HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!
Happy birthday to us,
Happy birthday to us,
Happy bithday dear Plotmonkeys,
Happy birthday to us!!
Can you believe it? Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of the launch of Plotmonkeys. My, how quickly the year has gone. When we started the site, we honestly didn’t envision how important it would become to all of us. Now, I can’t imagine going through my day without popping onto Plotmonkeys at least once an hour for a big dose of comeraderie and laughter and fun. I’m as addicted to everyone here in the jungle as I am to my daily 6-pack of Diet Coke.
One year ago tomorrow was also the date of my very first blog post, in which I talked about each of us as people, hoping to give you a glimpse of why Carly, Janelle and Julie are three of the dearest, most-trusted friends I could ever dream of having.
That much has not changed. But the circle of friendship here at Plotmonkeys has most certainly expanded. Now when I am covered by dog drool, or am having a lousy day dealing with a house for sale or when I embarasss myself in front of hot workmen or lock myself out of the house and have to ride a lawnmower to pick up my kid, I have a whole jungle full of people to commiserate.
So, thank you. Every one of you. You’ve made this past year absolutely delightful and I genuinely cannot thank you enough.
But I’ll try…how about some free books? Just leave a message recalling one of your favorite blog entries of the past year, and I’ll put your name in a hat. Five random winners will each get an autographed book from my backlist.
It’s our birthday…but you all get the presents!
I’ll probably get dropped from the hat for this, but my favorite (and I go back to it sometimes when I need a laugh) was your blog about the frogs. I had a little toad jumping around my water garden this weekend and my first thought was of a friend of ours who not only hates frogs, but has a morbid fear of them, and then of you. I even copied and pasted that blog to all my friends!
I do feel like this is a group of friends that I miss when I can’t check in here. I don’t have any friends who enjoy romance so this is a great place to hang out with others who do. And I often share comments with hubby who has started to “know” everyone by name.
Thanks to the Plotmonkeys for setting up this community.
Comment by Jodie — April 16, 2007 @ 7:07 am
I love each and every one of you and your books so Happy Birthday to you and many more I love reading your blog
Comment by Sue — April 16, 2007 @ 8:14 am
Happy Birthday Monkeys!!!
I think my favorite, and I still laugh when I think of it, was riding the lawn mower to pick up the kid. I am just as bad with locking myself out and crap like that.
Comment by ev — April 16, 2007 @ 8:22 am
Comment by Shannon T. — April 16, 2007 @ 8:52 am
Happy Birthday! One of my favorite entries was “Never Travel with Carly” from Tuesday, February 27th, 2007. It’s always nice to see the human side of a public person. Hilarious!
Comment by Chicki Brown — April 16, 2007 @ 9:04 am
:present: Happy Birthday Plotmonkeys. I can’t believe a whole year has passed.
Leslie, your stories are too funny. I have more than one so choosing my favorite can’t possibly happen. But the two top ones are the Lawn Mower to school and the Sledding. I think the best blogs are when people show how “real” they are. I know some people can get too busy to enjoy life but you have shown us that no matter what is going on in your life you need to stop and have a few laughs. And you have done just that, when I forget that a 37 year old can go sledding and have fun like a child I think back to most of your posts and the fun you and your family have together. Thank you!
Comment by Kelly F. — April 16, 2007 @ 9:08 am
There has been quite a few good ones, so hard to pick just one!
Comment by Jess — April 16, 2007 @ 9:28 am
Happy birthday ladies! You’re doing a great job here and I truly enjoy spending part of my day with you all. Here’s wishing for many more years ahead.
Comment by Lori Borrill — April 16, 2007 @ 9:29 am
Happy Birthday Plotmonkeys. I don’t think that I could pick a favorite blog. You all are so witty and funny, I enjoy everyday I get to spend with you.
Comment by Patty L. — April 16, 2007 @ 9:37 am
Happy Birthday Plotmonkeys! You all have such funny stories it’s hard to choose. I do like the one where you had to pick your daughter up on the lawn mower and your snow day looked like a blast.
