Patty Smith Hall

Our wooden floors were filthy and in desperate need of a good steam cleaning. But I was hesitate as I studied the smudged little paw prints scattered like memories across the pine slants. Cleaning the floor meant wiping the last physical evidence of our nine year old Yorkie, Gizmo from our home. Our sweet boy passed away earlier this week after a short but devastating illness that robbed him of energetic zest for life. I'll miss the sound of his little nails clicking against the floor as he ran to the door to greet me. The twitch of his paws as he 'chased that rabbit' in his sleep. His warm body cuddled up against me while we lay on the couch, watching TV. Truth is, Gizzy's paw prints can't ever be wiped away--they're forever imprinted on my heart. Question: Have you ever had a special pet?

At a recent bridal shower, I was asked to give one piece of advice to the happy couple that they could carry with them through the next 40 or 50 years. So here it is: Marriage is hard work. Okay, so it's not the most romantic or sexy advice but I should get points for honesty. Because living with another person, loving them when there's only two dollars in the bank and the car payment is due or the baby has kept you up all night(again) or the dog has used your chair as his own personal fire hydrant can almost be impossible at times. But it's in these moments that a marriage is made; a forever love. Question: What piece of advice would you give a newly-wed couple?

I'm pretty picky when it comes to the television shows I watch, mainly because I don't have a lot of down time and when I do, I don't want to waste it on something that's not worth watching. And let's face it--for all the channels available, TV is a wasteland. But the Hallmark Channel has been a pleasant surprise in recent months. With original series like When Calls the Heart and Signed, Sealed and Delivered , and movies like The Color of Rain , the Hallmark Channel is proving that family television is alive and well. Question: What TV shows do you watch with your family?