Welcome Spring Scavenger Hunt

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! In celebration of the grand opening of the new Books We Love Reader's Group at yahoo, BWL_Readers@yahoogroups.com, we're asking you to get acquainted with some of our authors by participating in a fun scavenger hunt. We promise it isn't hard. You just have to follow the provided links listed on the loop the morning of March 20th and answer some really easy questions. The answers are all there...you just have to find and collect them all to be entered into a drawing for one of eighteen books. Some will even be personally autographed. You'll have two days, with the contest ending Saturday at midnight. All entries must be received by Ginger Simpson at mizging@gmail.com by noon on Sunday, 3/22. Winners will be announced shortly after.

Whether you come to play or not, we hope you will join us in celebrating the beginning of what we hope will be a stimulating and pleasant group experience. If you aren't familiar with us, please visit http://www.bookswelove.net and get an idea of who we are and what we're about. I'm sure you may have already played in a contest or two there. Jude Pittman has assembled a wonderful group of talent, but without readers, we don't have much purpose. Come join us, won't you. Remember, Saturday, March 20th.

Join us in welcoming Spring!

Soon

Soon….

I know it’s just there waiting
Hidden deep beneath the snow.
But the roses of the summer
Will soon begin to grow.
Their fragrance will fill the air
Their colors a gorgeous show.
I can hardly wait to see them start
A blush of green…and spring’s a go.

So winter winds may howl and whine
Though I want to see them fade.
I look to see the sprouts of spring
Leap up and start the parade.
The color, the warmth, the sunshine soft
The fresh green of every blade
To make me smile, to make me laugh
Spring – the season I’d never trade.

Winter People

Despite the cold, there are people for whom this is the best time of the year. I'm not one of them, but those who are winter people, must be loving 2009 so far. The below average temperatures and lots of precipitation have meant there's lots of snow for schlussing down steep hills, driving snow machines along forest trails and feeling that first nibble on a line in an ice fishing shack.

I can't begrudge them their fun, despite the fact I'd rather be inside than outside when it's as cold as it's been! They've waited eight or nine months to get to their favorite time of the year, so it's only fair they enjoy it.

I'm looking forward to warmer weather -- time to ride the horses again, watch the veggies and herbs grow, paddle in the swimming pool.

But for those who love winter....enjoy! I'll watch you through the window, then sit by the fireplace with a nice cuppa and wait for spring.

Cool Beans

Jean Henry Mead invited me to be interviewed on her terrific blog, Mysterious People, and the interview is now up at www.mysteriouspeople.blogspot.com so drop by and check it out when you have a moment. It was fun to answer her questions -- they made me stop and think, that's for sure!

2009

At this time of year, I think it's perfectly normal to look both back and forward, thinking of the things we've accomplished, the goals yet to be met, the blessings that have come into our lives as well as the blessings we hope for.

Some search for professional success, others for good health or happy relationships, or perhaps you're looking to find the path to your dream.

I wish for you in 2009 all the joy, peace, love and success that will bring you great satisfaction and the energy to offer a hand to the next person in line.

Happy, happy New Year to one and all!

It's Time to Celebrate

It's the time of year we get to spend many hours with family and friends, enjoying the camaraderie of intimate evenings for two, dinner with those we hold near and dear and gala events with plenty of guests. It's one of the best seasons for those who love to socialize!

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or Solstice, I wish you great joy and happiness in the time you spend with those you love.

And because we celebrate Christmas, I'll take this moment to say Merry Christmas!

Libby

A Time to Give Thanks

It's a time of year to consider the bounty we enjoy in industrialized nations. When we have to lease rental space to contain the overflow of stuff we have, it is an embarrassment of riches. And we're all guilty of letting accumulation outweigh thankfulness sometimes.

Many, many people are very generous--giving to those less fortunate, offering a hand up to those who want to change their lives, organizing fund raisers in their communities, giving hope to those who've been so challenged they've forgotten what it is to look to the future with anticipation.

This year there are more financial challenges for so many with the global economy being fragile. But this is a time to be generous with our gifts -- a kind word, a genuine smile, letting someone ahead of you in line, paying for a coffee for the guy behind you at the drive-thru, dropping off a bag of dog or cat food at the local shelter...all cost nothing but time or a very few dollars.

No, we can't change the inequities in the world with the snap of a finger, much as we might wish to. But we can choose to help someone close to home -- and maybe someday our embarrassment of riches will be in blessings.