Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Ideas and Family Feuds (no, not mine – my characters’!)

By Anna Sugden

I'm delighted to welcome back a Lair favourite, my dear friend, the fabulous Kate Walker. As always, Kate will give us a peek at her latest wonderful release and share some great news too.

So, without further ado, I'll hand you over to Kate.


It’s great to be back here with the lovely Romance Bandits. I’ve had such a wonderful time on my previous visits so I’m always happy to be back here. It’s funny, Anna S and I tried so hard to make this happen for over a year – but emails kept going missing and then Anna was moving from one country to another. But when we finally got it together it’s been so easy ever since. And here I am back again just looking forward to that wonderful Bandita welcome.

And I’m pretty excited about the reason for my being here. I don’t know any author who isn’t thrilled to know that she has a new book out. Even if this is my – hang –count them . . .56th title, it’s still a wonderful moment to know that the latest story is published and on the bookshop shelves and that people are actually buying it. (Well - fingers crossed that they are!)

But this book – The Konstantos Marriage Demand (Presents Extra out March 16th) - is extra special for me. That’s because I just discovered that Romantic Times has given this particular book 4.5 stars and has chosen it as one of their Top Picks for March. Can I say – I’m celebrating! Double celebrating. As I mentioned when I was first guest-blogging here with you all, this year I’m celebrating 25 years of being published. And when I started out – and all through most of those 25 years, it was my ambition, my dream, to win the accolade of my book being a Romantic Times Top Pick. I finally achieved it with my 2008 book Bedded By the Greek Billionaire and that made my day (my year!) Now I’ve managed it a second time with The Konstantos Marriage Demand and I’ve every bit as excited as the first time. It’s funny though – these Top Picks seem to be like buses. You know what they say – you wait for ever and then two come along at once! Anyway, as most people know, when I’m celebrating I like to have others celebrate with me. And this time is no different. So at the end of this post, there’s a chance for you to join me in my celebrations.

But first –the real blog I was going to write was going to be something of a response to the question that I get asked all the time. You know the one. The ‘Where do you get your ideas from?’ question.

This is what everyone seems to want to know and it’s really such a very hard question to answer. I usually fudge my answer by saying ‘well I have a very vivid imagination.’ Or ‘ Where do I get my ideas from? From life.’ And it’s true, ideas are all around you if you just know where to look. They’re in the newspapers, the magazines, on TV. In conversations overheard in coffee shops . . . I once told my accountant that really life was a ‘viable expense’ that I could claim for because everything was ‘research’ for an author but he wasn’t having that.

The truth is that you only really need a tiny ‘seed’ that sparks off all sorts of questions and ideas and then I start asking the question ‘Why. . .?’ and I end up with a story.

And that’s how it was with The Konstantos Marriage Demand. A long time ago, in my ideas notebook, I wrote down ‘family feud – Eastenders’. I was watching the UK ‘soap’ Eastenders at the time and there was a storyline running through the episode about a family feud. I just noted the idea and never used it. Then last year on one of my courses I was teaching about conflict – internal and external conflict and illustrating external conflict with the story of Romeo and Juliet. And there was that word again ‘feud’. The feud between the Montagues and the Capulets.

And that started me thinking . . . How could a feud come about in the 21st century? What effect would it have on my hero and heroine . . .

So that’s how the book that turned into The Konstantos Marriage Demand got started. I loved working in the ‘feud’ part of the story – it gave an added edge to the whole plot. And when I thought out a reason why the feud had really become so bad as to tear Nikos and Sadie apart, I felt I had a something that gave it al the emotional punch I had been looking for. And it seems that the Romantic Times reviewer agreed when she wrote : Misunderstandings and family betrayals propel this terrifically well-paced and fiery romance to its very rewarding conclusion.

So now as I said, I’m going to share the celebrations. Seeing as two of my books have won that coveted RT Top Pick accolade, I’m going to give away a set of the two winning booksBedded By The Greek Billionaire and The Konstantos Marriage Demand – to someone who leaves a comment. (Well – you know me – I’ll get Sid the Cat on the job and have him pick out the winner for me.)

