Giveaway: Love A Little Sideways by Shannon Stacey

Photo Credit: Harlequin

Hello readers of Traveling With T! Ya’ll know how much I adore a giveaway- and I’m always so giddy when I can offer another giveaway to the readers. Seriously, over-the-moon!

Harlequin Books (whoooo to them!) has given me another giveaway opportunity- and one that I think will be super-great!

I have 1 copy of Shannon Stacey’s first print book, Love a Little Sideways) to be given away to a lucky commenter (US/Canada only)! Simply comment on this post for your chance to win! Giveaway ends December 3 at 11:59pmEST. Winner will be announced December 4th.

Synopsis of Love A Little Sideways (from Harlequin)

Liz Kowalski is heading home to Whitford, Maine—this time for good. Eager for her family, a fresh start and some fun, she doesn’t count on being rescued by the chief of police her very first night back in town. Drew is everything she’s not looking for…so why is she still so attracted to him?

After a brief, forbidden rendezvous at her brother’s wedding, Drew Miller expects Liz to return to New Mexico and stay there. He’s searching for someone to settle down with, not a casual fling with his best friend’s sister. But when they’re stuck together on the annual Kowalski camping trip, things start going a little sideways. Keeping their hands off each other proves just as impossible as keeping their secret from becoming public knowledge.

Amid family, mud and melted marshmallow, Liz and Drew try to fight what’s growing between them. But a little time alone, a lot of chemistry and too many opinions might be just what it takes to bring together two people so determined not to fall in love.

Gift Ideas for Book Lovers (Part 2)

This weekend, with the temps dipping down in the 40’s during the day- and even colder at night, the holiday visions danced even more in my head.

If they were dancing in your head as well- here are some more suggestions for books for the book lovers in your life!

To read part 1, visit here!

Women’s Fiction

Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman

Photo Credit: Amazon

My first Beth Hoffman book- and boy was it a treat. Beth wrote a book that made me laugh and cry- and feel good and warm and fuzzy. Her main character, Teddi, was a character with flaws, and tons of potential. Teddi is also dealing with an incredible loss. She’s real and honest and lovable. Here is my review of Looking For Me.

Time Flies by Claire Cook

Photo Credit: Amazon

High school reunions make some feel nostalgic, others feel nauseous. Claire Cook takes a rite of passage and spins a story that is funny- but sweet. Her character Melanie is dealing with a divorce- and finding out that life does not end- in fact, it may get better. Here is my review of Time Flies.

A Place at the Table by Susan Rebecca White

Photo Credit: Amazon

Susan Rebecca White tells this story with such feeling and emotion. Her characters, the storylines- all worth reading. This story reminds people of what life and love is really about- and how we, as people, want to have someone in our corner- someone who sees the real us- and accepts us 100%. Here is my review of A Place At The Table.

The Art Forger by B.A. Shapirio

Photo Credit: Amazon

Love, lust, betrayal….. and the art world. Fantastic story- a mystery, a story divided into 3 sections- and art. Claire is flawed- she’s made mistakes. She’s also paid for her mistakes by being blackballed in the art world. When she makes a deal with the devil- will Claire come out on top? Or even more of a pariah? Here is my review of The Art Forger.

Finding Colin Firth by Mia March

Photo Credit: Amazon

Mia March’s 2nd book, Finding Colin Firth, is the same bubbly goodness that readers came to expect from her after Meryl Streep Movie Club. Plus, who doesn’t like Colin Firth? Highly recommended for readers who just want to be entertained! Here is my review of Finding Colin Firth.

NonFiction

Learning to Fly: An Uncommon Memoir of Human Flight, Unexpected Love, and One Amazing Dog by Steph Davis

Photo Credit: Goodreads

The story of Steph Davis- the things she overcame to find happiness- all with a dog by her side and the notion to learn to be a skydiver- something that goes against her climber personality. Steph’s story is an interesting one- and one that is worth a read. Here is my review of Learning to Fly.

Gods of Mischief: My Undercover Vendetta to Take Down The Vagos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang by George Rowe

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Tough. Gritty. Entertaining. Interesting. The insider look into a tough motorcycle gang is not a story for the soft-hearted. It’s tough at times- but overall, nonfiction lovers will enjoy. Here is my review of Gods of Mischief.

