By posting a picture of Samba on facebook, I learned from a friend that he is an American Bombay. (Thanks Jeff for sharing this info!) I researched the breed and sure enough, it fits Samba 100%. Which then got me thinking about Tango, our cute little Christmas find.

I Googled cat breeds and looked at lots of pictures, and one breed jumped out at me. One of the little faces looking at me looked exactly like Tango; same eyes, same nose, same chocolate coloring  - and the description of the personality fit her as well. So, though not 100% sure, I believe her to be a Chantilly/Tiffany.

Both breeds are extremely affectionate and loving, which does mirror both of their personalities - my beautiful lap kitties. We are so lucky to have been found by Tango … and just as lucky to have found Samba soon after.

I watch them as they sleep and my heart swells with love! I still miss Taco & Tequila so much, but I feel blessed that they gifted us with our two new babies. I’d love to hear about your furry friends. Who are they? And what do they do to fill your life with love? Share some of your favorite stories. Hugs - Christine

Our little girl

My little guy as taken an interest in my WIP. Samba points out that my format is excellent, and he thinks I nailed the emotion in this scene. He purrs to show he likes what’s written so far. Then he sits patiently, waiting for me to continue.

His sister, on the other hand, has positioned herself on the right side of my computer, content to sleep and simply keep me company. She reaches out once in a while, gently patting my hand with her paw - “Just letting you know I’m here, Mom.”  

My babies, my companions; they fill my heart with such love. I could just eat them up, they’re so cute! They both have  distinct personalities and keep me laughing for hours. I couldn’t ask for better company while I work.

Awe, Tango just jumped off the desk to bring me her favorite toy. With a little mewl, she asks me to take a break and play. How can I ignore her beautiful little face? That’s right, I can’t. So, until next time - Hugs, Christine

My blog decided to have a meltdown last week, but it’s up and running again thanks to Dee. Don’t know what I’d do without you, Dee! You’re a gem.

I like this new version and plan to post more often, just because it’s fun. I’m currently learning the layout, so check back often to see what new things I’ve learned along the way.

Life continues to be exciting. John & I are training for the MS150 - no Ironman races this year, so our focus will be on the bicycle. We’re still enjoying the motorcycle, taking it out almost every weekend. Our kitties are growing up. Tango will be a year old in two weeks, and Samba will celebrate his first birthday two weeks after his sister.

PASSION’S RACE is in the hands of an agent, and I’m hoping she LOVES the story and feels it’s ready for publication. (Maybe a movie deal, too.) I’m working on PASSION’S PROMISE - revamped the plot ideas and started over with a more exciting premise. (Which reminds me; I need to update my WORKINGS page.) I’m spending some time with writer friends this summer and know I’ll get a lot of productive work done. So much creative energy flows when we sit in a room together … can’t wait.

If you haven’t done so already, please sign up for my newsletter. I don’t send out many, but it is my tool to keep you posted on when I get THE CALL. Until then - check in from time to time. I’m off to train, then it’s back to work on my WIP. Hugs - Christine

John & I just got back from a fabulous week on the motorcycle. 5 bikes & 8 people, boy, did we have a blast. We called it the Great Lakes Tour … day 1, we rode to Iowa and saw Field of Dreams - and how ironic, the movie was on TV monday night!! Day 2, we traveled through Wisconsin, from the southwest corner to the northeast corner - such beautiful country! We rolled into Escanaba, MI in time for dinner - (turned out to be our least favorite place). Day 3, we got caught in the rain, but luckily dried off before crossing the Macanaw Bridge … rolling into Macanaw City for two days. Day 4, we ferried over to Macanac Island: rented bikes, played Golfito, had a martini in the copala of the Grand Hotel (where the movie Somewhere in Time was filmed), ate toasted coconut ice cream & ferried back to Macanaw City. (Little bit of trivia - Macanaw is the English version; Macanac is the French version. The French refused to change the spelling so the Island is Macanac Island!) Day 5, we circled down to Muskegon, MI - had several adventures & Groundhog Day moments, when one of our bikes died and had to be trailered back to a city we’d riden through an hour prior.  

John came up with a new plot for me as we followed the trailer through back streets and not so scenic neighborhoods. Pat will be the heroine … and well, let’s just say, it will be a fun MS to work on. Day 6, we took the Lake Express Ferry to Milwaukee, WI - had lunch at the Iron Horse Hotel then went to the Harley Davidson Museum.

Day 7, we headed home. Got rained on twice, but isn’t that part of the adventure? We’re already planning the next trip!!  Check out my facebook page for pictures from the trip … until next time, enjoy!! Christine

My husband surprised me with a Bose docking station for my office. I love it! My new writing routine now includes picking the music I want to listen to as I work on edits or on my other WIPs … genre, artist, specific album, or simply mood music. I’m putting together a few playlists, too, to capture a mix of my favorite songs.

Because music influences feelings, I choose the music for the day based on the scenes I’ll be working on. The beat has to match the flavor of the characters and the actions they’ll be involved in. I also found that specific songs speak for individual characters within each story. As an example, each song on George Michael’s - Older, helped me define all the characters in PASSION’S PROMISE. PJ, Spenser, Nick, and CJ have their own songs. I listen to them as I delve into their emotional journeys and the story unfolds with ease.

As I finish the edits on PASSION’S RACE, I listen to a mix of Lyle Lovett, Moby, Sting, and Lifehouse. An eclectic mix, I know, but they work for me. Sting started my morning and Lifehouse has taken the afternoon. What artist or genre will end my day?

That remains to be heard, because it all depends on the mood of the last scene I’ll touch tonight. For now, I’ll let the words dance on the screen. Maybe I’ll dance around the room a bit, too. What would the world be without music?? I think of gray, overcast days and turn up the volume to bring out the sun!

Sending hugs your way … Christine

1600 miles in four days … John, me, a friend & two motorcycles. Day one: 500 miles, Dumas, Arkansas. Terrible ‘all-fried food’ dinner but great company and lots of laughs. Day two: 400 miles and a night on Bourbon Street (New Orleans). Day three: 500 miles and a night on Beale Street (Memphis). Day four: 200 miles, a gorgeous, very scenic ride home!! Can’t wait until the next motorcycle road trip. Woohoo!