Aloha to Dallas - Katy Trail and Historic Sights

Historical author Sally MacKenzie and I walked several days in the morning, trekking over 5+ miles.  Along the way, we discovered the Katy Trail.  From Wikipedia (link):

The Katy Trail is a jogging, walking, inline skating, and bicycling path that runs through the Uptown and Oak Lawn areas of Dallas, following the path of the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, which was known as MKT or the Katy.

Back in Downtown Dallas, we passed the Texas School Book Depository Building ...

... marking a dark day in American history.

Here's the Old Red Museum we spotted from the Reunion Tower (link).

Speaking of the Reunion Tower, it stands guard over the Hyatt Hotel to the right.   We dodged the raindrops back to the hotel.

Do you have a walking path near you?  One randomly selected commenter from my RT posts wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Sunday, May 31. I'll post the winner on Monday, June 1, at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Dallas - Evening Parties

We sneaked into the ballroom early to take a picture of the mechanical bull for the Taste of Texas Romance Rodeo:

RT’s opening night party is sure to set the tone for a wild Western fun time in Dallas. A Texas barbeque celebration — pulled pork sandwiches and some traditional Texas-style side dishes — will be served up and, for entertainment, there will be line dancing, country music and a mechanical bull! Be sure dust off your cowboy boots, break out the hats and pack your finest Western attire for this fun-filled fantasy evening.

Two nights later, Heather Graham hosted the Lone Star's Supernatural State:

Come party on down, deep in the heart of Texas! The cowboys, ranchers, vamps, ghosts, ghouls and werewolves are all are planning on some good old Southern hospitality! Solve the demise of the vampire rancher, Nate Bloodworthy, in the midst of the barbecue festivities, and win the grand prize, or pick up one of a dozen fun, lovely, and creepy pieces in the costume competition!

The Little Princess wanted to dance on stage ... 

... and she stole the show!  Would you ride the mechanical bull? Do you know how to two step?  Would you dress up in paranormal costume?  One randomly selected commenter from my RT posts wins a book choice from my convention stash. Comments are open through Sunday, May 31. I'll post the winner on Monday, June 1, at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Aloha to Dallas - Reunion Tower

I arrived in Dallas last Monday for the RT Booklovers Convention.  Above, the Reunion Tower rises about the Hyatt Regency Hotel.  From its website (link),

Recently ranked in The Dallas Morning News: Guide "Top 10 Jaunts of 2013," a visit to the Reunion Tower isn’t just about seeing what’s below from hundreds of feet in the air. It’s about expanding your horizons. The GeO-Deck has something for everyone – the foodies, the fashionistas, adventure seekers or sightseers. Think you’ve seen it all? Experience the interactive Halo today, and change your view forever.

I invited Tamara Argyle (Navy surgeon) and Sally MacKenzie (historical author) for drinks at Wolfgang Puck's Five Sixty Restaurant.  The seating area rotates, giving us a panorama of downtown Dallas.

These buildings reminded me of something ... then I remembered they are featured in the opening credits of the prime time soap opera, Dallas.  I loved the original show on CBS and the reboot on TNT.

The Trinity River was overflowing with the recent rain.

This red stone building stood out - it is the Old Red Museum. From its website (link), 

Dedicated to inspire and educate visitors about the rich and varied cultural, economic, political and social history of the Dallas County Area, the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture serves as a symbol of Dallas heritage. Built in 1892, the beautifully restored Old Red Courthouse contains some of Dallas County’s most fascinating historical artifacts. There is a special exhibit gallery located on the first floor, while the second floor of Old Red is filled with exhibits, 41-touch screen computers, an educational learning center and four mini theatres.

We enjoyed Asian themed appetizers ...

... and unique drinks.  How about that ice cube?
  

Have you visited Dallas?  One randomly selected commenter from my RT posts wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Sunday, May 31.  I'll post the winner on Monday, June 1, at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Sally and Tamara 

Finding Your Tribe at the RT Booklovers Convention - Book Blogger Conference

The RT Booklovers Convention offers readers the opportunity to find their "tribe" - other readers who share passions for authors, genres, etc.   For readers who are bloggers, here's a pre-conference event for you .... the 2015 Book Blogger Conference:

One Day, All Bloggers, Totally Excellent

We have a date: Tuesday 12 May, 2015, one day before the RT Booklovers Convention

We have a place: The Hyatt Regency, Dallas Texas

Sarah from Smart Bitches and Jane from Dear Author are collaborating again to organize a one-day conference for book bloggers. So many bloggers attend RT each year that it’s excellent opportunity to talk with one another about the issues we face, large and small, and to learn from one another.

We hope you’ll join us and share your ideas and perspective. It won’t be awesome without you.

Jane Litte (Dear Author) 

Sarah Wendell (Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, Blogger)

I am giving away a book choice from my convention stash to one randomly selected commenter from this week's posts.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  What feedback would you give as a reader to a blogger?

2.  Comments are open through Saturday, March 30, 10 pm in Baltimore.

3.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, April 6, on my book blog, SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

Lucky is part of my tribe.