Spring is just about here (whether the weather cooperates, or not, is a whole other story) and I think it’s time for a celebration (sort of) and a contest (definitely).

First things first, though, and in keeping with the springtime theme: Let me introduce you to one of my favorite blogs. Go to www.boisdejasmin.com and see if you don’t agree with me that it’s one of the loveliest sites ever. Victoria Frolova, Perfumista Extraordinaire, writes about all the facets of fragrance in an eloquent and evocative style that will have you hooked. So, I guess this is a small confession on my part: I’m CRAZEE about perfume and am always on the hunt for the perfect fragrance for me. It’s a very hard job, by the way, as there are so few perfumes that actually work for me. Having said that, I also must tell you that I have what seems like hundreds of perfume samples and I’ve run out of friends to give them to.

And why, you ask, am I going on and on about perfume, of all things?
Because, dear readers, Victoria/Bois de Jasmin and I are holding a contest together.

Y’see, this year - on the first day of spring - I turn (gulp!) sixty years of age and I figured why not combine my love of books and writing with my love of perfume and flowers. So here’s the deal: on March 21st get thee to Bois de Jasmin and find your way to the contest announcement , and then enter it. Simple as that! Just follow the “rules” and you’ll be eligible to win one of 5 prizes: Four readers/commenters will win 6 perfume samples each from my wide and varied selection, and the fifth prizewinner will get 6 perfume samples AND an autographed copy of my first novel, “Remember The Time.” (It’s out of print, so it won’t be a new copy, but I’ll send out the best one I can find.)

And I wouldn’t leave “A Sea Change” out of the celebration, so it will be specially priced at $3.21 for the whole month of March.

So, come one - come all! Join in the celebration: of Spring, of my 60th, and of the renewal of life on earth.