So you know what I’m celebrating – what are you celebrating this year? Big or small – a new home, a new job, getting over the flu, the fact that the sun’s come out again? Let’s cheer up the cold days of March and look at the good things in life. Tell me something you’ll celebrate and I’ll put your name out with a cat treat on it for Sid to pick a winner.

93 comments:

limecello said...

Hi Kate! Thanks for visiting with us today! We always love having you in the lair :)
Also, congratulations! Wow, two huge things - 25 years in publishing is such a milestone! And a Top Pick! Fantastic! So much buzz about RT recently too - very exciting!
As for what I'm celebrating... hm, how about I can actually see grass in some areas? And here's to crossing my fingers that it won't snow anymore! Celebrating also that a number of my friends are getting married this year, and another friend is pregnant - with twins! [It must be something in the water :P]

Anna Campbell said...

Lime! You're an addict! Step away from the chook and nobody gets hurt!

Kate, how wonderful to have you back. And huge congratulations on not one, but TWO Top Picks. Here's to many more! The new book sounds fab - I love the way the idea of a family feud is so powerful. Love versus family duty? You can't get a much stronger conflict than that! Ask Monsieur Shakespeare!

Jane said...

Hi Kate,
Congrats on your 56th book. I'm definitely excited that Spring is arriving and we're celebrating my friend's birthday next week.

jo robertson said...

Hi, Kate, welcome back to the Lair. It's so good to have you return. Last time I won your book and was so excited to be introduced to a new (to me) -- and yet so prolific writer.

I'm just amazed at your wonderful career. You're cetainly an inspiration to all of us writers. Congrats on the RT top pick!

I'm celebrating the first signs of spring. The almonds blossom here in California first and their lovely pink petals are such a welcoming sign for me.

Kate Walker said...

Limecello - Chookie Congratulations to you. Enjoy having the Rooster with you today. (Is enjoy the right word?) And thank you for your congratulations.

I am so in agreement about celebrating signs of spring - right now I'll just settle for a day without rain or snow! Weddings and babies are great things to celebrate.

Kate Walker said...

Anna -it's lovely to be back. Sending hugs your way. Any cchance you'll be visiting York this year?

And I agree about family feuds. I was thinking about Romeo and Juliet too - but making sure that this one has a happy ending That feud background made for some really intense scenes. Just the sort of thing I love to write.

Kate Walker said...

Jane - yes to celebrating spring (see my reply to Lime!) and friends are so worth celebrating, whether it's their birthday or not. Hope yuor friend - and you - have a wonderful day

Kate Walker said...

Hello Jo. I'm glad your prize arrived. I'll tell you a secret - I love sending out prizes. The ladies in my local Post Office are used to me arriving with packages for all over the world.

And another secret - I still can't quite believe how far I've come from those days 25 years ago when everyone was telling me that being a writer was just a dream. Now I'm celebrating that dreams do come true.

The almond blossom sounds so wonderful. We have a flowering cherry in our garden and I'm always so happy to see the beautiful pink flowers appear.

Helen said...

Congrats lime have fun with him

Congrats to you as well Kate how exciting to have another book in the Top Picks and for writing for
25 years well done.

I loved that quote you gave to your accountant about life being a Viable expense so true for writers.

Well here in Australia I am celebrating that there is a nip in the air I am so over summer and the humidity I am really looking forward to the cooler months.

But what I will really be celebrating is the birth of my 5th grandchild she is due on 25th March not long to go now and I have another 2 weeks (6 shifts) before I am having 5 1/2 weeks off work and I can't wait to cuddle little Caitlyn Lorraine when she arrives. I really am excited.

Thanks Anna for inviting Kate along again I always love hearing from Kate and I love your stories.

Have Fun
Helen

Anna Sugden said...

Congrats, Lime - though why you'd want that pesky bird, I don't know!

I'm with you on celebraing the first signs of spring. Here in Cambridge, we haven't had rain, sleet or snow for over a week, it's been sunny and the snowdrops and crocuses are out. It's still very cold, but it's cheery!

Congrats on all the celebrations - what fun!

Anna Sugden said...

As one who lives in the midst of family feuds, Anna, you're so right! Our family has them on both sides - and then there's the whole moslem versus jew thing (mum vs dad)! Definitely the basis of huge conflict!

