I hope your 2012 is off to a great start. My family and I have committed this year to getting healthy. I'm eating better, exercising and feeling great. I don't know why I put off getting healthy because when I'm on track with my diet and exercise lots of other things just seem to fall into place as well. I'm getting caught up on my writing schedule. I've already turned in one manuscript to my editor and working on the final chapters in another book. As soon as I know the release dates I'll let you know! You can follow my weight loss progress on MyFitnessPal. Keep an eye out for my Lucy Monroe Reader Fitness Challenge coming in April — just in time for swimsuit season.

February is mom's birthday month. I've gone through a lot of hard firsts this year but I'm determined to make her birthday a day of celebration instead of mourning. Don't get me wrong, it will be an emotional day, but a day of celebration and not loss. Since mom's 50th birthday, my sisters, and I took birthday weekend trips (little retreats) so mom could celebrate her birthday with just her girls. We took trips to the beach, eastern Oregon, trips to beautiful Victoria, British Columbia and near the end, when mom couldn't travel anymore, we stayed at a hotel here in town. I'm so grateful for the time we all got to spend together and will forever cherish those memories. It will be difficult this year without her, but my sisters and I have decided to take one final birthday trip together to celebrate her life.

In honor of my mother, I'm holding a special contest offered only to my newsletter recipients — that's you! It is simple to enter and it is something my mom would have absolutely loved — women (and men) sharing memories of their mom. All you need to do is like my Facebook Fans page, click on the note titled "Mom's Birthday Wishes" and leave a special memory about you and your mom. At the end of the month I will chose a winner to receive a gift card to Amazon.com. Although anyone can leave a comment, only those who are subscribers to the newsletter will be entered in this special contest honoring my mom. I will announce the winner in the March Newsletter.

Wherever this newsletter finds you, I wish you and your family well. May you find your way through this crazy thing we call life knowing that you have the support of your family and friends.

Hugs,
Lucy Monroe

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