Oh, those crazy Wisconsinites....

Even though I've lived in WI my whole life, I somehow never heard about the UW-Madison Statue of Liberty prank. Until today, that is.

Read the full story here:

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/Hoaxipedia/Lady_Liberty_on_Lake_Mendota/

Score for my store!

My store will be featured, starting Monday, at this blog here:

http://www.cuteindiefinds.com/

It's a great blog highlighting an assortment of cute handmade items. Check it out!

I forgot there would be homework...

In yet another effort to constantly improve myself and my writing, I am taking an online travel writing course from www.writersonlineworkships.com. The first assignment was to think of two travel articles, and I'm pretty excited about the topics I chose.

NaNoWrimo news:
November is over, so how did I do? Well, I lasted through about 2 1/2 weeks and 21,000 words. I abandoned it when life got in the way and buying Christmas presents seemed more enticing, but I know I'll be back. My characters are just stuck in limbo for awhile.

WishIWereHere:
You may notice a link on the side, with pictures of photo cards. This is a link to my store on Etsy.com. Not only do I sell items at my Etsy store, but I've bought quite a few Christmas gifts from other Etsy sellers. I highly suggest you check it out!

The Clink

As someone who frequently suffers from extreme bouts of wanderlust, I love hotels. And I love unique hotels even more. Underwater hotels, themed hotels, they're great! That's why I was so excited to read about The Liberty Hotel in Boston. Once a jail, it has been transformed (in only 5 years with only $150 million) to a luxury hotel.

Read the full article about The Liberty Hotel in USA Today here.

Sounds like the perfect place to have a "Prison Break" marathon!

In other hotel news, check out the photo gallery of the Dubailand hotel models. It's going to be insane. (Page 6 is where the photos of the models actually begin.)

NaNoWriMo

Yesterday I took quite a large leap - I signed up for NaNoWriMo, also known as National Novel Writing Month. Thousands of people from across the globe join together for the seemingly-impossible task of writing a 50,000 word novel in the month of November. Yes, that's right, a novel in a month. Or at least the first draft.

This competition (gathering, contest, challenge?) has been going on for quite a few years, but I just heard about it a few weeks ago, and yesterday I took the plunge and signed up. Wish me luck!

Novel-writing craziness, here I come!

Wisconsin Wonder #1 - Door County

If you put your left hand out in front of you, palm down, fingers together, your hand resembles the shape of the state of Wisconsin. Door County, in those terms, is your thumb.

(image courtesy of http://www.doorcounty.com/)

Surrounded by Lake Michigan and Green Bay, Door County is a haven for weekenders, cherry lovers, and art enthusiasts. The fish boils attract visitors from all over, and there are five state parks and 17 county parks for hiking and exploring.

Because of the colder climate in Wisconsin, Door County is considered a summer retreat. The warmer weather makes an excellent time for outdoor activities, as well as a comfortable time to browse the custom shops or camp out under the stars. Golfers hit the courses, the outdoor playhouse showcases theatre performances, and the drive-in movie theater is a wonderful place to roll down your windows (look out for mosquitoes!) and relax while catching a double feature.

For those who would rather avoid the tourist rushes and experience a different part of Door County, the "off-season" offers various venues of interest.

During the spring months, the apple and cherry trees that Door County is so famous for are in full bloom. Nothing is quite like driving past an orchard covered with soft white petals, silhouetted against a brightly painted red barn. If you come during the later months of spring, most of the attractions and restaurants will be open for business. The Washington Island ferry is open year-round to accomodate the residents of the island, and the daffodils will be springing up all over the place.

In the fall, Door County's many tree-lined roads are full of color. The cranberries and apples are in season, so stop by an orchard for a hot cup of apple cider or a slice of pie. Most of the lighthouses are open to visitors until late October, but some are without heat, so bundle up for the tour. Stop by a unique coffee house to remind you that not all coffee is served at Starbucks, and then get cozy around the fireplace in a cabin in the woods.

When the snow falls in winter, try out a snowmobile for a truly unique experience, or go cross country skiing to experience the beauty of freshly-fallen snow. Ice fishing is another option, and a very popular one for some. Some hotels and bed and breakfasts are open all year for the brave ones, and you can always be a kid again and build a snow fort or have a snowball fight.

Door County truly experiences all four seasons in full splendor, use the links throughout to find out more about how you can plan your visit there - any time of the year.

Or, check out my photo galleries of Door county in fall and spring.