Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it

We’re in Thanksgiving week in the US with all its attendant (American) football games, parades, Black Friday retail sales, assorted memes about “How to cook a turkey—wine edition,” “Gobble ’til you wobble,” “Marked safe from the WKRP Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway” (if you know, you know), and various other goings-on.

It can be fun, but it can also be exhausting.

Before you raise the hammer of doom-saying to smite me or anyone else with the courage to admit that last part, remember these things.

We can be thankful in quiet ways.

Not everyone has the same amount of spoons to celebrate with others, no matter how loved their friends and family are.

Gratitude doesn’t look the same for everyone.

One person’s feast is another person’s famine.

Be kind. Everyone experiences struggles you know nothing about.

I wish you and yours all the best, whatever that looks like in your life. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay. Give yourself the grace to exist however you need to, and extend that grace to others. Holidays—and life in general—can be traumatic for various reasons.

And now, I’m off to be quietly thankful for many things while I try to recover enough spoons to be productive again.


Image with decorative fall-themed frame and a message of "Happy Thanksgiving. Wishing you health, happiness, and success."

Stories of Love and Joy During the Holidays

When did the holidays arrive, and where’s my Christmas spirit? AWOL again? Sheesh. Time to go on a “seek and find” mission, 2020 edition. Might have to wrap that troublemaker in toilet paper this year after I find it. You know, for safekeeping. *grin*

I’m currently engaged in my annual debate about putting up my mini tree: Will? Won’t I? Maybe this year I’ll decide before Christmas Eve. Yeah, I know. Bad elf. *slaps wrist* However, I appreciate the holidays in other ways even without the physical trappings.

Since more holiday cheer is always in style, here’s an offering from some writer elves who want to help make the holidays brighter. I’ve already snagged my copy for some cozy reading breaks over the next few weeks.

The Heart of the Season - An ATA Holiday Anthology | book cover image

The Heart of the Season – An ATA Anthology

THE HEART OF THE SEASON is a jolt of joy you cannot wait to unwrap for the holidays. Let your heart be merry and bright as you dive into this multi-genre collection of short stories centered on the themes of love and joy during the holidays.

Explore a foreign café, wild mountain ranges, big city lights, and homey firesides. Keep turning the pages to read the stories of love, redemption, sacrifice, and kindness reminding you that THE HEART OF THE SEASON lives within us all!

Available now on Amazon in ebook and print editions, and on Lulu in ebook (print coming soon).

May your holidays shine bright with the love of family and friends from near and far, and your troubles never outweigh your ability to bear them.