Welcome Guest Blogger Christine Rimmer!
On Tiaras, Purple Rooms, and a Chance to Win a Christmas Treat…
Hi everyone. Great to be back for a guest spot on Exploding Cigars!
First up, I have to say that I’m totally thrilled for my plot-group pal, Kate Carlisle. Kate sold for the first time in October. I congratulated her copiously in email—and then I waited. I sent her flowers just the other day. Bright red ones in a square vase. I thought it would be nice, after all the flowers had been sent, to get one more bunch of them… I didn’t want the glory to fade.
Maybe I should have sent her a tiara, as well. All writers need tiaras. Scratch that. All women need tiaras. We need that special something that reminds us we are queens of our own particular world.
At one time, I did have a tiara I might have given her. It was bejeweled, as are all tiaras. And, as I recall, sprinkled with stars.
It was presented to me by the Sacramento Chapter of Romance Writers of America a few years ago when I went there to speak. It was an all day workshop on Setting. Don’t you wish you’d been there? Some people even stayed awake. Mwahaha.
That tiara had a train. A tulle train. Isn’t that what they call that netting-looking stuff that they make bridal veils out of? I mean, out of which they make bridal veils?
Anyway, the train was pink and purple, also sprinkled with little stars. I went to see my mom right after I gave the workshop and thus had the tiara with me. My mom just loved it. She was eyeing it for her purple room.
Yes. That’s what I said. Her purple room. My mom’s purple room is a very special place. It’s her meditation room. It’s in the basement of her house in the mountains and it is seriously purple. My mom loves purple. In this room she keeps all kinds of treasures, little figurines and bits of crystal and stuff. There are also tomes on personal growth, religion and just generally the search for enlightenment. In this room, she writes poems and in her journal and she prays. And meditates. I believe, to my mom, prayer and meditation are the same thing. But don’t quote me on that. Ask my mom.
The purple room is simply uplifting. My mom is very into spiritual growth. So what happened to me? Well, this is probably not the place to go into that…
Back to the purple room. And the tiara I had once.
So during that visit to the Sacramento Chapter and the mountains of my childhood, I slept in the purple room. I think I found enlightenment. In my dreams. Unfortunately, then I woke up…
And when I woke up, I saw the tiara dripping stars and tulle, hanging across the room where I’d draped it attractively the night before. And I remembered my sweet mom, oohing and ahhing over the thing and, well, I started thinking it would only get crushed in my suitcase.
So I gave it to her.
And I’m doing fine without it. After all, I still have the banner my friend Susan Crosby made for me back when I left California for the wide open spaces of where I live now (hint: where the wind comes whistlin’ down the plains…)
That banner proudly proclaims me a Member Emeritus—that would be of the Sacramento Valley Rose RWA chapter—as well as Queen of the World. In pink. With hearts… Can’t go far wrong with a banner—or a friend—like that. Now I’m fine, after all, without a tiara. I just look at my banner when I want to feel regal. It works just great.
And you? What makes you feel special—and regal—this time, or any time, of year? If you are a registered user at Cigars, post a comment here for a chance to win copies two of my past Christmas releases, Scrooge and the Single Girl and Bravo Unwrapped, as well as an adorable Christmas box filled with lemon cookies and decorated with bells. I'll announce the winner by Sunday evening. I’m telling you, it’s almost as good as a Tiara, that box!
Happy Holidays, everyone!















Hi Christine
Welcome. Someday you'll have to stop by Make Mine Supers on eharlequin, where we all wear tiaras--except for me. I wear a fedora, but it's very cool. I love the idea of your mother's purple room. I have a purple chair that I curl up when I need to escape. Or think. Or nap. I wonder why purple is so good for the soul?
Great to have you here,
Jeannie
Me, either
Though I am only a Super author-in-waiting, I am sort of tiara phobic, I think -- it's just so not me. I can't wear hats, I get hat hair. Now, if we're talking a nice necklace, say, from Tiffany's, that would do the trick...
I have a half-purple living room -- a soft purple on the bottom third, separated by a thin molding with a nice coordinating gold on the top part of the wall... love it. :)
Sam
Hey, Sam!
Tiara-phobic. Love it! And well, okay. I'll take something from Tiffany's in a pinch...
Your living room sounds heavenly.
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Hi Jeannie!
Thanks for the warm welcome. Hmm. A blog with all tiaras all the time. How could I miss it? I'll be there! Ooooo. A purple chair. Fit for a queen, absolutely.
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
RIMMing in the holidays!
Christine Dahling!
Your Mom sounds just as cool as you are. And no I'm not blowing smoke to win. You knows I loves ya!! I had to stop in and comment. I'm really into the color purple now. And I once gave my Mom a tiara. Though I gave it to her for reasons which I shall not go into here. I am myself and don't try to be anyone else. That's what makes me feel special.
