Today, April 6 = 1st Friday Fun!

/ Ev Bishop

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello and happy Friday – the 1st Friday of lovely April 2018 to be exact!

To celebrate the (soon, please, pretty please!) arrival of spring, we have a lovely, cheery giveaway for this month’s 1st Friday Fun.

What is 1st Friday Fun you ask?

Every 1st Friday of the month I’ll put together some form of themed giveaway, sometimes related to my books, sometimes fitting with River’s Sigh B & B themes, sometimes something more generic–but still super fun! 🙂 🙂

All you have to do is show up and follow the “comment suggestion” on the Giveaway’s thread and you’ll be entered for a chance to win. Each giveaway will be open until the 15th of the month, then a winner will be chosen at random and contacted for his/her mailing address and the goodies will go in the post.

Super simple and super fun, hey? (Have I said it’s fun enough times? LOL.)  I hope you’ll play and I hope you’ll spread the word/share so more people can get in on the . . . fun. 😉

TODAY’S GIVEAWAY: A sweet twine-dispensing tin (that I covet and don’t want to part with, LOL), a little message pad with a very good reminder/motto for life 🙂, a signed copy of HOOK, LINE & SINKER, 3 or 4 River’s Sigh B & B book charms and minty lip-soothing balm from yours truly!

COMMENT SUGGESTION: What’s your favourite flower? (And, of course, you can say anything else you want, so long as it’s appropriate for all ages. 🙂 🙂 )

***GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED! Holly Stover is our fabulous winner! 🙂 Congrats, Holly!

Next 1st Friday Fun – May 4th, 2018! See you then! 🙂 *** 

 

203 thoughts on “Today, April 6 = 1st Friday Fun!”

  4. I also am anxiously awaiting ” real ” Spring . My favourite flower is the Sweet Pea . I would love to win this prize , there is nothing better than an actual book in your hands . I already have a nice little collection of your charms . Ev’s books and Charm . Kind of goes together doesn’t it ? 😉

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Aw, “Ev’s books and Charm. Kind of goes together doesn’t it?” THAT’S a nice thing for you to say. 🙂 🙂

    I adore sweet peas too and have always wished I could grow them better. My grandpa’s were amazing.

    Good luck in the contest, Kerry–so lovely (as ever!) for you to pop by. (And HERE’S to spring! :D)

    Like

  8. My favorite flower is the rose but also so many other flowers…carnations, nasturtiums, sweet peas, petunias, sweet williams, sun flowers, Mum’s…so very many

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  9. First fave would be lily of the valley followed by sweet peas ❤ Ps you need some chicken or rabbit manure for the best sweet peas !!

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  11. I don’t have a green thumb so I tend to buy flowers. I love the big gerber daisies, they seem like happy flowers. My other favorite is sunflowers 🌻.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Hands down, lilacs are my favorite flower. Unfortunately, they don’t have lilacs in Florida but I enjoyed them, and had them in every yard, when I lived in Ohio.

    Today is my 44th anniversary; it would be cool to win a signed book from you. 🙂

    Speaking of books, when is the next one coming? Hint, hint. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  17. I love roses too, JP–and grow a few varieties. 🙂 🙂 My favorite (of ones I grow myself) are a super hardy antique Russian rose–deep fuchsia and sooo fragrant. ❤ Thanks for coming by! 🙂

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  19. I’ve always wished I could grow clematis, Caroline, but have no luck with them for some reason. 😦 Ah, well–I’ll try again someday. 🙂 Thanks for coming by–and eeeeeiii re: my next book. I can’t wait for you to read REELING either. Soon, very soon! (In fact, watch your inbox . . . there’ll be a cover reveal and a blurb in my next newsletter!) 🙂

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  20. LOL, it’s a hard question for me too, as I, like you (and like my comments reveal), love all flowers. Your choices are all up there with my faves, too. 🙂 Thanks for popping by! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  21. I agree, ButtonsMom. Lilacs are sooo beautiful and as they’re one of the first bloomers here, they’re extra appreciated. 🙂 🙂 And 44 years?! WOWZA! I hope you do something special to celebrate–and I hope you win the signed book too, LOL.

