Kisses for Frosty

I just had to share these cute pictures taken by my friend Tiffany of her (and our surrogate) dog, Angus. We stayed with them in Bend.

On Friday, we were supposed to go climbing at Smith Rock. We woke up to snow on the ground and lots of white stuff falling from the sky. Our outing got cancelled. We decided to take a snow day. That is the kids spent most of the day playing outside.

Rose and hubby built a large snowman. It was taller than her. My little one was so proud!

Angus wanted in on the fun. He went up and gave Frosty a big hug and kiss! We were all surprised until we realized the reason. Can you guess what it was?

Hope you have a great Monday! I'll be getting back into the swing of things. Oh, and the laundry!

A new free book winner!

We just got home from our spring break vacation. We spent four nights on Mount Hood and skied, then headed to Bend where we got a day in of rock climbing at Smith Rock in between all the falling snow. A very fun week! But we're tired and boy, do we have a lot of laundry to do and pictures to download. The cats are happy we're home though! The kids are already hoping for snow to fall so they won't have to go back to school tomorrow!

Here are your random numbers:

73
Timestamp: 2008-03-31 01:17:58 UTC

This week's free book winner is Limecello. She won with a comment on the post, Thanks! Limecello, please pick a book from the list here and email me your selection with your snail address. You can find my email via the contact link on my website. And even if you've won a book or coupons in the past please include your mailing address. I no longer have anyone's address. Thanks!

Last week's winner Brandy chose The Leopard Prince. I'm adding a couple copies of my backlist that I received from editor since the pickings are starting to get slim!

Okay, housekeeping time. Two March winners did not send me their address with their book choices so I can't mail their books. Even if you've won something from me before, which both of these people had, I deleted everything when I sent out all those books at the beginning of the month so until I hear from you, you won't be getting your books. Thank you!

Thanks!

I really appreciate all those who went over to the Wedding Planners board yesterday. To show my gratitude, I'm going to count those comments and give you extra entries in tomorrow's free book contest here!

I wrote three new pages yesterday! I also set up The Plan. I put in everything I've got going on between now and June 16, including all Mondays. I adjusted my page output for those days when I won't have a lot of writing time. If I stick with the plan, I'll have a complete on June 7. That would give me nine extra days until the deadline. Doable? I hope so!

Just to make sure I figured I'd look for some ways to increase my luck and found this quiz.

Your Lucky Underwear is Blue

You are caring and extroverted. You've made relationships your number one focus, and your lucky blue underwear can bring some balance to them. You thrive in one-on-one situations. You are a good listener and a natural born therapist. Sometimes you let the concerns of others become too important in your life, leading to stress and worry. If you want more balance, put on your blue underpants. They'll help you take care of yourself first.

What Color Is Your Lucky Underwear?

Guess I'd better buy some blue underwear! What about you?

The Wedding Planners Blog

I've mentioned the Wedding Planners blog that the six continuity authors (Shirley Jump, Myrna Mackenzie, me, Linda Goodnight, Susan Meier and Melissa James) set up. But I wanted to tell you that the blog has finally gone live. That is, we're posting and commenting regularly.

Dru's already stopped by. Thanks so much, Dru! I hope some of you will, too. Over the next six months or so, there will be blogs from the authors (including pictures from our weddings!) as well as our continuity characters, guest blogs (experts, romance authors, romance editors, brides, grooms), contests and a whole lot more.

Shirley Jump's book, Sweetheart Lost and Found, Book #1 of the Wedding Planners continuity series, is an April release. Yesterday, Shirley asked Kenneth Gloss, owner of Brattle Book Shop and guest on PBS' Antique Roadshow, to blog about collecting romance novels. It's a very interesting post and made me think about my own collecting.

I collect castles. I have pictures, miniatures, music boxes, cards. I have them in my office and they inspire my writing happily ever afters.

I also collect Department 56 New England Village lighted houses. Those come out at Christmas time.

As for books, I wouldn't say I'm a collector per se. I do have my keepers that include many of Nora Roberts' early Silhouettes as well as some of my other fave books.

Do you collect anything? Books or something else?

Climbing Cutie Update

It's been awhile since I mentioned the Climbing Cutie so I figured it was time for an update. What's cutie been up to?

Ice climbing, crossfit, new house and work. Lots of work. Oh yeah... and getting ready for swimsuit season (hence the xfit) :P

I don't think he's going to have a problem come swimsuit time, do you?

