Tif Marcelo's Blog, page 4

Author-ish :: Elizabeth Briggs

Welcome to a Halu-Halo series: Author-ish. Halu-halo, as a blog, has always focused on inspiration, and our interviews will ask authors about theirs. Author-ish is named as such because these interviews won't be about the craft of writing, but all the feelings behind it.

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Featured Author  ::  ELIZABETH BRIGGS

 

Elizabeth Briggs is a full-time geek who writes books for teens and adults. She plays the guitar, mentors at-risk teens, and volunteers with a dog rescue group. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and a pack of small, fluffy dogs.
 
Connect with Elizabeth!  Website :: Facebook  ::  Twitter  ::  More Than Comics on Amazon
 
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MORE THAN COMICS  - (Chasing The Dream, #2)  Release Date: February 23, 2015 - TODAY!!! Publisher: Elizabeth Briggs Books
 
 


They're friends online - but can they be more in real life? 

Writer Tara McFadden has been friends with artist and drummer Hector Fernandez for years, long before his band became famous on reality TV – yet they’ve never met in person. They finally have a chance to connect offline when they’re both sent to Comic-Con to promote the graphic novel they collaborated on. 

Hector's secretly been in love with Tara for as long as he can remember, and once they meet, she sees him in a new light. All the years of longing lead to an incredible night of passion after one of his concerts, but neither is sure if their online relationship can translate into a real life romance – or if this will ruin their friendship forever. 

Over four crazy days at Comic-Con, Hector and Tara must decide if they want a future together. But when their story seems to be over, it’s up to Hector’s entire band to make sure he and Tara get their happy ending. 
 
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The Interview
 
Tif (HaluHalo) : What a fantastic day to be able to interview you on your release day! Congratulations, Elizabeth! I loved MORE THAN MUSIC and am excited to read Hector's story! What was your inspiration for MORE THAN COMICS?

Elizabeth Briggs :  I got the idea for MORE THAN COMICS while revising the previous book in the series, MORE THAN MUSIC. Originally the series was going to be three books about Maddie and her roommates going on different reality TV shows, but then the other guys in Maddie’s band started demanding their own stories, too. Plus I got A LOT of messages from readers asking for a book about Hector, and asking to see the band at Comic-Con, so I knew I had to write it. The book was also was inspired by the fact that my husband and I met online and have gone to Comic-Con every year since 2008!

Tif : I loved the premise of MORE THAN MUSIC and I agree with your fans...after getting a glimpse of the band members, I clamored to know more. I haven't been to Comic-Con, but I vicariously live through one of my CP's as well as friends who are so awesome to post pictures online. How did you keep your inspiration forefront while you worked?

Elizabeth : I tried to make the Comic-Con setting feel as authentic and vibrant as possible so that readers would feel like they were there, too. I also changed the book from a novella to a full novel because readers were so excited about it and cause I discovered I wanted to write more and more about Hector!

Tif : Hector *is* irresistible, mysterious and irreverent. (Swoon!) When do you do your best work? Do you have a routine?

Elizabeth : I’m a full-time writer and I’ve learned the hard way that I need a routine, otherwise I’ll sit around on the internet all day. I do most of my emailing, marketing, social media, etc in the morning. Then, after lunch, I sit down and write or revise until my husband comes home in the evening. I’ve found I do my best work in the late afternoon or early evening so I set up my schedule to nurture that. 

Tif : Being a full-time writer is not as luxurious as some many folks my think it may be! Being in front of the computer all day can be draining. What fuels your spirit? What fills your tank?

Elizabeth: My super awesome husband. My amazing author friends. Music and concerts. Watching TV and going to the movies. Hearing from readers that they loved my books.

Tif : Love this! What are your biggest distractions and how do you stay focused?

Elizabeth :  The internet is my biggest distraction, for sure. I have to force myself to get away from it and actually write. I’ve found I’m the most productive if I give myself 30 minute writing sprints (no internet allowed), then take a break, then repeat. I also make extensive to-do lists, both a daily one and a weekly or monthly one, and find that keeps me on track.

