Well, actually, no. I had a great time at the show, and, since most or all of these guys could have been my son (and a late-life baby at that), I can’t say I got terribly excited. (Bring on Sam Elliott, Clint Eastwood or George Strait and it might be a whole different ballgame.) As adorable, not to mention truly talented, as these young Aussies are, they didn’t make my heart go pitty-pat. Did I enjoy their acrobatics, their saucy little smiles and sculpted bodies? You bet. I might be getting older, but I’m not blind–or dead.
We’re getting ready for the holidays around here, and it’s hectic. The last of the presents were mailed today (I think) and I’m pretty sure homebase is covered.
Some of the art I bought at the Vegas auction has arrived–my favorites are pieces by Lynn Bean, a wonderful artist. I already own one of her pieces, and I bought two more at the auction. She does Western themes and incorporates metal into the picture; very different and very beautiful.
The Michael Landon painting will arrive later, and I can’t wait to share it with you. I’ll have Jen put it up on my Facebook page the minute it’s safely installed in my office. Ditto the other Western art.
I hear the NFR will be held in Orlando, Florida next year, rather than Vegas. While Orlando certainly has it’s attractions–the wonderful sunlight being only one of them–I will miss the Vegas experience, and the dear friends who live there. If I hear more on the subject, I’ll pass it on to you–and since you might hear about it before I do, please be sure to comment.
There are other reasons to comment, too–the third $50 giftcard/signed book giveaway will be announced on Friday. After that, there will still be one more week in the contest, so keep the faith and don’t give up.
The contests will continue, of course–I have some goodies I picked up at Cowboy Christmas, and I plan to offer some of my artist trading cards and even some of my “medicinal” jewelry in the future, along with the autographed books.
If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you know that what I mean by “medicinal” is a gemstone known to be a remedy for certain ailments, or simply a stone that will soothe the stressed-out or bolster a particular goal. I am rarely without my rose quartz pendant.
This morning I attended my Weight Watchers meeting, and came straight home to write. I gained back the 1.8 pounds I lost the previous week, but it’s no big deal. At other times of my life, I might have gained a lot more than that. Furthermore, the weight will come off easily. I did NOT indulge in Vegas–I remember seeing these beautiful caramel apples everywhere–I LOVE the things–but I didn’t buy one because I was too point-stingy. They were huge, and if a person ate, say 1/4 of one, no harm done. I know myself, though–I would have picked and picked until I’d consumed the whole thing. So, better to just walk away. Instead, I had bacon and eggs at one room-service breakfast and the BEST ever Chilean Sea Bass at dinner with Renae and Bill. I definitely drank more red wine than I usually would.
But, hey. I was in Vegas. It’s Christmas. And I plan to be a Weight Watchers member from now until the day I meet my Maker.
Which I hope will be a long time from now!
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I too would rather see Clint Eastwood, Sam Eliot or some of the oldies and gonies whose movies I still watch. Can’t believe Ray Price died (or that he was still alive). Hope you have a great Christmas.
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I’m glad you have the attitude you have about the whole experience. I heard a Sunday School teacher say one time that beauty was to be admired, that a man could look at a beautiful woman and think…How pretty. The problem starts when his thoughts go further than that, so…I guess the same thing goes for women looking at pretty men, as in art.
Have a good and Goldy rest of the week.
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I think with all the stripper stuff, I forgot to congratulate the 2 winners. So..CONGRATULATIONS, ladies!!!!!!
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Linda, I just went back and read the Blog about you giving your poor tired feet as a gift, and saw your request for my address.
It is PO Box 2016, Seneca, SC 29679
I’m sorry I just now saw this. But, I usually re-read your Blog and the comments before I put it in your file.
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Thank you, Gloria. It was a lovely surprise to receive Linda’s assistant’s email and learn I had won. It’s been a rough week here and this lifted my spirits immeasurably – I’m really looking forward to seeing which book I’ll receive!
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So glad you had a great time in Vegas!! Can’t wait to see your art work!