It's hard to believe I've only known the Climbing Cutie a little over a year now. He's become such a treasured friend, it feels as if he's been part of my life for much longer than that. My hubby and the kidlets think he's pretty awesome, too. Thank goodness for that on-line climbing forum where we met.  He was (and continues to be) so nice and helpful (and patient) with all my questions about men/heroes, relationships/dating and of course, climbing. I don't think he knew what he was getting himself into by befriending this romance writer!

In an email dated March 12, 2007, I wrote:

And while I'm asking questions, what's your favorite malt-beverage brand (or wine, if you prefer) and coffee type. I'm going to owe you;)

No kidding! He's helped me with research for my books, provided a twenty-something guy's viewpoint for my heroes and changed my life by introducing me to climbing and Crossfit. I owe him big time, but paying him back just doesn't seem possible after all he's done for me. But hopefully I'll find some way some day.

I do have a book idea percolating in the back of my mind. The story features a Crossfit instructor hero. A hero who's not only a cutie, but looks totally hot in a swimsuit!

A Reprieve

Well, I'm not quite sure reprieve is the correct word, but it's close enough to what I felt yesterday when I opened an email from my editor and she said I could have until June 16th (the date I'd requested) to write the new manuscript (working title: Unexpectedly Right.)

Fifteen days might not seem like that much extra time, but let me tell you, it's huge. Two weeks can make a total difference when it comes to extra time to polish, proof and read the manuscript aloud. Granted, I will probably be writing until the last minute, but you never know.

I really am going to try my friend Elizabeth's plan again. I'm trying to figure out what I need to schedule into the plan. Things like my son's upcoming first communion. A dinner for eight we'd donated to the church. Irish dance feis. Skiing. Climbing. You get the idea!

It's funny that writing deadlines cause so much trouble for me because I am normally a planner. I live by my organizer and schedules. But somehow when it comes to my writing, my planning goes well, astray. But this time it will be different. At least I hope so!

Do you use a planner, spreadsheet or PDA to keep track of things? What have you found works best for you?

RITAs

Today the finalists in the Romance Writers of America's RITA awards will be announced. Like other contests that recognize the best in the field (Oscars, Edgars, etc), the books were judged by peers (published authors) and came out in 2007. The winners are announced at a glitzy ceremony at the RWA National conference. This year's conference will be held in San Francisco.

I was a two-time Golden Heart finalist with my first two books I sold. That was so much fun! The Golden Heart is for unpublished writers. Those calls are going out, too. So good luck to all those who entered.

I've seen my RITA scores and last year finally stopped asking for them to be sent to me. Let's just say, I've never come close to making the finals. That coupled with all category/series (Harlequin/Silhouette/Avalon/etc) books, no matter what the length or sensuality level, being combined into one category, I'm not expecting a call. But it's still one of those contests I enter every year. Why? Because it's the RITA! You just never know. What can I say? I still buy lotto tickets when the jackpot gets above $100 million or so.

This is still one of my favorite days of the year. I love to hear from those writers who do get the call and share in their excitement. Plus I like to see if any of the books I judged and loved make it!

If you could pick your favorite romance (only one!) of 2007, what would it be?

Snow!

A bunch of snow fell last night so I'm going skiing today. Yes, I should be writing, but I'll do that tonight. I'm pretty worn out from all the Easter activities and need fill the well so I can write something I won't end up deleting. Did everyone have a nice day yesterday?

Another book winner...

The kids are in bed and it's all quiet around here. The excitement from Easter and the birthday celebration has ended. A busy, but wonderful day!

Here are your random numbers:

6
Timestamp: 2008-03-24 05:42:30 UTC

This week's free book winner is Brandy. She won with a comment on the post, Free Book Winner! This isn't the first time someone has one congratulating someone else. Brandy, please pick a book from the list here and email me your selection with your snail address. You can find my email via the contact link on my website. And even if you've won a book in the past please include your mailing address. Please, oh, please. That makes things easier for me. Thanks!

Last week's winner Dru chose The Leopard Prince. I have more than one of these which is why it's still on the list.

Hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter Sunday! I'm ready for bed.

A Glorious Day

Even though the gray skies and rain make for a pretty dreary day outside, the weather can't take away what today is all about. I want to wish you all a Happy Easter. This is my favorite holiday of the year. Oh, I enjoy Christmas, but Easter is just so special. The Resurrection of Jesus, the arrival of Spring and new beginnings. And this year, Mackenna's 10th birthday!

