The Joy of Travel

We decided to take a mini-vacation of sorts (about a week and a half) that took us up the coasts of California, Oregon, Washington, and finally to the great city of Vancouver B.C. in Canada! I know the kids will not remember these travels and that some people would consider bringing them along more trouble than what it's worth, but not for us because we'll remember the trip for them and we also have photos and videos of the two visiting several extraordinary locales. So we have 100% pure magic to show for it and such sweet memories that we will not soon forget.

These two loved this garden!

When not gorging on delicious foods or visiting tourist and non-tourist hot-spots, I took the time to pay attention and be present to soak it all in. In searching for inspiration and references for upcoming novels and short stories, I found plenty to make note of. There was no shortage of inspiration, that's for sure.

Zen 

We were back by the 2nd of August and DEF CON 24 was soon enough to begin. I'd like to once again thank the good people of DARPA, DEF CON staff and attendees, and Dark Tangent in particular for listing The Kaleidoscope among other great books in the HW assignments reference to promote the theme of, "Rise of the Machines" and "Spiritual Machines".

Automated Competition!

We are in an era of true discovery and it was a privilege to be a part of this year's assigned reading for DEF CON 24's convention theme. It is the hacker that will bridge the gap between man and machine; for it is the hacker that connects the ether of the zeitgeist.  
      

DARPA Cyber Grand Challenge

A Wonderful Night

It was a privilege and a pleasure to participate as one of the authors reading for the evening at Shades & Shadows 16! I read select passages from my novel, The Kaleidoscope and met with other speculative fiction and horror genre authors.

Shades & Shadows 16; Author Adrian Mendoza
 reads from his novel, The Kaleidoscope

The venue for the event, The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, was as mesmerizing as it was inviting. Our hosts were uber welcoming and supportive - you're the best Lauren and Xach! I cannot thank my friends and family enough for their having attended, their herculean efforts to travel to Los Angeles, and for all of the food/fun we shared over the weekend!

Shades & Shadows 16: Group shot of
featured authors and their hosts! 

The hosts and authors of the night gathered for a group shot after the Shades and Shadows 16 show! Pictured from Left to Right: Lauren Candia, Lauren Miller, Adrian Mendoza, S. P. Hendrick, Chris Farnsworth, John Skipp, Mercedes Yardley, and Xach Fromson. Please support and attend future Shades and Shadows author readings!

Upcoming Reading Event!

I'm excited and honored to be a part of an upcoming reading event! The creators of the Shades and Shadows reading series have listed me as one of their authors for this months honorarium, which is being held at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles. Tickets, location, and all other info can be found at the official Shades & Shadows' Facebook page.

Having just visited my family in San Diego last month, I believe a return trip to southern California will be a fun and worthwhile one. I look forward to meeting my hosts, the other authors of the night's readings, and any potential readers new to my work.