Christmas Eve Traditions

I'm over at Fictionistas today talking about Christmas Eve traditions. Come share yours!

A Christmas Caturday warning!

WARNING!

This year's batch of Christmas trees may be infected with a particularly silly species of gremlin - Caticus climbicus. Signs to watch for include the tree shaking when no one is touching it, strange branch rustling and ornaments being mysteriously dislodged. If you think you have a gremlin, try placing a handful of treats a few feet from the tree, then sit back and watch.

Should a gremlin appear, approach with caution. Sap in their fur can make them cranky!

Call for submissions!

This just in from my friend, Marley, one of the authors of the Christmas Miracles book:

The Christmas Spirit the sequel to the wildly successful "Christmas Miracles" book. This new project is a book that we have contracted with St. Martin's Press for the fall of 2011. However, the completed manuscript is due in the spring of 2010. Bestselling author, Debbie Macomber, has agreed to write the foreword.

We seek true stories that emphasize the significance of the Christmas season. So often, we get caught up in the busy-ness of the season—the shopping, the family drama, and the event planning—that we lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Sometimes, through God's grace or what some call a twist of fate, we're able to step back and grasp the real meaning of Christmas and our lives are enriched. These are the kind of stories we are seeking.

http://www.christmasspiritbook.com/

Thanks so much!
Marley = )

December 25th!

Merry Christmas!
May you have a blessed day surrounded by those you love.

Best Gifts

I'm over at the Samhellion today talking about memorable Christmas gifts. Stop by, read about one of mine, then tell me yours!

Best Christmas decoration ever!

I'm over at Fictionistas today showing off the best Christmas decoration ever. You've got to see it!

Merry Christmas!

Isaiah 9:6: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Christmas Eve And Counting...

Christmas seems different this year. Less loud and colorful, more peaceful and pensive. Perhaps it's that we as a family (both on Hotrod's side and mine) decided to only buy gifts for the kids this year. That means for the first time in a long time, there is nothing under the tree for me.

And I'm perfectly okay with that. Shocked? Don't be, I'm not nearly as materialistic as I think some of you think I am. I have more stuff than I need already. Are there things I would like to have? Always. Things I need? Not so much.

Instead of all the usual Christmas running around, I've had time to think. Mostly about the coming year and my trials as a writer working toward publication. This is a hard business. One that hasn't been kind to me. I am blessed to have a wickedly intelligent agent and a fabulous agency representing me, but so far editors haven't responded to my work. I've sold shorts and articles, but the book eludes me.

Could I quit writing? Probably not. The stories would keep coming and with no outlet, I'd probably go insane and have to be institutionalized, and let's face it, I do not look good in those hospital gowns. (Oh, who am I kidding? I make everything look good.) Still, I've had those thoughts this past year. Those "what am I doing?" thoughts that come with rejection after rejection. Do I believe 2009 will be my year? Yep. Just like all the years before it.

This time it feels different, though. Like it really will happen. What about you? How are you feeling about the coming year?

Things That Will Never Be On My Christmas List

1. The Chicken Purse - Not made out of actual chicken. Not that that is in any way a selling point. Seriously, the very existence of this may be a sign of the apocalypse. The amount of money it would take for me to carry this handbag would not fit into that handbag. Not in $100 bills. Or Krugerrands.

2. Lingerie - This is not a Christmas present I want under my tree. A silk nightgown or robe I'm fine with. A sexy lace babydoll? That's a Valentine's Day present meant to be opened when there are only two people present. The wearee and the undresser. Nuff said.

3. The Guitar Toilet Handle - Even if I played the guitar, I don't think I'd need to express that creative side of myself when flushing. What is the purpose of this? Who owns one? Is this given as some sort of conciliatory prize for those voted off American Idol? I am agog.

4. Toenail clippers - These should never be a gift. Ever. Not under any circumstances. Not if they're gold plated and mother-of-pearl inlaid. Just don't. Ever.

5. Christmas Themed Clothing - See, by the time I get this, Christmas is basically over, so that means I must wear it immediately. Not that I would wear it. I promise you, these items go directly into the Goodwill bin tags attached. If that's the best present you can come up with, save your money and buy yourself a clue.

What won't ever be on your list?

Merry Christmas, Y'all!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Supermodel Dog is back (you'll remember her as Pilgrim Dog) to help me wish you all a Very Merry Christmas! And I'm proud to announce that Supermodel Dog's secret identity is a secret no more - she's the proud owner of best-selling author Roxanne St. Claire! That's right, faithful reader - this is a celebrity dog! Supermodel Dog's real name is Pepper. Just Pepper. A dog of her rare good looks and photographic talent needs only one name.

All silliness aside, have a blessed Christmas. Peace on earth, goodwill to men!

Is it Monday already?

I'm wiped. It's been a long weekend. Saturday was the TARA Christmas party in Tampa, then yesterday after church Hotrod and I headed to Orlando to meet his family at Disney for Mickey's Christmas Celebration or some such thing. Basically, for a slightly reduced ticket price we got to be in the park from 4ish until midnight. Which we were. Which is why I'm so beat. It's an hour drive home.

I did get a great pic of Cinderella's castle all lit up in Christmas lights though. (And some of the fireworks, which were SO awesome.) Not to mention the two main reasons we were there...