Happy Holidays, Christine!
MelissaK
Hey, Mel!
That is you, isn't it? My very fave princess? Better be. You are exactly right: You're you and nobody else. You're the best!
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
"Sleigh bells RIMM are ya listenin'...."
Christine, my little turtle dove.
Yes, 'tis I your favorite princess and number one fan! What a sweet thing to say! Thank you. You're fabulous!
MelissaK
Welcome, Christine!
Hi Christine! It's so great to have you here today! BTW, I love the cover of your book, and it sounds like a great story, too. (How come I couldn't look like that when I was expecting??)
My writing pals at the Moody Muses presented me with a tiara when I sold my first book, and I confess that I really enjoyed wearing that glittering little crown. I've since passed it on to fellow Muse, Dee Eagan, whose debut novel hits bookstore shelves tomorrow (I've heard Dee wears it when she vacuums).
As far as what makes me feel regal? I have this gorgeous shawl that a girlfriend gave me. I wrap it around myself when I curl up to write, or when I want a little something extra when I go out. It feels nice to the touch, and reminds me of my friend and all the great times we've had together.
Congratulations on your Christmas release; can't wait to read this one!
Hi Karen!
Thanks!
Re my cover. I love that soft light with all those christmas decorations. Heaven. Sadly, I didn't look much like my heroine when I was pregnant, either.
Now there's an idea. Passing the tiara. I love that. and I know what you mean about a great shawl. Shawls have such flow and they can be worn so many ways...
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Hmm, special or regal, huh?
Hmm, special or regal, huh? Well, I can't think of anything along those lines, but since I got the sweatshirts that I live in at home, they are mighty comfy! :)
Lois
Lois...
Comft sweatshirst are the best. :)
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Wow!
Maybe I need a tiara... (my daughter wears one often, and she does behave in an imperious fashion quite often--wonder if that's related...)
I have a strand of pearls my parents gave me before I got married that I wear to feel more elegantly put together.
And I do have a fedora, but never wear it ;) I'm not really the hat-wearing type...
Hey Fedora!
Oh, yes. Pearls. Absolutely. The DH bought me a nice strand and earrings to match. I feel like an empress when I wear them.
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Tiaras
Hi Christine!
I don't think I've ever owned a tiara but it's not a problem since my own height has made me feel regal for many years.
Hi Maureen!
I so agree. Height will do it. I'd love to be a smidge taller...
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Christmas
I love reading stories that have Christmas theme
Hey Beth R,
I love reading them, too--and writing them. ;)
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Hi Christine
Hi Christine. I love the cover of your Christmas book.
I don't have a tiara but what makes me feel regal this time of the year is giving to others.
CrystalGB,
Thank you--or should I say, I'm grateful to the art department? I think it's pretty, and as we've already mentioned, we should all look like that when we're pregnant!
Giving to others. Yeah. I like that one.
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Hi Chris!!
What a shock to receive flowers out of the blue!! Thank you!
And guess what -- they are even prettier than that picture shows, with lots of deep red roses and some amazing feathery variegated tulips - dark red with tiny lines of darker red and purple. Amazing!! Even better than a tiara!
I love your description of your mom's purple room, and it's so sweet that you gave her the tiara. I think it definitely served a higher purpose. And you still have your fabulous banner! :-)
Thanks again! It's good to see you out in the blogosphere!!
P.S. Hi Tawny!! ;-)
Kate!
So glad the flowers were pleasing. I confess, I have a thing for square vases, so that was part of why I chose those. Plus, the guy at the flower shop was a hoot.
A higher purpose, oh, my! Fershure, baby.
And yes, I'm out here...now and then. :)
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Tiara
I've always wanted a tiara like the ones that beauty queens are presented with. I never even had a toy one. I do have a jeweled wand that I bought at a dollar store. It feels good just to wield that around.
Hi Jane!
Exactly! Just to have one. That's all it takes. ;)
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
I was given a tiara once
I was given a tiara once when I was several decades younger and I hated it. The reason I wanted to be a boy and get to do all the things they did. This was (as I mentioned) several decades ago before girls could participate in sports with the boys.
I think it was very gracious of you to leave your tiara for your mom in her purple room.
I never thot about being regal because it doesn't go with my personality. What makes me feel special? I guess I never gave that much thought.
Ellen...
I love this discussion. It's so fascinating how a tiara means something a little different to each of us. But yes! Whatever works for you. That's the "right" thing...
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Love the book cover! I have
Love the book cover!
I have a purple computer and sewing room. The color relaxes me.
I feel special all of the time, because my family treats that way.
I love the color purple. It
I love the color purple. It represents regal to me.
I also had a Tiara but gave it to my niece.
Would love the books and thanks.
