Goodness, but I’m already running behind this year—and it’s only February!

First of all, Congratulations to Maureen Emmons, the winner of the contest to launch my new website and name this column. I think Leigh’s World suits it to a tee. Thanks again, Maureen.

I intended to post these congratulations sooner and write a new column before that for December, but somehow Christmas got away from me then New Year’s. Guess what one of my resolutions is for 2007??

Since last time, this is what’s been happening in my world…
In December CHANGE OF LIFE, and Nora Pride’s gang, hit the stands from Harlequin Next with that beautiful blue tropical cover. That was equaled only by the thrill of finding the book on the Bookscan romance bestseller list during its first week of release! I’m still grinning with pride.

Another great gift of the season arrived on January 1st when several family members paid a visit. It was lovely to see Kim and her boyfriend Cory for almost a week and Kelly until mid-month. I’m not sure Miss Daisy (my new cat finally has an appropriately Southern name) knew what to make of all the activity, but we had a great time. The cat had a constant supply of playmates, and she only bit someone twice! Perhaps she simply got carried away. I hope. Since her first weeks here, she has been showing a definite, uh, mischievous streak.

Anyway, thanks, guys. You’re the best. You provided the perfect excuse to avoid work for a little while, and, as they say, to refill my well. As part of that “research,” we did some sightseeing around Chattanooga, which has become quite the draw for tourists. We trekked through famed Rock City for my first time in winter, and the unobstructed view from its highest point while all the leaves are gone from the trees is truly awesome. Ditto from Lookout Mountain. To our disappointment the Incline Railway from downtown up a steep ascent to Lookout was out of service for renovations so we had to drive. On another, “indoor day” we were able to enjoy the gorgeous Tennessee Aquarium. Not only are the displays in both River and Ocean Journeys magnificently presented, but there’s a Butterfly Garden too that always feeds my soul. Just beautiful.

In addition, I have to admit, we ate out a lot. Just had to refill those energy stores after all that sightseeing, right? The restaurant scene here has really come alive. One of my new favorites is Bluewater, which flies in fresh fish from Florida every day. In this land-locked city, that’s a real treat. On Sunday they “do” brunch complete with my personal favorite, Eggs Benedict, and some excellent live jazz. Who would believe, years ago, that Chattanooga would become such a “happening place?” I hope y’all will put this area on your list when you think of vacation. The vast new riverfront development alone, including a walking and biking trail, is well worth the trip. Chattanooga has been called The Boulder (Colorado) of the East with many outdoor activities available, all within a short drive around the city. On my mountain there are always a bunch of rock climbers (bravely) scaling the cliffs—though I’m not one of them.

But all good things must come to an end (is that really true??), and my very enjoyable house guests are now gone.

As 2007 begins (well, not quite), after CHANGE OF LIFE I’m waiting to hear on a new proposal for Harlequin Next while working on another.

Although the winter is always a good time for me to write, perhaps my most productive in the year, this season has been uncharacteristically dreary with more gray days and snow flurries (no accumulation) than I’m used to now. Big deal, huh? Much of the country, including my former home in Cincinnati, has been swamped by blizzard conditions so I’m actually lucky to be complaining only about the cold temperatures.

Still, I yearn to escape. We’re kicking around the idea of driving down to the Emerald Coast for a few days sometime soon. The relaxation factor in Destin and Seaside (the locale for The Truman Show) is sublime. So is the sun, and those Panhandle beaches are the most gorgeous I’ve ever seen. Pure white sand, as fine as sugar. Did you know it’s actually powdered granite, washed down river to the Gulf?
Until next time, stay warm and well.

Don’t forget to follow the link on my home page to the terrific contest being given by more than twenty of the Next authors. I guarantee our prize is fantastic!

And oh, before I forget (again), a belated Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone. May all my readers have the most romantic year ever.