Tif : I am the same way. The little games we play to get things done! But seriously, it is important to put those goals in front ourselves, especially, when working from home.  A checklist is my biggest accountability tool. Now, give me five words that describe MORE THAN COMICS.

Elizabeth : Geeky, sexy, funny, romantic, diverse.

Tif : What do you love most about this book?

Elizabeth : That it’s ridiculously nerdy and yet still super romantic and sexy at the same time.

Tif : Ohmygod, my pulse just surged! Reality TV or epic miniseries?

Elizabeth : I have to go for reality TV show obviously!

Tif : Ha! I just had to make sure! *winks* Are you chatty online or talk-your-ear-off in person?

Elizabeth : Way more chatty online – I’m pretty quiet in person unless I know someone well.

Tif : Fear of crowds or fear of heights?

Elizabeth : Fear of heights. Crowds don’t bother me at all (luckily, since I go to a lot of huge conventions like Comic-Con!).

Tif : Well, you don't have to fear another success, Elizabeth...I know MORE THAN COMICS will be one! CONGRATULATIONS again and thank you for this interview!

Friendship Day

 

Why, yes, you are seeing correctly...this is most definitely a finished object. A small cross-stitch made from this pattern, then framed, I brought it to a function where we had a gift exchange. I came home with a beautiful lantern, and this little sweetheart is hopefully on someone's mantle. 

Did you know that besides it being Valentine's Day, it is also Friendship day in Finland? I was duly informed this fact at this aforementioned function, and I found it fantastic. Now, there's really more of a reason to celebrate the 14th of February. In fact, I give everyone permission to celebrate it twice!

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“Growing apart doesn't change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I'm glad for that.” - Ally Condie, MATCHED

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What is friendship to you?

Is it what you do, what you say, or what you give? Is it in your face, is it 24/7, or is it 10 minutes at a time, a phone call, a text?

Is it knowing the same characters in a show, or reading the same books? Or is it the chase, the getting to know, or the thrill of learning from one another?

Does it stem from childhood, from blood, or by circumstance? Will it last forever, or the next two years, or just until it simply dissipates? 

Is it none of these, or all of it combined?

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A long time ago, I made a comment to my husband that it must be tough to be friends with the likes of us. Nomadic, fleeting families, rolling stones, speeding by and barely skimming the surface. Our roots tunnel just deep enough for a season or two, and then we're at it again. In between, we throw ourselves into our communities and hope we land somewhere soft and with like-minded people. Sometimes we do, sometimes we don't. 

When we do, it is fabulous, but the world isn't perfect. There is this notion that there is time for everything and there is really not, and sometimes the best you have are the small moments. The sincerest of intentions are squashed by the dailies and despite our heartfelt efforts, sometimes what we end up with is barely enough time to say Hello and I Miss You.

But, it doesn't mean that it's lesser of value. This absence of body, of voice, of words on the page, doesn't mean the spirit of the friendship is gone. Nor does it mean that the memories spent together are just a fraction of what a friendship could have been. Sometimes friendship is trust thrusted out against this empty space we have to fill. It's having a faith that can be both uplifting and inspiring and lonely at the same time.

Yet, these friendships matter.

They are atoms that make up molecules that is every bit tangible as this screen you're reading from. 

And they've shaped you the way you are.

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“It's enough for me to be sure that you and I exist at this moment.” - Gabriel Garcia Marquez, ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE 
 
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Happy Friendship Day, my dearests. 

Author-ish :: SIDNEY HALSTON

Welcome to a Halu-Halo series: Author-ish. Halu-halo, as a blog, has always focused on inspiration, and our interviews will ask authors about theirs. Author-ish is named as such because these interviews won't be about the craft of writing, but all the feelings behind it.

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FEATURED AUTHOR  :: SIDNEY HALSTON

 

USA Today bestselling author, Sidney Halston lives her life with one simple rule: "Just Do It"--Nike. And that's exactly what she did.