Comment by Stacy S — April 16, 2007 @ 9:58 am
Happy Birthday Plotmonkeys!!!
There’s a piece of cake for each of you 
Pick my favorite…that’s a hard one. I love so many of them, hearing about home repairs, riding lawn mowers, make-up have to haves, doggy grooming, vacations, extra excerpts from your books, question and answer Saturdays, and even craft for the writers.
Once in a while I can’t get to the site due to work and life and then I feel like I”m missing something all day. I’ve even been known to go back and read the blog and comment when I know that on one will be reading it since it’s over but this has been such an important part of my online family.
Comment by Vicki — April 16, 2007 @ 10:02 am
Happy Birthday Plotmonkeys!!! It’s so hard to pick just one fav story over the last year, but if I have to I guess I’ll pick the picking up your daughter on the lawn mower…but really tough since I love the blogs everyday.
Comment by Liza — April 16, 2007 @ 10:07 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
:cocktail:
Cake and cocktails for the lush
I gues I would say that my favorite blog was the one that involved the alphabet homework project. It just goes to show all moms are dedicated to doing their kids’ homework. (jk) It is a glimpse into the universal mom love and overachiever status that makes you all so good at what you do!
I would just like to say that this past year with you all has been my salvation. Through my mom moving, my robbery, my ghetto livin, and lot’s of depression. You are the highlight of my day. On the days my home internet is not working and I can’t get to you……..I have withdrawls.
So, I’d just like to give you a huge THANK YOU! for adding the extra hours it takes to provide us (the fans) with this above and beyond that helps us through untill the next book is published. You are all my favorite authors for a definite reason.
Love and blessings to each of you.:love2::love2::love2::love2:
Have a great day.
Comment by Debbie — April 16, 2007 @ 10:29 am
Happy Birthday!
There are many to choose from! But, Carly’s travel horror story I think of often, since when I read it, I was like I never have travel issues - posted that here and karma bit me … last 2 trips, clear weather at both airports and my flights were canceled, delayed and I thought to myself .. this is what I get for opening my big mouth.
Comment by Yolanda — April 16, 2007 @ 10:35 am
Happy Birthday!!!
I’ve only been here with the plotmonkeys for about two months but I can honestly say that it is now a fun part of my day.
So far my favorite blog is about poor Buddy and his short haircut. I think about him everytime I look at my very long haired baby.:doggie:
I love that you guys do this everyday and I hope you keep on doing this for years to come.
Comment by Carol — April 16, 2007 @ 10:39 am
I am thrilled you all started Plotmonkeys.
I too come daily and can’t imagine what I did before.
You all often make my day and I appreciate you all.
It’s so special that you share your personal side with all of us.
Thank-you for fun times and great reads.
Hugs,:love2:
Comment by jeannie — April 16, 2007 @ 10:53 am
I can’t believe how the year has flown by! I love this blog of ours, and we’ve made so many great friends here in the past year! You all are what has made this blog what it is today! We enjoy and cherish your daily posts, and we can’t THANK YOU enough for being a part of our daily lives.
Be sure to stop by every day this week. Every day, each one of us will be doing something special for our anniversary, and you don’t want to miss out on the fun!!!
Comment by Janelle — April 16, 2007 @ 11:02 am
Thanks & happy birthday to all 4! The blog & reading about your daily lives are a real kick in my day, & while I love the stories about how you write, nothing beats Leslie’s trip down the road on her lawn mower, wearing her PJs, & trying to decide if she should “put up her thumb” or keep on truckin’, while her child waits at school–LOL. I love that you all seem to really savor life, & love. As a reader I always wonder if the writers of the books that I love would turn out to be disappointing & annoying if I were ever to meet them. With the blog I know that wouldn’t be the case, as your RL stories (showing your lives & personalities) have made me love your books more.
Patricia A.
Comment by Patricia — April 16, 2007 @ 11:20 am
It’s hard to believe it has been a year! Leslie’s lawn mower trip is one of my favorites.
