Today I am off to buy a bit of this and a touch of that for the store. It opens two weeks from today and I am running like a chicken with its head cut off--only, not as attractive. Compelling? Yes--but attractive? Let's just say I don't look good in paint. The face crimson with exertion from painting the walls of said store doesn't look too good on me, either. The Spouse is off this morning to finish the rest of it while I get to shop. Can I just say Hallelujah? (Bless you, Spouse!)

Before I go, I would like to do a little review on the giveaways going on this month. I feel like people aren't taking full advantage and that makes me sad. All you have to do to be entered in any of these giveaways (which means "free", people, free!) is to comment on the appropriate post. The reason for insisting you go and comment somewhere other than here is to help me keep track and by so doing, avoid the spectacular melt-down that is already brewing. If I could only look like Merle Oberon's Catherine whilst I did so, it could almost be worth it. (Alas, aging dames with stunning daughters aren't cut very much slack in this world. If one in such a position should have a spectacular meltdown, one should do it in utter privacy. Better yet, skip it all together.)

So, take pity on me (as well as any and all potential witnesses) and make sure that, if you desire this painting with every fiber of your being (as do I), please go HERE and make a comment. Of course, additional entries can be earned by following the instructions there-in. None of them are hard, just a tad inconvenient, but I would say this painting is worth it. Jana, the artist, has agreed to sell some of her work at Dunhaven Place, TRE. I am thrilled!!!

These are the twins. They don't look a lot alike. Perhaps I should have referred to them as "soul mates". No matter. They are yours for the price of a comment and the luck of the draw. How hard can this be? If you already have the first one, you can give it away. If you feel hesitant as to whether or not these books are for you, check out the reviews in my side bar. They make excellent reading in and of themselves so you won't be sorry. If, after that, you decide you want to give these a whirl, go HERE. (See my sidebar for three chances to win a copy of the singleton, Miss Delacourt Has Her Day.)

Which brings me to this week's giveaway. It's coming . . . later this week. What's coming up right now is a new perspective on Miss Delacourt Has Her Day as written by Janelle of Regally Blonde, a talented blogger and mother of four tow-headed girls who are darling and sweet and lots of fun. I first met Janelle when she came to my book signing for Miss Delacourt Speaks Her Mind but we already "knew" each other a bit through blogging. She asked me to come and visit with her book group and talk about Miss D which was a lot of fun. Since then, she has been a great support to me in many aspects of my life. I appreciate her taking the time to review MD2 for me. The perspective from which she presents her review is certainly a unique one and a very loving and thoughtful one that had me leaking quite a bit from the eyeballs. Love you, Janelle!

A fresh perspective is always a good thing. The photo above is the first one I received of Miss Delacourt's Roses from the artist. It's lovely and wonderful. Then, the other day, I received a photo of it that was a bit different (see below).

The colors are more clear and bright and the painting is turned sideways. She explained to me that it was meant to be vertical but she suddenly decided she liked it better arranged horizontally. That is one of the things I love about this painting--no matter which way you turn it, It. Is. Gorgeous. And so are each of you.