Hi Buddy!
Purple is most def the color of choice with a lot of us here...
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Hi Estella!
The truth is, my living area is purple and I totally love it! It is a magical color, I just know it.
And thank you, I'm so glad you like the cover.
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
So much to say
First off -- WHOHOOOOOOOOO for Kate (a fellow Romance Bandita) I'm so thrilled for her sale :-D
Second -- I'd LOVE a purple room LOL. I'm a color fiend, we don't have one single white wall in our house and your mother's room sounds both gorgeous and inspirational *g*
and thirdly... Tiara's rock :-D I have a tiny, petite one that a friend sent me for my third Golden Heart final and my bear wears it proudly as it sits here on my desk.
It sounds like you've got some lovely friends keeping you in regal standing, Christine :-)
And your book looks great, too - I'll have to pick it up.
Thanks, Tawny...
If you and Kate are buds, I can tell you're the best. And yes, I so agree. Tiaras rock big time. And yes, it's so true. My friends are better than great.
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Hi Christine
Good to have you here. Thanks for sharing about your mother's purple room. I have a few really nice pieces of jewelry that I have gotten from my husband and twin sister that I save for really special occasions, such as holiday parties. Wearing these pieces really make me feel elegant and special.
Hi CherieJ,
Now, see. Jewelry. Never amiss!
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
I won a tiara once from an
I won a tiara once from an author and it sits proudly on top of my computer lol.
Hi Catslady,
Anyway you get a tiara, it's a good way to get a tiara. ;)
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Tiara, Yes every women needs
Tiara, Yes every women needs one. It doesn't take much to make you feel special. A few complements, someone saying they care, anything like that works for me. Sorry I don't have a purple room, but relaxing in a big chair with someone waiting on me for a change would be great.
Hey Lead Bottom!
Okay, I agree. Someone should wait on you. Someone should wait on *me*! LOL
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Tiara...
Flowers... they fade to easily, but say that you thought about a special person.
Tiara... that is a bit too much... we don't want to become to inflated of our person like a Narcisse!
Nathalie
Yes, inflation is a danger. But I have to confess. I love living dangerously....
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Oops. Sorry. This posted
Oops. Sorry. This posted twice...
Hi
I don't think women need tiaras to know their worth, however encouragements and little gifts are always nice to show someone that they are important and that we care :)
PS: Hum... I own a tiara at home, when I was the maid of honnor at my aunt's wedding... but that is different!
Hey, Lily!
It's true. I'm somewhat inflated. My friend Dee is always offering me her head-shrinking helmet...
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
would
love to win! yummmmmmmm
please enter my name for a chance to win!
Hi Tami
Welcome to Cigars! To be eligible for contests, you have to register and be a verified user -- it's easy, just look up to the left and you'll see the spot to sign on, and be sure to change your password once you're in. :)
Also, just a bit of "netiquette" -- it's usually a good idea to try to chat a little, even on a contest, to discuss the topic a blogger brings up or post some of your own thoughts -- we want to know what you think! :) some authors do random pick, some pick their winners by the best or most interesting answer to their question or topic... Just food for thought. :)
Hope we'll see you around the blog,
Sam
Tami,
Good advice from Sam...and good luck in winning...
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
Hi Christine
What makes me feel special and regal? My grandmothers engagement ring. It is a platinum ring with 18 diamond chips and a 1/2 carrot diamond in the center. She gave it to me on my 21st birthday. She told me to be sure to pass it down to the next generation as a family heirloom, when I feel that the time is right. The ring is now over 100 years old. It is my most treasured possession and anytime I wear it, I can feel my grandmothers love. Talk about feeling regal. That ring is absolutely amazing.
I love the story about your Moms purple room. I'd love to have a room like that but, my hubby would have a fit if I tried to paint any room purple. He hates that color.
I hope you have a really wonderful Holiday, filled with everything you wish for. Mads:)
Hey, Mads!
Anything from one's grandmother is special. My granny passed away over 15 years ago. I still feel her guiding, loving hands.
Happy holidays to you, too!
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
ooh, I love those Christmas
ooh, I love those Christmas romance stories and cookies, too. Yum!
That's so nice of your to give up your tiara to your mom. I bet she'll treasure that. I have a plastic tiara, although, it's a wee bit too small for my head. One of the things I own that makes me feel special is the pair of pink jammies my husband got me. Their so feminine and came with a pair of pink heart booties to match. lol
Hi kim W!
My mom deserved it. She's the best! I want some pink jammies like yours. I'll haved to whisper in the dh's ear...
Christine
http://www.christinerimmer.com
http://christinerimmer.blogspot.com
feeling regal
When I walk outside in the bright, early morning fresh air and feel good about a new day, then I know the feeling of being regal since it is a pleasure to enjoy this vista where I live.