    And on that note . . . REELING is coming very, very soon–and keep an eye on your inbox. There’ll be a cover reveal and blurb in my newsletter–which is also coming soon, LOL. 🙂

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  22. You’re so right, Michelle. Gerber daisies DO seem happy! 🙂 🙂 I buy a lot of flowers too because even though I love to grow things, some plants just don’t like my tend-to-be-chilly part of the world. 🙂 Nice to see you again–and good luck in the draw! Trying to win 2 for 2? 🙂 🙂

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  23. Thanks for popping by, Kim–and ooooohhhh re: jewel weed. You actually named a flower I’ve never heard of before. I just googled it. SO pretty! 🙂 Good luck in the draw and have a lovely weekend!

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  24. Lilly of the Valley are so pretty–and I love that they’re shade dwellers. Perfect for where I live, LOL. And re: sweet peas. Thank you for the tip. I have chickens–thus have lots of manure, lol–and will try again this year! Best of luck in the draw and have a lovely weekend. 🙂

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  25. So very many, indeed! I’m like you, Leanne. Love flowers in all their crazy variety as a whole! 🙂 Good luck in the draw and have a fab weekend. 🙂 🙂

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  27. I am odd because my favorite flower is carnation. I have been told that’s weird. But I love the petals and all the different layers and how the edges give the flower such depth. Second best would be lilies – of all kinds.

    And I am ready for spring – some day soon I hope.

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  29. I love lilacs!! My mother had a beautiful bush in our back yard. Such a wonderful smelling flower. Our town was known for its’ lilacs and we have a lilac festival every year.

    Liked by 1 person

  31. My favorite is also the Lilac. Why ?? Because it lets you know that summer time is almost here. Warm weather, BBQ”s with family and friends and days just to go see the beautiful country side.

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  38. I love daisies. I have them growing all over the garden, most of them are wild — transplanted from the woods — but every so often I splurge and buy good plants. Now my daughter is having them as her bouquet for her July wedding, and there will be daisy plants as centerpieces so we can share the love!

    Liked by 1 person

  48. I love chrysanthemums. There are so many varieties of them.
    They have a very light scent, I have severe allergies.
    Thank you for this wonderful giveaway

    Liked by 1 person

  49. I have an Orchid plant that doesn’t fail me to bloom every late winter into spring. Since we can’t seem to get rid of winter and the cold in MN it’s a ray of sunshine.

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  56. I adore white roses too. They might be my favorite long stem rose, actually–which is weird because when I was younger, red roses (which I still think are gorgeous) were hands down my fave and I felt bad for poor “plain” white ones, which I now feel are the most lovely things ever! 🙂 🙂 Thanks for coming by and good luck in the draw!

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  57. Yes, lilacs are soooo lovely–and such a wonderful harbinger of summer. 🙂 Thank you for coming by, Sarah–and best of luck in the draw for the goodies. 🙂

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  58. Azaleas are so showy and gorgeous, Linda. I heartily agree with your choice, LOL. 🙂 🙂 Thanks for coming by and fingers crossed in the draw! 🙂

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  60. I hear you, Kim. _All_ spring flowers are lovely–and at this point, I’d be happy just to see grass, let alone flowers, LOL. Thank you for coming by! Good luck in the contest. 🙂

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  62. Irises are soooo lovely. For many years, especially when I was a kid, they were my favorite too (tied with sweetpeas)–now I have too many favorites, but they’re still up there! 🙂 Thank you for coming by, Hannah, and you’re so welcome re: the giveaway opportunity. It’s my (fun!) pleasure. Good luck! 😉

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  63. Aw, that is SO fun, Sandy. Daisies are another one of those simple but spectacular (and so cheery!) flowers–and that fact that you’ve passed on your love to your daughter and now they’ll be part of her life story is . . . just awesome. So sweet! Congrats on the upcoming celebration–and thank you for coming by and sharing. 🙂 ❤

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  65. I had to look up your Admiral Semmes rose, RS. Omigoodness, sooooooooooooo pretty. And named after one of your ancestors? Very fancy! 😉 Do you grow them too? I might have to see if they could survive up where I live. 🙂 Thanks for coming by and best of luck in the draw!

