Where the Train Took Us on My Birthday

My new novella's birthday (Where Trains Collide released yesterday!) was also my birthday...and how perfect is it that my husband, Josh, surprised me with train tickets to celebrate? :)

On Friday, Josh and I checked the mail, only to find an odd letter addressed to me from the "Glacier National Park Birthday Club." I opened it, was a little leery of the potential scam, and then discovered the letter was actually from Josh. :) Enclosed was a boarding pass for a train trip on Saturday to and from East Glacier. So sweet!!

It was such a delightful day! We boarded the train in Whitefish, Montana, and enjoyed the morning sunshine and gorgeous views during the two-hour trip to East Glacier. The train winds along the river during much of the journey and skirts the southern boundary of Glacier National Park. And now that it's spring (going on summer), the tree-lined path is green as can be and so lovely!

Josh had arranged for us to pick up a rental car in East Glacier when we arrived, and we spent most of the day enjoying the incredible sights in the Many Glacier and St. Mary areas of the park...

The Many Glacier Hotel is beautiful and has the most amazing backdrop!

We saw so much wildlife! 

Josh is scoping out a moose and her baby across the lake.

One of my favorite memories from the day was our hike to Apikuni Falls. It was quite steep, uphill almost the whole way there...but the views and the waterfall (and the cute critters!) were the best. Then we got to hike downhill the whole way back. ;)

Josh was able to get a pic of both of us at the falls. ♥

We actually saw a grizzly bear and her cub!! 

Thankfully, we were able to safely view them from the car. :)

In the St. Mary Lake area, we got a view of Wild Goose Island (above), Sunrift Gorge, and Baring Falls.

I couldn't have asked for a better birthday adventure, and I'm so grateful to my thoughtful husband for planning it out and making this a weekend to remember. ♥

Birthday and Blogoversary Bash (+ Free Books!)

Three years ago, I had recently graduated from college.

Two years ago, I revealed the cover of my debut novel.

One year ago, I was preparing to move to a new town and start a new job.

What epic life-change does Amber have to announce this year? An engagement?? That would be the logical next step, of course. ;)

But nope, there's not quite so much fanfare around this birthday. No new book releases (yet!). No big move or extremely exciting tidings.

And that's perfectly all right. Because I have all sorts of things to celebrate today...

• Family awaiting me at home for my sister's upcoming high-school graduation (woot!) and our Disneyland vacation (squee!).

• Friends and coworkers to play mini golf and eat pizza with tonight. (Can't wait!) Correction: Red Robin instead of pizza - even better!

• Blogging pals who continue to inspire and encourage and teach me what social media is really all about. (Book chats, am I right?? #BookBesties Hashtag created by the fabulous Rissi)

• Five-plus years of blogging joys. (Shame on me for missing out on a chance to party back in March... Clarification: That's when my actual blogoversary occurred - I just figured I'd lump it in with the birthday fun. :))

• Four books out in the world, including my very first audiobook, which I adore.

• A job to challenge and grow me. (And pay the bills - mustn't forget that!)

• An apartment for living and sleeping and watching movies and reading and having random one-person dance parties/karaoke sessions.

• A church and college group to pull me into community.

• A town and state to explore.

• And a Savior who blesses beyond measure and never gives up on me.

Well, there's just an awful lot to celebrate! Including the fact that I'm now the same age as my darling hero Derrick from How a Star Falls. ;) We're like twinsies!

While I don't have any new releases to offer you at this time for a giveaway, I don't want to bemoan the fact that I'm behind on where I should be and late on publishing a couple of titles that should be out by now. (Although I still apologize for the delay!)

For now, I just want to look back and say "yay" to the journey and the seasons that came before. Yay for Bleeding Heart and Forget Me Not and the short stories and How a Star Falls! Each of them helped me express my heart and explore new horizons in different seasons, and I'm grateful for the chance to have written those stories and shared them with others.

If you haven't yet read all of my already-published books, I'd love to offer you a copy of one today! You can read more about them HERE. Just fill out the form below, and I'll email you the document of your choice soon. (Offer ends when I close the form to entries.)

* * *

So tell me, dear friends, what is it you're celebrating today? What happened in seasons past that helped shape the person you are and life you have now?

