Friday Fun Facts: Reasons to Smile

Happy Friday, everyone! It's the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend here in the U.S., and while that usually means days off from school and pools opening and backyard get-togethers, it also means that it's time for us to remember why we have a Memorial Day, to honor and remember those who have served and lost their lives for our country:

 

While you're taking some time to relax and reflect this weekend, here are a couple of videos that are well worth watching, if you haven't seen them already. We love our animals and the way they make us smile, don't we?

 



Monday Mentionables: A Litte Catching Up to Do...

Happy Monday, everyone! First off, congrats to winners of two recent giveaways:

Karen H from NC won the $50 Barnes & Noble gift card for commenting during my Beacon of Love review tour!

And Sherry Strode won the $10 Amazon gift card from The Romance Studio's Release Party on May 9th!

Congrats to both readers - and thanks, as always, for following along on my cyber world adventures. If you haven't yet entered my latest giveaway through Black Lion Tours, another $10 Amazon gift card PLUS any of my back ebooks, make sure to click on this link right here and do so before the end of the day today: Allie's Black Lion Tour Book Blast

In other news, it was a rough weekend here, as one of our beloved cats passed away unexpectedly :( It's always tough to lose a pet, and she was young, only 4 years old. I do find comfort in the Rainbow Bridge poem - have you read it? It's worth posting here, if only for my own solace.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....  Author unknown...

Have a wonderful week, everyone.