I love seeing how such conflicts are resolved in romances. And can take vicarious pleasure in them, as it so rarely happens in real life! (Or indeed on East Eanders!)

Anna Sugden said...

Hi Jane - hope you're keeping safe and warm in NY! Big game tomorrow night *g*.

Happy birthday for your friend - what are you doing to celebrate?

Anna Sugden said...

Hi Jo. Kate's a fabulous author, isn't she? And such an inspiration to her writer friends. I've been lucky enough to benefit from her wisdom on many occasions. So glad you enjoyed her book.

Ooh almond blossoms - lovely. Our magnolia, cherry and lilac trees are in full bud - I can't wait for them to burst out.

Anna Sugden said...

Congratulations again from me, Kate - those Top Picks are so richly deserved!

R&J is one of the Shakespeare's I like, but I always hate sad endings, so I love that you give your feud a happy ending.

Anna Sugden said...

Hi Helen! Congrats on another grandchild! Wow! And how lucky Caitlyn Lorraine is to have such a wonderful grandmother. Can't wait to celebrate with you.

Isn't it funny how we complain about the terrible heat and humidity in the summer and the terrible cold and damp in the winter? I love having seasons, but I could do without the extremes (especially living in a ocuntry will little air conditioning!)

Laurie G said...

Congrats Kate 25 years AMAZING!!

Family strife: I was almost disowned over a misunderstanding that started at the dinner table over a plate of broccoli. I'm not kidding! My dad was suffering from post retirement depression.

Celebrating my SIL's work promotion! My 2nd son will graduate from college in May! Our long term tenants got 4 months behind on their rent due to health issues. They just paid us for 2 of those months! HURRAH!!

Joan said...

Welcome to the Lair Kate!

Celebrating signs of spring like so many others and the health of family and friends!

Anna Sugden said...

OMG Laurie - it probably wasn't funny at the time, but it makes for a great story!

You've got lots of great news to celebrate too! Congrats all round.

Anna Sugden said...

Can't celebrate the health of family and friends too much, Joanie! I know it's been a tough winter for lots of us - so it's good to have spring bringing in good health.

Christie Kelley said...

Hi Katie,

Nice to see you again in the lair. Congratulations on the Top Pick that's a great accomplishment!

I'm celebrating several things this year. First, after a very long winter, spring is almost here. Also, my oldest is graduating high school this June. And my favorite is I have two books coming out this year. I've never had two books in one year before!

CrystalGB said...

Hi Kate. Congratulations on your wonderful milestone.
I am celebrating the upcoming birth of my nephew.

Di R said...

Kate~ Congrats on the RT Top Picks!

I am celebrating my bil is home on leave (Army) from the middle east. Yay! There is nothing better than a hug when I haven't seen him in almost a year.

Di

Trish Milburn said...

First, Kate, congratulations on all your wonderful accomplishments -- the new book, the Top Pick, the 25 years of being published. Awesome!

Me, I'm celebrating being done with judging the RITA, with my revision deadline and that it's finally, FINALLY, beginning to feel like spring outside.

Anna Sugden said...

Hey Christie - lots to celebrate - especially two books in a year! The first of those two, 'Something Scandalous', is out in April - I saw your fab ad in this month's RT, which arrived this morning.

Congrats on your oldest graduating this year - you don't seem old enough to have a son that age!

Anna Sugden said...

Ooh another birth to celebrate, Crystal. How lovely. Fingers crossed for mum and nephew to come through it with flying colours!

Anna Sugden said...

Oh Di - give your BIL a big hug and a huge thank you from all of us for his service in the Middle East. His safe return is definitely something to celebrate - and we'll send the Lair good wishes with him to keep him safe out there.

Anna Sugden said...

Umm, don't you have a book out there to celebrate, Ms Trish? I'm so looking forward to the Amazon pigeon delivering my copy of The Family Man!

Yay on finishing the judging. I did my GH entries a few weeks ago and will be interested to see who finals in the category I judged.

Double yay on finishing those revisions!

Kate Walker said...

Wow, you've all been busy! Oh - lovely Anna S is here - phew! That means some of these posts are hers.

Hi Anna and thanks for helping me out today
K

Kate Walker said...

Helen Helen - celebrating a brand new life is one of the very best things to cheer over. How wonderful for you. I hope all goes well for the rest of the time you have to wait until she puts in an appearance - as you say not long to go now.

