I grew up with cold winters. (Who's with me?) Snow on the ground, twinkling lights, indoor fires, mittens, moonboots... (That may be a bit too far...)
For the last 16 years, I've lived in a tropical climate -- so different from my upbringing. Our fist year in the south, I didn't know HOW to find my holiday spirit.
It was too warm
Too sunny
Too colorful (talking about the greens, blooming flowers, tropical birds)
In fact, it took a few years before I figured out how to feel the holidays when I couldn't feel the weather I'd associated with them. It revolved around
Our December traditions center on Christmas -- starting with the day after Thanksgiving (Black Friday *gasp*) when we
1. Put up decorations
We surround oursevles with things that say to the subconscious -- "This is special." Seeing those reminders daily, whether we consciously acknowledge them or not, establishes a different atmosphere, emphasizes the importance.
2. Foods!
Unless you hate eating (my daughter does -- too many food sensitivities), this is one of the quickest ways to remind the heart, mind, and tongue that it's time to be festive! Gingerbread is my go-to for this season, since I grew up mass producing gingerbread houses with my mom every Christmas -- one for Dad's work, one for our house, one for each kid's classroom (all 8 kids), one for our grandparents...
3. Activities
We have so many traditions here -- advent calendars, gifts to Christ, movies, tree strolls, wrapping gifts, holiday performances, tree lighting, etc.
4. Music
Obviously, I'm a little biased, but music is the BIGGEST mood chaser I know. I love the traditional Chirstmas songs out there, but my favorite are the sacred songs, the ones that point at the heart and purpose of a celebration.
And if NONE of that is working, we break out the BIG GUNS:
5. Thinking outside ourselves
Christmas presents, food donations for the poor, service to community or neighbors... A celebration becomes something more when it's not all about us, but we look for ways to share it with others (kids included). It makes it sweeter (cookie plates), brigher (Christmas lights), more joyful (caroling, singing in/listening to choirs).
Whatever the case may be, I'm wishing you a wonderful Christmas & holiday season!
AND as my gift to you, enjoy some music. These aren't holiday songs but ones you can listen to all year round. And they're free. And they cost to produce. So yeah, a true gift.
As a writer, what was one of the coolest/best gifts you ever received?
It was probably my first book, completed in 3rd grade. We wrote an informative story, complete with a hardcover (wrapped in contact paper). It was the first time I saw something I'd written as a "finished" product -- and it wouldn't have happened without an incredible teacher who initiated, formed, and executed the projet.
What are your favorite holiday traditions? What are you doing this year to get in the spirit of the season?
Tis the season to be more loving, more compassionate, more patient. Tis the season to be better. Some people have gotten away from the reason for Christmas, and enjoy the commercial aspects. For me, this season is a time for refocusing. It's a time for remembering people outside of my normal circle. It's a season for family.
Because of that, I'll be on break until the new year, but before I go, three things:
1. There's an AWESOME book up for grabs below. (Don't miss out on the Truth or Lie game.)
2. As a very "Merry Christmas", my publisher has dropped the price of my Maiden of Time trilogy by 40% through December 21. You can get the entire series in eBook for ONLY $9. (Regularly $15.) And this:
3. My blog tour rocked! I can't tell you how incredibly blessed I feel to have such wonderful friends on the blogosphere who shared, shouted, reviewed, and made me feel like a rock star. (Almost 100% 5 Star reviews. What?!?!) You are the best! Before you go, here's a quick run down of the posts and people who deserve epic cheese this season. Thank you, friends! (And thank you to everyone who participated. Winners will be notified via email, and prizes are going out December 1st.)
Two weeks ago, Rachel Schieffelbein shared DON'T FALL along with two truths and one lie. Anyone who guessed the lie correctly was entered to an eBook.
The game:
1. I caught a Snorlax in my living room. 2. I almost died when I was four. 3. I saw Patrick Swayze at a horse show.
The lie: #1. From Rachel: I still don't have a Snorlax and I'm kinda bitter about it. Lol.
