A Wish for Christmas by Thomas Kinkade & Katherine Spencer

(Source)

 I'm taking some time this December to catch up on a favorite reading pastime of mine.  I happen to love reading a Thomas Kinkade Christmas novel each Christmas.  I've gotten behind the last few years (cancer can do that), so now I'm playing catch up!  I love the Cape Light series and am reading "A Christmas Wish" and sipping hot cocoa as I do.  

There are various characters of differing backgrounds within the Cape Light novels, but they do seem to be a sort of family all the same.  They are all neighbors within the little New England village.  There is an entire array of joy, friendship, romance and even sorrow from time to time within the pages of the Cape Light series, but almost always warms your heart.  There are not only vivid sights, sounds, but also wondrous foods to be had within the quaint cottages and shops of the people of Cape Light; no wonder I enjoy the books!  Lol!

Hope you are all taking some brief indulgences during this wondrous Holiday time ~ I am!  ; )

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! ; )

As Americans we celebrate this Holiday remembering our Nation's history, but we also take time out to gather with friends and family to celebrate all that we are thankful for.  We usually gather around a table laden with bountiful foods that we've taken great care to prepare.  Usually there is a succulent turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, an array of vegetables, not to mention assorted desserts; pumpkin pie, carrot cake, etc.

Our tables are usually surrounded by family and friends that we wish to break bread with and enjoy this wonderful feast.  Not everyone is able to do this, but most will still choose to celebrate this day even if they are alone.  Our family is even experiencing a different sort of Holiday this year.  Most of my children have other dinners that they are having with their husband's families.  My husband and I are actually going to a restaurant this year for our Thanksgiving meal, but are having those children that can join us later in the evening for snacks and games; games are a big event in the Swift household, whether they be board or card games.

I know that other countries have their own Thanksgiving celebration as well (like Canada).  So I wish everyone that is celebrating a very Happy Thanksgiving and for those who are not in their homeland, but still celebrating; I wish you safety and may you be home soon.  For those who might not have a bountiful table; I pray you will have that blessing soon.  For those of you who are lonely; I pray you will have sweet fellowship soon.  May God bless all of you and Happy Thanksgiving!  ; )

The "No-Tech" Storyboard! ; )

When I first wrote my book, Legend of the Mer (1979), it was a handwritten manuscript of about 62 pages.  Then in 2007 - 2008, I seriously sat down and rewrote the story hand-typing  it on my Brother electric typewriter.  In 2009 I transferred it to computer and by November of that year, I sent it for copyright.

Even though I have access to a computer now, I can tell you that I'm still an old fashioned kind of girl.  I guess I like the smell and feel of paper and especially sticky notes!  Lol!  

What I'm trying to say is, no matter how you outline your story, just write!  If there's a story within you waiting to be birthed, you just need to begin!  ; )

Rachael Harrie's Third Campaigner Challenges for 2011 Ebook

I am pleased to announce that Rachael Harrie and Katharina Gerlach have published an ebook that includes some of the challenges from our last Campaign.  I am also proud to say that two of the stories included are my own.  The purchase of this book (of which I just purchased one myself) is going to a fund to help fight cancer.  The ebook is now available at Amazon, Smashwords and soon to be, Barnes & Noble.  The price is only $2.99.  

I really enjoyed this Campaign and loved the camaraderie I had with fellow writers.  I am quite sure that I will have to join in the fun next year as well!  ; ) 

JOURNEY'S END ~ By Dora Hiers

I was fortunate enough to win Dora Hier's  book (Journey's End) from the Rachael Harrie's Third Platform Building Campaign.  Dora graciously offered it as one of the prizes.  Although I am not usually a reader of contemporary romance, this was the exception for me.  The fact that it was set within the beautiful woods of North Carolina only added my enjoyment, being a Virginia girl myself.

Dora's main character is a feisty redhead and a strong independent type.  She is a teacher and also counsels troubled teens at her farm called Journey's End.  She's gone through a lot to get to this place in her life.  Little does she know that someone has been watching and patiently waiting to tell her something of importance.  I'll stop right there, because I don't want to give it away.

I highly recommend this book and her sequel Journey's Edge will be out soon, can't wait!  ; )

THE WEEPING WILLOW

 

She sheds her leaves like tears as the autumn of the year arrives.  She knows that the time is short and the children will be returning inside once more.  

 

She remembers the spring of the year when her new shoots of leaves grew thick in abundance and the children first came out in the afternoon sun frolicking among her branches. 

 

She then remembers the summer of the year and how the children played in the secret place of her sheltering arms.  They would also swing from her many branches as she rocked them back and forth.  

 

How sad that winter will soon be upon her and the children will only come out on a seldom sunny day.  Her branches will be locked in ice and will no longer be a welcoming place for the children.  She prepares herself for those lonely cold days ahead.

 

And yet, she dreams of spring.