And give her a cuddle from me

Kate Walker said...

Laurie, I'm with Anna on this - the broccoli incident probably was pretty horrible at the time but it sounds so great reading about it at a distance.

And many congratulations to your son and SIL

Kate Walker said...

Thank you for the welcome Joan - and I so agree that health is always something to be celebrated. It's so vital to us

Kate Walker said...

Hi Christie and congratulations on yuor books coming out. That is an achiement well worth celebrating. I hope they do wonderfully well for you.

(Noting down names for the TBR pile - not that I need any more books but . . .)

Kate Walker said...

Hello Crystal - another birth to celebrate. That's womderful. Hug your nephew from me

Kate Walker said...

Hello Di - I'm so glad to hear that your BIL is home safe from the middle east. I'm sure those hugs must be extra special. I hope he stays safe too

Kate Walker said...

Hi Trish - congratulations to you too on your upcoming book. Wishing you every success. I'm through with the RITA judging too - such a relief. It's a responsibilty. But I did find one really special book in my bundle this year. So that was something else to celebrate.

And it's always - always - worth celebrating getting revisons done!

Kate Walker said...

I have somethng new to celebrate! My DH just phoned and said to bother cooking - he will bring home fish and chips (Fries) from my favourite 'chippie'.

As I'm fighting with my current book those chips are goign to be so welcome!

Who cares if they're not healthy ;o)

Kate

Donna MacMeans said...

Hi Kate - So good to have you with us again. Here's my question for you - now that you're an old pro at achieving the RT Top Choice pick - what do you think it takes to reach that mark? Great opener? Intense conflict? Unique characters? Of course, we try to have those things in every book, but with a couple under your belt - do you see a trend? Just curious.

I'm celebrating...a new contract, that I noticed yesterday that the daffodils shoots were pushing their way through sodden ground and lingering snow, that life is really marvelous.

Deb said...

Congratulations, Kate, on your publishing milestone and your Top Pick!

I am celebrating the fact that my mother has had a diagnosis of a long illness and we are hoping to get her started soon on the road to recovery!

THE BIG CELEBRATION for my family this year is...drum roll, please....My parents will celebrate their 55th wedding anniversary on May 15th! Awesome!

I think life has to be celebrated every day with even the littlest things: hugs, smiles, phone calls, visits to the lair, and blessings of all kinds.

Kate Walker said...

Donna - What makes a Top Pick -now there's a question! And do you know, my honest answer is - I have no idea!

As with all reviewing, it's obviously a subjective thing - and in the 25 years I've been writing there have been some RT reviewers who just didn't like my bokos at all. I never got above a 3 star rating. So either I've changed how I write (don't think so) or the current reviewers like my work better. They have new reviewers fairly recently - and the one who reads the Presents Extras is not the same as the one who reads the actual Presents . . .

But the two books that were given Top Picks were pretty intense, with characters with a share dpast - oh, and they had an 'added extra' something I suppose in the family feuds in this one and a family mystery in Bedded By The Greek Billionaire so maybe htat was it.

But deep down I know that I am only guessing here. And if I'm really honest, then the books that have won Top Picks or even the ones which have been given 4.5 stars are sometimes not the ones I thought they'd like at all! As I said, it's all so subjective. But I'm happy about it and going to celebrate it .

Congratulations on that new contrat - that is something well worth celebrating

Kate Walker said...

Deb you are so so right that life is worth celebrating no matter what - all the little things as well as the big ones.

I'm so glad that your mother has a diagnosis and I hope that this means she can start to recover from her illness. You want her well to celebrate that wonderful anniversary in May. Please send her my congratulations - for your father as well. I hope you all have a fabulous day - celebrating!

Nancy said...

Kate, welcome back! And congratulations on your Top Pick. What a great accomplishment!

We're currently celebrating the sun being out. Rain is due tomorrow, but we've had several sunny days after a prolonged bout of rain. This spring, I should be celebrating the completion of another manuscript, and last year we celebrated my finding an agent.

We like to celebrate. And the Lair, as you know, is big on celebrations. Pah-tay!

Sven complains about the cleanup, of course, but that doesn't stop him from partying down.

