Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Ready to POP!

Thought for the day:  Publishing a book is like being pregnant. By the end, you're just ready to get that baby out!  [Carmen DeSousa]



Hi-ya. As my month's break from the blogosphere is coming to an end, I just had to take a sec to let y'all in on a secret.

Nope, I'm not pregnant. (That wouldn't be a secret... that would be a miracle!)

But I am ready to do a little bit of revealing... a teensy bit of a tease...





A person who publishes a book willfully appears before the populace with his pants down.  [Edna St. Vincent Millay]


Starting to get the picture?


Yep, my pants are starting to slip, because my novel is waiting in the wings, getting ready to go onstage to strut its stuff! (ohmigod ohmigod ohmigod)




You can't judge a book by its cover, but you sure can sell a bunch of books if you have a good one. [Jayce O'Neal}

Jeez, I sure hope O'Neal is right, because my book definitely has a great cover, thanks to the oh-so-talented Melissa Williams of mwcoverdesign. Wanta SEE? I sure hope so, because that's why I'm here before my leave of absence has officially ended... to do a (ta-DA!) cover reveal:





                                        WOW, huh? Didn't Melissa do an amazing job?

The book will be available in e-version and paperback before the end of May, but how would you like to win a FREE copy? FREE-FREE-FREE!!! I'll even put my John Hancock in it, if you win and choose the paperback version. (Heck, I might even sign my REAL name.)

Everyone who leaves a comment on my blog during the month of May will be eligible to win. One chance per comment, so the more times you comment, the more opportunities you'll have to win. And guess what? If you mention my book on YOUR blog, that'll earn you another TWO chances to win. The cats and I will share a glass of bubbly and draw the winner's name out of a hat at the end of the month. Sound good?

Oh.

I guess you wanta know what the book's about, huh? Sheesh, picky, picky, picky. Okeydoke...



Living the perfect life has always been easy peasy for Pearl Bryzinski, because she’s practically a pro at ignoring the negative and putting a positive spin on the facts, but it’s impossible for her to find anything positive about Daddy skipping town with that blue-haired floozy in a flashy brown Pinto. No matter how hard she tries, she can’t ignore the fact that he’s gone… or the fact that she’s becoming a drama queen who can sweat like a sumo wrestler doing push-ups in a sauna. It’s almost enough to suck the blush out of her rose-colored glasses. Whether she likes it or not, she’s gonna have to turn some of her wishbone into backbone.

Layer by layer, assumptions and misconceptions peel away, as Pearl learns to buck up in the face of reality, and to laugh at her imperfect… but not so bad… life. Supported by a down-to-earth husband who loves her with every blue-collar bone in his body, a mother who isn’t the self-centered witch Pearl imagined her to be, three terrific grown kids… okay, make that two terrific kids, and a Golden Boy who’s a far cry from 24-carat… and a bunch of wonderful wacky gal pals, Pearl comes to realize that her mixed bag of family and friends makes her life damned near perfect. Pearl being Pearl, she’ll never give up her rosy specs entirely, but learning to handle reality also means learning to deal with death.




YES, I AM excited. A teensy bit scared about having my pants ripped off in public... but very very excited.






I'll be back on Friday for real. This post is just an I-couldn't-wait jump-the-gun kinda thing. Friday's post  will have more substance. This one was... the wind. (Musta been that sauerkraut I ate...)

                              Until next time, take care of yourselves. And each other.

Life is good.


 [Images from Wikipedia, morguefile, and seniorark.]

114 comments:

  1. CONGRATULATIONS, SUSAN!

    By coincidence, my own book will be published soon. It's titled 'HOT WOMEN AND COLD SHOULDERS'. It's a memoir about my years as a 'Pick-Up Artist' (no, I wasn't very successful at it, as the title indicates).

    Anyway... I could only do you 'Public Relations Damage' by mentioning your forthcoming book on my politically incorrect, conspiracy theory tinfoil hat-wearing blog, so... I think I should be particularly rewarded if I simply... shaddap abouddit.

    But seriously... BEST O' LUCK!

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thanks! I appreciate it. Hmmm, how about a companion book titled, "Hot Women and Cold Showers"... ?

      Delete
  2. Yea !
    Fabulous !
    Congratulations !

    Adore the cover !
    Have I used enough exclamation points ?
    Never !

    cheers, parsnip

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    1. Thanks! I'm ordinarily not much for using exclamation points, but right now, my head is FULL of 'em!

      Delete
  3. I've never had hot flashes (give it time....I eventually will...) but I love cold lemonade - - and I especially love the cover of your book. Congratulations on the prospect of appearing pants down in public. I suspected that you were up to something wonderful during your haitus from Blogland.

