The pets are leaving Earth for Space @jsubject #newrelease #PetsinSpace

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! While the leaves are late to change colour in Southwestern Ontario, they have started already, and I enjoy crunching them under my feet every time I'm out walking.

But, today's post isn't about the colours of fall. It's about PETS. Now, on Earth we are used to pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, fish, and even more exotic reptiles. But just like we don't know what life is like on other planets, we also don't know what their pets would be like. So, those of us who write fiction that is set in space get to create our own. In the newly released Sci-Fi Romance anthology, EMBRACE THE ROMANCE: Pets in Space 2, you will find some of the pets you already know, and many new ones straight from the imagination of the authors involved.

The pet I've included in my anthology story is a tibbar, which is similar to a baby rabbit, but with hamster-like claws and ears. Plus, they have the intelligence of a cat, which means they can and do get into all kinds of trouble. I’ve had all three of those types of pets at some point in my life, but never all at the same time. It was fun to combine their physical characteristics and personalities into one pet for the purpose of this story.

Here's an excerpt from GIB AND THE TIBBAR, my Galactic Defenders story that is included in the new Pets in Space anthology, EMBRACE THE ROMANCE...

Illustration by Nyssa Juneau

A small, furry white creature scampered between the Defenders and the fire. Gib yanked his feet back and gasped. He tried to follow the path the animal took, and when it disappeared into the grassy field, he relaxed a little. Not that he was afraid, only startled by the sudden appearance of the critter.

But his watch partner reacted differently. The cowardly Defender stood on his bench, reaching for a low branch on the ropral tree as if to lift himself farther off the ground. “What in Gaspra was that? No one told me about any deadly creatures on this planet.”

Gib laughed and slapped his hand on his lap. “I wouldn’t call the fluffy little thing that raced by us a deadly creature.”

“Okay, Hemera is infested with vermin, then.” Zair examined the area around him before he dared put a foot on the ground.

A high-pitched squeak sounded, and Gib’s surveillance partner returned to reaching for the branches. The little creature stood on its hind legs below Zair’s bench, peeping as if telling him off.

Gib couldn’t hold in his laughter. Not just at the other Defender’s reaction, but also the thoughts running through Zair’s mind, thoughts he’d failed to block in his fear.

“It’s not going to eat you.” Gib shook his head, wondering how his squad mate could see the creature as dangerous. “Would you please get down from there? Defenders are supposed to be brave and fierce. Right now, you’re neither.”

“Go to Gaspra, Mingot. And stay out of my head.” He yanked his plazer from his hip holster and aimed it at the critter. “If I don’t destroy it, it will bring death to everyone on this planet.”

Stepping into the line of fire, Gib yanked the weapon from his squad mate, thankful the safety remained on. “You’re being ridiculous. Besides, if you fire your weapon, you’ll cause a panic. The Hemera will think Erebus have arrived.”

The frightened Defender shook a foot at the creature. “Fine, then. Kick it into the fire. Or you could stomp on it.”

“Don’t you dare!” A Hemera woman burst from the bushes, storming toward Zair like a mother rehn protecting her young. She shoved him off his bench and shouldered past Gib before scooping the noisy creature into her hand. “This is my tibbar, not some kind of vermin.”

“Tibbar? Try nasty rodent that tried to eat me.” Zair smoothed out his uniform but kept his distance from the creature now perched on the woman’s shoulder.

“You’re both on nehbred.” She kicked dirt at them, her pink lips pursed and her dark eyes set in a deadly stare. “You don’t know what you’re talking about when it comes to my pet or my planet.”

Embrace the Romance

Twelve leading Science Fiction Romance authors team up to deliver a dozen original never released stories that will take you to new worlds! Join New York Times, USA TODAY, and Award-winning authors as they share stories and help out Hero-Dogs.org, a charity that supports our veterans! Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2! Get your copy today!

