Dear Reader,
Looking back I think I’m having Déjà vu all over again. People are still arguing about masks, but this year we can add vaccines to the mix. And now they’ve given us one more thing (Omicron) to fuel our angst. How about this: Dear Santa, Can You Please Give Me Some Peace? Honestly I think everyone could use a big dose of it.
So here we are riding the rollercoaster of the holidays and it’s enough to make you queasy. Yes. Let’s all admit it. Neither you nor I are Super Heroes. We can only do what we can do without doing bodily harm to ourselves, or that jerk in front of you in line at the store. Ha. Ha. I recall discussing “thought balloons” like they have in comic books. The words that are in puffy-looking clouds. So when someone starts to get on your one last nerve, imagine them getting hit in the face with a cow-pie! You’ll probably laugh out loud at the image, and everyone around you will think you’re cuckoo and will get out of your way. See? Imagination can be used in many ways.
I trust most people got through Thanksgiving. I’ve been hearing that it was mellow for most—everyone is crispy around the edges. But I did hear of a few skirmishes where people were asked to leave. And that’s really too bad. I wish we could flip a switch and have people simply be nice. I feel like a broken record, but remember Kindness Doesn’t Cost a Thing…Be Generous. You can really make someone’s day with a smile or a compliment. But keep the compliments down to something safe like “Nice nail polish” or “cool sweater.” People are very touchy so inanimate objects are your best bet.
I’d like to offer an idea if you are throwing a holiday party. Ask your guests—instead of bringing wine, candy, cake, or cookies, etc.—bring an unwrapped gift for a kid, and donate them to Toys for Tots or a local charity. Another idea is to ask them to bring imperishable food items [canned goods, rice, pasta, baby food] and donate them to the local food pantry. It takes the pressure off your guests, you don’t end up with six fruit cakes, and everyone can feel good about doing a little something for someone in need.
Last year I said to hang in there and we had come a long way, and I was looking forward to 2021. While it may not feel this way, 2021 was a little better, but it sure has been a long haul. Take care of yourself and others. Just be sure you put your oxygen mask on first! Nothing is more important than good health and a good frame of mind. They go hand in hand. So if anyone tries to rattle your cage make up a thought balloon.
I say this every year…For those of you who have been following me, you know I go all out for Christmas decorations. Check out the photos of my house and all the sparkle, shimmer, glitter, ornaments, foliage, swags and bows. Martha Stewart would have a seizure if she came to my house!
Once again I must mention my cats. They are little maniacs. They think I had the house decorated just for them and it’s their own personal amusement park! They are having lots of fun wrecking the place.
Before I sign off, I want to thank everyone for the wonderful comments and reviews for Santa Cruise. People needed a little escape.
I hope you are not disappointed, but we are not going to run a contest this month. The elves have a lot on their to-do list and I don’t want to overwhelm them. Next month we will be running a contest for signed copies of the next new Sisterhood novel, 19 Yellow Moon Road. All I will say about it is there’s a very rich man who owns a very private estate in the Caribbean and he “procures” women from a religious cult for sexual entertainment for equally international wealthy men. Coincidently there is a woman on trial right now for aiding and abetting such a person, who allegedly committed suicide while he was in jail. Considering I wrote the book over a year ago I think it’s rather timely. Or, as my friend would say, “woo-woo!”
Have a happy, healthy, sane, holiday and a sane, happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to you and everyone who you wish the same.
Fern