Way to guess everyone! And the winner is:
...DRUM ROLL...
Julie Flanders!
Congrats, Julie!
And now, here's a giveaway for a wonderful author who is super supportive of other authors and whose debut novel JUST came out. Ooh!
Too pretty.
Too smart.
Too perfect.
In a crumbling, futuristic Las Vegas where the wealthy choose the characteristics of their children like ordering off a drive-thru menu, seventeen-year-old Sienna Preston doesn’t fit in. As a normal girl surrounded by genetically modified teens, all of her imperfections are on display. But after the death of her father, everything she's ever known and loved changes in an instant. With little skills to help provide for her family, Sienna clings to the two things that come easily—lying and stealing. But not all thief-for-hire assignments go as planned. When a covert exchange of a stolen computer chip is intercepted, she becomes entangled with a corrupt government official who uses her thieving past as leverage, her mother as collateral, and the genetically modified poster boy she’s falling for as bait. In order to rescue her mother, there may only be one option—joining forces with the Fringe, an extremist group, and their young leader who’s too hot to be bad. Problem is, these revolutionaries aren’t what they seem, and the secrets they’re hiding could be more dangerous than Sienna is prepared for. In the end, she must be willing to risk everything to save the one thing that matters most. Catalyst is a thrilling adventure of danger, romance, intrigue, and deception.
Kristin Smith writes young adult contemporary and science fiction novels. When she’s not writing, you can find her dreaming about the beach, beating her boys at Just Dance, or belting out karaoke (from the comfort of her own home). Kristin currently resides in the middle-of-nowhere North Carolina with her husband and five incredibly loud but extremely cute boys. To read more about her obsession with YA novels or her addiction to chocolate, you can visit her at kristinsmithbooks.com. You might find Kristin pretending she's in a fancy restaurant while sitting at her scratched-up kitchen table, eating goat cheese on a cranberry, walnut salad.
Kristin gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out either lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook (open internationally):
You have until Tuesday, January 3 at 2 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answer (and some FUN trivia) on January 4, 8 a.m. EDT.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. I'm the mother of five boys, and when I was pregnant with my oldest son, we were told by the ultrasound tech that she was 99.9% sure we were having a girl. Surprise! We ended up with a bouncing baby boy. 2. By the time I was 18, I'd traveled from the east coast to the west coast 3 times, but the first time I ever rode in an airplane was when I left home for college. 3. I once chatted for five minutes with Woody Harrelson outside of a bathroom in a casino in Las Vegas and didn't realize who he was until after he walked away.
So sleuths, which is the lie? Have you met Kristin? Love sci-fi thrillers? What does the Christmas season mean to you? What are you doing with your holiday season?
There's a predominant ideology floating around that we should keep religion to ourselves. It's not popular to believe. It's not cool to adhere to morals and principles that have long been treasured or to hold ourselves accountable to a higher deity.
It breaks my heart.
I see this mentality reflected in the popular music on the radio. Even what's considered "Christmas music" rarely reflects the reason for the season. It's all about partying, shopping, and being with loved ones. Yes, that's how we celebrate, but what are we celebrating?
This is my last post for the year. I'll be busy rejoicing in the reason for the season, giving my time to bless others, and teaching my children why.
Whether you celebrate or not, I wish you a merry CHRISTmas.
And what is Christmas without a giveaway? Last week Jules Smith shared with us a SOPHIE'S THROUGHWAY, along with two truths and a lie. Those who guessed the lie correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win a signed paperback.
Jules' Game:
1. I have broken my nose 5 times. 2. I once shaved my head for charity. 3. I once met Duane Eddy (famous American guitarist) and asked him who he was. He said, “Duane Eddy,” and I said, “And what do you do?
The lie: #2. Jules would never mess with her hair as sexy hair has made her what she is.
