"Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts" - Chales Dickens

"I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend." - J.R.R. Tolkien

"Punctuality is a virtue of the bored" - Evelyn Waugh

UPDATE February 2016. I have plans to complete every one of my stories. NONE of them are on hiatus. (Well, that was never my intent anyway). The past 2 years have been the most challenging of my life. The situation began with the fact the my mother wasn't well, but really wanted to stay in her own house. I spent the better part of that time commuting between my house and hers in order to care for her (all while working full time and trying to keep my own home). Last summer, we finally made the decision to move her in with us. Daily life was still a challenge as her memory began to fail, but physically, under my watchful eye, she seemed to be improving. Then, a couple of weeks before Christmas, while watching me decorate the tree, she had a stroke. It never occurred to me that day, as we rushed from the house, following the ambulance that transported her to the hospital, that I would lose her. That very night. It was unthinkable, but that is precisely what happened.

The past 2 months have been surreal. As I box up her possessions and bring them to my home, keeping some, distributing others, the memories both welcome and unbidden, come washing over me. She was my dearest friend, my confidante, and my biggest cheerleader. The disciplinarian who existed when her children were young, had long ago morphed into the person who always made everything better by talking it out over a cup of tea. I miss her more than words can say... and I can only hope to leave half as wonderful a legacy to my own girls.

Things are beginning to settle. I hope to finish the two stories I've neglected in the near future. After that, I promise to only write one story at a time. I have so many ideas percolating in my head.

Thanks for your understanding, and your thoughts and prayers of comfort. (I truly have the best readers in the world) :)

TRANSLATIONS AND REPOSTING: I'm sorry, but I do not allow any translations of my stories (other than the two individuals who have been previously granted permission to translate Virgins &Villains only in Spanish and in French). I also do not allow postings of my stories (without permission) on any sites.

Banners: Thank you to the following lovely and talented ladies for their beautiful banners!

Coleen561 for: 'VIrgins & Villains', 'Love Rescue Me', 'Sugar Cookies', and 'Popsicle Sticks'

Ashes AtMidnight: 'The Harvest of Avarice' & 'Lullabies & Eternal Love'
Cared: 'Wrap You in My Arms' & 'A Night at the Ugly Duckling', 'The Self-Help Guru', & "You Belong to Me"

Reviews: Please know that I read and appreciate EVERY SINGLE review! I do try to respond to them all, but sometimes my work and writing schedule interfere. Thank you so much for taking the time to send me your thoughts.