After working hard as an attorney, Sidney picked up a pen for the first time at thirty years old to begin her dream of writing. Having never written anything other than very exciting legal briefs, she found an outlet for her imaginative, romantic side and wrote Seeing Red. That first pen stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Sidney lives in South Florida with her husband and children. She loves her family above all else, and reading follows a close second. When she's not writing, you can find her reading and reading and reading. She's a reader first and a writer second. When she's not writing or reading, her life is complete and utter chaos, trying to balance family life with work and writing (and reading). But she wouldn't have it any other way.

CONNECT WITH SIDNEY    Twitter  ::  Facebook  ::  Website

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BELOW THE BELT :: Random House/Loveswept Release Date: February 10, 2015 -- TODAY! WOOP!!

Below the Belt (Worth the Fight Series Book 3)

Once one of the most sought-after names on the mixed martial arts circuit, Antonio “Scarface” Marino watched his career go down for the count as he chased skirts and made tabloid headlines. Now he’s finally making a comeback, and it’s all thanks to Francesca Silva, a Brazilian bombshell as tough as any of her fighters. But who’s the real Francesca: the trash-talking trainer who rides him hard, or the vulnerable woman who blushes at his touch? 

Francesca went to the mat to sign Tony because she believes he still has the potential to bring big success to her gym—if she can keep his head in the cage and out of her personal life. After a short-lived marriage soured her on love, a one-night stand is all she can handle. Now Tony’s kisses are stirring up complicated feelings—especially when he agrees to face her ex in the ring. Francesca’s used to freezing guys out. But Tony’s tempting her to give in to the heat.

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THE INTERVIEW

Tif (haluhalo): I'm so excited to have Sidney on the blog, since she is truly such a fantastic lady. Witty, funny and just absolutely off the cuff, she went from publishing the first to the third book in no time flat! Sidney, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk with us. What was your inspiration for BELOW THE BELT?

Sidney Halston : Hi Tif. Thank you for having me here today! I feel like I know you already.

So, the inspiration for Below the Belt was Francesca’s character. I have had her on mind from the time I wrote AGAINST THE CAGE (Worth the Fight Book 1) and couldn’t wait to write about her. In my husband’s MMA gym there are some real butt-kicking women and watching them train and then seeing how they are outside of the Academy is what inspired Francesca.

Tif: I truly love the premise of your Below the Belt series because it gives a glimpse of a culture most people don't know about. Even better that it's a place where women can show some real strength. How did you keep this inspiration forefront while you worked?

Sidney  :  I think that writing the first book of the series was the most challenging because you’re sort of introducing and building a new world. That was when I really needed to find inspiration. I was originally inspired by watching the men at my husband’s MMA gym interacting with one another. As I am writing a book, I’m already thinking of the next one and setting it up. So, the short answer would be my inspiration mostly comes from the previous book. Also, I read a lot, so that triggers ideas which in turn triggers stories.

Tif : Nice. Love these thoughts, especially because you have written a series. You mentioned in your bio that you are an attorney, and it must be a challenge to get into the groove of writing. When do you do your best work? Do you have a routine?

Sidney : My best work is definitely at night when my kids are asleep. I do have a routine and I’ve realized that when I don’t follow it, I am not as productive. I have to write at Starbucks. So, when my kids are in bed, I leave them with my husband, and go to my (yes, I’ve appointed it mine) comfy chair at Starbucks. The baristas already know me and sometimes they have my coffee ready. I crank loud music on my ear buds and tune everything out for about two or so hours at night. The only interruption being Twitter but that’s not really an interruption since I love to connect with my fellow writing buddies at #ladieswritenight.

Tif : It so important to connect with others especially since this is such a lonely profession sometimes. Besides these friendships, what fuels your spirit? What fills your tank?

Sidney : OY! That’s a tough question. I suppose that my supportive husband is the most important thing. I love my kids more than anything but without his support, I couldn’t write and he not only supports me but pushes me. So, his love would be what fuels my spirit. OW…that was so sappy and cute.

Tif : Aw, Sidney, that *was* so sweet! Seriously though, those closest to us are our best fans! What are your biggest distractions and how do you stay focused?

