Thursday, December 29, 2005

The pig didn't make it. I took a photograph, tinsel, reindeer horns and everything, and no matter what I did I couldn't get it onto my blog in time for Christmas. Ah, well, next year then.

I hope you all had a wonderful time, loads of romantic -- or at least eccentric -- presents. I have this huge box of Thornton's chocolates that an aunt sent me; the temptation is horrendous but I'm being good. Chocolate is supposed to be good for a sore throat, though and I do have a hideously sore throat...

I have some cheering news, too. Her Wish List Bridegroom has been nominated for a Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award, along with books by colleagues Jessica Hart, Natasha Oakley, Susan Fox, Jackie Braun, Trish Wylie and Barbara McMahon.

Happy New Year everyone.

Wednesday, December 14, 2005

PROCRASTINATION

I thought I’d been so organised but here I am, mid-December, making a list of all the things I haven’t done yet and it’s a mile long. Why didn’t I organise the flowers for my aunts weeks ago? Why didn’t I buy those lights when I saw them; I really wanted some Christmas bling this year to compete with my 84-year-old neighbour, whose hedge is already lit up like … well a Christmas tree. And I need some sparkly glam tinsel for Duchess and Saddleback, the stone pigs who guard our gates.

If there’s isn’t a word for putting off confronting Christmas in the hope that it won’t happen, there should be. A signed copy of a book goes to the best suggestion!

The one thing I haven’t had to worry about this year is Christmas cards. Last year I horrified myself with the amount I spent on them so this year I’ve posted a Christmas card on my website – one of my best beloved’s photographs of Stourhead gardens near Bath – and put the money I would have spend on cards and postage to more practical use.

Visiting the Oxfam Unwrapped website was actually the best fun I’ve ever had choosing presents. Life enhancing. Uplifting. Totally joyous. Exactly how Christmas should be. So, if you’ve got a gap on your mantelpiece this year, imagine it filled with a camel (I’ve called her Harriet), a trained midwife and a hundred people who’ll have safe drinking water. My contribution to the true spirit of Christmas.

Now back to the list…

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Here, just for those of us who hang out at the Mouse & Pen -- especially Michelle and Donna -- is a thoroughly unPC photograph of Paul Bettany. Enjoy...

Friday, December 02, 2005

The Happy Holidays Scavenger Hunt begins Dec. 1, 2005 and ends December 31. The answers to the clues can be found on author websites (including mine!) and there are loads of prizes to be won. Winners will be announced January 2nd, 2006.

I've also drawn the winners for this month's signed books. Since it's Christmas, there are five of you out there -- emails on the way. (To join the draw, you just have to sign up for the very occasional newsletter I send out -- the link is on my website.)