The Plotmonkeys rock!
Comment by Susan — April 16, 2007 @ 11:50 am
Wow I can’t believe it’s been a year! I have to tell you that I am a plotmonkey junkie!! As soon as my laptop is powered up the first thing I HAVE to check out… what is going on with the plotmonkeys. The lawnmower trip cracked me up because I could see myself doing the same thing! Janelle do you remember 10 important things a man should know about a woman?? I loved it!!! I hung it on the side of my fridge!! So I have to say THANK YOU to all of you for a great year of humor.
Comment by Tina — April 16, 2007 @ 12:03 pm
Happy Birthday plotmonkeys!
:present: I would also have to say the lawn mower story was one of my favorites this year.
Comment by Teresa W. — April 16, 2007 @ 12:08 pm
Having a great birthday so far…my hubby is off every other Monday, so he’s giving me LOTS of presents today.
Comment by Leslie — April 16, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
I don’t know if I could pick just one story (the lawnmower, the field trips, vacations from Hell, or Tim McGraw/Faith Hill concert…see, I picked one from each of you!)…..do I have to pick one? I seem to identify with a little from each of you, which is cool. Mostly, I just love the comraderie of this site (hopefully, I spelled that correctly!).
Today is my youngest’s first day of preschool….let’s hope it goes okay! Sending you all lots of birthday wishes!
(btw, that’s my 4 year old’s favorite icon!).
Comment by katie — April 16, 2007 @ 12:19 pm
Happy Birthday!
My favorites are the Sunday funnies. When I need a good laugh, I know I can come here to get it.
Comment by Jennifer K. — April 16, 2007 @ 12:43 pm
My favorite was when you rode the lawn mower to pick up your kid. I could visualize this and smile.
Comment by Crystal B. — April 16, 2007 @ 12:45 pm
Happy Birthday Plot Monkeys! I’ve only been visiting you guys for a short while but am so glad I did! Thanks for sharing all that you do and I look forward to checking in every day for the next year, and the year after that, and the year after that, and the…you get the idea!
Best of luck to all of you in the coming year:!:
Comment by Robin — April 16, 2007 @ 12:55 pm
Happy Birthday!! I’ve only been following your blog for a couple months, and always love the laughs you provide on Sundays (as well as the other days of the week
) Thanks for revealing a bit of yourselves to your happy fans 
Comment by Fedora — April 16, 2007 @ 1:00 pm
Happy Birthday Plot Monkeys
I have enjoyed all of your blogs and consider it a part of my daily computer regime to check this website. One of my favorite parts of your blog is the Sunday funnies. The humor is always current, pointed and in good fun.
Looking forward to the next year of blogs and all the good reading your group will produce.
Comment by Linda Mc. — April 16, 2007 @ 1:21 pm
I love plot monkeys and my day is not complete until I check in, even if it is at 2am. My favorite blogs were when you each told your story about selling your first book. It was inspiring and I’m glad you shared with us. Of course I’ve also enjoyed all the blogs wich included pictures of hunky men.
I’ve also enjoyed the guest bloggers who have visited, the contests, the Sunday funnies, and Saturday Q & A.
But most importantly I’ve just enjoyed the conversations!
So thank you
Comment by Tina Martinesi — April 16, 2007 @ 1:42 pm
Happy Birthday Plotmonkeys! I can’t believe it’s been a year already. Gosh there are too many good blogs to choose from. I did enjoy the lawnmower, Buddy’s haircut, the romance blogs, the pre-teen children blogs - see everything touches me in one way or another.
Comment by Michelle — April 16, 2007 @ 2:18 pm
You guys are all the best. You give me a reason to go on the internet first thing each day. I love our 6 AM posting, I can count on Stacie being the first poster, and the rest of you following. IT’s just so great.
I am in the process of looking for another wheaten. Yes, we want another Buddy.
Comment by Carly — April 16, 2007 @ 2:25 pm
Comment by Karen B — April 16, 2007 @ 2:27 pm
Happy Birthday!