Eleven-year-old Fairday Morrow is less than thrilled that her family is moving thousands of miles from civilization to the quiet country town of Ashpot, Connecticut, where she’s absolutely certain she’ll die of boredom. As if leaving Manhatten and her best friend, Lizzy, the only other member of the elite Detective Mystery Squad, weren’t bad enough, Fairday is stuck living in the infamous Begonia House, a creepy old Victorian with dark passageways, a gigantic dead willow tree, and a mysterious past. Before she can even unpack, strange music coming from behind a padlocked door leads Fairday up a spiral staircase and into a secret room, where she finds an ancient mirror, a brass key, and a curious portrait of a red-haired lady. These seemingly unrelated items prove to be the first in a series of clues that takes Fairday, the visiting Lizzy, and their new squad member, Marcus, on an amazing adventure. Can the members of the Detective Mystery Squad piece together the puzzle before it’s too late? Or will whatever’s causing trouble find Fairday and her friends first?
Stephanie Robinson lives with her husband in a quiet town, though not as quaint as Ashpot. After teaching fifth grade for almost fifteen years, she is now enjoying her role as a school media specialist. One of the many benefits of her job is that she learns something new every day. When Stephanie isn't working, she spends her time creating stories, getting lost in books, and traveling to new places.
These ladies both gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out EITHER lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win a signed, hardcover of THE SECRET FILES OF FAIRDAY MORROW. (Open Internationally.)
You have until Tuesday, January 5 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. Be sure to come back for the answers on January 6.
TRUTH OR LIE
Jess:
1. I do not have a cell phone, nor do I want one. 2. I love the feel of flannel, and I like to have flannel sheets even in the summer. 3. I am a fan of graphic novels, and someday I plan to write one of my own.
Stephanie:
1. I’ve never eaten a Big Mac or Whopper. 2. I love hot dogs with baked beans and coleslaw. The perfect easy meal and delicious too! 3. Sardines with or without crackers are a delectable treat that I can’t resist.
So sleuths, which are the lies? Do you celebrate Christmas, and if so, what are you doing to celebrate this year? Do you have a favorite Christmas tradition? Do you like mysteries?
It's so easy to get wrapped up in the crazy-crazy of this time of the year, which includes deadlines for those of us in publishing. Some days I wonder what life is like on the other side--without the ever-constant projects and need to promote/market. We all have our own brand of insanity, whether career oriented, family oriented, health oriented...
What I mean to say is, we all have challenges. This time of the year it's easy to get overwhelmed by the parties, the gifts, the to-do list, but I hope you'll take a few minutes and refocus your efforts. Give yourself time to breathe. Remember the reason for the season:
I'll be taking the rest of December off from the blogosphere to truly enjoy my family and make preparations for my coming little one. I wish you the most amazing Christmas!
(PST! I should also mention the most amazing resource is now available to writers, FREE! And guess who contributed an AWESOME article about blog tours? Yup. Yours truly.)
Now, to help celebrate, here's your chance to win a LOVELY Christmas book! But first, the winner from last week...
Julie Musil shared THE SUMMER OF CROSSING LINES with us, along with two lies and one truth. Those who guessed the truth correctly were entered into a random drawing for the chance to win an eBook. Julie's game:
1. Julie knows almost all the words to the GREASE soundtrack.
2. She used to wear a bow in her hair—Madonna Material Girl style.
3. She loves country music, but doesn’t know any country line dances.
And the lie is:
There is no lie. Ooh! Bet you didn't see that one coming. If you guessed at all, you were entered into the game. Lucky you!
It's their first Christmas since entering the Praxos Academy and 16-year-old sisters Lana Beth and Emma Jane Morgan are looking forward to some serious R&R. But when their little sister mysteriously disappears from her bed on Christmas Eve, all thoughts of fun disappear with her. Emma and Lana must do everything in their power to locate her and bring her home safely. Easier said than done, they are forced to go on yet another journey, this time taking them out to the murky depths of the North Sea as well as to the far reaches of southern Portugal.
