I haven’t said much about it, but I’ve been following the auctions for Larissa Ione. I don’t know Larissa, but she and her family lost almost everything in Hurricane Katrina. For someone I don’t know, her paths cross mine in several places–she’s an Air Force veteran, a writer, she loves animals, and her husband is a member of the Coast Guard. I’m current Air Force, a writer, love animals, and my ex-husband spent four years in the Coast Guard. My hubby is an Air Force veteran. Military try to take care of their own. I’m glad to see writers do too.

I bid on several of the first day auction items and was outbid on each. One item was Monica Jackson’s crit. I chased it up to my limit and had to concede. Imagine my surprise this morning when I checked my inbox and there was an email from The Dominatrix herself informing me the winner of her crit had given it to me.

I’m certain public acknowledgement isn’t desired and may not even be welcome. But this was a wonderful gift in so many ways. Most importantly, Larissa’s family suffering will be eased a little more. Monica’s critique would have been valuable to me no matter what, but now I feel almost like I’ve gotten two for one. The winner could have given the critique to anyone she wanted, and I’m honored to have been chosen for this one.

Now, I have to toughen my hide for the sting of The Dominatrix’s whip. Those stilettos have both tall, sharp heels and long, pointy toes. And I must remember, no whining. Twilight will be on it’s way by tomorrow (I’m changing my 1 page synopsis to a 5-pager and need to excise the first 30 pages from the novel file first.) So, like it or not, thank you PBW.