Sidney  : SOCIAL MEDIA!!!! I love it and hate it. I love it because as I mentioned above, I love connecting with my ‘friends’ and I’ve really made some good friends on Twitter and Facebook. On the flip side, it can be addicting. OH…and pinterest! Ugh…once I’m logged on, you can pretty much assume no work will get done that day. I try to avoid Pinterest if I can. I stay focused by making an effort to ignore the little ‘ping’ noise on my phone/computer while I’m writing.

Tif : OK, here are the fun questions. Give me five words that describe BELOW THE BELT.

Sidney : SPICY, SWEET, FUNNY, ALPHA-FEMALE (normally you get only an alpha male. Here you get an alpha female, too!), LOVE

Tif : What do you love most about this book?

Sidney : I love that Francesca is a strong woman. I think she is different from other heroines you see in contemporary romances. But, really, I think what I loved the most is Tony and his family. Writing his accent and then his mother’s accent and their interaction—it was a lot of fun.

Tif  :  Now, the hard questions. :) Kisses or hugs?

Sidney : Kisses.

Tif : Call before we come over or Drop in anytime?

Sidney : Call before.

Tif : Pancakes or Waffles?

Sidney : Waffles.

Tif : Thank you so much for your interview! Triple congrats on your third release! Thank you for taking the time to drop by!

Sidney : NO! Thank you. I really appreciate it! MUAH.

 

There you have it folks, an awesome interview with a talented lady. Don't forget to pick up BELOW THE BELT today!

When you are a new puppy mom...

...you think a lot.

 

That's because there is no choice but to think, since you are out in the front, back or side yards at odd hours, shivering against the wind, and praying for your pup to do their business. You think about everything from OhGoshJustPeeAlready to IsThatAFoxOutThere? to IReallyNeedToBuyANewPairOfRunningShoes and IthinkMyHairWillLookGoodInaSidePonytail.

Seriously? I don't just have random, delirious thoughts. There's some solid brainstorming going on. I think about my next scene, the kiss to make hotter, the last query letter I wrote, and friends and critique partners who are on this same journey. 

I think about them because they are burning their candles at both ends as well: raising their families and trying to fit in this passion and dream. There is a faith that comes with wanting this dream of publication, a faith that pushes us through rejection and then get up again and try to string words together to make plot and characters.

It's madness really. But it's real. And luckily, in this business, success for a fellow writer is almost our own success. We cry and revel with them. We scream and pump our fists when a friend gets an agent, or sells a book. We do a jig when we see pictures of their first book signings. We completely fangirl when we have something autographed of theirs.

But most of all, when they succeed, you feel like you can get there too. That this dream isn't made up. Nor is it a legend or a nebulous notion of seeing our names in print. Because it's not just that. It's aspiring your words will be read and they will matter to someone, out there. Seeing your author friends up ahead is much like having a friend in front of you in a half-marathon (the longest race I've run).

I'm not thinking about how much faster I need to be to beat her. All I'm thinking is...I want to finish this race too, and I'd love for her to be there at the end.

Until then, I will do happy dances at their every milestone, and I plan to read every single word they write. And I'll be one of their biggest fans.

Hopefully with a potty-trained Marshmallow.

AUTHOR-ISH :: NICOLE MICHAELS

Welcome to a Halu-Halo series: Author-ish. Halu-halo, as a blog, has always focused on inspiration, and our interviews will ask authors about theirs. Author-ish is named as such because these interviews won't be about the craft of writing, but all the feelings behind it.

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FEATURED AUTHOR  ::  NICOLE MICHAELS

Nicole resides in a small town outside of Kansas City with her husband and three sons. When she isn't writing, she's a wedding and portrait photographer, loves to cook, read, and watch historical dramas or documentaries.

Connect with Nicole   TWITTER  ::  FACEBOOK  ::  WEBSITE  ::  PINTEREST

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START ME UP   :: Publication Date - March 3, 2015,    St. Martins Press/Macmillan

(Ooo! So close!)

Why do Do-It-Yourself...