Congratulations again!

Limecello, congrats on the rooster.

Unknown said...

Hi Kate, nice to see you here! Congrats on being the RT top picks!

Right now I am celebrating the sunshine and warmer tempts. It was sixty degrees here yesterday and I took a nice long walk and loved every minute of it! Here's to nice warm days!

Anna Sugden said...

Hi Kate! *waving* Oooh - we should pop up to see you if the Babe Magnet has fish & chips! Yumm! Definitely worth celebrating.

I'm celebrating the end of the working day with a rather nice glass of NZ rose. Also yumm.

Anna Sugden said...

Woohooo!! More fabulous Donna MacMeans books!! Definitely worth celebrating!!

Congratulations, Donna.

Anna Sugden said...

Hugs Deb on your mum's diagnosis - but I know how relieved you must feel to know what is going on, so that you can deal with it. My sister is in the same boat and not knowing what's making her sick is such a strain. We wish her a full recovery!

And congrats to your parents on 55 years - awesome!!

Anna Sugden said...

I know what yo mean, Nancy - every day of sunshine is fab. I know we'll all be complaining it's too hot shortly, but I love bright days. I don't even mind the cold as long as it's bright.

Anna Sugden said...

Now you're just showing off with temps like those, Virginia! LOL

I'm anticipating more nice weather and celebrating the purchase of a new swirly skirt for the spring and summer!

Anna Sugden said...

Congrats to your parents too, Drew - 50 years is a wonderful achievement and a fabulous celebration of romance! Have you got anything special planned?

runner10 said...

Congrats once again on 25 years!! Incredible!
I am celebrating my 20th anniversary this year to the most wonderful man I could have ever imagined. Can't believe how time flies!

Anna Campbell said...

Kate, big US travel year for me this year. Off to RomCon in early July then staying over for Nashville at the end of July. Think it will be huge fun. Are you coming to RWA this year?

However, at this stage, I'm not doing RWA in 2011 and I'm hoping to do a UK trip instead (deadlines and my horrible propensity for jet lag make more than one OS trip a year a bit much). So we may manage to have lunch at Betty's in 2011! Yay! Be lovely to see you again. Hopefully with nicer weather than last time.

Pat Cochran said...

Hi, Kate, great to see see you here today! Congratulations on the Top
Picks and most especially your 25th
anniversary!

Several things to be celebrating:
"the Sun is shining, Oh,happy day,"
Granddaughter Ashley is coming home
for Spring Break, Granddaughter
Julie is getting her hiking trip to
Colorado, getting ready for our 3
April birthdays, and our 2 wedding
anniversaries, including Honey's
and my 49th! Lots of family time!

Pat Cochran

p226 said...

I'm celebrating a new hardwood floor, and a new .50BMG.

One makes my wife happy, the other makes me happy.

Guess which is which?

Anna Sugden said...

How lovely, Denise - 20 years! Congrats to you and your fab hubby.

We celebrate 10 years, next year and we're hoping to go to Oz to celebrate!

Anna Sugden said...

Yay - UK trip - got to make sure it's not when we're coming to visit you, Anna!! Ooh - can I sneak into that trip to Betty's?

Anna Sugden said...

Oh Pat - lots of wonderful things to celebrate for you! I still can't believe you and your honey are celebrating 49 years - you must have been married in diapers!

Anna Sugden said...

P226 - you've just made me so jealous - I really, really want a hardwood floor!

I looked up a 0.50 BMG - very, very cool. Wouldn't look quite as good in my front hall and living room as the floor, but nice all the same *g*.

Helen said...

Thanks Anna I do love spending time with my darlings

Kate I of course will give her a cuddle for you

Donna new contract way to go I love your stories I look forward to the mext one

Christie 2 books in one year YAY love it

Have Fun
Helen

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, you're not weaseling out of a visit, my dear friend Miss Anna! All this is very up in the air at the moment - nothing set in stone. But won't it be lovely to see you twice in one year? And you're most welcome to barge in on Betty's! ;-)

chey said...

Congrats Kate!
I'm going to celebrate the end of winter!

Kate Walker said...

Do you lot normally talk this much? Or is it just the idea of celebrations that gets you going?

Now who suggested a party ??

