Girl's Day Out

Last Wednesday, I enjoyed experiencing something I've never done before...shopped from morning till the shops closed.

A couple friends of mine, who happen to also be writers, and I took the day off and toured Old Town, Spring, Texas. What a gold mine that community holds! And what fun the three of us women had turning back our personal clocks and re-living the world through the eyes of being fifteen again. We allowed ourselves to giggle, laugh out loud with our heads thrown back, and point at things we were told never to point at.

We tried on clothes, sat in antique chairs made for royalty, and tasted every type of jam, jelly, and preserves known to mankind. We drank smoothies, ate brownies, home-made fudge, and had the most wonderful lunch at an Italian cafe called Delissimo's.

What that day taught me is that being a woman is the most precious gift we have. It wasn't about spending money (although we certainly made the shopkeepers happy), it was about camaraderie, about allowing ourselves to be young girls again, to see the laughter in the other's souls.

I love my husband and am proud to say that. I am also a strong woman who isn't ashamed to admit that either. And I am a surrounded by the greatest friends in the world, even the ones who weren't with us that day, you were there...held tight in my heart--for it is there, with you, where I find the core of my strength!

Licking on my ice cream cone,
Cherri

Announcing my book debut December 2007

Fun builds for this writer as I climb through the processes of the publishing of my debut novel, THE SCENT OF MONEY, due out this December 2007.

This past Friday, the publishers of LLDreamspell, Linda Houle and Lisa Rene Smith came over to our home to do the photo shoot for THE SCENT OF MONEY. Linda and Lisa both love animals and had on a previous meeting met all my dogs. Except last time they behaved. The dogs, not Linda and Lisa, although they behaved as well!

Our dogs are nosy rascals and could not take the laughter on the other side of the wall for a minute longer. Four German shepherds and a HUGE Great Pyrenees burst through the living room door like a plug being removed from a dam, rushing Linda and Lisa with gusto! Each one of the dogs vying for their affection and fondness. Yes, my dogs are loving creatures, very social. Maybe a little too social as they climbed on these women's laps, smothering them with kisses and squeals, the way our dogs behave when they really like someone.

After Linda and Lisa left, I knew I had been in the company of two very fine women. You see, I trust my dog's intuition of character.

Observing dog's behaviors and their antics thrills me. Writing about them in murder mysteries came easy as they provide strong characters. And having Search Dogs helped with plot and setting. Why write about them? Because these honorable dogs give to the community without expecting anything in return. They are my Cadaver Dogs.

Whistling and writing and waiting for the next step--
Cherri

Walking and sore shins

Began an exercise routine a couple of weeks ago with some fellow writers. We call ourselves "The Walking Writers." It's been more than just a couple of years since I've done any kind of exercise at all and my body has greatly complained...before and currently.

A couple years ago, I developed a circulatory problem in the ankles and feet and didn't listen to my doctor's advice about walking. However, after years of sitting in front of the computer screen writing my heart away, I'm paying the price. So get up out of the chair and move around. Or better yet, come join us!

The only thing that has stopped a couple of us from completing our circuit around the race track has been lightning, which happened only once. One of the ladies carries an umbrella with her when it rains, which makes me laugh, because she doesn't sweat. No sweat, no getting wet, is her motto, while the rest of us look like soaked bunny rabbits in wet t-shirts.

The walking has improved my circulation, my disposition towards the world, and my brain seems to be picking up a little quicker than it used to. Now if I can find a great remedy for my sore shins!

From The Walking Writers, signing off for today--
Cherri

Friends and Sunday Afternoons

Seems we never have enough time to spend with our closest friends and this Sunday seemed more special than usual.

For many years my friends and I have stayed in contact with each other. I'm speaking of over thirty-three years of friendship laughing, growing up together, and sharing secrets that aren't privy to the rest of the world. And yesterday graced me with the privilege to share another Sunday afternoon with one of my dearest friends and her husband. (who I might add, I couldn't have done a better job if I had found him myself for her)

Her kitchen is the heart of her home and is a true reflection of my friend. The openness of the kitchen from her table is a mirror to her kindness. The sweetness of cakes just baked, hot and flavorful; the spicy aroma of spaghetti sauce simmering on the stove top; a baked chicken prepared with loving hands wafting throughout her home; and the scent of fresh brewed coffee as you walk through her door. She's not only organized and talented, but she can also speak on any subject under the sun. She keeps my mind sharp, my attention focused, and my heart filled with comfort. Like the aromas of her kitchen, her home...she is a Godsend. Thank you, Bella.

Within our tight friendship, we also have friends outside our immediate circle. And why am I writing about this? Because recently she lost one of hers. At a time when she should have shown a dimmer side to her, she didn't. Instead, her light shown more brilliant, a brightness filled with hope, with honor, with a heart filled with love. The depth of this woman's soul is more pure than any I've ever met and I thank God every day for having her in my life.

I love you, Bella,
Cherri

Running to keep up!

What a week full of being busy, submitting, editing, meeting MY PUBLISHERS in person and sharing a lunch with them.

L&L Dreamspell are two dynamic women, who I am convinced don't sleep. Linda Houle and Lisa Rene Smith pulled me into their web of well spun, organized tethers that connect to impossible dreams made true. (of course, accomplished with some good old fashioned elbow grease!) They are intelligent, brilliant in this business, and give unprecedented opportunities to their writers. And now, I am happy to announce that I am one. Officially, we signed my contract yesterday over lunch.

And also, officially, the title of my debut American Service Searchers mystery series will be:
The Scent of Money.

Yes, Lisa, I'm not blogging---I'm working on the editing!

Running to keep up,
Cherri