The Orangutan and the Hound

If you need to smile this is sure to please. I got this video clip in an e-mail and absolutely loved it!

When it comes to animals, I have a soft spot. I admire their traits and how they love unconditionally.

I hope you enjoy:)

Watch more National Geographic Channel videos on AOL Video

The Beginning of a New Year

Happy 2010!


There’s something to be said about starting with a fresh canvas;

2009 was painted in broad strokes, excitements, adventure, victories and defeats.

It was a year I entered two manuscripts in RWA’s Lone Star writing contest. My romantic suspense didn’t final, however my historical romance Surrender The Storm placed second in the contest. I purchased a new laptop, learned new programs, one of them being Microsoft Office Word—which I love! Writing, editing--you name it is so much easier with the program. As for adventure; my parents and I packed up and headed for Vancouver Island for the winter. For me the year flew by.

So here we are 2010, the mere number has a space age ring to it.

I have no new year’s resolutions. For me as long as I learn and grow as a writer and put my best foot forward in all I do, I’ll accomplish my goal.

Here’s to 2010!

Christmas with Our Dog Lucy

Having no children of my own, I spoil our dog Lucy and she milks for all it’s worth. We sent parcels back east to my family and wrapped up a present for their dog; Lucy knowing it was a toy tried numerous times to sneak it out of the box—when it comes to toys and treats it’s impossible to hide it from her.

Christmas eve she woke up to go outside, once indoors she stopped by the Christmas tree knowing her presents were there. She gave a whimper, but she was told she had to wait until morning.

Since we’re staying at my grandparents for the winter in their basements suite, their dog Sally comes downstairs and visits often; so naturally they had to open their gifts together.




Sally with her toy:


Lucy checking Sally's toy:



Sally wearing a big smile after opening her present:




Lucy wanting more presents:


Lucy trying out her new toy:





Lucy loving all of her presents:

Warm Wishes for the Holidays

Tis the season to be jolly and I’ll be making the best of it (grin). I have a three day schedule that starts tonight with dinner at my aunt and uncles’. Tomorrow is another gathering and feast at another relatives’ and last but not least on Boxing Day a big dinner at my grandparents.

With all this celebrating I’ll have to add another notch to my belt.

I’m grateful to have this opportunity to spend the holidays with my relatives on Vancouver Island (something I only did once before), I’ll also be thinking of my family back home in Ontario and wishing they were here with me.

I wish you the very best for Christmas and the holidays.

It’s A Long Way to Tipperary

That old World War 1 song kept surfacing from one person to another as we drove the 3800 kilometers (approx. 2200 miles) to Vancouver Island.

I can’t tell you how strained my eyes were when it grew dark and we drove around the lake head of Lake Superior. I watched sign after sign, saying watch for moose crossing; one was flashing in bright lights; seeming foreboding. My imagination was getting the best of me; I half expected a wide-eyed moose to jump out in front of us just for the sport of it..


At one point in Manitoba, we were making good timing, waking well before the sun rose from our hotel room and setting off, but things slowed considerably when a train that had to be at least two and half miles long crossed our path at turtle's pace, even our dog Lucy had to wonder what was going on.








Rain followed us throughout most of the prairies, the sun eventually came out and I actually seen the end of a rainbow in Fort Macleod, Alberta. I looked but didn’t see no pot of gold waiting there (fanciful thought I know, but it sure would have been sweet).



We got some great shots of the mountains and a beautiful church.







So now I’m home to stay in BC until spring once again touches Ontario.

Countdown to September 30th

Just when the leaves turn to an earthy palette of rusts, gold and reds, I’m packing up and heading for Vancouver Island. It will be a long four day trek, driving through the better half of scenic Ontario, into the prairies where land and sky meet on the thin line of the horizon. On the third or fourth day hopefully we’ll be making our way into the majestic Rockies and at last the island.

This will be the second time we’ll escape winter’s grip in Ontario. With luck the winter will be as good in B.C. as it was back in 2004 when we were last there.

In preparation, we’re checking over our vehicle, pricing tires for the poor old thing. As for the writer in me, I’m planning on getting a new laptop (my old one had seen better days).

I’ve already begun to think about the countless TBR books I have, trying to decide which one to take. I have a ton of 80’s and 90’s books that I’ve always wanted to get through. They’re historicals. If you have any suggestions, let me know. I’m a big fan of Judith McNaught, Teresa Medeiros, Heather Graham… And the list goes on.

I Placed In The Lone Star Finals!

I have to say yesterday was a roller coaster ride in emotions for me. I entered the Lone Star writing contest back in June and thought by the time the announcements were made I would have forgotten I even entered.

Boy, I couldn’t have been more wrong. As August 20th drew near I found myself checking the calendar more often and calculating the days I would get word back from the chapter. The day finely arrived; I was reluctant to check my e-mail--strange I know. But for me it's like having a lottery ticket, for a brief moment your dreams of being a millionaire are still plausible, it's only when you check your numbers that your dreamy bubble bursts.

With the prompting of my mother I checked my e-mail and with a single glance I knew my romantic suspense didn't make the cut. Disheartened I read through the judge's comments which really weren't so bad, the scores were high but not high enough to get me into the finals.

As I wrote out my thank you notes to the judges, there was a long distance phone call. Our immediate thought was that it was a telemarketer. You can imagine my surprise when Karen Hankins informed me that my historical romance placed in the Lone Star finals. Talk about a pick-me-up!

I entered two entries; the story concepts couldn't have been more different from the other. I’m so happy I entered the two--the later, was a great chaser to end all writers’ blues. Talk about a day from lows to highs!

Now the wait begins for October 24th when the winners will be announced. Good luck to all entries.

Even if I don't win I’m grateful that I made it this far.

An Amazing Dog

I thought about it for days, wondering what I should post since I hadn’t blogged in months. I wanted something that would grab people’s attention and that’s when I got this video clip in my e-mail. It tugged at my heart and I nearly needed a tissue. It was a no brainer; I had to share :)