AMAZON US | UK | Canada | Germany | Australia

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Happy reading!

http://jessicasubject.com

Keeping Up With Kacey (@KaceyHammell) #Writing #Life #Summertime

Good morning everyone! And Happy Sunday. Mid July and this year's summer in Ontario, Canada has had it's ups and downs. With more rain than we've had in years, beach days for many have been few and far between. While my hay fields are loving the long drinks of water they're getting, I'm not as enthusiastic about it. It has to be dry longer than a day or two in order to get the fields cut and baled. Basically it's a cut one day, let it lie for a full day to fully dry out and then bale it. But with sporadic days of sun then rain, it's been a struggle. Plus the time frame of hubby's work schedule and mine are also interfering.

Speaking of which, I started a full time job outside the house recently and it's cutting into my writing. I'm doing my best but it's difficult to have the energy after a long, fast paced day and a quite physical job. I've resigned myself to weekend writing. But things are progressing well and I am somewhat managing. My online presence is dismal, but it's unavoidable these days. I've never been so grateful to sleep at the end of a day. Being a stay-at-home mom for fifteen years, I was busy and my days were always full, but I appreciate the writing time a lot more now, as well as my sleep. I could stay up until two in the morning and be up at 5:30 and go all day without needing a nap. Now, I'm in bed by nine p.m. and getting up at five a.m. is hard as hell. But we all do what we must. Adjust and adapt has always been a way of life for me. 

But I have bought myself a new car. Being on the road more now for the job and needing something a lot newer for five days a week, I splurged a bit and have a shiny new toy. I love it. So, SO comfortable! I haven't decided yet, but I may be driving it to a book signing in Kalamazoo, Michigan in October. I haven't looked at all my travel options as yet (and it's like a ten hour drive), but I know I'll have something more comfortable than my previous car, and more reliable, should I decide to drive all that way. 

And in writing news, I signed a contract about a week ago. Another story coming out in the fall with Evernight Publishing. It is the sequel to Stirring Up Dirty, and the 2nd in the Stirred by Love series, called, Stirring Up Glory. I loved writing this story a lot. Drew and Glory, whom everyone met in book one finally come to a head with their past and their ire toward one another. It's pretty intense, but oh, so yummy, too. *g*  I'm steadily working on two WIPs currently. One is a wolf shifter, the other is a suspense. I'm having fun with all the characters. It's a new thing for me, working on 2 stories at once, but I'm managing. The suspense has a firm deadline that must be met, but the wolves are demanding a lot of attention to. And a writer should never ignore the voices in their head. *g*

I also have a new member of the family. Meet, Toby, my "grandson", who belongs to my oldest son and his girlfriend. They are both on their way to college/university in Sept, and have added a bundle of joy -- of the four-legged kind thankfully -- to their lives. Toby is a handful, so very energetic that his "Grandma" can't keep up, but a lot of joy too. Peaches (my cockapoo) has warmed up to him some, but she misses her peace and quiet days. LOL

Until next month, hope you're reading some great stories and enjoying the long summer days. 

   

www.kaceyhammell.com

Celebrating six years published with a #giveaway and #sale! @jsubject #romance #scifirom

Hello my dear readers! I’m excited to say that as of the beginning of this month I’ve officially been published for SIX years. On July 1, 2011, my first story, CELESTIAL SEDUCTION, was published by Decadent Publishing as part of their 1Night Stand series.

In the last six years, I’ve had twenty-nine stories published, including twelve self-published first titles (two as Paisley Brown), and six re-releases. It’s been an exciting ride where I’ve met so many wonderful people, both online and in person. I look forward to what the future holds in store for my writing career.

To celebrate six years published, I’m hosting a contest, and have TWO BOX SETS ON SALE. Between July 1 to 31, you can enter to WIN one of three signed paperbacks. Must be 18 or older to enter. Contest is international, except where prohibited by law. Please note, THERE WILL BE NO SUBSTITUTION OF PRIZES. Good luck!

Here are the paperbacks in the contest:

    

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here are the BOX SETS ON SALE:

Get these sets for 99¢ USD each!

