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Where's Cesar Millan when you need him?

Okay, so if any of you know how to reach Cesar Millan, a.k.a. The Dog Whisperer, call him, please. Quickly! Give him my name and ask him to get in touch. I have 11 pounds of fur living in my house and he's driving me crazy.

He looks innocent enough, all white and fluffy tinged with gray and a touch of black with big, big, almond-shaped dark brown eyes. Who could know that he'd turn out to be a tyrant, running the household? I didn't.

We've had Ozzie Nelson, our Havanese puppy, since October. He's funny and cute and he gives great puppy hugs and kisses, but he's dominating my life. I mean: Is this normal?

Okay, let me explain. First housebreaking has been a challenge. He either has to go every twenty minutes, or he's figured out that uttering his I've-gotta-use-the-facilities moan earns him a respite outside to romp in the grass. I guess this is an improvement, since before we were finding little packages left all around the house. That's no longer happening, but he's employing the woeful eye roll and guttural call combo so often, I had him outside 14 times yesterday. That's not a typo: 14 times!

And the bark. Who would have thought that a such a little guy would pack such a powerful  Read More 
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A Weekend with the Pulpwood Queens!

We all know this. It isn't news, but I'm going to spit it out: There are some pretty special people in the world. Now, you ask, how do I define "special?" Those who are able to spread enthusiasm, to get the rest of us up off our keesters (as my grandma used to say). Those who inspire us to live better lives and to help others.

One of those people is Kathy L. Patrick, founder of the Tiara wearing, book-reading Pulpwood Queens.

Yup, you got it right; I did put Tiara wearing and book reading in the same sentence. So does Kathy. She founded the club in her Jefferson, TX, beauty salon/bookstore ten years ago, and it's going strong. Last time I asked, she had something like 220 chapters and counting. Each month Kathy picks a book and an alternate for the Queens, and they read their pick then get together to discuss it.

It's true that Kathy picked my second novel, BLOOD LINES, as last November's main read, but, honestly, that's not why I'm writing this post. It's because of all Kathy does. In addition to the book clubs, she's active in a long list of other projects and still finds time to volunteer teaching literacy at a shelter. More amazing is how she influences others to become involved in good work. For instance, the Southwest Louisiana PQs raise money and supplies for a South American orphanage, and the Alaska bunch has an outreach program in a women's prison.

In fact, Kathy's so persuasive, she's inspired me to start working on a project. It's not at a point where I can talk about it yet, but when it comes together. I'll tell all of you about it.

So, you women (sorry, guys, but the club is for gals), if you have a group of friends, or if you'd like to make new friends, if you love good books and having fun, start your own Pulpwood Queen chapter. Kathy's link is on the right hand column of every page on my Web site, so it's easy to get in touch. Then get ready to be inspired!

One last note: Make sure you come to Girlfriend Weekend in Jefferson next year. Oh, my goodness, such a party. Authors from all over the country will be there, maybe dressed up like this past January as the Wizard of Oz or a munchkin. It's a blast! Read More 
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Hard to Read, But You Should

My mom, LaVerne, died of Alzheimer's in June 2006. She'd been ill for nine years, and it was horrific.

My mother was hard-working, loving, articulate and funny. She enjoyed reading, dancing with my father, and she relished a good laugh. Mom was a secretary and one of the few women in our suburban neighborhood who worked outside the house. She never really liked cleaning or cooking, but for us she did both, never complaining. Nothing pleased her more than being with her family. Christmas was her favorite holiday, and for mom the only real roses were red.

Anyone who has lived through watching a loved one battle this devastating disease,  Read More 
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Meet Ozzie Nelson

Hi All,

Awhile back I got a flood of e-mails from people after I wrote a newsletter about my schnauzer, Max, my best buddy, and how we had to put him down. Tough times. Those of you with pets, whether you've had to do this or not, I'm sure, understand how difficult it is to lose a pet. They're such a part of the family.

Today, I'd like to introduce our new puppy, Ozzie Nelson. Ozzie, because I love the Wizard and dream of Oz and my husband and I both love the name. Nelson for a friend of ours. Ozzie Nelson for the guy who was married to Harriet and fathered Ricky! Really fun.

Ozzie is a Havanese: a small white, gray, black and tan dog, with big dark eyes. I've posted a photo of him in the right hand column, since I couldn't figure out how to put one in the blog itself.

Anyway, he's the funniest dog. He makes strange noises, even coos like a dove at times. And he loves people. He's so furry and warm, it's like holding a Teddy bear. Absolutely darling.

So, our world is complete. Thanks again to everyone who e-mailed me expressing their sympathy for our loss. We still miss Max, but we're delighted Ozzie moved in! Read More 
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Nine-Nine-Nine

Hi All,

It's been awhile! That's what's on my mind this morning. Time just rifles by, doesn't it? Here it is 09/09/2009, or nine-nine-nine, and I remember 01/01/01 like it was yesterday. I was at a rented bay house in Galveston with friends, where we'd spent New Year's Eve. My husband, myself, and three other couples.

The sunset that evening was gorgeous, swatches of bright golds and reds, stunning. We'd taken our photo in front of it, then gone inside to watch New Year celebrations across the world on TV, while we played cards. Lots of champagne, lots of laughing, lots of fun and good friends.

Is it possible that was nine years ago? Come on, how could that be?

The older I get, the quicker the years fly. I scan this blog and the first post is nearly a year old, from last October, when the Web site was redesigned and the option was first available. Strange.

What I'm taking from all this is that I need to get to work! I'm considerably more than halfway through my life, no way of knowing how far into it really, since life is so uncertain, and there's still so much to accomplish. I have so many books I want to write. I need to get busy, or I'll never get there. Where is there? I'm not sure, but I do believe I have much left to accomplish.

Most important: I've got family and friends to spend time with. How can we ever tell them enough that we love them? Impossible!

So, it's back to work. Just a reminder: Time's passing! Enjoy it, relish it, give it your all! Read More 
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Mystery Matters Interview

Hey All,

Last week I did an interview with Fran Stewart for her Mystery Matters program on VoiceAmerica. If you'd like to listen, click on the link below, right hand side of the page.

More good reviews are popping up for BLOOD LINES. Take a look at the book's page for samples!

As Always,
KC
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Tiaras Forever!

Hey All, I just had the best time.

Last Thursday I packed my car and trekked north to Jefferson, Texas, for the Pulpwood Queens 2009 Girlfriend Weekend. For those of you unfamiliar with the Queens, the organization was started by Kathy L. Patrick in her hair salon/bookstore, Beauty and the Book. What began as  Read More 
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The Temple Case

Last week a "48 Hours Mystery" program entitled "The Guessing Game" aired on Belinda Temple's murder. I'm currently working on a book on this case entitled "Shattered," scheduled to be published next year, probably in the fall. After the program aired, my e-mail runneth over with correspondence from folks interested in knowing my take  Read More 
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