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  66. You’re so welcome, Natalya, and good luck in the draw!

    P.S. Yes, carnations are wonderful. I love how long they last and how beautiful they stay as cut flowers. 🙂

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  72. Yes, lilacs definitely have one of the loveliest scents, Sharon. And a lilac festival? So fun! I have three big lilac bushes that I hope my kids and grankids will fondly associate with me one day. 🙂 Thanks for sharing and good luck in the contest!

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  77. I don’t think it’s weird to love carnations best AT ALL, Samantha–for all your reasons PLUS they make such lovely, long lasting cut flowers.

    And I hear you. I am ready for spring–2 months ago, ahahahahaha. Hope we both get it soon. 😉 Thanks for coming by and best of luck in the contest!

    Like

  79. Very nice, Catedid. I have a peony that my mom had in her flower bed–and she passed away when she was just 42, so it’s extra special to me.

    Thank you for coming by and good luck !:)

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  80. Yes, Easter lilies–every lily, actually–are incredibly lovely, Jennifer. Thanks for dropping in. You’re very welcome re: the chance to win (it’s my pleasure!). Good luck! 🙂

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  82. “Wisteria and Roses” – Sooo pretty and would make a wonderful book or short story title. If I ever use it, I will credit you, Jayme. 🙂 🙂 Thanks for coming by and good luck in the draw. 🙂

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  85. Thanks so much for coming by, Deborah–and you’re very welcome re: the giveaway. I’ve been having a lot of fun arranging the prizes. 🙂 🙂 I don’t have allergies, but I feel a ton of sympathy for folks who do because there are sooo many smells (as you know too well!). Mums ARE fantastic–so bright and vivid, with so many color varieties. I will have to remember that they work for you, and see if they will for some of my other scent-sensitive friends. 🙂

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  86. My favorite flower is……. The first one I see this year that can make it past the repeating snow!!!!!

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  87. My favorite flower is…. The first one I see this year that can overcome the show that keeps showing up when it should be gone, lol

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  88. My favorite flower is..,. The first one I see this year that can overcome the snow that keeps showing up when it should be gone, lol.

    Liked by 1 person

  91. My favorite flower, even used for our wedding, is the raspberry and white tulip. Not the shaggy edged but the smooth is nicer.

    Liked by 1 person

  97. Pansies are my favorite flower. I really like the small ones the best (sometimes called violas).
    I have a few that grow wild on my lawn and it hurts when the lawn guy comes and just mows them down. I would move them but I’m not much of a gardener and am at an age that limits my mobility.

    Liked by 1 person

  100. My favorites are Pansies. My father used to buy me a flat of Pansies every year for my (April) birthday and tell me I had to plant them in a different spot every time. I dug all my mother’s flower beds out so I would have a different place to plant my flowers! Sneaky dad!!

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  104. I am also a huge fan of the Lilac. They are both pretty and smell amazing. Although I have rarely seen a real version the stargazer lily is nice to look at as well. And though i haven’t seen any in many years we used to have a pussy willow tree in our yard and that just reminds me of spring.

    Liked by 1 person

  105. My favorite flower is the late Spring Iris. I have a planting of white irises and pink peonies. They both remind me of the wealth of beauty and diversity flowers offer us,

    Liked by 1 person

  107. Lilacs are my favorite. As a child our neighbor had old lilacs about 18 feet tall and we were allowed to pick some for our mothers. The scent was heavenly and to this day, it brings wonderful memories.

