Now that we have a chance to look back over 2009, we can say that overall it was a pretty decent year. We had some amazing highs and some lows that were nothing less than terrifying. But, like we always do, we came out the other side of it tougher than ever. We are ready to move on and do even more exciting things with this site, the book, and all of our endeavors.
Early in the year we added a new generation to our family. A precious baby always puts things in perspective.
Sadly, we lost several loved ones during the year. We lost our uncle Tommy and uncle Billy. Both of my sister-in-laws lost their mothers. Some friends have lost parents and one of my friends lost her husband. Not in any comparison, we also lost two long time pets.
My mother-in-law worked hard to complete her written record of her life for her children and grandchildren. It was a wonderful gift and was appreciated by many people.
We had the typical vacations….we headed to beach while Joy went to St. Louis and Colorado.(FYI: These were supposed to be my Christmas cards but the wind beat us down)
Of course, we can have as much fun staying home as we can going anywhere.
Surgery seemed to be the new black in 09 for our family. Whether it was the appendix of a 10 year old or the cataracts of a 60 something year old…some things were meant to leave. One of the perks of a few eye surgeries was that the Red Velvet Queen came to stay a little while at our house to recoup. Once she felt better we put her to work.
Once everyone recovered we were back on track for something new and exciting. My ten year old daughter wrote a story was published in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. Amazing things happened after that. She had a book signing, newspaper and television interviews, and a few speaking engagements.
A story about her dog has taken her many places. Thanks Lucky! If you are interested, the book is Chicken Soup For The Soul: What I Learned From The Dog.
Alexis was only following in the footsteps of her grandmother and Aunt Joy. Aunt Joy had been working in a book for quite a while and once she had a name in mind, we created this website. Red Velvet Wisdom was born with the hope in mind of sharing stories, recipes, and directions to a good place to eat every once in a while. It was all wonderful. Until Queen Red fell really ill. We came close to losing her this year and we hope that next year will be much better for her health. In a bit of good news to end the year, I also had a story published.All in all, it was a good year. We think that next year will be amazing for all of us. Already there is a wedding on the horizon, and in our family, there is always some adventure around the corner. We know that very soon, Red Velvet Wisdom (the book) will be in hand and ready for you to read. Trust me. You will NOT want to miss this. Also, one it’s published, we have ideas in mind for the sequel. This website has been a wonderful way to showcase some amazing people, and we can’t wait to have more profiles and recipes to share with our readers.
To thank everyone for their support, we want to do a give-away. Sadly, we are too poor to have prizes for everyone. Therefore, we will choose a random noter. The prize is a copy of the book Chicken Soup For The Soul: What I Learned From The Dog (signed by Alexis) and a copy of my mother-in-law’s book, Ninny. All you have to do is leave a comment. If you want an extra entry, tweet this (and leave a note that you tweeted) or post on facebook (and leave a note that you posted). You can note each day. The contest will end on the 10th of January.
Happy New Year.
Friday, January 1st, 2010, 12:31 am | 
Uncategorized | 
RSS feed
Comments and pings are currently closed.
January 1, 2010 at 8:47 am
Dena, I have so enjoyed being your friend and sharing the stories of our amazing beautiful girls with you. I never got a copy of alexis’ chicken soup book so here goes nothing!!! Never win anything so we will see!! If not I’ll just purchase one!!!
January 1, 2010 at 11:27 am
Sounds like over all you guys had a good year! Happy new year
January 1, 2010 at 6:45 pm
I would love to read the book. I have admired Alex from a distance for sometime now and would love to read what she has to say. I have also admired her mum for some time and would like to add my complaint I do not see her enough
happy new year to all of you and the family too
January 2, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Well Dena Ho here goes nothing. I never win anything but since I love you guys and Sweet Alexis I will try. Since I have been meaning to get book and haven’t maybe I will get lucky & win it here. I tell everyone of my what 10 yrs history with you and a friendship that goes so deep that I treasure SO much as well as all about Alexis….. I am blessed by your friendship : ) Love the site and all you have done. I many times read it and feel the warmth through your words. Lots of love to you all <3 Here's to a great new year in 2010!