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I understand the Orlando location is NOT set in stone yet. LV has time to counter. Got that from a very reliable source.
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From your mouth to God’s ears!
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Good for you. Keeping a sensible outlook on weight loss is very healthy mentally.
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Love your sense of humor, I would have been looking at the guys also. I enjoyed your blog as always, so glad you are going to share Michael Landon’s painting with us.
Ruby
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Christmas is the time of the year to idulge. Just don’t go overboard. Bslance is good!
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I wud have been kinda embarrassed around all those kids being my son’s age, too, but know it was all in fun :). Like you, I’m more moved by the likes of George Strait
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Seeing those young Aussie men must have been an exciting show. You mention that they were young and had a few older men been there it might have been different. One name you mention was George Strait, I couldn’t agree more. I have been a fan of George for as long as I can remember. Being from New England being a country fan is becoming rather normal but twenty years ago that was not the case.
Have a Merry Christmas Linda. Hope you and your family and friends stay safe and happy.
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Would love to see the rodeo come to Orlando. I would love to be able to go and see it and possibly meet you one day. I love reading your books.
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I’m glad you had a wonderful time in Vegas also glad you made it home safely. I can’t wait to see the portrait of Michael Landon, since he was also my favorite Cartwright :-). Have a blessed and wonderful night everyone.
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All I can say is …Sam Elliot…..I adore him. So jealous of Katherine Ross
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The NFR in Orlando…?! How un-western is that?!
Though it’s only fair to the cowboys who have to travel so far in either direction, I suppose.
Can’t wait to see your painting of Little Joe!
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Sam Eillot is a very handsome man,would love to see the portrait of Michael Landon.can somebody let me know if this is how you enter the giveaway.
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This is how you enter.
All you have to do is comment.
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Sounds like you are really ready for Christmas. All the best to you and yours, and the Merriest Christmas ever to everyone!!
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I have to say Sam Elliot has always been my kinda guy. Have a Merry Christmas, we have snow here, so it’s been nice with all the holiday lights and the full moon.
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As R.Kelly sings: “ain’t nothin’ wrong with a little bump and grind”…just imagine the audience filled with romance readers…”go Linda, go Linda”…lol.
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I got so tickled about your experience in Vegas with the show. I live in Ft Worth, you should come visit and tour the Amon Carter Museum of Art. Our daughter worked there for a year between her undergraduate and Masters. It all American artists and has a wonderful collection of western art. Then of course you could visit the Cowgirl Museum right down the street. One of my most treasured possessions is a signed Peter Hurd print of the ranch one branch of my family settle on in Riodoso New Mexico. I love your blogs. you are a very inspiring and uplifting person!
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I’d pick Sam Elliott too, and oh that voice. I always perk up when I hear it!!! Glad your home safe and sound, Linda. Blessings.
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1.8 is only water weight! No worries!!!! I’ve made a huge batch of the cabbage soup for the week. It’s handy and healthy. Two crock pots of it…it beats reaching for something unhealthy.
I’ve put on a few more pounds than I need to lately.
As far as the show… I may have been clapping my hands like crazy but young men don’t make my heart beat faster either..haha..I just like to add to the excitement.
It will be tough to say goodbye to vegas next year…I don’t know what Kissimmee can offer besides Disney but we shall see.
Meanwhile, I think Bill’s trying to reach Sam Elliott…lol
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Renae, I don’t think we’re going to find out what was in that bag, but I sure would like to know.
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I’m sorry to hear the rodeo finals are going to FL! HUH? When I think rodeo, I sure don’t think Orlando, FL. Cheyenne, Calgary, and any point west, incl. TX and OK…YES! But, Orlando? Nope.
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Linda, I was wondering where you purchase your stones? Another question I have is: is it better to have the stones in raw form or with a finish. Thanks for any suggestion you might have. Hope you and your family has a happy holiday season.
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I get a lot of my gemstones on eBay, although I never miss a chance to visit a gem/bead store in my travels, and we have two very good local shops as well–Wonders of the World and Rings & Things.
