Such Devoted Sisters!

Relationships with sisters are special. Growing up in the same household, sisters can be the best of friends, the worst of enemies, or somewhere in between. In Finding Felicity, Madeline is estranged from her only sister, until a letter from Italy arrives.

I have one sister ... and we are not estranged! When I lived in Los Angeles, it was so much easier to see her! We would get together for a movie. Or to go shopping. We loved to go to the Ventura County Fair near Santa Barbara; she enjoyed the garden displays and I loved the horses! Now that I live on the East Coast, our time together is different. She visits for a few days and it's just the two of us. We hang out. Watch movies - really loved Eat Pray Love!  Last December, she came out and we enjoyed all the Christmas festivities in Historic Downtown Apex -  Here's a picture of us enjoying high tea at The Pineapple Tea Room on Salem St.

When we were growing up, a family tradition was to watch the old White Christmas movie, with Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney.  My sister and I can sing the Sisters song by heart!

I invite your comments: How do you and your sister spend time together? How do you keep the connection close, even over long distances?

Find me on Facebook!

I admit I'm not the most tech savvy person, but I finally got my own facebook page!  Become a fan and "like" my page:

www.facebook.com/monicamarlowe

Phew!

Cheers!

Isn't it great to sit back and relax after a long week and enjoy a glass of wine?  Wine plays a role in Finding Felicity, and without giving too much away, let's just say that without a second glass of wine, Madeline may never have met Anthony!  What would have happened then?!

When doing research for this book, I was surprised to learn that some monasteries have vineyards and produce their own wine.  Others, beer.  Here's a link to an article from Wine Enthusiast magazine about divine wine; cheers!

http://www.winemag.com/Wine-Enthusiast-Magazine/February-2010/Holy-Wine/

Good Night and God Bless

The inspiration for Finding Felicity came from many sources.  An investment banker I was dating.  Dreams of travelling to Italy.  My own spiritual seeking.

Living in Los Angeles, one of my favorite things to do was to drive up to Ojai or Santa Barbara for the weekend or even a day.  On one visit, I stumbled upon a monastary that offered rooms for personal retreat.  Intrigued, I decided to book a weekend.

The monastery was high in the Santa Barbara hills overlooking the shimmering Pacific.  My room was much like the one depicted in Finding Felicity. small and spartan.  During my stay, the Santa Anas were in full force with strong winds blowing in the hillside.  In the middle of the night, my window started banging loudly in the winds and the next thing I knew, a monk was standing in my room!  The doors had no locks and not realizing a guest was in the room, he came in to check on the noise. 

I jumped out of bed - grateful I was actually wearing a nightgown - and he jumped back, too!  We stood looking at each other and he started mumbling about the window.  He closed it quickly, and hurried out of my room.

Yes ... he was handsome.  And yes ... the idea for Finding Felicity was born.

Here's a link to a book about monastery accomodations ... why not?

Guide to Monastary Accomodations