Single mom Anne Edmond can handle—and hand-make—just about anything. From table settings to party favors, floral arrangements to nursery décor, there is no project her creativity and a glue gun can’t tackle. But dating? That’s a whole ’nother story. Case in point: Mike Everett. He’s a gorgeous mechanic and known car-whisperer, a man who can work with auto parts like nobody’s business. And he has thrown a monkey wrench into Anne’s carefully-crafted life...

When you can do it together?

One look at Anne is enough for Mike to know that she’s no fixer-upper. She’s perfect just the way she is—and the chemistry between them works like a charm. Mike’s always been a no-strings kind of guy, but Anne’s impressive self-reliance—and gorgeous exterior—gives him pause. This time, a fast joyride just doesn’t seem like enough. But first he has to convince Anne that he means to take her all the way...

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THE INTERVIEW

Tif (HaluHalo)  -  I'm thrilled to have Nicole Michaels here with us to talk about HER DEBUT! Sorry, I was excited just writing it. The cover and the blurb are swoon-worthy, and the main character as a DIY-er is just something I just love because crafty people are my people. Bring on the glue, the yarn, the fabric!

Nicole, I know you are a photographer, but are you a crafter too? What was your inspiration for START ME UP?

Nicole Michaels  -  I’ve certainly done my share of crafting. Scrapbooking, cake decorating, jewelry making, cross stitch. Unfortunately I don’t have much time for it these days. Those experiences certainly helped inspire, but much of it came from a friend of mine who happens to be amazing at throwing parties. Every detail is intentional and lovely, from the décor, to the invites to the goodie bags. She invited me to a Favorite Things party one evening- where you all swap and leave with one of everyone's favorite things. I brought everyone romance novels. (Of course!) It led to some great discussion about adult romance books and the ladies all encouraged me to take my lovely agent's advice and try my hand at one. (At the time I was focusing on young adult novels.) I left my friend's lovely party inspired and the overall premise for START ME UP came together in my mind on the drive home. I started that night and had the first several chapters done by the end of the weekend. I was also inspired by the many amazing crafting/scrapbooking/décor/lifestyle blogs I’ve stalked over the years. Those women blow my mind with their creativity and spirit. 

Tif  -  I love to surround myself with people who inspire me. It helps me with my own inspiration, and boy, are we glad you decided to "try your hand" at an adult book...HELLO! That was a fantastic move! How did you keep this inspiration forefront while you worked?

Nicole  -  Writing SMU was an amazing time (the initial draft took about three months), and I now know that to be truer than ever. Writing is hard, but sometimes it flows effortlessly. That’s how this book was for me. It didn’t hurt that I’d been coming off kind of a low point in my writing journey and had just decided to let it all go and have fun with it. I also listened to some great music. Two favs were Just Say Yes by Snow Patrol and My Blue Sky by Jessica Campbell.

Tif  -  SMU was meant to be, I am convinced. You mentioned that this time, writing was effortless. When do you do your best work? Do you have a routine?

Nicole  -  It varies. My children are all in school so you would think I work best while they are gone—which is of course sometimes the case because I have to. However, I find that I get a lot done on the weekends when everyone is just kind of chilling around the house. It’s my escape. I put my headphones in and go into my own world—of course stopping often to make meals, find missing shoes, and change my never-ending loads of laundry.

Tif  -  I think the free-time-while-the-kids-are-in-school is an urban legend. *winks* Schedules change and vary when you have children at different stages. That's great you can carve out time even when everyone is home. What are your biggest distractions and how do you stay focused?

Nicole  -  The usual suspects: Twitter, Facebook, email, and Candy Crush Soda Saga. But also reading. I’d be happy to read other peoples books for hours on end, and often I do just that. What helps me get things done is making little deals with myself. For example, I tell myself if I finish this chapter I can read a chapter of a book. Or if I work really diligently from 8:00-1:00 then I can read until school pick up. Notice the recurring theme? I’m obsessed with reading.

Tif  -  One cannot be a writer without being a reader. That's for sure! And I make deals with myself. Thank goodness not aloud when anyone else is listening. Besides reading, what fuels your spirit? What fills your tank?

