Collage of Things

Last Friday the oldest granddaughter was here all day, and her little sister arrived later that afternoon for them both to spend the night. We ended up going to the grocery store together, hence the pony picture.  Anyway…That morning the oldest, now five and as opinionated as her daddy was at that age, helped with some household chores, which included mopping the kitchen with our Norwex mop. (I LOVE those products.) Shortly afterwards, Papa jutted in and out. Well, it’s winter in Minnesota, so therefore he left a few tracks on the floor. With her hands on her hips, granddaughter says: “I realize he may own this place, but you’re the one that does all the cleaning!” Oh, yes, be assured Papa got a ‘talking to’ the next time he jutted in. 

I had a wonderful and long phone conversation with my HQN editor last week. (Oh, how I love her accent and find myself listening to how she says things instead of what she’s saying.) We discussed goals and opportunities for the year, and I’m so excited to get them all in motion.  Here’s the cover for Testing the Lawman’s Honor. (Such talented people those HQN folks are.) It will be released February 1^st, but can be pre-ordered now and delivered directly to your reading device on the first.

I’ve one more story to complete the edits on and then can focus on my new one. It’s a contemporary, set in Wyoming. I do love that state. BTW, have I mentioned I’m one of the bloggers over at Sweethearts of the West? Every other day there’s a new post from some awesome writers. Stop by if you have a chance. I’ll be posting on the 24^th about some things I learned while we were in Wyoming last summer. Weird but interesting stuff. 

Received the contract for the comic version of Mail Order Husband for my review and acceptance, and to my surprise there was a second offer. Not for the comic version, but the e-book version. It’s seems the Kindle is just now making a splash over there and the first publisher I worked with would like to offer Mail Order Husband as an e-book. Since their first contract was only print, this one covers electronic versions. What a lovely surprise. 

 Be kind. Be happy. And wipe your feet off at the door…actually, while we were in Wyoming I saw a sign that said “If you’re not GOD or George Strait, take off your boots.” I might have to order one of those. Then again, I don’t mind wiping up the floor now and again (Papa usually is very good about that) and he does own this place—just one of the things I love about him.

How-Do!

Here’s Bear, Granddog extraordinaire!  

The sweltering, humid days of the temperature reaching over 90 in Minnesota are here. Yes, it’s hot, but I refuse to complain. Summer’s too short for that. We had two high school graduation parties last weekend, my step-grandson James, and great nephew Tyler. So proud of both of them. Great boys with their futures ahead of them. One party had a dunk tank, the other a swimming pool, to help tackle the heat and we had a marvelous time. 

My sister-in-law from Kansas called to say the gals she works with are reading the Quinter Bride Series, and how she had to prove to them I was her sister-in-law.  Between hubby and I, the poor girl was on the phone for over an hour.  My mother read the first drafts of all my books, and said I could write a million books and Guardian Bride-The Quinter Brides Book 4 would always be her favorite. I now believe it was because the spirit of Jonas Quinter, the father of all those boys, appears in that book.  Mom was so ready to be reunited with Dad.

Speaking of The Quinter Brides, I just received this five-angel review on Badland Bride.

Oh, and I must mention, we are no longer dogless. We inherited my mother’s shih tzu, Pooh.  He’s settled in just fine, and follows hubby everywhere, but then he did that before since this was his second home. He’s a nice little dog, and we are enjoying him, however, the neighbor dog’s nose is a bit bent out of shape. 

I completed the edits on one story and sent it in, and am working on the other two, while also outlining another story. Our trip through Wyoming left me with so many wonderful bits of research I have to get them down while they are still somewhat fresh in my mind. 

Blessings to you all!