Sale ends July 15, 2017

Amazon US | UK | Canada | Germany | Australia

Nook | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo

Amazon US | UK | Canada | Germany | Australia

HAPPY SUMMER READING!

Jessica E. Subject is the author of science fiction romance, mostly alien romances, ranging from sweet to super hot. Sometimes she dabbles in paranormal and contemporary as well, bringing to life a wide variety of characters. In her stories, you can not only meet a sexy alien or two, but also clones and androids. You may be transported to a dystopian world where rebels are fighting to live and love, or to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.

When Jessica is not reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to go to fitness class and walk her Great Pyrenees/Retriever her family adopted from the local animal shelter.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com.

Plum Trees, Floods and New In Print! #Writing #CanadianMuscle @KaceyHammell

Good morning everyone! I hope you've had a fabulous month since I last visited with you. In my burg of Ontario, it's been endless rain, a record amount in the beginning of May at more than we had all month in April. The flooding in my area, thankfully not my property, has been catastrophic for many and my heart goes out to everyone who has been affected. 

This is an image from a friend of mine's street. At least she can enter from the other end of it, as this access is closed off and water a problem to drive through. I will be glad to see the end of rain for those suffering the problems from it. My hay fields, however, are loving it. They are greener than they have been in a couple years and while I hate the issues for others, it is a positive for farmers. 

I also love to see the flowers in bloom. Especially driving along some roads and seeing the tulips out, bright and beautiful. Our plum tree has blossomed for the first time since it was planted. We've been able to make plum jam the last couple years but this is the first for flowers. I'm quite impressed because it's really beautiful, and there are 3 other plum trees starting to grow up in the same area. Plums anyone ...? LOL 

Here are a few pictures of the full bloom plum tree.

 

In book news, Guarding His Anchor received a TOP PICK from Night Owl Reviews. I loved Pauline's review, and to know that she will be reading more of my work.  Guarding His Anchor is also available in PRINT! I'm a very fortunate writer for such accolades. Truly blessed.

Links to the print >> Createspace // Amazon Canada // Amazon US



I hope you have a wonderful month ahead. 

Until next time, 
Happy Reading!

A tribute to my mom and all of our household of pets. #MothersDay #PetsInSpace @jsubject

This Sunday is Mother's Day in North America, a day where we celebrate all of the love, support, and sacrifices of our mothers, or the woman who has helped to shape our lives. And I've decided to write this month's post as a special tribute to my mother.

Growing up, she didn't teach me about fashion, how to wear makeup, or even how to braid hair. But the life lessons she did teach me proved far more important. I learned how to love, how to accept others, regardless of their differences. I learned how to be open-minded and selfless, and how to work hard.

I also learned her love for pets. For as long as I can remember, we have always had multiple pets in our house. Usually at least one dog, one cat, and some fish, we have also had hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and various small birds. After I left home, she had hedgehogs. And I heard stories of her having a toucan and various reptiles when she was a child.

My mom and I used to work together at the same pet supply store.
And she was about to become a grandmother.

After my brother and I were in school, she gave up babysitting to work at a pet store. And she's worked with animals since then, not only selling pet food and supplies, but grooming cats and dogs, and training dogs. She is so proud to have helped train dogs for deaf clients, and will soon be certified to train dogs for therapy.

She was also very involved in the Ontario Cavy Club. Yes, just as there are dog shows, there are also shows for guinea pigs and rabbits. I learned a lot about genetics during that time, as well as many other life lessons.

So, when I was asked to write for the upcoming Embrace the Romance: Pets in Space 2 anthology, I had plenty of pet experience and information to draw from.

To my mom: I love you! Thank you for being you, and allowing me to be me! <3

Jessica E. Subject is the author of science fiction romance, mostly alien romances, ranging from sweet to super hot. Sometimes she dabbles in paranormal and contemporary as well, bringing to life a wide variety of characters. In her stories, you can not only meet a sexy alien or two, but also clones and androids. You may be transported to a dystopian world where rebels are fighting to live and love, or to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.

