I'll tell you the truth.
When I sat to write this blog a few days ago, a huge, empty thought balloon materialized above my head.
Why ‘do' I believe in love? For I certainly do.
After wracking my brains, I realized why I was having such a problem coming up with reasons. It's one of those questions you go through life never asking, or if you do, you think the answers wouldn't need thinking about. Not so. Not in my case, at least.
Everything I came up with seemed just...not right. So I put writing the blog aside, hoping to come up with what would put across what fills my heart and head.
Then as I drove from work yesterday, I had consecutive calls from my mother, husband, brother, daughter and two friends. After the phone calls were over, I turned to thinking of my patients and their cases, my new characters and their plots.
Once at home, I had another call from a colleague who lives a few streets from me, and who was almost screaming in frustration over the horrendous drive home, needing to moan about it with a fellow martyr.
But I didn't know what she was talking about. The drive had been extra smooth.
Then I looked at my watch. It was a full two hours since I left work! And I realized.
I hadn't felt the snailing-by time or cars because I had my loved ones with me, keeping me company, distracting me with the enjoyment of their concern and concerns, with the flow of conversation. After that, love of what I do, in both jobs as doctor and author, filled my head and kept me from suffering the frustration my colleague had suffered.
And it came to me. Why I believe in love. It's because love, all kinds of love, for loved ones, of what I do, of a job well done, of achievement, of perseverance, of giving, of animals, of nature and of all life makes the same things that would have been bad without it OK, makes OK things great and good things memorable.
I believe in love because of how it has always changed my perception and my perspective.
So, tell me, big or small, how has love changed your perception or perspective?
To add an incentive for lurkers to come out and comment, I'm offering a prize.
One person who answers in the comments will be selected to win a copy of my Debut book for Silhouette Desire, Book One of my Throne of Judar mini-series out in May 2008, THE DESERT LORD'S BABY.
And IF there are many comments, there'll be more than one copy winging its way to the winners... :-D
About Olivia Gates:

Olivia Gates lives with her alpha husband, lovely daughter and their white Angora cat. Her husband is her adviser and, with her incredible mother, her staunchest supporter. Her daughter gives her plot ideas, and they're all along the lines of a doctor trying to reach his patients on a hot rainbow barefoot. With an imagination like that, Olivia's encouraging her to write her own books. Olivia's cat curls up on her lap, cramping her and critically watching the story unfold on the screen, then tries to edit the manuscript to his liking by walking all over the keyboard.







Hey Olivia
I wouldn't have known why you believe in love, but I knew you do believe in love because how could you not believe in love when you brought us Damian
I also enjoy your Medicals and I'm about to start on some of your
)
Desires, but it'll have to be some hero to move Damian from first spot
(don't tell Callista
Hugs
Sadhbh
May's Member of the Month
Dream Team 2008 Challenge blogs
And yes Olivia, we can forgive you for
only having read eight books, when you've written two and brainstormed more for us for future reading
please pretty please may I have more Damian?
May's Member of the Month
Dream Team 2008 Challenge blogs
Olivia
Olivia,
Two life changing events happened to me in the same year - 1998 that changed my perspective on love. My father died in January at age 62. He was in great health until a melanoma in eye mestastasized to his lungs, liver and spleen. From that point, he had 6 weeks left to live. It realy hit me then that life is short and to treasure each day. The other event was much happier. My daughter was born in December. After years of fertility issues, lightning struck and I had one child. Becoming a mother has filled my heart with love and joy. I now understand the deep and special love that a mother has for her child. I would do anything to keep her safe. And, seeing the world through her eyes of wonder is such a thrill for me
Tammy
Tammy
Well Said!
This was really well said. I could really relate to the frustrated person in traffic, but you totally nailed why your experience was different... all in perspective.. and in the wealth of love you were giving and receiving.
Thanks for a warm fuzzy today.
Crystal
100,000 Books Blog: crystalrclass
I enjoyed your post because
I enjoyed your post because for me it is all the many people in my life that care about me that make me believe in love each day,
waving!
Hey Olivia! I was with you the whole way on your lovely post. It's not something I ponder every day, but when you really have to think about it you realise that you know love because you live it.
And more Damian would suit me fine too, though I could always re-read him, again and again... ;)
Ally
'THE MAGNATE'S INDECENT PRPOSAL' Modern Heat, May 08
'HIRED: THE BOSS'S BRIDE' Harlequin Romance, October 08
http://www.allyblake.com
http://www.allyblake.blogspot.com
Sadhbh
LOL that Damian proved to you I know all about love.
I'm still thrilled that he reached people that much, even when we were never in his head, with Calista being the one through whose eyes (and senses and mind and body) we experienced him.