    Liked by 1 person

  109. Tulips are my favorite. My mom enjoys them, a very good friend is living in Holland where they grow and they remind me of the start of spring. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  113. I know it’s cliche, but I love roses and and I grow many varieties in my garden. There’s so much choice of shape, colour and scent. Sadly, no matter how well I winterize I always end up losing one or two over our cold winter. The good news is that I have a reason to go to the nursery and pick out some new specimens to replace them.

    Liked by 1 person

  116. My favorite flower is yellow daffodils. They are so bright and sunny which warms the heart when you see them bloom. I love flowers in general but the daffodils are my favorite. Hard to think of spring when we had flurries here in Virginia yesterday.

    Liked by 1 person

  125. Pingback: Reeling by Ev Bishop! #sweet contemporary romance #River's Sigh B & B #mgtab - The Authors' Billboard

  126. I love pansies too, Michelle—and once wrote a story about the little men in their faces. 🙂 Thanks for coming by and good luck in the contest! 🙂

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  128. Hello, Sherry. 🙂 Thanks so much for coming by. Did you know that I’ve never smelled or seen a fresh Gardenia in real life, only read about them, seen pictures? I hope I get to one day! And re: ” although all flowers are wonderful ( just like all of your books!)”–aw, thanks! I’m honored–and it was very nice compliment to wake up to this morning! 🙂 🙂 Good luck in the draw!

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  130. All flowers with gorgeous bright colors, Judy! And thank you for reading. I’m delighted you enjoy my books. 🙂 🙂 Best of luck in the contest and thank you for dropping in! 🙂

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  134. I love daffodils too, Teresa–especially because they’re one of the first bits of cheery, promising color after winter. “They are so bright and sunny which warms the heart when you see them bloom”–absolutely! 🙂

    And I feel your pain re: it being hard to think of spring when you’re still getting snow flurries. We still have staying snow on the ground, all around! Ugh!

    Best of luck in the draw and here’s to spring arriving for you (and me!) soon. 🙂

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  137. No way, Chris B–loving roses IS NOT a cliche. Not at all! 🙂 I love them too and just started cultivating more than just my one favorite variety (and now they’re all my favorites, LOL)–but I hear you on the sadness about losing them over cold winters. Two years ago, I lost all my new ones. But yes–was a good excuse to find more. 🙂 Good luck in the draw and thanks for dropping in! 🙂

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  138. *Waves* So nice to see you, Yvonne. I love tulips too (have a big bouquet on my dining room table right now, actually)–and so totally agree: all flowers brighten and lighten our lives. 🙂 Good luck in the draw!

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  143. Lovely, Sharon. It is crazy the way certain scents have the power to take us back, hey? 🙂 Thanks for sharing your lovely memory and for coming by. 🙂 Good luck in the contest!

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  145. I have loved late late spring irises (and iris grass) since I was a little girl, Patricia. 🙂 (Also, your mixed planting of white irises and pink peonies sounds gorgeous!) Thanks for sharing and good luck in the draw! 🙂

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  146. Another lilac lover! 🙂 🙂 Pretty blooms aside, I even love the name stargazer lily! And pussy willows . . . yes, so springy and delightful. Thanks for coming by, Janet, and best of luck in the draw! 🙂

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  147. Soooo pretty, Deborah! I wasn’t familiar with rose of Sharon, so I looked it up. 🙂 🙂 (Now I want one! :D) Thanks for coming by and good luck! 🙂

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  148. Yes, you can never go wrong with carnations–for any occasion. Just perfect and pretty in every way, Sandra. 🙂 Thanks for coming by and good luck in the draw!