The Gift of a Sunflower

Have you met blogger Shantelle H.? She recently started blogging at A Writer's Heart, and already she's got some fabulous posts up! It's always a treat to welcome a new friend to the blogosphere.

Shantelle very kindly included me among the recipients of the Sunflower Blogger Award. The award image is so pretty and cheery, and the "rules" so fun that I couldn't resist putting together my "acceptance post." ;)

Apparently the "in" number is 11, as the rules are to share 11 facts about yourself, answer 11 questions, then ask some bloggers 11 new questions as you pass along the award. So let's start with the facts! Since a lot of you know the basics about me, I'll kind of use this as a way to catch you up on some news...

11 "Facts" About Me, Myself, and I

1. I've been blogging for over 4 years here, and over 3 years at The Borrowed Book (on Mondays). I ♥ blogging!


2. One of my goals for 2014 was to get a part-time job within the first few months of the year. And in April, I started working part-time at a local grocery store right near my house. (Yay!) While it's been quite a different experience for me (vs. only freelancing from home), I've made some new friends, learned some new skills, and definitely had some lessons in humility. :) All in all, I'm really grateful I've had this opportunity!


3. After this week, though, I'll no longer be working at the grocery store. But you'll have to wait a bit longer to find out why! 


4. Yes, I'm a tease. Figured I might as well make this its own point.


5. I have an author newsletter (you can sign up HERE). I should be sending out the second edition very soon, hopefully!


6. I've been sadly absent lately on my series blog. :( If anyone has any post requests, please do let me know! Behind-the-scenes info, character spotlights, snippets from my WIP, sales/marketing news... I'd love to know what interests you!


7. I was toying with the idea of having a new blog for my freelance publicity business. Due to that news of which I must remain silent a little longer, plans have changed. So I'm now considering creating a blog/site for my publisher, instead. 


8. I'm considering this because I think I'll be going a different direction with my writing after I finish "The Heart's Spring" series (well, "finish" for now, as who knows if I might want to revisit it later on down the road!). It might be nice to have sort of a "home base" for Seasons of a Story Publishing beyond my series blog. Would that be helpful/appealing to you?


9. Yes, I realize I'm mostly rambling about my current life and asking you questions. I guess the fact that I realize this is sort of a fact about me, right?


10. I just finished reading The Seahorse Legacy by Serena Chase, and it was so good!! I'll be reviewing the book and interviewing the author here this Friday, as one of the blog tour stops. Not to be missed!


11. Today is my 23rd birthday. :) I'm not really throwing a blog party this year, but I thought this would be a fun celebratory sort of post for today! 

 Me on my first day of work. :)

Here's another "off the list" sort of fact: I own a book called A Handful of Flowers that lists different flowers and their meanings, and includes a lot of beautiful pictures and literary quotes. I decided to look up what the sunflower means, but the only reference I could find was to the dwarf sunflower, which apparently means "adoration." Sweet, no? And I do adore all my blogging friends!

Just for fun, if I were to pick a meaningful bouquet today, it might include the lesser celandine (even if it is considered a weed...), the bellflower, the centaury, and the sweet pea. So the message I'd like to convey is one of "future joy," "gratitude," "felicity," and "departure." And I think the yellow, purples, and pinks could look pretty together! ;)

Now, here are my responses to Shantelle's questions:

11 Responses

Shantelle: What is your favorite book (or one of them)?

Me: Oh, good - I'm grateful for the "one of them" option, as it's too hard to pick a favorite (beyond the Bible, of course)! For the sake of naming one, I'll say Entwined by Heather Dixon, which really enchanted me the first time I read it - and it's one I'd love to read again soon. You can see my virtual shelf of favorites on Shelfari.

Shantelle: What is your favorite book genre?

Me: Once upon a time I would say inspirational historical romance...and it still is one of my favorites, for sure! But I've also come to love some romantic fantasy books, as well as some contemporary romance. Young Adult reads have opened up a new realm for me, I think, along with the way self-publishing and the like have allowed Christian fiction to branch out. :)

Shantelle: Do you prefer winter or summer?

Me: While I love Christmas, I'm definitely going to have to go with summer. Summer means sunshine, day trips, family time. It feels more hopeful, a time when everything is at its peak, you know?

Shantelle: Who is your favorite historical figure and why?