January 4, 2010 at 4:47 am
I would LOVE to win this giveaway!! Thanks for the chance!
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
January 4, 2010 at 4:52 am
Tweet! Tweet!
http://twitter.com/NancyeDavis/status/7363549652
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
January 4, 2010 at 4:55 am
I posted this on my Facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1590164998
nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net
January 4, 2010 at 9:24 am
Thanks for this great giveaway.. I would love to win these books! Happy New Years!!!
January 4, 2010 at 9:25 am
It is so neat that your daughter has a spot in the Chicken Soup For the Soul Book. I hope she will autograph it for the lucky winner. God bless you and your family through all the trials and all the triumphs.
January 4, 2010 at 9:27 am
I tweeted, http://twitter.com/laprochaine/status/7369873460
January 4, 2010 at 10:42 am
The world would be a better place if everyone owned a dog.
January 4, 2010 at 10:52 am
What a year! I would love a chance to read the story!
January 4, 2010 at 12:39 pm
What a year!! As the owner of four dogs I would love to own this book! Each of my dogs have a story about how I came to be their owner, the first was rescued after almost a year without being adopted, the second was abused and abandoned. Three and four came to me after my youngest daughter was killed by a drunk driver. They were her babies and now they are mine. I love each and every one and learn from them every day!
January 4, 2010 at 3:02 pm
I would so love to read both these books. What a talented (and busy) bunch you all are! I can’t wait for the Red Velve Wisdom book – I am definitely getting a copy so I can show my friends and brag that I know one of the authors.
I’m sorry for your losses, both humans and pets.
January 4, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Sounds like a beautiful book! I love the series. Cheers
Heather
January 5, 2010 at 2:25 pm
I’m horribly sorry for all your losses! not is any realation I heard a phrase once, that all dogs are budhists because they live in the moment of life etc.
Anna
perfectbluemoon@gmail[dot]com
January 5, 2010 at 9:39 pm
This sounds like a book I would love to read! Please consider me for the wonderful giveaway. Thanks!
January 6, 2010 at 11:35 am
I would love to read this book!
January 8, 2010 at 10:58 am
Congrats on being published. That is something to be truely proud of. Cant wait to read it.
January 9, 2010 at 9:46 am
I remember once thinking how lucky Alexis has been to be a part of your family. But along the way, I have learned that it’s mutual…you all are lucky to have her as a part of your family as well. Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful 2010 and beyond.
January 9, 2010 at 10:10 am
Some useful info here I enjoyed reading your comments.
January 10, 2010 at 3:03 pm
We never know it is our last dance or our last to chance to live.
Thank you for such a heart warming stories.
Kaye
January 10, 2010 at 6:41 pm
I feel blessed that I live down the road from such an awesome family.
Such heart-warming stories reminds me of “Good Ole Memories”.
Jil
January 10, 2010 at 7:07 pm
I would love to win those books! Thank you!!!
January 10, 2010 at 7:11 pm
Tweeted here:
http://www.redvelvetwisdom.com/2010/01/01/in-with-the-new
January 10, 2010 at 8:26 pm
As usual, I do everything at the 11th hour so here is my comment and entry.
January 10, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Love the site! Helps me get thru many sleepless nights with a laugh and smile. I look forward to each and every story and the receipes. Thanks!!!
June 23, 2010 at 4:53 am
Hi, it’s a bit offtopic but may I ask you where did you get this blog template? I’m going to start bloggin as well, I’m a bit noob though but I really like it
Let me know… Anyway, nice website! 
September 21, 2010 at 2:07 pm
Congrats on being published. That is something to be truely proud of. Cant wait to read it.
Trackbacks
January 4, 2010 at 6:12 am
January 5, 2010 at 9:12 am
January 6, 2010 at 6:10 am