Although Suzy is a Yorkshire lass at heart, she left her
home town of Rotherham, UK, to move to Portugal with her family when she was
ten. The Algarve continues to be her home, where she lives with her childhood
sweetheart, Michael, two neurotic dogs and a cat who thinks she's a princess.
Shortly after completing her studies, Suzy was offered the position of trainee
journalist for a local English newspaper. Her love of writing developed and a
few years later she moved on to become assistant editor for the region's
largest English language publisher. Since then she has also worked as the
editor of one of the Algarve's most loved monthly lifestyle magazines. Early in
2010 however, Suzy began working as a full time author. She has since written
several books: Raven, December Moon, The Lost Soul (The
Raven Saga), Daisy Madigan's Paradise, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw,
The Temporal Stone (The
Morgan Sisters) and Forever
Fredless.
Her favorite cheese is goat's cheese - purely because she's lactose intolerant and can't eat any that comes from a cow :( Her husband has started making her the most divine low gluten, goats cheese pizza and it's to die for!
I want some! Ahem...back to business...
Suzy gave me two truths and one lie to test your "lie detector" skills. Those who figure out the lie will go into my magic hat for the chance to win an eBook of LOOKING FOR LUCY JO. How awesome is that?
You have until Tuesday, December 23 at 1 p.m. EDT to guess. The winner will be notified and awarded just in time for Christmas and be sure to come back for the answer on January 7.
TRUTH OR LIE
1. Suzy once sat next to Robert Pattinson on a train ride from London to Bath. He was super cool and chatted for a while before he was distracted by a much younger lady with bright blue hair and a tattoo on her wrist that read Stamus Contra Malum. 2. She celebrated her birthday one year with Kiki Dee - you might remember her from the 60's? She was particularly famous for singing Don't Go Breaking My Heart with Elton John. 3. She has a belly button piercing. (Yes, it hurt!)
So which is the lie?Are you taking a Christmas break? What are you doing to celebrate the holidays?
I'm struggling to get my "Christmas" on. How about you? When your back yard looks like this:
Rather than this:
It can be difficult to realize that magical season is upon us. You know, that time of year when the entire world changes focus and is more joyful, a bit more selfless, and filled with wonder?
One thing we've been doing for years is our "gift to Christ." We sit down as a family and discuss the importance of service and love, aspects modeled perfectly by Jesus Christ, then write down one gift we can give Him this season. Each of us places our "gift" on the tree, and all season long, as we gaze upon that lit evergreen, we think about our commitment to be a little kinder, a little softer spoken, more honest, more considerate, or whatever our gift may entail.
Now that the self-deprecation is done... Hello friends! This sorry turnip-tooshied writer has been thumbing it through revisions for the last two months and horrifically neglecting this blog.
EEK!
I know, I know, gator tears, right? Well, I'm building SLOWLY back up, as life is now somewhat manageable again. Somewhat.
(So what's with the pickle, you ask? Nothing. He's shiny and makes me giggle.)
On that note...
A Cup of Cheer
She raised her mug and looked about
The chorus of chipper smiles
But hers had fallen far past its mark
And instead, become tears.
Heart heavy, she lifted the cup a bit higher
And dared herself to say
"I wish you all the greatest season
And happiest Christmas day!"
While voices echoed her longing strain
A glimmer sparked in her heart.
It stretched and groaned and tore until
It burst full into bloom.
The ray that started first as hope
Rumbled deep inside her chest
And broke through the crowd in radiant hue
Her inner light revealed.
She found, surprised, as you will too,
That joy comes from within
It grows when shared and reaches all
Who turn to see the view.
Where's your cheer coming from this year? (Hee hee, that rhymed.) How are you keeping spirits high, and have you eaten any cheese this week?
I hope you enjoy the Christmas season, and share a cup of cheer, eh?
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