We've got to get to Mass and I still have lots to do before people arrive so I'll be back later with the contest winner. Until then, have a wonderful day!

Love,
Melissa

Nervous and Excited

Today, we are planning to drive out and meet a dog. She's two and a Norwegian Husky. Fingers crossed this is a good match!

Of course in between doing that, I'm cleaning and trying to get ready for Easter. Oh, and writing, too.

Tomorrow is my oldest's birthday. She's so excited to have her birthday on Easter Sunday. It will never happen again in her lifetime. At least that's what everyone keeps telling her. We went to the Dollar Tree yesterday. She's not having a party this year, but wants to give her siblings and cousins goody bags tomorrow. She picked out some cute Easter things for them. I asked what she wanted for dessert. Chocolate fondue. So I'm going to do that as well as bake a cake. I bought some pastel colored icing and Easter sprinkles to decorate the top of that.

What's on your agenda today?

My Upcoming Release

Here is the cover for my June release, SOS MARRY ME. The six authors involved in The Wedding Planners continuity have a forum on eharlequin. Stop by if you get the chance. We'll be there until all six books have been release. I've been trying to work on the continuity's Wedding Planner blog, too. So much to do and so little time... the story of my life!

I managed to write four pages after Mass and Adoration last night. Five if you count the two sentences that rolled over. And yes, sometimes I do this on the tally, but not until I'm closer to the due date and in a panic. Speaking of the tally, I'm not sure when it will return. Possibly May 1. That would give me a little over a month to put a good dent into the project!

Okay, I still need to shower. The kids have early release since it's Good Friday. I don't know about you, but I'm so not ready for Easter!

A new deadline

June 1.

I heard from my editor this morning. They would like the trilogy manuscript on June 1st, a Sunday. I asked for two more weeks. Well, to the 16th which is a Monday, but didn't hear back on that so until then June 1 is what I'm shooting for.

No matter what the delivery date, it's time to get busy. Wait. I'm already busy. I mean, get writing!

Of course, I've yet to start today. Instead I finally got to go climbing and then I ran to Costco to start buying things for Easter. Family and friends are coming here on Sunday. I popped into Krispy Kreme for a donut. Boy was that tasty. But it's almost time for the little one to take a nap (she's feeling much better!) so then I'll be able to work on the book.

First thing I have to change? My heroine's name. Jordan is also the name of a model in the UK so they want something different.

Any changes or change of plans going on in your life?

Sick kitty and kiddy

Poor Spirit. She had to spend last night at the vets. She was being stubborn and well, paid the price. But they called this morning. They got the urine sample they needed so she gets to come home. Unfortunately, she does have a problem with her left eye and has been referred to an animal eye doctor. Of course, both animal eye doctors I called are booked so I can't get her an appointment. Who would have thought there was such a need for animal eye docs?

As I expected, my youngest is sick. She was okay yesterday, but I could tell she didn't feel well. But no fever so we trudged on. This morning she only has a low grade temp, but she has that familiar glassy eyed look and her cough is getting worse. So I'm trying to cancel or cover all the things I'd had planned for today. Fingers crossed hubby can come home at lunch time so I can still make my climbing date and then bring Spirit home! She's down at our vets in Lake Oswego which is a bit of a drive from where we live in Washington.

Still no word on the revisions for the trilogy. I'm still torn between writing and waiting.

What are you up to?

A Big Kitty Hug

Not sure if you saw this video clip on the news or not, but wow! That's some big cat lovin', don't you think! It just made my heart melt.



I'm taking two of my kitties to the vet today for their yearly exam then it's off to see our CPA. Taxes! I was hoping to go climbing, but Rose isn't feeling well. Not sure leaving her is a good idea!

Hope you have a great day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

My oldest will be dancing all over town today, including City Hall and a big Irish festival/fundraiser tonight! She even gets to miss school today! In honor of St. Patrick's here are a few You Tube clips for your viewing enjoyment!

Free book winner!

I'm a day late announcing this. I never got around to it this weekend. I actually posted a comment last night, but I was under a different id. I couldn't figure out why it didn't go through until this morning! Silly, Melissa!

Here are your random numbers:

49
Timestamp: 2008-03-17 15:25:23 UTC

This week's free book winner is Dru. She won with a comment on the post, Yippee! Dru, please pick a book from the list here and email me your selection with your snail address. You can find my email via the contact link on my website. And even if you've won a book in the past please include your mailing address. Please, oh, please. That makes things easier for me. Thanks!