I love to hear about Carly’s adorable dog Buddy.
Comment by Maureen — April 16, 2007 @ 2:44 pm
Happy Birthday!
Love the stories about how you all got your start. And of course the giveaways (I’ll win someday!) I’ve enjoyed the stories about moving, kids, and pretty much everything. The thing that stands out though is Carly’s Kelly Ripa story.
Comment by Patricia W — April 16, 2007 @ 2:48 pm
Happy Birthday PlotMonkeys! It both seems longer than just a year and also like just yesterday that all the fun, silliness, and the occasional foray into the seroius began. Happy happy!
Comment by Sue Mont — April 16, 2007 @ 2:56 pm
Wow! Can’t believe it has already been a year! Happy Birthday! My favorite is the Sunday funnies! I look forward to it every weekend. It brightens up my days and helps me gear up for the week with a positive attitude.
Comment by Cherie Japp — April 16, 2007 @ 3:02 pm
Carly - I’m glad to know what time it posts because I was online at 4:15 the other morning and it was still the previous days post so I had been curious about that.
Secondly, when I realized Stacy hadn’t posted before me this morning I was surprised. She’s ALWAYS there first! Wonder where she is today? Guess it’s time to check out her “myspace” page.
Comment by Jodie — April 16, 2007 @ 3:47 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADIES!!! Thanks for giving us a fun site to visit! I enjoyed all the blogs about the newest releases from the plotmonkeys!
Comment by Carol — April 16, 2007 @ 4:04 pm
Happy Birthday PlotMonkey’s! I love you guys, you’re awesome! Still I cannot think of one post in particular that I enjoy above others… wait, I LOVED the video of Carly (?) wiping out in the snow! And one of you helped your daughter with her school project to find fruits and veggies for every alphabet letter, I really enjoyed that one (I wouldn’t have thought about the iceberg lettuce either). Oh and The hefty bag and clothes detergent thank you letter funny was something I actually saved. You guys are great and I look forward to many more years with you!
Comment by Jen — April 16, 2007 @ 4:34 pm
Happy Birthday Plotmonkeys.. what a great milestone.. since im fairly new, it would be hard to recall a favorite.. but that lawnmower story sounds like one id love to hear…lol…
sounds like something id do… heres to another happy year of plotmonkey posts ahead..
Comment by Jolene — April 16, 2007 @ 4:36 pm
I love Leslie’s A Conversation With An 11 Year Old! OMG SOOO FUNNY!!
Comment by Melissa — April 16, 2007 @ 4:41 pm
Oh geez, I have a bad memory. . . but I do know I remember the Sunday funny stuff, so that’s always a good one.
And Happy Birthday y’all!
Lois
Comment by Lois — April 16, 2007 @ 4:46 pm
I guess my favorite blog would have to be the Sunday one that announced I had won the wonderful Friday prize Julie was giving away.
:present: :present: :present: :present: Gifts for each of you for the enjoyable books you write & keeping us informed & entertained each & every day. It does not seem possible that a year has gone by! Wow!
I have been here since day one almost everyday except for when I was traveling. What fun & how generous that you are doing a giveaway each day. Wednesday I leave to go see my younger grandson play Pinocchio so I will miss out on the last three days! But it will be worth it.
Thanks again for such a wonderful blog. :love2:
Comment by Donna M — April 16, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
Happy Birthday Plotmonkeys!
Since I’m fairly new it will hard to recall a favorite but I remember the recent Sunday funnies!
Comment by Terri — April 16, 2007 @ 5:44 pm
Happy Birthday Plotmonkeys!! You ladies keep me entertained everyday. One of my favorite blogs was Janelle’s post about having a vegetarian daughter. I made my sister read it, she stopped eating meat and fish at 14 and our parents are the original meat and potatoe eaters. Dinners in out house were interesting for a few years
Comment by erin — April 16, 2007 @ 5:56 pm
Happy Birthday!
I am new around here, but my favorite entry has to be “I put the Fan in fanatical” I could sooo relate to that one.
