From one extreme to the other. Now it feels like spring. Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely not complaining. It's 50 degrees outside. No more ice skating for me, but I can't swim either and I now have a river to cross in the alley from the snow that's melted. I have to detour half a block just to find a space I can step across.

I got my contract from Liquid Silver Books and am now working with the art department on the jacket cover. I'm both elated and nervous about this new venture. I just want to do the best I can.

Did I ever mention I have wonderful friends and family? Well, I do. They patiently put up with my anxiety and I pretend not to see the Valium they sneak in my food. NOT REALLY. However, my brother did give me a fifth of whiskey and a carton of 7-Up. I think it was his way of saying "chill out, sis."

The book will be out in about four months. I hope it hits the latter part of May and gets released on my mom's birthday. She's stood patiently behind me all these years while I threatened to write a novel. She and I have shared some wild traveling adventures and plan to travel a lot this summer to find "inspiration."

Inspiration? Hummmm, now where are those fire trucks?