Book Locations: The Drake Hotel.

My current work-in-progress involves travel (as all my books do). The heroine starts in Chicago, Illinois, and ends up in Athens and Delphi, in Greece. As part of my preparation to write, I like to collect maps, photographs, and descriptions of my locations.

My first location is the Drake Hotel, a long-time fixture of the Chicago Gold Coast. For me, it has long been the epitome of luxury, style, and class.

So of course, I had to set a scene where my hero receives his top-secret orders and his weapons on a secret floor. Something like this:

Obviously, I need to go to the Drake and get some of my own photos!

(The following clip has nothing to do with the Drake, so just think of it as a bonus yummy for the day.:)

The Bohemian Life: Travel to Santa Barbara, CA

In my little world view, the basic necessity to live a Bohemian life is to travel. I never thought I would be able to travel as much as I have in the last five years. It is glorious, freeing, life-changing, and mind-expanding. I learn something no matter where I go, be it nearby or overseas.

My latest travel adventure took me to Santa Barbara, California, for the wedding of two dear friends. What better reason to travel than to celebrate love?

I loved this little fountain, tucked away in the property where the bride and groom stayed.

Overlooking the beach.

Sneaking away to clamber the cliffs.

Doing my best world traveler face.

Spring on the Harbor.