Dear Chris, Hard to believe we're nearing the end of January and I still haven't found time to post a new blog. BTW Happy New Year :) Book came out on 12/5, three days before my trip to Australia. High anxiety! No time to market there, so once home, 3 wks later, the fun began. Review copies trickling out to those who helped in my self-publishing journey. Researching reviewers. Must request permission before sending. So far, two have agreed to review. Asking Amazon buyers to leave review, good, bad or indifferent. I'm focused on getting the word out to those who can take comfort in my story knowing they're not alone. Pets for Vets has been kind to post my book on their FaceBook page. These families are part of my target audience.

What's new with you? Any new projects, though I adore anything you write.

Must go now and address some books to stick in the mail tomorrow. lol

Likewise, good that you posted a link to your blog on here, so we could connect.  Keeping the candle burning. :)

Dear Chris, I just saw your lovely comment from Nov 11th! Please forgive my tardiness. I've been in major focus mode getting my first self-published booked released, now 6 months past my initial self-imposed deadline. Plus holiday shopping and getting ready to leave for holiday in Australia with my daughter and her family for 3 weeks. Returned on the 27th and still suffering jet-lag. Your caring thoughts and words touched my heart. Thank your again, sweet Chris. And I loveall your posts, when I make time to wander away from my work. lol

Oh yes, I mind very much. Take that link and shout-out off your blog right now before it ruins my birthday! I am being totally sarcastic and I think you know that ;0) Thanks, dear! I sure do appreciate the love. Will go check it out right now...

Chris, I'm thrilled that you got something out of my post and back-linked me. I can't tell you how happy it makes me. I'm off to check out your blog now. Again, thank you!!

Sadly, vodka is no longer available to me since my husband just HAD to become an alcoholic last year and quit drinking and I just HAD to be the supportive wife and stop with him, dammit! I only get to drink maybe once or twice a year now. Oh, Bloody Mary, I remember you so fondly. The olives. The hot sauce. My mouth waters as I type this...

And how strange is that - you had shingles at an early age too? I got into a fight with my doctor today about it - she didn't believe that it was shingles and I had them before and crap (there WILL be a blog post about it) and I was about to lose it on her. Thankfully, I got my meds and all will be well when I stop ripping my face off from this incessant itching...

I know, right? Really glad to have found you! There are some people I just click with right away in the blogosphere. Looks like you might just be one of them! I don't have a disabling disease (that I know of), but man, am I ever sympathetic today. I don't know why in the hell I get shingles, but I do. Only old people are supposed to get them, but my first time was age 28. And you're only supposed to get them once. I call bullsheets on that one! I've probably had them 10 times over the years and this time is looking to be bad. I've been lucky, the other cases since age 28 have been mild. I itch, I ache, I hurt, and I'm exhausted and I feel like a leper with it on my face and neck this time! I'm only 42! Lordy, gimme that blinged out cane, girl! I'm ready for the home. Ha ha!

Hi and Welcome.  I tried to comment on your blog, but my open ID wouldn't work??  I was glad you hadn't already inserted, er, your business into the machine ... before reaching to sniff foot.  Another "mental health" (or lack thereof) writer here.

A big welcome to SheWrites. A terrific place for advice and support.  AND, to help even more (if you are into creative non-fiction/memoir), I have 12 hours of free advice/teaching as a way to give back.  No gimmick, just great advice because I know how hard it is to write. Click here, sign up, enjoy!