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I love it when a “girl” can say “Hey that’s EYE CANDY” JUST LIKE A GUY CAN
!! Of course we can appreciate the view, but as you said, “There’s somethin’ about those older fellows that makes a drum roll in the heart”!! 
I’ve been making the “better” food choices too. I’ve learned to not deprive myself too
much so life can be a little more enjoyable. I like your attitude..
you will succeed. Have a Merry Christmas with friends & family.
Look forward to your new books. By the way, LOVE the EYE CANDY on the covers!!
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I love to hear Sam Eillot talk. He has a good voice. Fl. just does not sound like horses and cows. Glad you had a good time in Vages.
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I too adore Sam Elliott. What an amazing voice! Love it.
Guess NFR will not see me next year if it is in Orlando. Not a fan of Florida!
Glad you are ready for Christmas. We are too. Then all the “trappings” come down on the 26th.
Another cold front is arriving soon……love the snow!
Be well and Merry Christmas!
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I love reading your blogs! Have never been to Vegas but always enjoy hearing about the adventures if those who have! Look forward to seeing your new art work especially the Michael Landon one. Love your contests and wishing everyone Good Luck!!
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I saw today on Facebook that the deal with Orlando and the NFR is not a done deal yet. I hope its not. I have a fake fur coat too. People think its real but its not but it is beautiful. I could not have gotten on that stage. Just could not. We are getting ready to go to Everett to our daughters home to spend Christmas with out girls, one lives in Marysville next door to Everett. I am looking foreward to it. Hope your Christmas is wonderful.
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Glad to hear you had a good time in Vegas. The art work sound interesting. I would to see some with the metal. I got my packages in the mail Monday. Just want them to arrive no later than christmas eve. You have a great thrusday !
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Hi Linda:
They are my speed too. I am very eager to see the Michael Landon painting. 
I could sure use a medicinal necklace right about now. We are going through a very serious medical problem. My husband of 51 years has a rare form of liver cancer that is terminal. I am nursing him at home as per his wishes. A few of our 7 children will be able to make home for Christmas. I hope the weather co-operates. In Alberta, Canada the weather is very unpredictable. So keep warm and have loads of fun. Life is short.
I agree about Sam, Clint or George.
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Great attitude about your weight. we all need a little leeway, especially on vacation. You’ll get right back on tract later.
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You make me giggle. Can just picture it. Love that he was being real with you behind the scene. Merry Christmas.
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Thanks for the great updates on your trip to NFR!!! I do hope it’s back to Vegas next year, it’s on my bucket list and it’s so much easier and closer to get to from home. Looking forward to tomorrow’s blog! Thanks
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I also would prefer Sam, Clint or George!
Yes it is Christmas time and indulging a little is good for you!
Love your books, and love hearing what is happening in your life!
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Love the blog and love your writing… I just spent nearly 2 years off work ( 2 brain surgeries) I rad and reread every one of your books ( as well as Debbie Macombers LOL) excuse the spelling, still getting everything back.. can’t wait for the book…… super excited!!!!!!
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Looking forward to seeing your artwork. First post – really enjoy your books.
Thank you
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Sorry about the gain, but you are right you will have good days and bad ones. Keep up the hard work.
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You have such fun travels! And I fully agree with you on the red hotness of King George!
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Sam, Clint & George…three of my all-time favorites too!
Wish Sam Elliott and Tom Selleck would do another western. Ah, be still my heart. I always thought Sam Elliott would be a great actor to portray Angus McKettrick. But I’m sure the Aussies were nice “eye candy”! Enjoy hearing all your Vegas stories.
Merry Christmas!
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Way to go, you have a good attitude about your weight gain, just keep chugging along. Weight Watchers is the way to go, it is definitely the best live style program out there.
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Sam Elliot! yes! Such a pleasure to meet you at the Fashion Show and thanks for signing my book. Hope to see you again some day.
