Happy Chinese New Year!

Whether you celebrate this holiday or not, I think it’s just plain fun.  And 2011 is the Year of the Rabbit, in case you didn’t know.

If you were born in 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, or 2011, then you are a “Rabbit,” according to the Chinese zodiac.

Occupying the 4th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Rabbit symbolizes such character traits as creativity, compassion, & sensitivity. Rabbits are friendly, outgoing, & prefer the company of others. They also prefer to avoid conflict. In confrontational situations, Rabbits approach calmly & with consideration for the other party. Rabbits believe strongly in friends &  family and lacking such bonds can lead to emotional issues.

Their serene nature keeps Rabbits from becoming visibly upset. Because they’re serene animals, Rabbits are easily taken advantage of. Their sensitive nature makes them shy away from aggressive or competitive situations. They’re overall conservative & not interested in taking risks.

Classy, sophisticated, expressive, well-mannered, & stylish, those born under the Sign of the Rabbit enjoy leaning about cultural issues & learning about people from other countries. Rabbits are most comfortable being home, &  their homes are always neat & organized. Home is also where Rabbits prefer to entertain. Rabbits are conservative in their decorating tastes.

Rabbits should work at building more self-confidence & self-worth so they can feel more secure. The desire for remaining in safe, comfortable environments keeps Rabbits from taking risks which sometimes causes them to miss out on good opportunities.

What does the Year of the Rat mean for us, whether we’re Rabbits or not?

Well, first go HERE to figure out which sign/animal you are, according to the Chinese Zodiac.

Then go HERE to find your sign & a fun year-ahead Chinese horoscope.

“The sun…in its full glory, either at rising or setting—this, and many other like blessings we enjoy daily; and…because they are so common, most men forget to pay their praises. But let not us.”
~Izaak Walton

Happy Sunday, everyone! I hope you’re having a good one!

I have to tell you, even though it’s cold as a witch’s…broom, if she were to leave it out overnight…& we’ve got snow up to our…elbows…I am having a really good week/weekend.  Lots to be happy & grateful for this week!

First, you may have noticed that I haven’t been around the past couple of days.  That’s because I was out & about, running errands.  Tons & tons of long, drawn-out errands.  You know that saying, Measure twice, cut once?  Well, I make lists that are twice as long so I only have to go out & shop once. :witch

But, not only did my appointments all go well, I found everything I was looking for—in bulk, cuz that’s how I roll :winkwink —plus some.  I even found some fabu book- & Dungeon-related stuff that you guys will likely be hearing about soon.  Stuff to go with the release of MUST LOVE VAMPIRES in October…stuff to use for future giveaways…stuff to use for the monthly prize drawings on the HappyBookers loop…  Oh, so much fun—I can’t wait!

Second, I am happy to have my taxes at least partially done.  The part I’m involved in—collecting & tallying receipts—is taken care of (check that one off my post-deadline To Do list :thumbsup ) & they’re in the accountant’s hands now.  There are still probably a few things I’ll have to deal with where those are concerned, but they’re not longer hanging over me like a dark, oppressive cloud.  (And in case you’re wondering why I’ve been working on them so early, it’s because I’ve got a small issue that needs to be resolved by the first week of March…which is about the time I’d normally start thinking about doing my taxes. :tpspspspt )

Third, I’ve been working on a little Top Secret project that should be a lot of fun if I can pull it off.  And it’s for you guys, so I’m hoping you’ll enjoy it.  So far, so good—if things keep moving along as they have, I should be finished soon.  Knock on wood. :notworthy

Fourth & finally, I’ve got a bit of good news to share, but for the moment, consider that Top Secret, too.  I’m going to wait until later this week to make the announcement so we have a big ol’ party in celebration.  Lots of cyber-confetti & happy dancing will be had. :party

And now for what you’ve really been waiting for—giveaway announcements!

For the Joss Ware guest blog giveaway…

:dancing donnas!!! :dancing

Congratulations, donnas! :congrats   You get your choice of one of the first three books in Joss’s “Envy Chronicles”: Beyond the Night, Embrace the Night Eternal, or Abandon the Night. Please contact me with your full name, mailing address, & choice of book, & I will pass the information along to Joss so she can send you prize out.

And for the winner of Carly Phillips’s Love Me if You Dare from our most recent Free Book Friday…

:dancing Rachel J Stevens!!! :dancing

Congratulations, Rachel!  :congrats   Please contact me with your full name & mailing address, & I will get your book out to you as soon as I can.

P.S.  Joss asked me to share the news that Avon is currently offering the ebooks of  the first two titles in her “Envy Chronicles” series—Beyond the Night & Embrace the Night Eternal—for a special low price.  Visit AvonRomance.com to take advantage of this great deal!