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    1. You may not have experienced a genuine hot flash, but I reckon you come pretty close to it every summer you spend in Texas. Glad you like the cover; I'm pretty excited about it. (Can ya tell?) Thank you so much.

      Delete
  4. WOWZA! The cover looks absolutely refreshing! It's cool, inviting and really sets the tone for your wonderful book. The blurb will reel 'em in, and the tall glass will make 'em want to stay a while. Love the suspenseful last line. Congrats on an outstanding job Susan! I'm really excited for you. Let me know how I can help.

    Julie

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    1. Thanks! I'm so glad you like it... and picked up on the new last line of the blurb, too. Thank you, thank you, thank you. If you'd like, maybe you can mention the book on your blog sometime? Since you've already read it, you know a lot more about it than most people.

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  5. Congratulations. I am so excited for you, that I cannot begin to think how excited you must be. What wonderful, wonderful news.

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  6. Hooray! The fireworks, the pants, the book, the post! You have returned from great industry. I am spastic with delight!

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    1. Calm down, dude! No need to go spastic on us... but I do appreciate the enthusiasm. Thanks. Dude. (TWICE in one comment!)

      Delete
  7. Yippee! Congratulations! And that cover is amazing! And yes, I'm yelling because these things are so exciting!!!

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  8. wow! that's really something to get excited about!....Congratulations and Good luck on your release...sure she'll be a bouncing baby girl or boy whatever you prefer...:)


    xx1

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    1. Thanks. I really appreciate it. Boy or girl? Doesn't matter; I'd be happy with a "healthy" release.

      Delete
  9. Hi Susan .. what a great title and cover reveal .. and you've been keeping this under wraps for so long ... now I have a grump! .. You mean this comment doesn't count towards the entry for a winning draw? because I'm posting in April?? And then while you do the drawings and you and the cats are having champagne I'm not allowed to join you ... well now I'm upset too!

    Learning about Pearl before we get into the book .. certainly draws me in to read more about her .. bring her on - and your book! Congratulations .. and that pop will be so worth it .. happy days ahead .. Hilary

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    1. Hi-ya, Hilary. Thanks; glad ya like it. Hey, no need to grump. THIS comment may not count, but you still have the whole month of MAY, and by all means, come on over and share the bubbly with us. The cats never drink much...

      Thank you so much. Happy days, indeed.

      Delete
  10. Omigod omigod omigod! Congratulations Susan, that is such exciting news. Love the cover and as someone already commented, it does indeed look refreshing, cool and inviting.
    I'm so jealous, I think I might cry...not really...okay, maybe a little... :)

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    1. Omigod ohmigod ohmigod... THANKS! Don't be jealous; put some of your amazing posts together into a book, and you'll be good to go!

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  11. Replies
    1. Thanks, Sara. Melissa did an amazing job on that cover, didn't she? I couldn't be happier.

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  12. CONGRATULATIONS Susan!!!! Love the title and LOVE that cover. Pearl sounds like a fascinating character and I am so very happy for you! :)

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    1. Thanks. I really appreciate it. Lots of happy to go around.

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  13. Ah, so Susan Swiderski s your nom de plume. That makes you even more intriguing and delightful to know.

    I can't wait to read this book.

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    1. Yep, it's my "nom de plume" and "nom de everything else", too. Thanks. I can't wait for you to read it, too.

      Delete
  14. OMG....Congratulations. The minute...the very second that book is available for Kindle I will pounce on it and devour it.

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    1. Thank you so much. You've got me grinning from ear to ear...

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  15. Hi, Susan... It sounds great! Can't wait to read it! It's my kind of reading, fer shure! Best regards to you, my friend! Ruby

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  16. Came dashing over when I saw your post as I thought I'd be in time to wet the baby's head but I see it's a different kind of baby altogether! Congrats! It sounds brilliant!

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    1. Thanks. (Actually we have another grandchild on the way, but he isn't due until August.) I dunno about brilliant, but I think it's kinda fun. Hope so, anyway.

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  17. Well, what a dark horse you are! Many congratulations.

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    1. Nah... I'm more of a palomino. Thanks so much for the congrats.

      Delete
  18. WOO-HOO!!! OMG, I am so excited for you! Love the cover, love the title, can't wait to get it in my hot little hands! :D

    Oh, and welcome back. I've missed your posts. :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Thank you, thank you, thank you! It means a heckuva lot coming from you.

      Delete
  19. Congrats, Susan. I will purchase a copy so no need to enter me in a drawing. :)

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  20. Congrats indeed
    Are due at your feed
    Thankfully I just get to do the deed
    So no idea about pushing the sucker out at my feed lol
    But yeah you just want it done with already
    After all that writing steady
    And great cover too
    And welcome back to bloglands zoo

    ReplyDelete
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    1. It's good to be back online at the zoo
      And reading such a sweet comment from you.
      Many thanks for the very nice Pat (HA!) on the head,
      But won't you please just buy the damned book instead?