Romance

The Sassy Belles by Beth Albright

Photo Credit: Goodreads

When Blake O’Hara Heart’s best friend forever, Vivi, gets herself into a bit of trouble- Blake is there to rescue her. And Blake learns plenty about life, love, and teaches the readers about the power of friendship along the way! If you like your characters with lots of sass and fun- this is a book for you. Here is my review of The Sassy Belles (along with my review of Wedding Belles and Sleigh Belles– the other 2 books in this fun trilogy.)

Literary Friday ya’ll…

It’s FRIDAY. It’s also the opening weekend of CATCHING FIRE. I Know I shouldn’t go. I hate bigggggg crowds. BUT I”M SOOOOOO READY to see it! #catchingfire #lovepeeta What are YOU doing this weekend?

1. Deep South Magazine and their #literaryfriday: A GIVEAWAY of Joshilyn Jackson’s latest, Someone Else’s Love Story, talk of upcoming Twitter chats (yippee!), news about Joshilyn Jackson’s tour, and a review of Sleigh Belles by Beth Albright (remember her first book Sassy Belles was a Deep South Magazine Summer Reading List selection) by yours truly! Plus- a whole heck of a lotta other stuff!

2. Giveaways: What The Bride Didn’t Know by Kelly Hunter & Thursday Mashup has other giveaways listed!

3. Looking for ideas for the book lover in your life? Well Traveling With T just so happens to have a list! Read here for ideas!

4. #bringingAWESOMEback: Bloggers Made of AWESOME has returned! Lori @ Escape With Dollycas into A Good Book is a great tour coordinator & shows AWESOME love to cozy mysteries!

5. Week 3 Questions have been posted for discussion about Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn!

6. What is your #fridayreads? I’m reading Kind of Cruel by Sophie Hannah!

7. Next week is Thanksgiving week- and I know many will be traveling. But check in when you can because I’ll have 2 giveaways happening- and they look pretty good!

Week 3 Discussion Questions for Book Lovers Unite: Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn

Photo Credit: Goodreads

This is the last week of questions- we have discussed and had a great time!

I hope you have enjoyed reading Hush Little Baby with Book Lovers Unite.

Please know that if you have read- but have not commented- you can still join in! It’s not too late.

Next week- Thanksgiving and Black Friday will be happening- and I wish you and your family a happy holiday. And if you go out and Black Friday shop- have fun!

Questions for Week 3:

1. What was your overall thoughts about the book?

2. How did you like the ending? Fitting? Would you like to know more about Jillian or is her story over?

3. What do you think- did Gordon kill Jeffrey? Was Jeffrey just in the wrong place, wrong time? Suzanne never really tells us 100% absolutely if Gordon did or not.

4. I asked you when we first started this book- what would you do if you were in Jillian’s place and told you to think about it. After finishing the book- are you still certain of what you would do?

5. A father’s love was another theme in this book. Jillian’s dad loved her and worked hard to save her. And Claudia’s dad was another father who did what he could to help Jillian. Did Claudia’s father help out because of Jillian- or was it strictly love for his daughter and Jillian just benefited?

Gift Ideas for the Book Lover In Your Life

The holidays are fast approaching. I’ve got visions of a white Christmas dancing in my head (even though that is not likely), craving cups of hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and marshmallows while listening to Christmas music and decorating the tree.

Before the stockings are hung by the tree with care, before the cookies are left out for Santa, before the joyous rush of family members hanging out at the house, before I celebrate another successful holiday by enjoying a glass or 2 of wine- presents will have to be purchased. And this is where my list of book-ish delights comes in handy. Have a reader in your life? Perhaps you’ll find a book that you will like to buy!

Mystery and Suspense

The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillipi Ryan

Photo Credit: Goodreads

My first Hank Phillipi Ryan book- and I’m so glad I read it! As a fan of Sue Grafton (and seriously Sue- nothing but love for you- but I NEED you to write faster- yet I dread as we come closer to the end of the alphabet.) That little side topic is my way of saying that Hank helped me in quest for a Sue fix. Jane Ryland won’t knock Kinsey Millhone out of my heart for the #1 spot- but Jane is almost as good. And that’s saying a lot. The Wrong Girl was twisty and turny- with a great mystery and some potential steamy romance. Here is my review of The Wrong Girl by Hank Phillippi Ryan- an excellent consideration for someone looking for mystery and suspense!