When Jessica is not reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to go to fitness class and walk her Great Pyrenees/Retriever her family adopted from the local animal shelter.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. http://jessicasubject.com

Canadian Programming That Inspired Me by Layna Pimentel

Man, oh man. I don't know how many times I started this post and kept deleting the first line. There's so many things I want to say, but would hate to bore you all to tears. So while trying to brainstorm what I want to share with you this month I figured I would do a post of Canadian programming and authors who inspired me from a very young age and still continue to do so. 

Truthfully, I have no idea what pushed me to submit those first terrible manuscripts ever, but you never learn, or will even know until you try.

My family had basic cable growing up. While it wasn't much, I soaked up every ounce of family programming I could find on cable. Let us a pause for a moment while sing praises of CBC. Thank you! Thank you for airing shows like Anne of Green Gables and Emily of New Moon. My God! To this day, I still watch those reruns religiously when I can catch them. It wasn't so much of the wholesome approach to everyday life, but those beautiful and brilliant young ladies that Lucy Maud Montgomery brought to life, gave me hope and escape. 

Then there was TVO. My sisters were quite young, but I didn't mind watching shows to the likes of Read All About It, Today's Special, Dr. Snuggles and Fables of the Green Forest. I should note that it was TVO who also aired the original Dr. Who. That's probably where my first fascination with SciFi came from, but I wasn't supposed to watch the darn show, but did anyways. Yes. I was a defiant young lady at times. Kinda hard to imagine that, huh?

Fast forward to my late teens, early adulthood days. All that angst and gothic culture I loved so much drew me to shows like Forever Knight, La Femme Nikita (1997), Buffy the Vampire Slayer, to more subdued shows like Road to Avonlea. Which I should note, my youngest daughter's name was inspired by Gema Zamprogna's character Felicity from Road to Avonlea. But how much of a Canadian would I be if I didn't mention Degrassi, The Beachcombers, Ready or Not, Kids in the Hall, Catwalk, Danger Bay, Due South (who can seriously forget the mounty) etc...

I can honestly say, I've come to appreciate the type of programming we had back in the day, compared to mish mash, hodge podge, wishy washy type of television we're seeing today.

Don't get me wrong, I have my favorites shows, but from a creative stand point, television has turned out to be much of what writing romance is like. Remaking tropes into our own visions. Trying to catch that wave of what's trending until the market becomes flooded.

Fast forward to 2011. 

After reading the Otherworld series by Kelley Armstrong I found myself blown away. Everything I loved about paranormal creatures and element wise was covered from A to Z. Colour me inspired. I wrote my first book then. I still have that horrible-I'm not kidding-horrible manuscript kicking around. I will be rewriting that book too, this summer with a little luck on my side. 

A few years later, I find myself published. 

Jump to 2017.

I now have eight published titles (technically nine, but the one has to be re-edited), and three more slated before the year is out. Quite possibly four if I'm feeling ambitious. 

This journey has been an interesting one filled with many disappointments, but the company for the most part has been amazing. I am grateful for this group of authors here on the blog. I've met most in the last two years at Romancing the Capital and have a few who are on my list to meet at some point.

We are distinctly Canadian. No doubt about it. You'd be surprised at how many of my fellow blog mates inspire me daily, but that's another blog post for another month. 

We all draw our inspirations from different places, but I'm happy to say I get mine from the arts, from the people I surround myself with and nature (I do live in Northern Ontario after all). 

What are you passionate about? What inspires you? I'd love to hear from you. 

- About The Author -

 Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Layna discovered her love of reading at an early age. She’s a bestselling author at All Romance eBooks and a multi-published author of historical, paranormal, and contemporary erotic romances. When she isn’t devouring salacious romance novels or writing, she enjoys hiking and researching ancient history, mythology, and weaponry. She lives in Northern Ontario with her husband and two daughters.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Contact

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

- Layna's Latest Book - 

Published by Liquid Silver Publishing. Copyright © 2016, Layna Pimentel.