      (HA! Just kidding... but at least, it RHYMES!)

      Delete
  21. Well, you've got me hooked! Enter me to win, please. And, if I don't win I'll just have to break into my piggy bank and buy the book. I really need to read more about Pearl!

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    1. Thanks, Glor. I appreciate your enthusiasm. To be entered in the drawing, you're gonna have to come back and comment during the month of May, though. (As many times as you'd like!)

      Delete
  22. Sus, tears filled my eyes when I saw your name at the top of that cover. Yes! It is very well done!

    My favorite line from your blurb: 'It’s almost enough to suck the blush out of her rose-colored glasses.'

    Well, here's my first try at winning a free copy but if I don't win, is there a way I can buy a *signed* copy?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Aw, that's sweet. Melissa really did a fabulous job with that cover, didn't she?

      Actually, this comment doesn't go toward the drawing... just during the month of May. (Sorry.) If you don't win, we'll try to work something out.

      Delete
  23. Oh my gosh how exciting!! Yay!!! This is wonderful and I can't wait to read your book. Love the title and the cover and I know it will be fabulous. Congratulations! :)

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  24. Awesome! Love the cover and the title! I'm also fond of this line: "she’s gonna have to turn some of her wishbone into backbone."

    Well done! I shall begin spreading the word!

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  25. congrats and wow - very exciting news. Glad you did the sneak peek for April. I shall be in line in May for the real deal. I shall spread the word and give a shout out on my blog. Have fun with it!! Now I'm ready for a glass of lemonade

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    1. Thanks! I appreciate the shout out. Come on over... I'd be happy to whip up a fresh glass of lemonade for ya.

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  26. Congrats, Susan! You must be soooo excited!

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  27. Congrats.

    You can make a pretty good discount Tom Collins with that lemonade, deary. Add a little sparkling and have the party.

    jack

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  28. So, would I do well to think you're a "Pantser" then? Great blurb and swonderfied synopsis. Throw my name in the hat and I'll send you a new pair of undies for the unveiling.
    ~Just Jill

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    1. HA! If I were a pantster, it won't be for long, eh? But the new undies would be much appreciated.

      Delete
  29. If it's alright, I'd like to review your book. The cover looks very interesting and the title intriguing :)
    Let me know, my reviews feature on http://cupandchaucer.wordpress.com

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    1. Hi, Udita. That would be lovely. I'll email you about it tomorrow. Thanks for the offer.

      Delete
  30. I think I got so excited for you that I tore a hole in my personal space/time continuum and forgot to comment! I'm beside myself thrilled and scared for you, cuz this is a HUGE deal and I can't wait to get my hot wrinkly hands on a copy!!! OMG Susan made the big time!!! Yammy Friday will never be the same!!!!!!!!! xo

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    1. HA! Thank you so much, Laura. You sound even more excited than I am!

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  31. Love the cover, love the title, love the premise! Take a deep breath and let those pants drop. You're clearly prepared for opening night, armed with a great story and dressed in your finest unmentionables.

    Congratulations, Susan!

    VR Barkowski

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    1. Thank you times three! I'm taking so many deep breaths, I'm about to hyperventilate...

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  32. Replies
    1. Thank you, dear sir! And thank you for dropping by. (Come on back now, y'heah?)

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  33. Well I am rip my pants off exited for you... and ironically my husband is excited that I want to rip my pants off. How bout that? :)

    Congrats!

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    1. HA! You crack me up! I'm so glad to play a wee part in adding some (un)zip to your marriage, my dear.

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  34. I just knew you'd have something cooking in the oven, taking a whole month off from blogging.

    Congratulations - I'm very excited for you. And for me, too, because I'm looking forward to reading your book!

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    1. Yeah, it's been cooking in the oven for a long time, and long past time to bring it out and SERVE it already! Thanks. (I'm looking forward to you reading it, too!)

      Delete
  35. Back! Thanks for checking my blog out, and I'm always out to try and read as much variety as I can. I'll be happy to review. And the Kindle version is just fine!
    My blog has a fair readership so it'll hopefully get your book across to some :)
    Sometimes I do interviews and things as well! Anyway, I have exams from the 15th to 22nd; but that doesn't mean I stop reading! So the review will be up as soon as I'm done :)

    udita.banerjee@gmail.com

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    1. Good enough! It's on its way to you right now. (No trees were killed by sending it, but a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.)

