In the course of waiting
Seconds don’t click by,
They drag.
One small movement
Oozing after another.
When anticipating the arrival of
Family, grandchildren
On a cold winter’s day
Before Christmas
Try to think about anything else
Good luck with that.
Hurry, but safely
I tried. I really did. Someone gave us a sugar cookie kit for Christmas, so I dug out the cookie sheet from its hiding place beneath the kitchen island. I found a cooking rack, so the cookies could relax for a while when they came out of the oven. I even dug out the rolling pin I received as a gift thirty or so years ago. I purchased cookie cutters thinking that finally, at the advanced age of 66 I’d be able to successfully roll out dough and cut it into Christmas shapes.
Following the explicit directions on the package, I mixed the dough until it clogged the beaters on my mixer. I scraped it out of the beaters with a knife, then rolled it into a large ball and chilled it for over an hour.
Then I sprinkled flour on my workspace and rolling pin and on my hands and the cat and every other place I could think of. I even dabbed some behind my ears for good measure. I began to roll.
The dough was uncooperative. I used more flour. I rolled and rolled until the dough surrendered and allowed me to cut a snowman. Alas, the snowman fell apart when I attempted to move it to the cookie sheet. The same thing happened with the Christmas tree and the candy cane.
Fine. I decided to just make round cookies. Apparently, my idea of a teaspoon sized ball is warped. And inconsistent. The cookies varied wildly in size. The cutest was just about a quarter of an inch in diameter. I ate it.
Studly Doright said they just need to be decorated. I handed him the icing. And washed my hands. We don’t need no stinkin’ cookies.
Peace, people.
My right knee seems to be doing well following the arthroscopic procedure I had on Wednesday. I can’t take the dressings off for another thirty hours or so, but the pain is minimal.
The white compression knee-high hosiery is so not chic, but will be my constant fashion accessory until the follow up appointment on the 14th of December. I will wear it faithfully for I fear blood clots like some people fear spiders and snakes. And I don’t know why. I think maybe a distant relative died due to one (a blood clot, not a snake; although, that might’ve happened, as well), and the fear infected me in my youth.
I attempted to write yesterday, but the knee literally got in the way, sitting there like a smug, fat lump just beyond the edge of my computer. So I gave up and watched Hallmark Christmas movies, then dozed to images of square-jawed, flannel wearing men selling Christmas trees. Today, I’ll give it another go.
Peace, people!
My newest book, Christmas at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort, is live on Amazon!
Book four in the Happy Valley series finds Paula Arnett feeling a little humbug-ish as the Yuletide holiday rolls around. Her heart is in for a few surprises as the season unfolds. And not all of them come tied up in red ribbons and bows.
The books are best read in order, with Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort the first offering in the series. I hope you’ll consider joining the Happy Valley family. We’re a fun bunch.
Look for the books on Amazon!
Lots of stuff happening in the next few weeks.
I already voted, so now it’s just a matter of nail biting. So sick of political ads, especially the negative ones. Wouldn’t it be nice if the ads stopped once you’d cast your votes? That being said, please vote.
On the 12th of November, I’m heading to Las Vegas for a huge writing conference at Bally’s (or the Horseshoe, Bally’s is getting a name change). I’m hoping to learn how to up my marketing game, which right now consists of me saying, “I’ve written books. Several books. You should buy them,” to everyone I meet. My friends are ready to throw me off a cliff, and I wouldn’t blame them.
I’m so excited to meet other indie authors and engage in geeky author stuff. I’m old, so I won’t overindulge. Maybe…
Then there’s Thanksgiving—my favorite holiday. Just good food, football, and fellowship. There’s no rush to buy gifts or push to over decorate. And the mimosas I make to aid in the cooking process are the best. Okay, they’re just orange juice and champagne, but they do the trick.
Our daughter and her kiddos are flying into Orlando in early December. Studly Doright and I are going to meet them at the airport and spend time with them before they leave on a cruise. I still hope one of the grandkids will let me hide in their suitcase. It could happen.
The build up to Christmas is in full swing, of course. Our son and his family are coming to celebrate with us at Doright Manor. So excited! I’m already buying gifts, and that’s something I normally put off until almost the last minute.
Oh, and somewhere in the mix, my newest book, Christmas at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort will publish. Hopefully around Thanksgiving. 😳 Have I mentioned yet that I’m a writer? That I’ve published several books? Wait, that’s a cliff, please, I’m begging you. I won’t mention it again….
Whew! That was close. I think I’ll have another glass of wine.
Peace, people!
Since I first realized that people were actually reading my debut novel, Mayhem at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort, and that additional books were in order, I began contemplating a Christmas themed addition to the series.
Now that I’ve published one sequel and the third book is in the hands of my editor, I could no longer resist the thought of Christmas at the Happy Valley Motor Inn and Resort for book four. So…
The hard part is getting those first words on paper. Oh, and coming up with a suitable ending. That and deciding what happens in between. You know—the whole enchilada is a challenge. And I can’t stop smiling.
Peace, people.
For Christmas my beautiful and thoughtful and exceedingly brilliant daughter presented me with the coolest gift.
Ashley purchased the miniature replica of Mayhem from a seller on Etsy, and I think it’s about the coolest thing ever. People are so darned clever and my daughter seems to know where to find the cleverest.
Peace, people!
I wrote this several Christmases ago and thought it worth sharing again. At any rate, I’m too stuffed with turkey and dressing to come up with anything original.
Wherever you are, however you celebrate, I hope this season finds you safe and healthy. Happy Holidays, friends.
https://nananoyz5forme.com/2015/12/24/christmas-letter/
Peace, people.
A baker of ill-repute, such as myself, looks for signs and omens anywhere she can while engaged in culinary endeavors. So I’m taking this heart to heart this morning as I prepare the ingredients for a single pecan pie for Studly and me to enjoy on Christmas Day. Since I literally put all my eggs into one basket, er pie, I’ll welcome all the good vibes I can get.
May all your baking efforts be similarly blessed this holiday season.
Peace, people!
Gracie likes the Christmas tree.
Praying for Eyebrowz 