ISBN: 978-1-62210-360-7

Historical Romance | Scottish

171 Pages

Laird Colin McIntyre is faced with a dilemma. Wed the daughter of his enemy or watch the destruction of his clan. However, he’s captured before he can declare war. Time is of the essence, and if he’s to escape, his only chance rests with the hope that his men arrive before the wedding.

Abandoned by her guardian, Beatrice finds herself stationed as a servant in the keep and ordered by Laird Sinclair to tend to Colin, who is being held against his will. Inexplicably drawn to the Highlander and his kindness, she vows to help him escape, but at what cost?

With their fates intertwined, will Colin and Beatrice finally be free of Sinclair's reign of terror? Or will they be driven apart once again by an invasion led by new enemy forces, never knowing how much they’re meant to be together?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

Liquid Silver Publishing

Spring brings a new Defender to the shelves. Plus, sales and giveaways! @jsubject #romance

Happy Spring! While we had some snow last week, this week has granted us much warmer weather. Yet, it's not spring without some rain. I am happy to be able to get out on my bike again, and am starting to prepare for Rugged Maniac in June.

Spring also brought about the release of my second Galactic Defenders book. Jager is the scifi adventure romance story of a dedicated Defender, getting ready to take his squad on their first mission and the Princess who is determined to prove her worth as a Defender. While they are in the same squad, they don't get along. When they are forced together, sparks fly. But that doesn't mean they'll get out alive.

JAGER is now available, and the first book in the series, BRYCE is on sale for 99¢ until April 19, 2017. If you prefer paperback, enter to WIN a signed paperback on Goodreads...

JAGER Available from:

AMAZON US | UK | Canada | Germany | Australia | Japan

Nook | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo

BRYCE only 99¢ from:

AMAZON US | UK | Canada | Germany | Australia | Japan

Nook | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo

Goodreads Book Giveaway

BRYCE

by Jessica E. Subject

Giveaway ends April 30, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

For more 99¢ sales, check out these promos...

Book Boyfriend Bed Hop's April Romance Promo & Giveaway

April 12-16, 2017

Spring Into Romance Book Blast & Kindle Fire Giveaway

April 14-18, 2017

Until next month...

http://jessicasubject.com

Going Green and Galactic Defenders with author Jessica E. Subject @jsubject #romance #sfr #recipe

This Friday is St. Patrick's Day. While I do have some ancestors from Ireland, it has never been a big celebration for me. I think that's mostly because it's also the birthday of two people close to me. I was too busy celebrating birthdays to worry about the holiday side. That being said, I still like to wear green, and sometimes, I like to make things that are green. Last week I tried a new recipe that I found on Pinterest. I made Sweet Spinach Muffins. Before you say "GROSS!", hold up. They are REALLY GOOD. They taste very much like banana muffins, and I had many people who sampled them surprised at how good they tasted, including picky eaters like my son and brother-in-law. So, I'm going to share the recipe with you. I hope you'll give them a try for St. Patrick's Day. I know I'll be making them again...

SWEET SPINACH MUFFINS

(from Super Healthy Kids)

Ingredients
18 cupcake liners

Dry ingredients:
2 cup flour, whole wheat
1 1/2 teaspon cinnamon
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet ingredients:
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup honey
1 large banana
6 ounce spinach
1/2 cup butter, unsalted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 F, and line a muffin pan with paper liners (or use silicone muffin cups sprayed with cooking spray).

Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Blend the wet ingredients in a blender or food processor until completely pureed.

Pour the puree into the dry ingredient bowl, and fold together gently until just combined. (Do not over-mix.)

Spoon the batter into the muffin pan, and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the muffins are firm to the touch on top, but not quite browning.

Cool most or all of the way before serving.

If you're looking for some other food to make that's green, check out the Healthy Baked Broccoli Tots. They are kid-approved, too! :)

MORE GALACTIC DEFENDERS!

At the end of March, the second book in my Galactic Defenders sci-fi adventure romance series releases...

JAGER: Galactic Defenders Book Two

Jager's new squad of Defenders has completed training, but the spoiled princess who has grated on his nerves since her first day of training is called back to Hemera for a yearly celebration. When Princess Katrina doesn't show up, Jager must find her and drag her home, where he wishes she would stay.