Me: Hmmm... That's a tough one! When I was in high school I wrote fictional pieces on Amelia Earhart and Pocahontas, and they both fascinate me. Since reading Falk's Claim by Jon Humboldt Gates and writing about Falk in Bleeding Heart and Fairy Slippers, I'm intrigued by Noah Falk and his lumber town.

But I think I'll have to go with Mark Twain. For one, I really enjoyed The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Secondly, I loved learning about his connection with Virginia City, Nevada - and I got to see his desk at one of the museums there, which was very cool. And thirdly, the movie Mark Twain and Me was one I enjoyed watching with my grandparents and uncle. I love the way he had fun with his writing - how witty and humorous he was! And yet he wasn't afraid to write about controversial and important matters of humanity. His life, from what I know of it, was quite an adventurous one.

I'm sure I'll probably think of other historical figures after I've posted this, but really, some of my favorites of any category are ones that hold special memories for me in one way or another. Plus, I'm in love with history, period, and the ordinary yet extraordinary people who lived before this time.

Shantelle: A few movies you enjoy...?

Me: Anne of Green Gables, The Journey of Natty Gann, Tuck Everlasting, You've Got Mail, Brother Bear, The Croods

Shantelle: Do you like cake or pie better?

Me: Definitely cake! Although my mom does make a delicious chocolate cream pie. :)

Shantelle: How would you rather read, on Kindle or with paperback?

Me: Well, I absolutely love paperbacks - the look of them, the feel of them, the way you can flip through pages and stack them all together in pretty rows. I'm really rather fond of them, and I enjoy holding a book in my hands as I read.

However, I will say that the longer I've had it, the more I've fallen in love with my Kindle. I love that I can have so many reading options on one slim little device. While I'm not overly fond of the PDF format on there (the words are so small!), in general, I love how easy it is to read and click through the book. I love the highlight option (no highlighter required!); the ability to organize my books; the lightning speed of adding new books through purchasing on Amazon or downloading review files; and (echoing Kara of Flowers of Quiet Happiness) the way you can keep the reading experience a little more private, since no one can see the cover.

So...paperbacks will always have a special place in my heart, but I do rather enjoy reading on my Kindle!

Shantelle: Who are two of your favorite authors?

Me: Since I mentioned earlier about finishing her latest, I'll say Serena Chase, as well as Lena Goldfinch (my cover designer and fabulous author friend).

Shantelle: If you could live in any time period (past, present, or future), what would you choose?

Me: Well, part of me wants to say the 19th century in the American West, because that's the era of history that fascinates me the most. It's raw. It's wild and beautiful and deadly. It's full of so much to be explored.

But if this were a real choice with real consequences, I'd say I'd choose to live right here and now. Because really, this is where my life is, and it's a very blessed one. :)

Shantelle: Which do you like best, bright colors or pastels?

Me: Pastels. I'm fond of shades like lavender and periwinkle and mint green.

Shantelle: Are you more of a casual type, or do you like to dress up?

Me: Casual, for sure. Don't get me wrong - I love an opportunity to dress up! But one, those are few and far between. And two, I don't really wear makeup beyond coverup, and I don't really know how to make my hair look fancy, LOL. So...I cherish the times (like school dances) when I could dress up. I do like to wear nice shirts with pretty designs, too. But I'm a jeans gal. ;)

 A picture of Muffin Man...because he's adorable.

11 Tagged Bloggers and Their 11 Questions

Here are the 11 bloggers I'm tagging, if they'd like to participate! No pressure. :)

• Renee of Black 'n Gold Girl's Book Spot
• Rachelle of Inspiring Daring
• Kara of Flowers of Quiet Happiness
• Rissi of Dreaming Under the Same Moon
• Melanie of Christian Bookshelf Reviews
• Grace of Fictionally
• Tammy of Bluerose's Heart
• Brooke of i blog 4 books
• Faye of Labor Not in Vain
• Kate of Too Read or Not Too Read
• Miranda of To Be A Person

And here are my 11 questions for them:

1. What's one book you already know will go on your list of favorites for 2014? 
2. What's one book you're looking forward to reading this summer?
3. What's your favorite type of blog post to read?
4. What's your favorite type of blog post to write/put together?
5. Hardcover or paperback?
6. For paperbacks, soft cover (matte) or glossy?
7. Which do you enjoy most: Twitter, Pinterest, Facebook, or Goodreads?
8. Which national park or country would you most like to visit?
9. What's your favorite genre of music?
10. Name one movie or TV show that surprised you recently.
11. What's your favorite flower?

