Giving Thanks by Leah St. James

It's Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., a  time to pause to give thanks and reflect on our blessings. Among mine are the many friendships I've made in the writing world, especially my fellow Roses of Prose. What an honor it was to be asked to join you a few years ago, and what a joy it's been to get to know you each a little. I will be checking in regularly with you on Facebook, and I'm so looking forward to reading this year's crop of holiday stories.

This quote from Emerson says it all for me:

 

Whether you're celebrating with a crowd or an intimate group, whether your version of the Thanksgiving feast is today, tomorrow or a week from now, wishing you a time of joy and laughter, and the love of many friends, old and new. 

<><><><><><><><><>

Leah writes stories of mystery and romance, good and evil and the power of love. Learn more at her website. Happy Thanksgiving!

Being Thankful On Thanksgiving by Margo Hoornstra

Happy Thanksgiving!

As I celebrate this day with family and friends, I find I really do have a lot to be thankful for. Such as:

1. A strong, healthy, loving and tremendously supportive immediate family. Led by my husband Ron, the list includes my four children and in-law children, as well as four precious grandchildren.
2. An equally strong, healthy, loving and supportive extended family. My brother, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law (who read and praise my work!), nieces, nephews and cousins. None better in this world.
3. Many friends, both writing related and otherwise. Those I have met face to face, and those I only know through our on-line connections. All are similarly treasured.
4. The ability to walk. A few years ago, I 'blew a knee' I couldn't put any weight on for a few weeks. Being pushed in a wheelchair when I wanted to be out and about, was an eye opening experience. I give thanks every day my injury was only temporary.
5. The appearance when I need it/them the most of my muse, inspiration, ideas, scenarios. Whatever you call the phenomenon that allows me to transfer the ramblings in my head into cohesive, and hopefully entertaining, words, sentences, chapters and books.
6. Popcorn. Be it caramel coated, kettle, cheese or plain. The best snack ever. Especially at the movie theater.
7. Living in a country where we are free to do and be what we want, within reason of course, and those who sacrifice to keep us and them free.
8. Having signed four, count them 4 contracts for Brothers In Blue books (two written and two yet to be) and released in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.
9. Getting appropriate medical tests, one of which detected an early cancer that was quickly taken care of. And having excellent professional care available for whatever the future brings.
10. Being part of this wonderful blog known as The Roses of Prose which allows me to share and express myself knowing my colleagues have my back no matter what.

So how about you? I know you've been asked this before, but humor me. What are some of the things you are thankful to have in your life? List as many as you care to, then share them here or not. No pressure. Just enjoy your day.

My days to blog here are the 11th and 23rd. For more about me and the stories I write, please visit my WEBSITE

Also, find me on FACEBOOK or TWITTER or GOODREADS or AMAZON

Giving Thanks by Christine DePetrillo

I have so much to be thankful for during this current reincarnation of myself. I don't know all the details about my past lives, but I hope they were as awesome as this one has been so far.

The following list is some of the things I'm giving thanks for this year:

1. Health - I feel great! There must be something to all that advice about diet and exercise and meditation. Or maybe it's the weekly wine therapy. Either way, here's to many more years of feeling at optimal physical and mental performance.

2. The Husband - Seriously, the dude gets better as the years go on. Nearly 19 years of marriage and I haven't thought about exchanging him once.

3. The Family - As far as families go, mine's pretty awesome. I hear a lot about family life from my students and all the tales aren't happy ones. I don't think I realized as a kid how wonderful my parents--and even my younger brother--were. They are all still wonderful and I'm fortunate to have come from such good DNA.

4. The Work Peeps - Good Goddess, if I didn't have my work besties, I would have gone insane on the job a long time ago. It's so important to have adults that you can look at with that "do-you-believe-this-shit?" expression on your face and have them give you the "right?" look back. Subtle, but often the difference between making it to the end of the work day or walking off the job.

5. The Writing/Reading Peeps - Being friends with other writers has enriched my life on so many levels. It's great to be around other people who understand the drive to tell stories. I've also met tons of awesome readers that have made this year marvelous for me as a writer. Readers rock!

6. Fur Babies - I'm one of those people who requires connection to furry creatures. My cats and dog often remind me to slow down for a minute - sleep in a curled up position, lounge in rectangles of sun-warmed wood flooring, stretch, play, cuddle... I'm a more balanced person because of them.

7. Mother Nature - I'd rather be outside than inside and I continually am in awe of everything Mother Nature gives us. Sometimes when I'm walking my dog, I breathe deeply and try to take in as much of the natural world as I can. I want to have that essence with me wherever I go. I'm always giving thanks for the beauty I see all around me. Everything from the texture of rose petals to the cloudless blue of the sky to the melody of a brook to the scent of a pinecone fills me with an energy I couldn't live without.

8. My Muse - She hasn't abandoned me. Ideas for writing keep coming. My Muse has been busy this year and she shows no signs of retiring. I love her fortitude and loyalty.

What are you thankful for this year?

Toodles,
Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com
SAFE, Book One, The Shielded Series, available now.
PROTECTED, Book Two, The Shielded Series, coming soon!

It's the little things that are really big

I found out this week that 2 friends have cancer. Both are parents, one with very small children (4 years old and a baby), and the other a single mom (kids are 14 and 10).

You know, getting a shock like that puts life in perspective. Another friend of mine recently lost both her parents within 7 days of each other. They each were diagnosed with cancer on the same day and they died 3 weeks later.

Talk about shock.

So take a minute, sit back, and count your blessings. I don't know what yours are but are (not in any particular order):

Relatively good health
A good job and a steady income
A nice home
Happy friends & family nearby

... and everything else is gravy, isn't it? I mean, if I have those, what else do I really need?

This really is a Thanks Giving for me this year. I'll be giving thanks for what I have and giving those friends all the support I can in the coming weeks.

Hug your loved ones and have a good holiday!

J L

Thanks to the unsung heroes

I like to use November to think about the people who make my life easier. These are the people we often don't notice, but really, they make your day go smoother.

The nice checkout person at the grocery store. The lady who sells my books in her flower shop. My editor who is so patient with me (you know who you are ☺).

I try to notice someone different every day who has made my day a bit better. It's so easy to zip through out day and not really notice who is around us. I sometimes say something to that person, but usually I just try to go out of my way to be nice in return. Who knows, maybe I'll be somebody's unsung hero for the day?

J L
(30 books and counting)