Getting ready for vacation can be stressful and fun at the same time. We are excited to be going somewhere fun, but worried about boarding the dogs, watering the plants, getting the mail taken in and all sorts of other little pesky things that can keep you awake at night.

So here I am... leaving tomorrow for vacation and slamming out a newsletter. I realized to day that "hey" it is now August and time to connect with my readers.
Another one of those things that almost slipped by me. Can you tell I am distracted?

We are headed off to Ely, Nevada again... I will share some pictures with you when I get back. This year we are going to shop at "Art in the Park, a major craft and art event in the area. I will be doing interviews with crafty types for another website I publish, and so will share some of that with you.

I had my camera stolen last time we went to visit Ely, and some great photos were lost as well. (note to self: download pictures to laptop every night) :)

The weather in Ely is gorgeous this time of year and the air is so clear. The sky is filled with billowing clouds that collect at the top of the mountain range. Late in the afternoon the clouds seem to swoop down into the valley and shower while the light of the sunset sparkles through.

Camping in the Ely area is fantastic and the Lake is booming with boats, fishing and family picnics.

The best part of all... (well beside getting to visit family) is the weather. You are not going to encounter sticky, sweltering unbreathable hot air. That is what I look forward too every day here in the desert Southwest.

Our payback is that we have mild, spring like weather all winter long. Ha... no snow, ever.

Here's the latest article from the Southwest USA site at BellaOnline.com.


Inspirational Hispanic Art - Taos New Mexico -Lydia Garcia - Santera
Steeped in the Hispanic traditions of art, culture and religion, Lydia's art reflects the passion and depth of her cultural heritage. Her work is about the Catholic tradition influenced by the early priests traveling into this nearly untouched Northern regions of New Mexico.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art52141.asp

Please visit southwestusa.bellaonline.com for even more great content about Southwest USA.

I hope to hear from you sometime soon, either in the forum or in response to this email message. I thrive on your feedback!

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Debra Conrad, Southwest USA Editor
http://southwestusa.bellaonline.com

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