Phew! This has been a long post, hasn't it? Sorry I got kind of carried away with everything...but it was fun! Thanks again to Shantelle for prompting me to write this post. :) I do so adore blogging, and I'm grateful for you, dear readers and blogging friends! Hope June is off to a lovely start for all of you. ♥

Now We're Cooking! - Creamy Chicken and Pasta

I've made it three times so far - and it hasn't let me down yet! Of course, my mom has helped by getting the chicken started (or boiling it for me...or buying an already-cooked chicken). But still, I'm making steps toward becoming more knowledgeable in the kitchen.

So do you want to know what's turned my household upside down? (OK, I'm being over-dramatic, but it is really good!)

From the Taste of Home Best of Simple & Delicious Cookbook, which a college friend and her sweet family gave to me for graduation, comes "Creamy Chicken and Pasta" (p. 15):

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked penne pasta

1 cup sliced green onions
2 tbsp butter
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/3 cup water
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups cubed cooked chicken

Salt and pepper
Shredded Parmesan cheese

[The recipe in the book adds 2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms to be sauteed with the green onions, 2 tbsp drained capers to be added with the chicken, and notes that white wine can be used instead of chicken broth. I'm not a mushroom fan, I don't really care about the capers, and I think chicken broth works well - so I omitted those things. The recipe also gives set amounts for the salt and pepper - 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper - but I've learned you kind of have to experiment with the seasonings. These are just my personal changes, but we all have different taste!]

Directions

"Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute mushrooms and onions [or just the onions] in butter for 4-5 minutes or until tender. Add wine or broth and garlic. Bring to a boil; cook until liquid is reduced by half, about 5 minutes.

Combine the flour and water until smooth; gradually add to the mushroom mixture. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the cream. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat; simmer, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes or until heated through.

Drain pasta. Add the past, chicken, capers [or not], salt and pepper to cream sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Yield: 5 servings."

That's it! Here are some notes to remember, though:

• Unless you're fantastic at mincing - like Tiana in The Princess and the Frog - it might take a while to chop up all those green onions and cut up the chicken. So you can do those things ahead of time if it helps!

• There are a lot of steps to making the sauce, but it doesn't take too long - you just have to be able to devote your attention to it.

• Be sure to use a big skillet, because even though when you start out it seems like too much room, you'll be adding the pasta and chicken directly to the sauce.

• You might end up with a lot of dishes... But I think it's worth it! My parents and grandparents seem to enjoy this dish, and it's kind of fun to make!

(Pictures are mine from my birthday dinner last Sunday - I just made the pasta; my mom did the rest! I doubled the recipe so there would be enough for my grandparents, parents, and me. And my grandma made a delicious birthday cake for me! The recipe is from the Taste of Home Best of Simple & Delicious Cookbook.)

Disney Birthday Bash Finale!

Thank you to my guests, as well as my dear readers, for helping me celebrate my birthday this week! It's been a lot of fun discussing all things Disney. Today I'll announce the winners first, and then I'll add my two cents' worth to the Disney discussion! ;) I'd also love to hear your thoughts on any of the questions!

The winner of Yesterday's Tomorrow by Catherine West is...

Missy!

And the winner of Gallimore by Michelle Griep is...

Renee C!

Congratulations, ladies! Be on the lookout for my e-mail!

And now here's my Q & A with myself regarding Disney:

Question: Since this week’s theme is “Disney,” could you share with us your favorite Disney movie and why it’s your favorite?

Answer: OK, I don't think we bloggers realize how difficult our questions are until the roles are reversed! Definitely hard to pick a favorite Disney movie. Some of my favorites have already been mentioned by others this week, including Tuck Everlasting, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Beauty & The Beast. But one of my other favorites is Brother Bear 2. The first one was very good, as well, but I just love the sweet romance, as well as the music, in the second movie. The theme of love overcoming fear and sacrificing for others is wonderful!

Question: Have you ever been to Disneyland or Disney World? If so, do you have a fun memory you could share with us about one of the rides/attractions?