Last week's winner windycindy chose The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell by Samantha James .

Okay, the auction. I'm not sure how much I want to say about this. Probably less is better in this situation. Check yesterday's comments though if you want to a quick recap.

How was your weekend? I hope you had some fun!

Going, Going, Gone!

I spent the morning at the Portland Hilton helping set up for tonight's school auction. I also took the mirror. It felt very strange (and a little) to see it set up in the Grand Ballroom on an easel and not against the wall in my study. I know I'm going to be a bundle of nerves when the mirror comes up for auction. Send good vibes my please! I'm going to need them.

On the way home, I stopped off and had a French Manicure. I haven't had one since this summer when I went to Dallas. Of course, I climb on Wednesday so it won't look good for long!

Hope you have a good Saturday! I need to start getting ready. It's going to take me awhile!

How much is that doggy in the window?

I wanted to post this yesterday, but I was much too tired. Hubby had been gone all week and with the time change I was barely surviving. I think I've already mentioned that I don't sleep well when he's away. And that's the perfect lead-in to our night of doggies!

After the kidlets' Crossfit Kids class at the Lab, we drove west to Hillsboro, Oregon. The Norwegian Elkhound rescue coordinator was leading a class there with all kinds of different types of breeds of dogs. She had arranged for NEs to be there for us to see, too. On the drive, I explained we would not be getting one of these dogs. That they already had families who loved them, but this would be a good idea for us to see the type of dog it was and we could also get a glimpse of other breeds that were in the class.

Talk about the perfect opportunity!

It was great to see so many different kids of dogs in one places. Talk about variety. All types of breeds and sizes. The kids couldn't believe how many there were so it was a great overview of what's available. But though all the dogs were absolutely adorable, we really did fall for the Norwegian Elkhound.

We got to see both males and females with a range of ages from puppy to six years old.

We met three older puppies. Over a year, but under two years old. Lots and lots of energy. Two were siblings, a male and a female. The male is going to be on Animal Planet next week. He won a dog show where they were filming. The other male was a little older, if I remember correctly, but still rambunctious. Obedience training will definitely be in our future!

We also met a puppy. She was outside on a leash when we arrived and oh-so-cute. She made a bee-line for Rose. I guess she went for the smallest member of our pack, just like Angus! The kids had a blast playing with her. She was born in January. Just like Rose!

It seemed like every time we turned more and more of the NEs were showing up. A big thank you to all how came out to show us their doggies! It really allowed us to see the breed and realize this is the kind of dog we want. Shedding, aside, the Norwegian Elkhound really does seem like a perfect match for our family.

All of the NEs were wonderful with the kids. Oh, the younger ones were quite active and jumped, as I mentioned above, but they didn't growl or do anything threatening. They were just all so sweet. You couldn't help but fall in love with the breed. The kids kept saying how they looked a lot like Siberian Huskies. (That's their fave dog breed, but since huskies don't get on well with cats and aren't the easiest of breeds to raise they aren't an option.)

We met a female NE who had been a rescue dog. She is four years old and very sweet. I spoke with her owners about their experience with her when she came to their house. She likes to sleep with them. I was thinking of Rocket, Spirit and a dog sharing our bed at night. Time to get a king-size bed!

The one thing I quickly saw was how much energy the puppy had. It would bark and jump until it got attention. It reminded me of my kids!

We spoke with the rescue coordinator and are going to arrange a visit with her soon. Of course, in spite of our earlier talk, there were tears on the drive home from my youngest when she realized we weren't bringing one of the dogs home with us. Sigh...

Soon, I hope, very soon we will be bringing one home. And then the real adventure will begin!

Yippee!

This morning I want to give a huge shout out to my good friend and wonderful critique partner, Virginia Kantra! She's one of the authors of Shifter, a paranormal anthology, that's going to hit the NYT list at #14! I'm so excited and thrilled for her. Talk about a dream come true.

Virginia's novella in Shifter, Sea Crossing, is the prequel to her upcoming Children of the Sea trilogy. If you buy Shifter, you also get a sneak peek at the first chapter of Sea Witch, her book that will be out in July.

I'll be honest. I'm not a big paranormal fan. Fantasy is more my style. But Children of the Sea is an amazing series. And I'm not saying that just because she had moi as a critique partner. But I'm sure that didn't hurt! Seriously, I recommend the books highly!

I'll post about the dog visit later. I didn't have time to upload the pics! Rose and I are meeting a friend of mine and her son at a coffee shop. What do you have going on today?