      Delete
  36. Susan: I am so proud of you and so happy to have been in your life, watching you go through the process of becoming a real-life published author. However, I know the truth -- the birth took well over 9 months! LOVE the cover and I wish you tons of success. Continue to let your fans know how we can support you.

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    1. Thank you so much. You've already given me an incredible amount of support, and I can't thank you enough for it. Um, a ticker tape parade would be nice...

      But I'll settle for a Scrabble marathon.

      Delete
  37. You know that I am wishing you a world of success with "your baby." The cover is an eye catcher and will attract a potential reader but it is the great and entertaining story inside that will snag and keep the reader.

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    1. Hi-ya!! Your FIRST comment on here. (You must want a signed copy, huh?)

      Seriously, thank you. I sure hope you're right... I'm counting on it!

      Delete
  38. Woohoo! Congratulations, Susan. It's a stand-out, enticing cover. Great job. I'm excited for you.

    xoRobyn

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  39. Congratulations!
    Remember you can pull those pants back up...

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    1. Thanks. Yep, gotta hang onto them with both hands.

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  40. You should be excited it sounds wonderful and the cover is truly awesome. B

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  41. Ugh. I tried to put it on my kindle today, but I will have to be patient. I am so excited to read your work!

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    1. Oh my goodness... Nicole! Good to hear from you, kiddo. It'll be ready to launch soon... soon.

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  42. Exceptional title, cool cover and most intriguing blurb. Good luck!

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  43. Susan I WANT THIS BOOK!! I am going to pop, too! With excitement!! The title and cover, the blurb...brilliant girl!! Italian kisses to ur cheeks!

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    1. Merci beaucoup! You've got me smiling from ear to ear.

      Delete
  44. Susan I WANT THIS BOOK!! I am going to pop, too! With excitement!! The title and cover, the blurb...brilliant girl!! Italian kisses to ur cheeks!

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  45. OMG, you had me at the "flashy brown Pinto." I had one of those. LOL Congrats on the book. Look forward to reading it, and I'd love to host you on my blog in June if you would like to do a guest post.

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    1. Oh, that's too funny. I had an ugly green Pinto station wagon in the ''70s, and there wasn't a darn thing flashy about it! Thanks for the congrats. Sure, doing a guest post would be fun. A new adventure, even. Just let me know when you want to do it, and if there's anything in particular you have in mind for it.

      Delete
  46. Susan
    I knew it. I'm a know it-all. Smarty pants. I just mentioned your book on my blog (but I didn't know the name yet). I've been kinda lollygaggen since the A-Z. Love, love, love the cover and the name. It sound "so like you." I'm dancing in circles for your joy!!!!!!!
    Kiss Kiss Kiss from me to the illustrious author.

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    1. Thanks for the accolades, but I don't know about the illustrious part. I just got finished wire-brushing, scrubbing and painting the front porch columns and trim... and then came in and shampooed the carpets in the living room and hallways. I sure don't FEEL very illustrious. Just tired!

      I'm so glad you like the cover and title. Thank you, Manzie.

      Delete
  47. A book? Excellent! Congratulations! I can't even find the time to blog. But the next time I do I will be sure to mention your novel novel.

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    1. It's easy to find the time. I don't sleep. (much) Thank you so much. I do appreciate it, dear sir.

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  48. Yay! And congrats! I love your cover. I tweeted this.

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  49. I am so happy for you!!! Congratulations!! And yes, I LOVE the cover!!!

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    1. Thank you so much.( With your "screen name", this sounds like a book YOU should have written!)

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  50. It's gotta be some kind of subconscious suggestion thingy, but no matter how hard I try I keep misreading the book's title as "Hot Flashes and Cold Beer!" It is indeed a snazzy cover.

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    1. When ya want a beer, ya want a beer. Thanks. Glad you like the cover.

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  51. WooHoo!!! Very exciting Susan. When you get a chance let me know where peeps can buy and I'll put a link up on my blog with a pic of the book. And that cover is fabulous!

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    1. Thanks. Will do. As soon as it's available, I'll let ya know. I'm so glad you like the cover!

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  52. Awesome! How wonderful!!

    Pearl

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  53. GREAT COVER! The best one I've seen in a while! :)

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    1. Thanks! I'm glad ya like it. Melissa does fantastic work.

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  54. I look forward to reading and reviewing the book. Well done.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Super. If you have a Kindle, would you like to preview and review the ARC?

      Delete
  55. Wow! Love, love, love the title! I am looking forward to reading this. Your snippet has amazing voice. Congratulations!!!

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  56. Yay, Susan! I am so very happy for you and proud of you! Sorry that I am behind on my visits. Even if I don't win, I will buy a copy soon.

    Hugs,

    Kathy M.

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    1. Thanks, Kathy! No need to apologize on my account... I've been AWOL all month.

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