Answer: Yes, I have! I've been to Disneyland twice so far, with this next week marking my third vacation there. (I haven't yet been to Disney World, but it sounds awesome!) As for a fun memory, I like sharing the one about meeting my "twin" at Disneyland. When my family and I were attempting to get an autograph from the Mad Hatter, he assumed that another girl who was the same height as me, with the same color hair (about the same length), and wearing glasses like me, was a member of my family. (Or maybe he just thought it was funny we looked alike--I don't know!) He put an arm around each of us and we ended up getting a picture together, even though we had never met! ;)

Then there was the time I got to play Jafar at Aladdin's storytelling place... That was interesting!

Question: Which Disney character from any of the Disney movies do you most identify with?

Answer: I'm going to be a copycat and say Belle. I love to read, I have brown hair, and "I want adventure in the great, wide somewhere." What can I say? ;)

I'll also say Cinderella, because for my senior prom in high school a couple of years ago I got to wear a blue poofy dress and be Cinderella for one special evening. It was so fun to dress up and dance the night away like a princess!

Question: Have any of the Disney movies reminded you of a spiritual truth? If so, could you share an example?

Answer: One somewhat recent example is from The Princess and the Frog. When Tiana is in the graveyard with the villain, he tries to get her to give up the talisman she's holding by tempting her with the fulfillment of her dream--her own restaurant, just like she and her dad had always wanted. But when Tiana thinks about her dad, she realizes that even though he didn't have what he wanted, supposedly, he had what he needed. He had love.

The difference between wants and needs is something I really need to take heart. With God, we have everything we could ever need. He provides for us, and in Him we find an all-encompassing love. Sometimes He gives us our wants, but sometimes He knows that what we need doesn't match up with what we want. So may we have what we need (according to God), rather than what we want.

Question: What do you love the most about Disney movies?

Answer: I love how Disney movies are positive in general. They encourage people to love others and to really live life--a life full of dreams, adventure, and hope. As they quote in Meet the Robinsons: "Keep Moving Forward."

(Brother Bear 2 picture is from IMDb.com, and The Princess and the Frog picture is also from IMDb.com.)

Let's Celebrate Hannah's 19th Birthday!!!

Today we’re here to celebrate a very dear friend’s 19th birthday. Happy birthday, Hannah Cerasoli!

To help us celebrate, I’ve invited one of Hannah’s favorite authors and best friends: Cheryl Wyatt! Welcome, Cheryl! (And since Hannah likes purple and blue--like me!--the interview will be in those colors! My lines/questions are in blue and Cheryl's responses are in purple.)


Cheryl: Thanks Amber! Hannah, HAPPY, HAPPY DAY!

Amber: To start, I think we should brag a bit on our dear friend. ;) How long have you known Hannah, and what are some of the things you love most about her?

Cheryl: I’ve known Hannah for awhile, can’t recall when we first met, but I feel blessed to know her. She has been so supportive of my writing and of our Seekerville blog. That support means so much. Hannah has an amazing faith. She is wise beyond her years and she is an overcomer. We have a lot in common in that I’ve struggled with chronic pain and there is a connection between people who go through that. Words aren’t needed to describe how chronic pain and disease can affect every single area in a person’s life. I know that God has wonderful plans for Hannah’s future and I’m so thankful for her being the kind of person who is a role model to young girls my daughters’ ages.

Amber: There is so much to admire about Hannah--her kindness, her perseverance, her strength. You put it so well!

If we could give Hannah a real party (not just a cyber one), what sort of theme would you suggest? Could you maybe give us a brief description of some of the decorations, party favors, games, etc.?

Cheryl: I would probably do either a book theme or a journal theme, since I got to know her on her Project Journal blog. I would stealthily find out her favorite colors and decorate it to the max with her favorite things. Games would be classic literature trivia, pin the comma on the author (LOL!) and other bookish/readerly games. Fun stuff like neon Kool-Aid, etc.

Amber: Sounds awesome! (And I got lucky and found out Hannah's favorite colors because they're the same as mine!)

Hannah always speaks so highly about your books. What sort of books do you write, and what are you currently working on?