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  149. Both smell heavenly–and are so vibrant and gorgeous. I’ve never tried my hand at hibiscuses though, Jane. Perhaps I’ll try! And re: the opportunity–the pleasure is mine. Good luck! 🙂

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  150. LOL, that is a great story, Susan–sneaky dad, indeed! 😀 😀 (But also very sweet. My dad would often buy me an Amaryllis every winter . . . Dads who buy their kids flowers are special people. 🙂 <3) Thanks for coming by and good luck in the draw! I hope you have a fun spring and get some pansies in! 🙂

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  152. Totally with you, Sherri. Tiger lillies are grrrrrr-reat! So dramatic and showy, but easy to grow. Thanks for coming by and best of luck in the contest! 🙂

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  154. Pansies are delightful, Pat–but you’re so right, tiny, perfect violas are especially lovely. Your lawn guy would aggravate me too. 😦 😦 But hey . . . at least another cool thing about pansies and their relations is that they are indomitable and will come back. If I lived near you, I’d come and move them for you though. Have a lovely spring–and best of luck in the draw!

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  156. Lilacs are a crowd pleaser around here too, Karen–maybe because like in CO, in BC, they bloom (HOPEFULLY) around the end of May and kick off kinder, gentler weather and balmy days. 🙂 🙂 And such a lovely wedding flower. 🙂 Thanks for sharing and good luck in the draw!

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  157. You must live somewhere really hot or dry, Jackie? There’s always trade-offs, hey–but I would miss lilacs too. I will try to take a picture when (if, LOL) winter ever leaves and my big lilac bush blooms in May or June–and I’ll shout out to you in my newsletter with it. 🙂 Thanks for dropping in and good luck in the draw!

    Like

  159. Omigoodness, Devika—frangipani are soooo pretty and I love fragrant plants. I’d never heard of them before and had to look them up. 🙂 I wish they could grow where I live, but perhaps as a house plant . . . 🙂 Thanks for sharing and you’re very welcome re: the giveaway. Good luck! 🙂

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  163. You’re so welcome, Candy. 🙂 Good luck! And yes, orchids are divine, aren’t they? I’m always blown away by the huge, crazy variety of flowers that exist.

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  164. “My favorite flower is..,. The first one I see this year that can overcome the snow that keeps showing up when it should be gone, lol.”–Ahhahahaahahahahahaha! _This_. _Me._ 😀 😀 (And yes, the snow should be GONE!!!!!! :D) Thanks for coming by, Dana, and best of luck in the draw! 🙂

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  166. I have nor read any of your books, but they look real cute! On my wish list.
    Some of my favorite flowers – lillies, irises, lilacs, and panseys to name a few. But I think my old time favorite has always been Black eyed Susan, I’ve loved them since I was a kid.

    -Wendy Wall-to-wall books

    Liked by 1 person

  167. I love tulips and roses. I love flowers and could probably give a long list. I’m not a picky person at all that’s why I say there are so many. Thank you for this amazing chance. Blessings to you

    Liked by 1 person

  168. My favorite flower is lily of the valley my birth month flower (May).
    Can’t wait till spring gets here, don’t like the cold weather and I am retiring in 2 months Yeah! Hope I win.

    Liked by 1 person

  171. I love the flowers on strawberry plamts! They are pretty and foretell of the yummy fruit that is soon to come. I get everbearing strawberry plants, so from May until frost, I get berries. Then there are annual flowers that I just discovered at a local nursery, they have blue flowers that open during the day and close at night. They were named “bluing my mind”.

    Liked by 1 person

  175. My favorite flower is…alstroemerias also known as the Peruvian Lily. Was the very first flower my husband bought me when we first started dating!!

    Liked by 1 person

  180. I had to look “alstroemerias also known as the Peruvian Lily” up, Jennie–and to my delight, you answered a question for me. My hubby has bought those lovely flowers for me before too, but I never knew what they were! Thanks. 🙂 🙂 And kudos to your lovely now-husband. A man who brings flowers early on in the dating days is a usually a keeper. 🙂 🙂 Thanks for visiting and good luck in the draw!