I need to see who has commented while I was eating fish and chips . . .

Kate Walker said...

Ah yes it was Nacy who said Pah-tay!

I'm sure Sven wouldn't mind -we'd only make a little mess . . . Sunshine, an agent and a completed manuscript - all so worth celebrating. And I'm sure Sven agrees . . .

Kate Walker said...

Virginia thank you for the Congratulations - but you are boasting with that temperature! We had sunshine here but it was so cold

Kate Walker said...

Adding my congratulations for your parents Drew - I hope they have a truly golden day and that you enjoy celebrating it with them

Thank you for your congratulations to me too.

Kate Walker said...

Anna S - you're welcome to share fish and chips with me and the Babe Magnet any time

One day . . .

Kate Walker said...

Denise - your comment just made me feel so glad I asked about celebrating. There is so much bad news around that getting the good stuff like this is a real day-brightener.
Many congratulations to you on your 20 year anniversary - here's to 20 more and 20 more after that. Have a wonderful day

Kate Walker said...

Anna C
I'm afraid I'll not make RWA this year as I'm teaching in Wales that week. But 2011 is a date - and Anna S you really must join us in Bettys. We'd have so much fun. Not sure if Bettys Posh Tearooms could cope but we'd have a great time

Kate Walker said...

Pat your post sounded like one great celebration - with grandaughters and anniversaries . . . just great. Enjoy those birthdays. And have a wonderful anniversary. Congratulations.

And thank you too for your congratulations to me

Kate Walker said...

P226 - like Anna S I had to look up .50BMG.

I think the hardwood floor is more me somehow . . .but enjoy!

Kate Walker said...

Helen - I wish I could come and have a real cuddle but a cyber cuddle will do

Kate Walker said...

And Chey - oh yes - the end of winter is such a thing to celebrate! I am so glad to have got rid of the snow -at least I hope it's gone!

Spring is such a lovely season isn't it?

Anna Campbell said...

Kate, don't hold your breath - there's many a slip between cup and lip. But that's the plan at the moment.

Trish Milburn said...

Anna, I do have a release out this month. Yay! I've been so busy that it's snuck up on me.

Kate, I found a very good book in my RITA bunch too. I liked it so much that I went out and bought the sequel.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Welcome back to the Lair, Kate! Thanks for bringing her back, Anna S.!

What can I celebrate this year?

Just had my 29th wedding anniversary this past Saturday.

After 2 years off work, my hubby just started a new job!

In June I will have been a nurse for 31 years.

3 healthy grandbabies!

**Would love to celebrating a sale, but that hasn't happened, YET**

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Late for the party, but had to say WELCOME BACK to the Lair, Kate!

So lovely to have you back with us and celebrating 25 years in the publishing biz! WOW! Truly a reason to break out the industrial sized blender for some cyber-drinks! And SUPER CONGRATS on you Top Picks! If only there were a magic formula that we could all follow...

I'm celebrating the birth of my newest grand-niece Rylee born of Feb. 20th and just learned my youngest niece Emily and her hubby are expecting baby #1 sometime in November! This will be grandchild #10 for my brother, who really should share a few of them with ME. ;-)

AC

Caren Crane said...

Kate, so great to have you back in the Lair!

I love a good family feud myself - as long as it's not MY family, of course. *g* Your new book sounds wonderful!

As to what I am celebrating this March, there are many great things. First, the sun is out and it was 72 degrees outside today. Spring has unofficially arrived in NC!

Next, my troop has had a tremendously successful cookie sale and, best of all, it's almost over!! We will be using the money to help fund a trip where we will zipline through the treetops, go whitewater rafting and do rock climbing and rappelling. Too fun!

Best of all, my older daughter will turn 17 this month. Nearly grown and I can hardly believe it! She is a magnificent and gorgeous young woman who makes me proud ever day.

Lots to celebrate in my life and a glorious new Kate Walker book. Does life get much better?

Thank you so much for being with us, Kate!

Louisa Cornell said...

Lime, if you keep it up we will have to stage an intervention !!

Hello, Kate!

56 Books? I feel like such a slacker! And TWO top picks !! That is fabulous!

I do love a family feud. I'm refereeing one right now between my dachshund sisters. Each has her own "blankie" but Sassy wants her own blankie AND Adelaide's. VEry serious stuff when you are a dachshund!

