Dear Friends,
Just when you thought things were going to get back to some semblance of normal (even though it seems harder to figure out exactly what “normal” is), people are still losing their homes, livelihood, and their loved ones in Ukraine. I know the situation is bad for a lot of people all around the world, and my heart breaks every time I turn on the news. When did we become so uncivilized? Makes me want to cry. But I am not going to be a Debbie-Downer and ask that we take a moment to send positive thoughts throughout the world and spread as much loving light as possible. So remember, when someone at the grocery store is getting on your one last nerve, be thankful. Be thankful you can put on your pants, shoes, and be able to move about freely. Never take anything for granted.
According to the calendar it’s officially Spring. But where? Even the seasons are a mess. Many of my beautiful blooms were killed by a frost a week ago, and it’s South Carolina. I enjoy gardening and it pains me to see lovely azaleas and camellias wilt on the vine. I hope your gardening efforts are more fruitful. I may start planting artificial flowers outside. Just kidding.
This month we have Easter. Time to color eggs and stuff our faces with chocolate bunnies. Did you ever wonder how eggs became associated with Easter? It’s a symbol of new life. Jesus reborn. BTW, jelly beans are a symbol of the egg.
Now what about bunnies? It’s still a bit of a mystery, but it’s thought that since they are prolific little creatures they represent fertility, and fertility is associated with Spring; and it was originated by the Germans who brought the tradition to America in the 1700’s.
Chocolate? Sometime around 1890, a gentleman named Robert Strohecker made a 5 feet tall chocolate bunny to promote Easter in his drug store in Pennsylvania. And there you have it! You will be the best trivia person at the dinner table.
As I mentioned last month, Fear Thy Neighbor, a stand-alone hardcover will be available first week of April. It’s about a woman, Alison Marshall, who is looking for a place to call home. She finds something that seems to be is everything she hoped. But as days turn into weeks, she uncovers a dark side to this supposedly peaceful haven, but something clandestine is lurking among the locals, and once Alison discovers what it is, she faces a stark choice. It’s intriguing and suspenseful and I don’t want to give any more details away.
We received a lot of entries in last month’s contest so we will be running it again for a signed copy of Fear Thy Neighbor!
Be safe, Be kind.
All the best,
Fern
