When you hear the word "adventure" do you think of trekking through steaming jungles, climbing mountains, or sailing solo around the world? While those things are indeed adventurous, a different

My definition of adventure is doing something that makes you uncomfortable but will ultimately produce growth.

For example, starting a business is an adventure - a trek into unknown territory. Writing a book or taking up painting can be an adventure. Learning to dance the tango, or travelling to Brazil? Both adventurous, wouldn't you say?

The important thing is to do what you are interested in doing and don't allow fear or naysayers to stop you. Life can be an adventure to a boring string of miserable days. The choice is yours.

My idea of a good adventure is to read a good book, depending on the season, either curled up by the fire or lounging on a beach. But when my archaeologist uncle, Neil Bryant, decides he needs me to help out with his latest caper into the wilds of the past, I've been known to drop everything and go.

Being a dedicated comfort-lover, I've discovered that there is a lot to learn when you go charging off into the unknown. Not only is it important to keep your wits about you – that means eyes and ears on the alert at all times – it's also vital to learn what you can about your surroundings from as many sources as possible. If the locals don't stand under coconut palms, for example, that's a good clue that you shouldn't either. If the water looks inviting but no one is diving in, you need to find out why. Sharks, perhaps?

Come to think of it, this attitude applies to other areas of life, too, doesn't it?

I've learned a lot about being intrepid. You can read how in Picking up the Pieces, and now in my new escapade, The Glass Dolphin. (Click on titles for Amazon.com)

E-Book versions HERE.

In Picking up the Pieces, I went to Sugarloaf Key in Florida and to Key West.

Here is a view from the island highway which hopscotches from key to key.

My next adventure will take me to this same area since Mr. McSweeney announced in The Glass Dolphin that he has found a wreck and insists that Neil and I take a look. I'll be packing my snorkel and flippers for this one.

This photo is of the house where my author lived one spring and summer and that appears in Picking up the Pieces. It's in Provence, France.

This is NOT a photo of me (there are none, because remember, I am a fictional character) but I wanted to show you what kind of shirt I wear when travelling. In hot countries it works to keep the sun off and the mosquitoes, too. In colder climates, I can layer it over my favourite T-shirt or under a wool sweater.

The pants are great too but I would pull them up. You all know, of course, that I never leave home without my tote bag. In it I carry all kinds of necessities that I can't do without in case my luggage gets lost in transit. So far, that hasn't happened because I always pray for a safe and trouble-free trip before I leave home. If I didn't feel confident that God would come through for me, I would probably just stay home and paint.

When my uncle Neil calls and needs me to accompany him on one of this archaeological adventures, I have to be prepared - and fast. My tote always carries my smallest Bible, the old leather-covered one I got for my twenty-first birthday that is now all marked up in coloured ink. A little bottle of shampoo, some insect repellant, my journal and good pen – one that has a light so I can write in the dark and also doubles as a flashlight – and tissues. A few other feminine necessities, like hair stuff and a mirror, plus, camera, small binoculars, my passport and any other important documents. I have been known, more than once, to use my tote as a weapon. It makes a good one if I can get enough swing behind it, and has got me out of more than one fix.