Well, one and all, I'm happy to announce that Ambrose the cat from "The Nine Lives of Christmas" may be poised to become a movie star. This book has been optioned for film and right now it's looking like a year from Christmas we'll be watching as Ambrose works hard to keep his 9th life by bringing together a commitment phobic fireman and a shy cat whisperer. Of course, we'll keep you posted.

    Recently my husband Gerhardt and I got in a discussion about people we admire. A few special people came to mind right away. Interestingly enough, they weren't world figures like Mother Teresa, Billy Graham or Oprah. They were people who have been a big part of my life, people I've observed close-up for many years, people I've seen making a difference in their own small sphere of influence.
    My mother and grandmother came to mind - both amazing women who had an impact on their families and communities. I'll never come close to being the woman they were but with what's left of my life I sure want to try and come close.
    And then there's my big brother. Oh, where to begin? He's the patriarch of our family and has hosted huge family gatherings at Christmas for as long as I can remember. (And gigantic extended family picnics!) After our parents died he and his amazing wife took on Thanksgiving, too. Over the years, in addition to raising their own children, this couple has taken in foster kids, coached sports teams, and generally been there for anyone and everyone who needed a good meal and a helping hand. Anyone with no place to go during the holidays was always welcome at their table. Now a great-grandpa, my big bro is taking voice lessons and going to vocal competitions (in between helping his kids with their various home improvement projects). And he's showing up at his baby sister's book signings in goofy costumes! I always loved the character of George Bailey in "It's a Wonderful Life" - maybe because he reminds me of my brother. Only my bro never loses his temper!
    Then, of course, there's my husband. He's always there in a crisis. He's like the Rock of Gibraltar with legs. He's hugely supportive of everything I do and he hates it when I leave him to go off for girlfriend weekends.
    None of these people are perfect but they are wonderful. I hope someday someone will say that about me, too.
    And how about you? Who do you admire?