Never Tell by Alafair Burke

Photo Credit: Goodreads

This was my first Alafair Burke- and after reading it- I’m all “Alafair-where have you been all my reading life?” Each time I thought I had the story figured out- Alafair zigged. Then she zagged. Then she twisted and turned. And kept me captivated. Highly recommend Never Tell by Alafair Burke! Here is my review of Never Tell.

W is for Wasted by Sue Grafton

Photo Credit: Goodreads

As witnessed above, I LOVE Sue Grafton. I LOVE Kinsey (Sue’s Character). If you have enjoyed A-V- then W is another great book. Seriously. Just go get it. W is for Wasted is worth it.

If You Were Here by Alafair Burke

Photo Credit: Amazon

Another Alafair Burke book- and again- twist, turns, zig and zags! While I prefer Alafair’s Ellie Hatcher a bit more to McKenna- that’s just a personal preference. Both mysteries are top-notch and great reads! Put If You Were Here on your wish list! Here is my review of If You Were Here- intriguing and enjoyable.

Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight

Photo Credit: Amazon

Oh. My. Gosh. I LOVED this book. Edge of my seat. Great storyline. How well do you know your child? Read this and prepare to wonder. This book will lead to a wonderful discussion amongst friends and book clubs. Reconstructing Amelia may very well be this year’s Gone Girl. Here is my review of Reconstructing Amelia.

Cozy Mystery

I adore Cozy Mysteries. They are quick, fun and easy reads. They make me feel warm and fuzzy. The characters are fun and interesting. The settings are enjoyable- and the mystery is good.

Murder of a Stacked Librarian by Denise Swanson

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Denise Swanson’s latest has Skye getting married- if the groom can get away from the police station long enough to exchange vows! If you’ve read Denise’s other books- you’ll enjoy this one. If not, start with Murder of a Small Town Honey. While each story stands on it’s own- there are some things that build along the series of the books- and to fully enjoy, you might want to be invested in the characters. Murder of a Small Town Librarian is a must have for cozy mystery fans! Here is my review of Murder of a Small Town Librarian.

Topped Chef (Key West Food Critic Mystery #3) by Lucy Burdette

Photo Credit: Goodreads

I have fallen in love with Lucy Burdette’s main character, Hayley Snow. Cute, fun, gets her tarot cards read- how adorable she is! She’s a foodie- but not pretentious. Hayley is struggling a bit in the romance department (but aren’t we all?!) Topped Chef is a book to put on your list! Here is my review of Topped Chef.

Women’s Fiction

The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow by Rita Leganski

Photo Credit: Amazon

Magical- realism. If you were like me- and those words kind of make you feel nervous about a book- put aside your worries. The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow is wonderful. The story, the setting- the amazing Bonaventure Arrow. Forgiveness and love are major themes of this story. Read. You won’t be sorry. The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow is a book that some readers might overlook- don’t do that! Here is my review of The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow.

The Guest House by Erika Marks

Photo Credit: Goodreads

Love. Secrets. Family drama. Being true to yourself. The Guest House is a book that you must read. Here is my review of The Guest House.

A Hundred Summers by Beatriz Williams

Photo Credit: Amazon

Love. Intrigue. Friendships. Family secrets. And a Aunt Julie that provides a humorous aspect to the story. This story is fantastic. A Hundred Summers is a book to read- no matter the time of the year. Here is my review of A Hundred Summers.

I’ll be posting a few more recommendations next week as well! Hopefully, you, my darling readers of Traveling With T, will find a book to buy for your book-ish friends and loved ones!

Thursday Mashup

Lots of giveaways and bloggy-blog talk today! Plus some crafty stuff!

Giveaways

Always with a Book is giving away Sweet Expectations by Mary Ellen Taylor. This giveaway ends TOMORROW (11-22-13). I saw this book on Netgalley and REALLY wanted to request it- but my review pile is a bit… hmm, shall we say nuts?! So go win this book and tell me how it is 🙂 Psst… there is a couple of yummy recipes in this post- and I swear I gained 5 lbs just LOOKING at them!

Always With a Book is giving away Mrs.Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chivaerini.

Always With a Book is giving away The Supreme Macaroni Company by Adriana Trigiani!

Escape With Dollycas Into a Good Book is giving away Murder She Barked by Krista Davis.

One of the Jungle Red Writers, Lucy Burdette, is giving away a galley of her newest Key West Food Critic mystery series- Murder With Ganache (out in stores Feb 2014- but available for pre-order!)

