.February
  
   Heart month.  Only two words but so many meanings.  For one, it means the month when the Heart and Stroke Foundation does its major fund-raising blitz.  I'll be canvassing for them in my neighbourhood this year.  It's the first time I've done something like this so I'm looking forward to a new experience.  As Anne Lamott says in her iconic Bird by Bird,  "fill the well" by doing something new.  Maybe canvassing will fill my well in addition to filling the coffers of the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

   Heart month also means romance.  The 14^th  honours St. Valentine and  speaks to lovers everywhere.  This is the month when newspapers and magazines publish their "most romantic" lists, whether it's for movies or vacations or poets. 

    My own chapter of Romance Writers of America celebrates members' achievements with a Valentine brunch.  Last year I received our VIC-RWA's VIVA award for volunteering.


    We also honour new writers in our group by holding an in-house contest.  For the past number of years I've been privileged to judge the entries.  It is a lot of work, since feedback is one of the main reasons members enter this contest.  As a judge I must detail what appeals in the work and what needs more work, with specific suggestions.  It's easy to recognize poor writing and excellent writing, but it's harder to point out the specific elements that make up that quality of writing.  After I've turned in my scores to the contest coordinator, I take a hard look at my own WIP, trying to see it with a judge's eye.  A very informative and humbling experience, I assure you. 

       I'm also judging RITA books this year.  A whole box of books arrived on my doorstep ten  days ago.  It was like Christmas all over again. 
               
                      Heart month.  This February, take care of your heart -- physically, emotionally and   
                  spiritually.