Nicole  -  My family. I’m happiest when I know we’re all safe in the house, there’s food in the fridge, and we’re all healthy. I’m pretty simple like that. Also, my friends. Chatting on the phone with my sister-in-law, or meeting my best friend for coffee usually clears my head and keeps my sanity in a healthy range.

Tif  -  You sound like my kind of gal! Bringing it down to the most important things is so important! Tell me  five words that describe START ME UP.

Nicole  -  Sweet, Sexy, Funny, Relatable, Crafty

Tif  -  Crafty -- woo!! What do you love most about this book?

Nicole  -  I love that it’s real. Anne is not a biographical character for me, but I certainly wrote her from my heart. She’s confident in her abilities, and yet unsure of herself as a woman. She’s trying to be a good mother, daughter, and friend, all the while striving to be her best self and help others to do the same. And Mike being my first romance hero meant I could write him exactly how I wanted my ideal hero to be—sweet yet naughty *wink*, a little jealous but not controlling, and a man that’s good with children. I mean, what’s not to love? These characters and their journey to their happy-ever-after feels like real life, and that’s my goal for the entire series.

 Tif  -  You're killing me that I have to wait till March to read this. I, myself, love books where characters are relatable in a way that I can see the heroine as a friend. And book boyfriends, well...that would be another conversation on its own. *winks* Now, the hard questions.  Fast cars or fast sewing machines? 

Nicole  -  Fast cars as long as my children aren’t in them!! Ha!

Tif  -  You almost looked like a wild child there, mama! DIY Network or Fast and Loud? 

Nicole  -  I have to admit that I’ve probably seen just about every episode of Fast and Loud but if I had to choose probably DIY Network.  (But I’d never get around to actually doing any of the projects!)

Tif  -  Girl, I'm still trying to get a scrapbook together from 2009. Last question -- first impressions or Second Chances? 

Nicole  -  I have many unfinished scrapbooks. It’s shameful! As for the question, definitely second chances. In my experience they can be worth it, you just have to go in with your eyes open. I also LOVE second chance romance novels.

Tif  -  CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming debut, Nicole! Thank you for this interview, and wishing you great success! 

Nicole  -  Thank you so much for having me!

And there you have it, folks! Mark March 3rd on your calendar for the Nicole's book birthday. I definitely will!

On Sugar, and a little Marshmallow

Part of what keeps me writing this blog is recording our family history. Over seven years of big things happening in the HaluHalo residence are all on this screen, with pictures, and it's priceless.  

When I first started blogging, people used to ask me if I mentioned every mundane thing that had happened in our lives. And no, of course I don't. Despite my online presence over the years, I'm actually a pretty private person, especially when it comes to loss. It's hidden behind two sets of locks in my heart. 

Thus, I never wrote about losing our Sugar. (Some posts about her here.)

She was only seven, and it was sudden, from bloat and a twisted stomach last September. It was right out of the movie Marley and Me: I found my pup in the furthermost, darkest corner of our basement (she hated that room in the basement). But by the time we got her to surgery, it was too late. 

We cried days. We were sad for weeks.

When you grow your family with a dog, it is vast without one. You'd think that with four children, my plate would be full. But Sugar never demanded space on my plate.  She was right under it, tongue wagging, ready for any scrap that tumbled out. She was perfectly happy being there for her family--her pack. Her love was unconditional.  

Through November, I didn't think I could have another dog. Though my kids begged for one, I was still sad, and nervous. Could I do this again, I asked myself. As a family, we researched the different breeds and we scrolled through breeder and rescue sites. Still, I wasn't convinced.

 That is, until I met this sweet Havanese, whom Baby J aptly named Marshmallow.

She was named even before I agreed she would be ours. But I can't lie, I was smitten. It must have been the sweet of her name, coming through those eyes. Or maybe it was the message it sent me. That she wasn't Sugar. But she'd love us just as much. 

Truthfully, it didn't take me much longer to say yes, much of it because I couldn't bear for her to be taken from my arms (at the time we met, she still had a few weeks to grow). I knew then...just knew it. I'd love her so much too.

And I am now back to being a fur-infant mom. Then again, when does mothering ever stop? 

 

So, welcome home, Marshmallow. We've been waiting for you.