Traveling With T (thanks to Harlequin Books– shout out to them!) is giving away What The Bride Didn’t Know by Kelly Hunter.

Nina Badzin is giving away a book (your choice!) to honor 3 years of blogging and the lessons she learned. While the giveaway is pretty fab (a free book up to a 20 dollar value- sign me up!) the LESSONS are the best. Read them. Bookmark. Print. Share. You’ll be thankful!

It’s KILLING me to tell you about this- because in all honesty- my selfish heart wants this. No, it’s not a book. It’s my other love. CRAFTING. I like to play with my scrapbook stuff- make things. It calms me. Makes me happy. Relaxed. The Thinking Closet is giving away……. wait for it………… a Silhouette Cameo (basically a crafty person’s dream.)

Bloggy Talk

Love at First Book is talking all about a PARTY! A G+ party to be exact. I’ve been seeing mommy is coocoo on G+ from various people that were already in my circle. But I hadn’t investigated further- because it’s CRAZY here. Baby shower for my SIL last week, drinks and dinner with author Susan Gregg Gilmore (someone pinch me!) and various Twitter chats & other bloggy commitments. Plus- did I mention this is my crazy time at work? This is when work get nutsy- and I have to power through. So… I have not done due diligence as I normally do- BUT I will be checking this out- and I think you should too!

The Book Wheel has been talking about 8 POPULAR books she didn’t like or finish! Interesting- and a couple of the ones she listed surprised me- because judging from the covers, I def thought these were A’s types of books. But I LOVED reading her article and have been lurking in the comments section seeing what others are saying!

Still Unfinished is a blog that I recently became aware of- in a previous Bloggiesta chat, Bryan was quite helpful with some questions of mine- some tips and advice he provided quickly was “favorite” by me so I could refer as need be! His post on “Why He’s Not Making His Blog A Facebook Page” is interesting and provides another school of thought for blogs and social media. Def read!

And because the holidays forthcoming have me crafty feeling- I’ve been, ahem…. stalking The Thinking Closet’s blog- and I LOVE her post on DIY Painted Cork Coasters.

Traveling With T has announced the December choice for #bookloversunite- and it’s The Lake House by Marci Nault. Come join in!

Bloggers Made Of AWESOME: Lori @ Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

Several months ago, when I was first starting to get into participating in blog tours- I was participating in Cozy Mystery Reviews blog tours- an awesome site ran by Bella. Unfortunately, Bella had to take a step back from organizing blog tours- but happily, Lori at Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book stepped in. Lori’s tours are fun and she gets quite a many good cozy books. Plus, if there is a problem- she’s quick to handle it!

For all those and many other reasons- Lori is Made of AWESOME!

Lori at Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book: Bloggers Made of AWESOME

Lori- when did you begin blogging?

December 31, 2009. It was my New Year’s Resolution.

How did you come up with the name Escape With Dollycas?

I started my blog on Blogger as Dollycas’s Thoughts. I loved the tropical scene backgrounds and they looked like a place I would like to escape away to and sit on the beach with a good book. That evolved to calling myself Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent. When I moved the blog to WordPress in October 2010 I wanted and needed a new name and the same friend that suggested I start blogging said I need to use the Escape tagline I was using as the blog’s name. She was right!

What are your thoughts on blogging today in an ever-changing book-ish world? Are blogs helping other readers connect with good books?

I have made so many friends through these blogs. I look to them for recommendations and hope they are looking to me. I know I have convinced quite a few to try my favorite cozy mysteries. It is also wonderful to connect with the authors. Growing up before the internet the authors were almost as much of mystery as their books. They were a picture on the book jacket with their biography and sometimes there was not even that. As the world continues to change and authors are self publishing more and more they look to bloggers to help promote their books.

When you are not blogging (or reading!)- what do you like to do?

Play with my grandkids!!! Watch Green Bay Packer or Wisconsin Badger Football or NASCAR Racing – Matt Kenseth #20 is my favorite driver!

Do you have any #literaryconfessions?

I love mysteries, especially Cozy Mysteries but I have only read a few Agatha Christie novels. I want to read them all but just haven’t been able to squeeze them in with all my review reading.

Do you have a #literarycrush?

Wow, that is one I have to think about. It would probably be Sherlock Holmes. Love the movies and have read most of the stories. Plus because of the movies the character is so easy to picture while reading.

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?

