YOT Day 5 - Street Fairs and Forever Friends

At the beginning of December, I went back to my old neighborhood in Monrovia, CA. One of the reasons was to hang out with my friends, Diane & Kathy Daw. We have been friends for many, many years (about 23 years, I think). We've written, directed, and performed bunches of plays together. We've laughed until we cried. We've broken bread (among other things). We've talked for hours. And no matter how much time goes by, when we get together, it's like no time has gone by at all. I'm very thankful for these ladies. God blessed me with friends that have always made me feel like the third sister.

The other reason was to visit the Old Town Street Fair. The Street Fair was featured in my book, A Wild Goose Chase Christmas, so it was pretty cool to find these quilt-like boxes of berries.

My inner-editor was able to come out and play when I saw this sign. Do you think these were Brazilian deer?


What a blessing to share good times with good friends!

YOT Day 4 - Festive Decorations

My mom, me, and a very friendly
polar bear.

My mother and I went to the Bellagio Conservatory yesterday to see the Christmas display before they took it down. This is one of my favorite places in Vegas. It's beautiful, and it's free. And it gave me an opportunity to bless someone.

Shortly after we walked in, I saw a family taking turns taking pictures of each other. It was one of those situations where the group picture is always missing someone, because they were the photographer. So I asked if they'd like a picture of all of them together. They were so surprised at the offer, and so happy. And after I took the photo, one of the gals asked if she could take a picture of my mom & I for us. It was a definite "reap what you sow" moment.

Thanks, God, for a lovely day amongst the beautiful Christmas decorations!

YOT Day 3 - Affirmation

Today has been kind of a tough day. But God blessed me with some awesome news in my in-box. My latest novel, A Wild  Goose Chase Christmas, squeaked onto the ECPA Best Seller List. It's number 19, but that's okay... it's there!

So, thank you Lord, for affirmation coming at the time when I really, really needed it.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, this isn't just a Christmas book. It's to be enjoyed year round!

YOT Day 2 - Sugar-free Jell-o

Today, I am thankful for sugar-free Jell-o.

You see, I'm doing this low-carb diet. And it's working really well (especially now that it finally clicked that I must exercise at the same time... much more effective). Anyway, low-carb is a fairly easy plan for me to follow, but sometimes, a gal needs something that feels like a treat. And today, it's sugar-free Jell-o.

My current fave flavors are strawberry and lemon-lime.

Mmmmm Mmmm....

YOT Day 1 - Happy New Year!

Like just about everyone else, I was thinking about the start of a new year and the symbolism that holds. New beginnings. Fresh starts. And then I thought about what I want to focus on this year. The answer came pretty quickly.

Where will you go this year?

Thankfulness.

If you're like me, there are some days when you're anything but thankful. I know I can be grouchy and selfish, and then I fail to see all the blessings God has given me. So, in order to live in a spirit of thankfulness, I've decided that each day I'll post something I'm thankful for.

Today, I'm thankful that the Mayans were wrong! LOL... seriously, I'm thankful for today, the first day of a new year. To all of you, I wish blessings abounding and a year that gets better and better every day.

Now...the challenge will be to see if I can keep this up all year. So far so good... Day One of the Year of Thanksgiving (YOT) is accomplished!

My First Santa Photo

My mom came across my first picture with Santa... it was 1965, which makes me a year and a half old. I don't look too secure with the old gentleman.

Wishing you and your family a very merry,

very secure Christmas!

All the Signs Point to Voting Day

This morning I accompanied my 19-year-old son to the polling place for his first time participating in the electoral process. "Whatever happens over the next four years," I told him, "you're now partially responsible. Congratulations."

I had to laugh at the entry to the voting machines. There was absolutely no doubt we were in the right place.