Hubby and I are celebrating a new granddoggie this weekend!  My youngest granddaughter got a Maltepoo for her birthday this year. It’s adorable, and so little! We thought of all the joy that pets have brought into our grandchildren’s lives. 

Between five grandchildren, there’s now 3 dogs, 2 turtles, 2 parakeets, 2 hamsters, and 4 fish!  They could open a pet store.  When my girls were growing up, we had horses, chickens, dogs, parakeets, rabbits, and a few goldfish along the way.  Of course, it was an evolution for us and we worked up to the horses and chickens.  I don’t think those would have gone well in suburbia.  A little farm we bought years ago, became our refuge and opened the door for the bigger animals. 

Now, we live in another state and the girls are grown.  But, thankfully we’re able to enjoy all the much loved animals and pets in their world.  I must say, I couldn’t wait to wake up and find out how Emma, the new dog, is doing today.  I can see her big eyes, and soft fur.  She looks like a furball!  Next week, we plan on shopping for her bedding and wardrobe.  Yep, I think this one will wear bows and have sweaters.  The joy in the children’s eyes, whenever they talk about or play with their pets is amazing to see.  

We’re enjoying it all, and sharing in the experience.  I know many of you have pets, and how much joy they bring to your life.  Any new additions lately, or fun stories to share? 

I got some great news today! My good friend, Edie Ramer, has made the next round of the American Title Contest!  Her entry is titled Dead People and there’s only four entries left!  This is huge folks, since the winner receives a publishing contract with Dorchester, and we’re all so happy for you, Edie!  You can vote for her entry here, votes@romantictimes.com before March 2nd.  Make sure you include the title, Dead People, on the subject line of your blank email.

Also, Karin Tabke’s First Line Contest is in full swing, and the next round will be posted today.  The contest began with the first 100 online entries posted a few months ago, and will level at 25 today.  Each week, five are cut until five are left standing.  Those lucky entries will go to Senior editor, Amy Pierpont, at Grand Central Publishing for the winner to be determined.  The finalists will be sending the first ten pages of their entry.  This is an amazing opportunity for a possible full request too.  Very exciting contest btw, and one Karin has every year. 

And Zoe recently came in Second place in the Better Sex Fiction Contest I mentioned a few blogs back.  Congrats, Zoe!  Cheers for a job well done!

Cynthia Eden recently won the CAPA award for her terrific novel, Hotter After Midnight, from The Romance Studio.

Lainey Bancroft won the LASR Best Short Book of 2008 with her book, Ready To Reel.  Way to go ladies! 

I love Valentine’s Day!  This pic is of a card during the 1900-1930 era. Hubby and I always buy each other a special card.  Really, I’m impressed with the number he reads, before he finds the right one.  We usually share little gifts, but it’s the cards that we look forward to.  We choose those for the special words, and always manage to add our own at the bottom.  One year I wrote a poem for my love. 

 For the grandkids, we usually buy them a new movie and pick up some fun things in the Valentine aisle.  My daughter and I will be shopping for those items tomorrow.  We want to beat the rush, and get some of the good stuff!  And as a family tradition, my girls still receive a box of chocolates from their dad.  We’ve been doing this since they were young, and my youngest has received them at all the military bases she’s lived at, and this year hers will go to Alaska. I remember mailing them to my oldest, whenever her husband was in the military too.  New York was the farthest hers was sent.  Each year, I know they enjoy the little ritual. 

As a family, we’re blessed with so much love it’s pretty much Valentine’s Day all year long.  What plans do you have for the special Heart day?  Any memorable ones you want to share? 

Hey all, I apologize for being later than normal on my blog.  Today is my Magical blog day, and I’m chatting about book and the big screen and an unusual experience I had.  Knowing me, unusual isn’t such a stretch! 

Also, a friend in blogland, Zoe Winters, has a contest entry that is doing really well.  I know she’d enjoy your votes,  http://www.bettersex.com/t-erotic-fiction-contest-semi-finals-story3.aspx.  The prize is $3,000 and would come in handy for anyone, and I’d love to see her win!  Voting continues through Sunday night.  

And for all of you working on new projects and those of you on the home stretch, I wish you creative success!  I took a week off, and anxious to get back into the flow.  I know that 2009 will be an exciting year for all, I can feel it.