Catching up with all my cozy friends means many new books. Missing You by Harlan Coben. Mrs. Lincoln’s Rival by Jennifer Chiaverini

In your opinion, what book has been the best book you have read (so far!) in 2013?

Pelican Bay by Jesse Giles Christiansen. The trailer drew me in, the cover was eerie and I was not sure about it at first because it was getting mixed reviews. Then my husband read it and said “this is not like the mysteries you like to read, but I love it! You really need to read this book.” And I was so glad that I did. I found myself totally immersed in the book. It was the best story I have read in years. My whole review is here:

http://www.escapewithdollycas.com/2013/09/07/pelican-bay-by-jesse-giles-chistiansen-virtual-book-tour/

You have a beach vacation planned. What are the 3 books that you must bring?

Anything by Agatha Christie, The newest Stephanie Plum to make me laugh, & the newest Harlan Coben.

But really I read at home all the time, if I were at the beach I would want to enjoy it so much that I was too tired to even read. Play all day, party in the evening, catch a little sleep and repeat until I had to go home.

Are you an e-book or tree book lover? Or does it not matter?

I love the feel of a real book, the way it smells, there is this happy feeling as you open each new book. If I had not had a friend give me my first Kindle I don’t know if I ever would have made the leap. The only thing I like better on my Kindle is that there is none of that frustration of the words falling to deeply into the book binding. On some paperbacks you really have to bend the book because the words get too close to the crease. On the Kindle there is no binding and no crease but sometimes there are major formatting issues. So I guess I would say I am a tree book lover and an e-book friend.

Lori- you organize/host a ton of blog tours as well as review books. What advice would you give to someone who was looking to start organizing blog tours?

First of all it is fun but is so much more work than I ever imagined. So much has to happen before the first stop and then you need to make sure everyone posts on the date they were booked for. Some tours run so smoothly but then there are those that seem to have mountains of obstacles. There will be days you love it and days you want to throw in the towel and think “what have I gotten myself into?” Thankfully there are more good days than bad. I just caution anyone thinking of doing it that there is a huge time commitment and something not to be taken lightly because the authors, bloggers and publishers are counting on you to deliver the best tour possible.

What book character would you love to be your best friend? And why?

I could never choose one. All the places we travel in the cozy world all the characters seem like friends, it would be wrong to choose just one. But if I had to choose… maybe Sid from Leigh Perry’s new series. We all need a Sid. You have to read the book to find out why!

Hosting a dinner party and can invite 8 different characters from books- who do you invite?

Olivia Limoges – Books By The Bay – Ellery Adams

Tori Sinclair – Southern Sewing Circle Mysteries – Elizabeth Lynn Casey

Tricia Miles – Booktown Mysteries – Lorna Barrett

Isabelle “Betts” Winston – Country Cooking School Mysteries – Paige Shelton

Lila Wilkins – Novel Idea Mysteries – Lucy Arlington

Miss Marple – Miss Marple Mysteries – Agatha Christie

Jane Eyre – Jane Eyre Chronicles – Joanna Campbell Slan

Lula – Stephanie Plum Series – Janet Evanovich – She would have us laughing non-stop, well maybe not Jane and Miss Marple, but it would be a blast.

Want to connect with Lori? Visit her blog, Facebook or Twitter!

Announcing December Book Lovers Unite selection: The Lake House by Marci Nault

Yes folks it’s time to announce the #bookloversunite selection for December- and I’m pleased to report that it will be:

The Lake House by Marci Nault!

Join in the fun as we read along and discuss Marci Nault’s debut novel. Who knows- Marci might pop in to chime in on the discussion 😉

The reading schedule will be posted ASAP- but if you are interested in reading the book- go buy, borrow from the library or steal (no- don’t really steal!)

A couple of notes:

1. December is going to be busy- I KNOW this. Between holidays, decorating, making memories with family and more- December is going to be BUSY. However, you readers of Traveling With T, need some time to relax- and there is not much better than relaxing with a book! Hope to see you around!

2. To add to the BUSY-ness of the first reason- I will also have some personal things happening in December. My niece, Little Baby Owl (seriously, that’s not her name- but for the internets it’s her name) will be arriving (hopefully the 2nd week of December). What does this mean for you? Not too much- as the bloggy-blog will keep on running even while I’m giving hugs and kisses to Little Baby Owl- however, my reply time might be a little slow. Fear not- I will answer- I’m just alerting to not send out a rescue party for T if you haven’t heard from me in a day or 2.