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Glad you made it home from your trip, and that the art has started to arrive, I look forward to your blog and will enjoy seeing the art as well. Have a Merry Christmas and stay well.
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I’m hoping for Orlando/Kissimee because I can go. Do you sign books at the nfr? Personally , I think Vegas would be more fun…
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I now have an addition to my “bucket list”, lol. Next time I’m in Vegas, I’m definitely going to Thunder Down Under”, but I’ll be sure not to yawn,
Sounds like you really have a great time in Vegas and I can’t wait to see your “Little Joe” painting and the other art items you purchased. Love hearing about what’s happening in your life while we’re waiting for your next book to come out, and you give us encouragement to work at bettering our lives too as we see (hear) about the changes you are making to improve your own. Seriously thinking about joining Weight Watchers, you make it sound so easy.
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LOVE reading about your Vegas adventures, from the strippers to Cowboy Christmas! And I’ve gotta agree with you on your, let’s say, appreciation, of the more mature men….Sam Elliott being a favorite around here! Dodge Ram commercials sure get my attention!
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I just want to thank you for your generosity. Even if I never win, you are putting a smile on many faces with your books , comments, and gifts to the commenters. Keep up the good work with Weight Watchers. You are an inspiration!
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My day is not complete unless I check your website. Glad you had such a great time in Vegas. I know a couple who met at the NFR one year and are now married for many years. Have a great day and Christmas.
Joann V
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Sounds like you had a great time as per usual and glad you are safely back home again. Seems odd that they would move the NFR to FL next year, but that is what I thought when they moved it to
Vegas from OKC so yes, I’ll get used to it being there I’m sure. I’m still in the process of wrapping, so as you can guess, I am taking a break. Hope to spend Christmas in CO (weather permitting). Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to you and all your extended family, including all us members of your blog.
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It sounds like you had a great time in Vegas – and your stories prove that you never know what will happen there! It’s such a crazy (fun) place!
I went to a Titanic exhibit several years ago. It was so fascinating and strange to think that the things on display – things like eyeglasses and perfume bottles and silverware – had been on the ship and brought back from the water. There wasn’t an iceberg, though – that MUST have been chilling!
Good for you with Weight Watchers – it takes strength not to indulge in Sin City (or on any trip). I’m a red wine lover too, so that would have been my pick, too.
I can’t wait to see the Little Joe portrait. He’s always been my favorite Cartwright.
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I often found never splurging can make you depressed whereas splurging once in a rare moment can motivate you.
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Hi Linda, sounds like you had a great time in Vegas. Your plantingss I bet are gorgeous, I bet the one of Michael Landon is beautiful. I am glad you had a great time. I sure could use that medical gemstones, with all of my health problem. God blessings to all.
As always your,
Norma
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You’ll do better since your at home and sometimes you just need to indulge but don’t feel bad for you had a great time in Vegas! I’ve been watching what I eat for I know I have a few parties that I’m going to but just going to have fun with my friends and enjoy the holidays, then get back on track the next day! Love the contests…would love to win anything, trying to finish my Christmas shopping too~ Merry Christmas to you and your family!
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It is the holidays so you can cheat a little. Jan 1 will be here soon enough. Enjoyl
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I hope they don’t move the NFR away from Las Vegas.Vegas is where it belongs.They go together perfectly.Glad you enjoyed you time in Vegas.Sounds like you found some something other than gambling. I hope your new book comes out soon.Good luck
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I hope so, too. Plus it will be very difficult for a lot of the fans to travel so far.
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I, too, hope you are here for a long, long time, Linda. I adore every story you write…I just finished “The 24 Days of Christmas”. I can’t get enough of your romance stories! Thanks. Florida just seems an “odd” place for rodeo finals…in Montana, yes, especially in Billings…but Florida?
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Like your taste in men, Sam is one of a kind and I even cried when he got killed in Roadhouse…way back when. Yes, I knew it was all in the script but that didn’t stop my tears.
I hope you and yours have a wonderful Christmas and please keep me in mind if you want any books review as I will be happy to do it for you. Sue