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  183. I love peonies too, Robin. They were one of my mom’s favorites and will always be extra special because of that–and then my daughter, who was only 2 when my mom passed–chose them as her wedding flower. She didn’t even know peonies were her grandma’s favorite, so that was pretty . . . lovely. 🙂 Thanks for dropping in and good luck in the draw! 🙂

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  184. Oooo, your “Bluing my mind” flowers sound beyond lovely, Karen. I will have to see if I can find them here! And I hear you on strawberry plants’ pretty flowers too. So pretty to look at and then yielding such yummy results. 🙂 🙂 Thanks for popping by and good luck!

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  185. Purple tulips are so fun, Rlptx. (Actually one of the things I love about tulips best is how they come in soooo many amazing, vibrant shades.) Thanks for visiting and good luck in the contest! 🙂

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  187. I’m a May baby too, Linda! 🙂 Let’s hear it for all us little lilies of the valley, LOL. I also dislike cold (and long winters), so I’ll join you in wishing hard for spring. Happy retirement (woot, woot!) and good luck in the draw! 🙂

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  188. I hope you will give my books a try, Wendy! I’ll be honored if you do. 🙂 🙂 And re: Black eyed Susans–yes, soooo fun. I’m surprised they weren’t mentioned more often here . . . but I think most of us are having a hard time choosing favorites. 🙂 🙂 Have a great day and good luck in the draw!

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  189. Gerbera daisies are my sister’s favorite too, Laurie–and they’re so bright and fun (another reader called them “cheerful”) that I totally get it. We sadly don’t have gardenias here, but I love lilacs and hibiscus too. Have a great day and thanks for dropping in. Good luck in the contest! 🙂

    Like

  190. I love water lilies. We go canoeing in Boundary Waters sometimes and the lilies are beautiful. Man the beauty in nature.
    By the way the cover in that book is super cute.
    Have a great day y’all.

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  191. “Man, the beauty in nature” is so right, Clara! I am always blown away by it. Glad you liked the book cover! 🙂 ❤

    P.S. Water lilies are insanely beautiful and mystical seeming somehow–like I'm in a Disney Princess movie whenever I see them. 🙂 And nice: canoeing. I'm treating myself to a fishing Kyak for my birthday this year. Can not wait for the adventures it will give me access to. 🙂

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  192. My favorite flower is a yellow tulip and I have no idea why… back at the time it became my favorite I didn’t even like the color yellow. I also love orchids and who doesn’t love to smell the lilacs?

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  193. LOL, Tina! It is funny that you adopted yellow tulips as your favorite flower when you didn’t even like the color yellow at the time. They’re so cheery though and such a classic though that I don’t blame you. 🙂 (And yes, re: orchids and lilacs. Who doesn’t, indeed!? 🙂 ) Thanks so much for coming by and best of luck in the draw! 🙂

    Like

  197. I saw Birds of Paradise for the first time, en masse, when my hubby and I took our kids to Disneyland. They are crazily fabulous, Starzine–and TOTALLY look like birds! We loved them. 🙂 Thanks for coming by and good luck in the draw! 🙂

    Like

  200. I truly love Spring. In my yard, tulips, daffodils, mountain laurel and crocus are coming up and blooming. Lilacs are budding. The crabapple, redbud, and pear trees are blooming; just waiting on the dogwood and apple trees. I really enjoy seeing all of the beautiful flowers and trees blooming and especially all of the wild redbud and dogwood trees blooming in the woods. Just so beautiful.

    I really enjoy reading all of your books and look forward to reading “Reeling” when it comes out in May.

    Liked by 1 person

  201. Dear Anita,

    Your yard sounds beyond lovely–and it was just the lovely little spring break I needed today, LOL. My yard–if you can believe it!–is still (mostly) snow-covered. Enjoy all your pretty blooming things immensely, and thank you for the reminder that SPRING WILL COME HERE TOO. 🙂

    I’m so glad you enjoy my books and hope you love REELING when it comes out in May.

    Good luck in the draw and have a lovely weekend,
    🙂 Ev

    Like

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