3. I NEVER do this- but if anyone has suggestions for January’s read- send them on! Just comment on this post!

4. Please tell your book loving friends to join in- the discussion is super-fun!

Giveaway: What The Bride Didn’t Know by Kelly Hunter

Photo Credit: Harlequin

Another giveaway! Harlequin Books is providing Traveling With T with another giveaway for a lucky commenter! Thanks Harlequin!

Summary from Goodreads:

Shh, it’s a secret!

Special ops expert Trig Sinclair is a man’s man, and that means he knows the cardinal rule of the bro code and no matter how dynamite Lena West is, as his best friend’s younger sister, she’s strictly off-limits!

But when a secret mission to Istanbul sees Lena and Trig pretending to be married (and sharing a bed!), he finds himself in a whole new world of sweet torture. But if Trig thinks playing the honor-bound hero is tough, it’s got nothing on how Lena feels when she discovers what her groom is really hiding.

Want to win? Comment for a chance! Giveaway is open to US/Canada- and runs from November 19th-26th. Winner will be notified November 27th! Please leave your email (you may use the AT and DOT).

I’m Going To Be An Aunt?!?!

In less than a month, a beautiful baby girl will be born. She will be born to my brother and SIL- a couple who celebrated their 1 year anniversary in September. Last September when they got married, after dating for a few years while in school, I knew life was going to change for them. Marriage would be an exciting adventure- some days great, some days not so great. But an adventure they could weather together. However, I did not anticipate how EXCITING their adventure would be- until the weekend after Mother’s Day when they invited the parents and me to their house for lunch. I remember before we went over there saying “I wonder if there is something more to this lunch- perhaps a B-A-B-Y?” After lunch was served, everyone got the answer to what lunch was about. It was all about BABY. Close to 12 weeks along- they wanted to tell the family. Hugs, tears, and excitement happened. And then life went on- as it does.

I had to keep it a secret for a few more days because they wanted to wait another week before telling everyone. I don’t know how I kept it a secret- but I did. And then I posted this:

So… I’ve been keeping something secret since Saturday- and Lord knows I’m terrible at keeping secrets (especially the good secrets!) Someone better point me in the direction of where to get “If You Think I’m Cute, You Should See My Aunt” bibs- b/c I’m going to be an AUNT! Baby Welch is due Dec 2013!

Weeks go by and the excitement grows- will it be a boy or a girl? The gender reveal party revealed this:

Let it be known to all: I’ll be an aunt to a baby girl 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

The gender reveal party was great. My parents were happy to find out about a baby girl (but would have been happy to find out about a boy, as well). Visions of crowns, playing Barbies, and taking my niece shopping danced in my head. Other things, though, were also present: Taking her to ballgames, to the bookstore, and other fun things were also things I thought of.

Getting closer to the due date has left me to ponder this question:

What Does Being An Aunt Mean?

Is it going to be all sugar and spice and fun things? Will it mean more just Skpeing with my niece and driving in for special occasions? Will being an aunt change my life?

Which led me to thinking of my four aunts- 2 are my mom’s sisters, and 2 are women who marred into the family. Each aunt, in her own way, impacted my life. Some were there for me over the years, some were there not as often- but could be counted on in dire times. One always took us on Spring Break day trips- a little history learning, a lot of laughs.

As I’ve gotten older, my relationship with my aunts have changed, evolved. I’m still close to my mom’s sisters- although, the one that lives in another state is now the 1 I probably have more in common with (we both love Broadway shows, going to the Braves ballgames, and concerts). My mom’s sisters love to laugh about my childhood life- from me dancing on top of a picnic table to my love of Barbies, to playing ball, and being a beauty pageant girl. There is also the story of me running after (and catching a cat that had gotten away from me), of being a roller skating lover, and a love of oldies music.

What each relationship has shown me is this: When Little Baby Owl arrives in just a few weeks- I want us to have a relationship that will be good, that will impact her life for years. Yes, her parents will raise her, feed her, love her- and be in charge of shaping her future. I want to be a part of Baby Owl’s life- taking her for fun things, bringing over gifts, and watching her grow from a beautiful baby to a girl- then a woman who is ready to take on the world. I want her to have everything her heart desires- and more. I want her to one day think back on life- and say to herself “I’m so glad she’s my aunt.”