I am so glad I found this blog. It is very entertaining!:present:
Comment by Samantha — April 16, 2007 @ 5:59 pm
Happy birthday Plotmonkeys! Like many others, I have a hard time picking just one favorite memory - there have been so many. I enjoy the Sunday funnys a lot, and just getting to know all of you and other readers as well. I enjoy the guest bloggers, and the special moments you share, like anniversaries and other important events. I also love coming here and finding something new everyday. It’s great to have a daily stop for my blog addiction.
Here’s to many more Plotmonkey moments!!!
Comment by Stacy ~ — April 16, 2007 @ 6:01 pm
Happy Birthday Plotmonkeys!
I have no one favorite story, there are so many great ones! But I have to say I love the stories about the kids and pets. There’s always a great laugh to be found in those stories. I missed the one about the lawnmower. I’m going to have to check the archives to see what everyone’s talking about.
Comment by Sue A. — April 16, 2007 @ 6:23 pm
Like everyone else there is to many favorites, but I have to go with the lawnmower and sledding stories
Comment by Cherylann — April 16, 2007 @ 7:30 pm
Too many good stories to pick just one. But since you’re twisting my arm, it has to be the lawnmower story. What a visual….
Comment by ~ Leslie in GA~ — April 16, 2007 @ 8:41 pm
happy birthday plot monkeys
lov e all the contests and the one i won lol.
Comment by kim h — April 16, 2007 @ 9:04 pm
I’ve had loads of fun since I discovered the Plotmonkeys blog. My favorite post had to be the look into your glamorous author’s life and your “painting” adventures. I loved that picture of you!
Here’s to many more posts from the four of you . . . you ladies always brighten my day!
Comment by Cheryl S. — April 16, 2007 @ 9:10 pm
I really enjoyed the sledding blog and the video. Too funny.
I am so glad that I discovered PlotMonkeys. You are a bright spot in my day, even if it is at night when I get to it and everyone else has responded with my thoughts in their heads.
Happy Birthday!!
Many more!
Comment by Lynn Matherly — April 16, 2007 @ 9:36 pm
Happy Birthday Plot Monkeys!!
:present:
Comment by Amy S. — April 16, 2007 @ 10:28 pm
I too go with the lawnmower story. And I really enjoy the jokes.
Happy Bday Ladies, I really cannot believe a year has passed; it seems like I was just waitijng for the site to launch.
Comment by Pat L. — April 16, 2007 @ 10:35 pm
Happy Birthday Plotmonkeys!
My favorites were Julie’s birthday post (yum) and Leslie’s sex talk story or the paint story. Too Funny.
Comment by mary beth — April 16, 2007 @ 10:44 pm
Thanks again everyone–hope everyone enjoyed this little “favorite blog” memory lane day. Don’t forget to tune in every day this week for more special birthday fun!
The winners for today–randomly drawn by number are:
YOLANDA, Message # 14
FEDORA, Message # 27
ERIN, Message # 45
DEBBIE, Message # 13
KAREN B., Message # 32
CONGRATULATIONS! Please drop me a note at: author@lesliekelly.com with your snail mail address and the name of the book you’d like to receive. (backlist books only, I don’t have copies of anything after my Februrary 2007 reprint.) I have *most* of my titles but if I can’t accommodate you, I’ll let you know.
Thanks again!
Leslie
Comment by Leslie — April 16, 2007 @ 10:50 pm
What a fantastic birthday to celebrate! And while I can’t choose a favorite post, I can say that for some unknown reason I think of you every time I see a frog.
Comment by Heather Harper — April 17, 2007 @ 10:31 am
Hi, you all at PlotMonkeys! Hurray to you! I have enjoyed all the posts from last year. I have learned so much from each and every one of you. It has been a blast learning about your books, your writing styles, your guest bloggers, your families and pets, etc.
Congratulations to you all and have a happy Birthday! :present:
Hugs,
Michele L.
:love2:
Comment by Michele L. — April 18, 2007 @ 7:11 pm