Cheryl: I write action-driven romance. I love to write about rescuers and others in noble careers. I’m currently revising the last book in Wings of Refuge, a series that features a team of elite U.S. Air Force Pararescue Jumpers (PJs for short). I’m also plotting a book that Hannah, my niece Gidge and I and another young reader (waving to Brooke!) brainstormed on Facebook about people with strange phobias. Maybe I’ll offer it as a free online read on my blog or something once it’s complete. But the phobias were cracking us up, especially the one where the person has a fear of being watched by ducks. Hysterical! I’m also brainstorming a book that features a carriage driver. I met with my research helper today (waves to Angie from St. Louis!) and we are having SO much fun plotstorming this series, which I think I’ll title Romance on the River because it’s set along rural areas of the Mississippi River.

Amber: Very cool! ;)

What first inspired you to write, and how did you end up writing for Steeple Hill’s “Love Inspired” series?

Cheryl: I have always loved to write, since before I could use a Crayon. I think it’s something I was created for. Writing for Steeple Hill is a dream-come-true. I love the books and have read them for over a decade, since they first came out. I love romance because it provides a happy ending, guaranteed. I loved reading the books and Steeple Hill (now called Love Inspired) was my absolute first choice in a publisher. They are quick reads, wholesome and the editors and team at Harlequin are fabulous.

Amber: If you had to pick one of your characters to plan a birthday party for, which character would it be and what would the party be like? (If you have a birthday party scene in one of your books, could you maybe share a little of it with us?)

Cheryl: I would probably give a birthday party to Bradley, the little boy in my debut novel (A Soldier’s Promise) because he had cancer and nearly died. So he almost didn’t have another birthday. His story really touched a lot of readers and I fashioned him after two friends’ daughters who, sadly, both at age 8, lost their battles to Leukemia. Their courage was an inspiration and I’d give Bradley a party on their behalf. I did write a birthday party scene in a book, Soldier Daddy. It was a scene that made me cry when I wrote it and that rarely happens. The twins are having a birthday party and there is an empty chair at the table. One twin rushed from his chair and brings his mother’s picture in and sets it on the table. His mom had died in a car crash when he was a baby. He said to his dad that moment, “Now Mommy will get to be at our birthday party too.” Or something similar. The heroine saw that it nearly bowed over the hero with out-of-nowhere grief and she supported him emotionally in that moment. I have had so many reader letters about that scene, I know it touched others too, especially those touched by some loss of their own.

Amber: Wow! That definitely sounds like a powerful scene!

Now, feel free to send a shout-out to Hannah here, if you’d like! ;)

Cheryl: Hannah, you have suffered more in your young life than some people will know in a lifetime. I know you feel bad or feel like you complain all the time but NO one is in your shoes and has the right to judge you. The doctors may not have all the answers but God is The Great Physician. I don’t know why He is allowing you to suffer through so much pain but you are an inspiration to those of us watching you go through it. You may feel shaky and uncertain and like a pain at times but your faith is solid and the person you come out of this on the other side is going to amaze people. God is faithful and never will He abandon you. When no one knows what you’re going through, He does. He loves you so much and I pray that you know how He sees you and have faith for the plans He has for you, to give you a future and a hope. You have such a gift of encouraging others even when you’re struggling. You amaze me and I know God is so very proud of you. Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy, HAPPY Birthday. Love you bunches!

Amber: Thank you so, so much for joining us on this very special day, Cheryl!

Now, what's a birthday without cake, music, and gifts??? So, since Hannah and I have talked about our hope to one day go see Phantom of the Opera together, I thought we should have a masquerade-themed party!

Here's the birthday cake:

(Cake image is from Stewart Dollhouse Creations.)

After we've had our fill of cake, I think we should get all dressed up and dance the day and night away! Who wouldn't want to dance to this song? (And yes, Hannah, we'll have to do a dance-off!)

Also, we have a gift for one lucky party guest! Cheryl has offered to give away a signed copy of her book A Soldier's Devotion. Just leave a comment for Hannah along with your e-mail address!

Extra Entry: To get into the masquerade party mood (and to borrow one of Seekerville's cool ideas!), you can get an extra entry by changing your blogger profile picture for today to a picture with a mask--any sort of mask will do!

Hannah, my dear texting buddy and fabulous friend, I hope you enjoy the party and that you have an amazing day here among your blogging friends who love you very much!!!