Katrina is a Defender, not a princess. And there is no way she wants to return to a planet she hates for some stupid ceremony. Not when she could be out killing Erebus with her squad.

But when a new enemy threatens both their lives, they must work together to survive.

Pre-order from:

Amazon US / UK / Canada | Nook | Play | iBooks | Kobo

Also available in paperback.

Jessica E. Subject is the author of science fiction romance, mostly alien romances, ranging from sweet to super hot. Sometimes she dabbles in paranormal and contemporary as well, bringing to life a wide variety of characters. In her stories, you can not only meet a sexy alien or two, but also clones and androids. You may be transported to a dystopian world where rebels are fighting to live and love, or to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.

When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk with her giant, hairy dog her family adopted from the local animal shelter. 

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers.

LINKS: 

Website | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook Page | Pinterest

Instagram | Google+ | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | Authorgraph

Valentine's Day = Sweet Treats and Sales on Romance and Zombies! @jsubject #romance #99cents

Hello! I hope 2017 is starting off well for you. I know it's been an interesting and very busy year for me so far. And now it's two days before Valentine's Day, a day to celebrate romance and love.

But, sometimes the romance and love doesn't happen so easily as in my new release, It Took a Zombie Apocalypse, where two people who have lived next door to each other for years, but denied their feelings for each other. Put them under the right circumstances, and they can no longer fight their attraction.

Wait! What about the treats and sales?

I'm getting to that. I am part of four exciting promotions in the next few days, two of which are already happening. 

With the Sweet Treats 99¢ Book Blast and Giveaway, you can chose from several romance titles for only 99¢ each, plus enter to WIN a Kindle Fire + $25 Amazon GC!

If Zombies are more your taste, check out the Zombie Cupid 99¢ Promotion where you can choose from several zombie stories on sale for 99¢ each.

In the next two days, be sure to check out the Space Kissed 99¢ Promo & Giveaway and the Live, Laugh, Love 99¢ Promotion. Subscribe to my newsletter, visit my blog, or follow me on social media for more information. So, be sure to enter the giveaways for your chance to win some SWEET treats, and check out the deals on the books!

My books that will be 99¢ during these promotions are It Took a Zombie Apocalypse, Beyond Reach, and Alien Attraction.

  

Jessica E. Subject is the author of science fiction romance, mostly alien romances, ranging from sweet to super hot. Sometimes she dabbles in paranormal and contemporary as well, bringing to life a wide variety of characters. In her stories, you could not only meet a sexy alien or two, but also clones and androids. You may be transported to a dystopian world where rebels are fighting to live and love, or to another planet for a romantic rendezvous.

When Jessica is not reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to go to fitness class and walk her Great Pyrenees/Retriever her family adopted from the local animal shelter.

Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.com.

Website/Blog | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook

Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon | Authorgraph

Are You Naughty or Nice?

Naughty or Nice?

Well we are less than a week away before the big guys squeezes his tushy down the chimney. Are you on the naughty or nice list? 

Us Canadian romance authors need to keep our inspirations going, and I have to admit, the last few months, I've ventured into the naughty zone!

Why? Well, I can only show you a few photos to really demonstrate the path of temptations, but once you see, I'd bet you wouldn't have resisted either!

Two recent outings with the girls have led me to the land of Down Under, where the men are gorgeous and their dance moves are hot! This girl was on fire!

Then last month, a handful of us devoted Shemar Moore fans ventured to Toronto to meet the man himself, and all I can say is WOW! Sexy, silly and flirty and that man knows how to work a crowd!

Don't get me wrong, the coset of eye candy and divine entertainment hits the spot, but I'm more than happy to come home to my own real life hottie, who dotes on me and makes me feel like a queen. 

So, what are some of your naughty experiences? Or are you just too good to be true? Will Santa be generous, or like me, will you be receiving a stocking full of coal?

Happy holidays, from the Willows household!