And though he'll always be unique, I hope you'll like my upcoming Sheikhs in Desire as much, if in different ways.
One thing that makes me hope you will is that my Desire Debut Sheikh, the oldest Aal Masood brother, Farooq, just got a TOP PICK from Romantic Times!
But, aaahhhh, how I'd love to have more Damian, too.
Say, why not email me and I can send you some more?
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Olivia - you've got mail
Hugs
Sadhbh
May's Member of the Month
Dream Team 2008 Challenge blogs
Who won "The Desert Lord's Baby"
Sadhbd? I was hoping it was her (well if not me)
Tammy
Tammy
Tammy
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. I had a similar experience when I lost my father to cancer. Also having a daughter has certainly changed my perspective and expectations in just about everything.
And I haven't made a draw yet on The Desert Lord's Baby. Was hoping more people would join in and comment till the end of the month!
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Crystal
Thanks for commenting and glad you liked my post. It really makes all the difference when love enters the equation.
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Maureen
Glad you enjoyed the post. And you're exactly right. Love gives us reasons to believe in it everyday. And the greatest gift it had ever given me was the ability to focus on the good parts and see the best in every situation.
Thanks for commenting!
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Ally
Hey, there! Thanks for stopping by.
And you're so right about not thinking about somethings because we're busy living them.
As for more Damian, well, maybe one day there will be more and more demand for him, he'll let us share him.. uh, ahem, I mean...share more of his adventures.
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
WINNERS!
OK, ladies! I'm here to announce the winners of a copy of my debut Desire, THE DESERT LORD'S BABY!
Tammy and Crystal!
Congrats ladies!
Can you please send me your snail mail, plus phone numbers???
Thanks for participating and congrats. I hope you enjoy the book!
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Wow
Olivia,
What a nice surprise. I won! I can't wait to read this book. It looks very intriguing. How do I send you my address? Do I post it here?
Thanks,
Tammy
Tammy
Tammy
So glad it was a nice surprise. I hope you enjoy the book, and that you'll let me (and others
) know if you do!
As for posting your address, email it to me. My email is oliviagates @ oliviagates . com (without the spaces, of course)
Congrats again!
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Top Pick
***One thing that makes me hope you will is that my Desire Debut Sheikh, the oldest Aal Masood brother, Farooq, just got a TOP PICK from Romantic Times!***
Congratulations Olivia!! I still waiting for my May RT, really looking forward to the review. And I noticed Mills & Boon online sold out of The Sheikh Surgeon's Proposal!
Calling Crysal!
I've been waiting to hear from you!
Hosties...if Crystal doesn't pop in here again, is there a way you can infrom her she's won a copy of The Desert Lord's Baby and that I'll need her address to send it to her?
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Olivia
Crystal is one of my friends, so I saw her last post from earlier today and I added my post after hers to tell her she won your book and where to e-mail you.
Tammy
Thanks Tammy!
I went to her page profile but discovered there was no way to contact our buddies (or if there is one, I failed to see it) It didn't occur to me to follow her posts! So thanks so much for thinking of it and doing it, too!
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com
Your Very Welcome, Olivia
I am always happy to help. I can't wait to get my book. I see reviews of your books all the time here and everyone loves your books and has such great things to say about them
Tammy
Sooo Sooo sorry!
Olivia,
I'm So SOOO sorry you couldn't find me! I have a hard time keeping track of all the places I post and I totally forgot to check back here.
I'm sending you an email with the information right now!
And I'm so thrilled to win a copy of your next book. I have just found you this year and have really been enjoying seaching out your back list, so this will be a treat!
Going to do the happy dance! .. what a way to start a Monday!
P.S. It drives me crazy that we can't directly email people too! I've run into that barrier several times.
Crystal
100,000 Books Blog: crystalrclass
Olivia
I got the book Saturday. Can't wait to read it. I just finished Doctors on the Frontline. After, i read it, I promptly bought Strong Medicne and Radical Cure. Thanks again!
Tammy
Tammy
Thanks for letting me know you received the book. And for reading Doctors on the Frontline!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it enough it sent you searching for more of my books!!!
My Bombshells Strong Medicine and Radical Cure, as well as my Throne of Judar Desires are totally different of course, from that book and from each other, but I hope you'll enjoy them too!!
Sil Desire
Throne of Judar
THE DESERT LORD'S BABY—RT 4.5 stars TOP PICK, eHarlequin #1 eBook Bestseller—May 08
THE DESERT LORD'S BRIDE—Jul 08
THE DESERT KING—Sep 08
Med Romance
THE SHEIKH SURGEON'S PROPOSAL—Apr 08
http://www.oliviagates.com