But I love to read about family feuds. The dynamic is so powerful. The idea of people who SHOULD love and protect each other being a place where they just can't do that always makes for a great story.

I am celebrating being SO close to finishing the revisions my agent asked for that I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel!


And I am HOPING to celebrate the arrival of Spring if my azaleas will actually show me even ONE bud. Once that happens, Spring is Sprung at my house!

Pat Cochran said...

Anna S.: I was a wee bit older than
diaper age when we married back in the ancient days! LOL

Mrs. P226 : Congratulations on the
hardwood floor! I've wanted one for
ages! (Are you listening, Honey?)

Suz: Hang in there! Your day will
come and we will all celebrate by getting out that heavy-duty blender
and partying big-time!!!

Pat Cochran

limecello said...

lol I have to admit :X am slightly curious as to what a GR intervention would look like... O_O

Kate Walker said...

Hi Suzanne. It seems you have some lovely things to celebrate - congratulations on the aniversary. I celebrate my - eek - my 37th! - in July. How wonderful that your DH now has a new job. I hope it works out wonderfully for him. And 3 grandbabies! Yes, definitely lots to celebrate there

Kate Walker said...

Hi Aunt Cindy - i'm all for cyber drinks to celebrate. No calories! That's a cause for celebration if there ever was one.
Everyone here has so many grandbabies to celebrate - I'm still waiting! Not that I mind - my son is happy with his partner and that's what matters.

I'm sure you get to share some of the cuddles from your brother's 10!

Kate Walker said...

Caren, I agree - I love a family feud, so long as it doesn't involve me. I think you have the warmest temperatures to celebrate - enjy the sun. And enjoy your daughter too. I love your descriptio of her and she does sound like a daughter to be proud of.

And thank you so much for including my book in your list of things to celebrate!

Kate Walker said...

Hello Louisa - I love your description of the 'bankie' feud! It sounds just like my cats since we brought a brand-new and very soft and comfy cat bed. This was meant to give each cat their own bed - but they all want the new one.

I also lovethe way you described why a 'feud boook' works - that's exactly it, isn't it? And it gives that added depth to the story.

Good luck with those revisions - I hope they do the trick!

Kate Walker said...

Now I need to go and find Sid - he's going to be SO happy when he sees how many cat treats I have to lay out for him today. He's going to enjoy picking a winner

And thank you all for your welcome and your posts - a visit to the Banditas is always something to celebrate

Kate

Anna Sugden said...

Sorry I'm late back - families - can't live with them, can't shoot 'em!

You know, we love to see you as often as we can, Anna - either/any continent works!

Anna Sugden said...

Oh yes, Chey - muct celebrate the end of winter ... though today is yucky and grey, so I'm not sure it's gone yet!

Anna Sugden said...

You're right Kate - I'm not sure Betty's could take the three of us - but, it would be worth it for those cauliflower cakes!

Anna Sugden said...

Your sale will happen soon, Suz. This is the year for more Bandita sales!

Lots of fab stuff to celebrate - especially pleased that hubby has a new job!

Anna Sugden said...

Lots of lovely babies for you to enjoy, AC! Congrats on your newest and the one to come.

I'm quite happy that neither of hubby's girls have had kids yet - I'm far too young to be a nanna!

Anna Sugden said...

Yay on the cookie sale, Caren - I know how hard you all worked on that!

And, I'm not surprised your daughter is a wonderful young woman - she has a wonderful mother!

Anna Sugden said...

LOL Louisa - is that like cats fighting over the catnip toy? CC tends to hide it and Jersey finds it in two seconds flat, gives her a dismissive look, then walks off with it!

Yay on the revisions!! You can do it!! Lots of Bandita mojo for you - and I'll even send Zach the hockey hunk, with his magical hands to help you relax after!

Anna Sugden said...

I see Kate beat me to it, this morning! It's been a fab visit and we've loved having you here with us again. Feel free to avail yourself of Zach's magic hands!

Meows to handsome Sid!

Charlotte said...

I am celebrating that I turned 70 and still fell young.

Anna Sugden said...

70 is supposed to be the new 50, Charlotte! Congratulations on being young!