. Thank You, Lord, that I’m married to a mechanic.     Ray aired up the tire, which took a half hour, then he fixed the hole. As you can see by the photo (above) – it was a honking screw that caused the damage. WOW!!!   MORE WRITING NEWS: I received a 5 STAR review on Pigtails and a Tool Belt. I had to share it. The person said, “I loved the guppy, and that Samantha talked to it.” TOO FUN!!! And another story behind the story: I’m at a book event and a lady stops by my table. We chatted, and I told her I was writing Pigtails. She asked, “Does it have a pet like your other ones do?” I had to admit that it did not, but a few days later, while writing a scene, the opportunity to add Goose the guppy came up. I don’t know why I picked a fish, but I’m glad this reader approved! PS: It's still ON SALE for .99 cents!!! OCTOBER FUNNY:   Not to tell any of our deep, dark secrets. But we leave laundry to the last minute. Since I was down to two pairs of underwear, I asked Ray, “Do you need me to do laundry? His quick response cracked me up. “No, I’ll just go Al dente.” After I controlled my laugher, I said, “You do know that’s a way you cook pasta? I think you meant ‘commando.’ People, a reality show is going to show up with their cameras one day and film our antic. HA!!!   Waltzing with a Grease Monkey is on sale for .99 cents. Here’s the blurb about the novella: Penelope Price teaches ballroom dancing. At night, she moonlights as a mechanic alongside her ex-boyfriend, Derek. One day, her two professions collide. Will Harrison waltz into Priceless Dance Studio and steal Penelope’s heart, or will Derek’s wit and wisdom win her back?  https://amzn.to/3QHNnL9 Until next time… Janetta Fudge Messmer - Author of Christian Comedy/Romances “Turning Life Into Comedy” E-mail: janettafudgemessmer@gmail.com Website and sign up for the newsletter: http://janettafudgemessmer.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janetta.fudge.messmer Twitter: https://twitter.com/nettiefudge