Okay, every year hubby and I decide on a gift we might both enjoy for Christmas and we go for it.  One year, we updated our television for a wide-screen.  Nice item, and we totally enjoyed it.  This year, we were on the great Wii hunt.  Our grandchildren bring theirs on sleepover nights, and we have competitions.  Great fun!

For the last month, I’ve been surfing the net and checking the weekend ads.  I couldn’t believe how difficult this was going to be…or so I thought.  Now, Sundays are my special mornings around here.  I totally treat myself with coffee, and laptop in bed.  Wanna watch a movie, not a problem.  This last weekend I discovered this item was fast becoming a “hard to find item.”  I think it dawned on me after the dozen or so online checks.

So, I’m all cozied up, and spot a Best Buy ad for the little bugger in the local paper.  They’re in-store, but not available online.  Well, I looked around my bedroom…the cozy covers, the coffee, my laptop,  and look outside where it’s overcast.  I glance back to my bed.  Didn’t I have a stuffy nose, and wasn’t I going to pamper myself for a few hours?  A box of kleenex was clear evidence I wasn’t on the top of my game. Hey, isn’t that a jar of Vicks vapor rub?

Well, I did get our Wii system, and it didn’t take hours like I thought.  Quick trip, back home again jiggidy jig.  Well, more like two hours, make that a slower jig.  So, I didn’t get the full flavor of a half-day in bed, but it was Christmas around here.  And yes, we did check it out whenever hubby got home, and bowl a game or two, or three.  We know what the kiddies will probably be getting us for Christmas, since we only have two games….  hint, hint, girls! 

Hmm, how many days till Sunday?

Hey all, tomorrow (Friday) is my blog day at  Magical.  Hope you join us gals there.  I’ll be ”chatting” about the thrill of finding that missing piece in a novel.  In my case, it’s a character that I’m happy to report has finally showed up!  Can we say, “Elvis has entered the building?”  Except in this case it’s a gal, but the excitement is the same.  It took me weeks to find her.

Also on the reading front, I’m reading the uncomparable Karin Tabke’s first historical, Master of Surrender. This story is amazing.  If you’re a Kathleen Woodiwiss fan, you won’t be disappointed.  Her second book in this series, Master of Torment, will be released soon.  The Blood Sword Legacy is sure to be a winner!  And the covers are stunning!  Way to go, Karin!  

That’s about it for now, I’m moving forward on my WIP, and reading a great book in the evenings after my pages are done.  Doesn’t get any better than that!

I’ve discovered that the connection between writer and reader is very precious.  My main focus as a writer has always been to write stories from the heart.  I’ve been priviledged since my debut book was released to have received heartfelt words through emails, cards, and phone calls.  I know when readers take the time to contact me, that my work touched them in a meaningful way.  Each one is like a strand of colored beads for me, and I appreciate them all.

I think a beautiful part of creativity is that it longs for a receiver, it’s to be shared.  Writing is music to the soul, and it has a rhythm and flow that the reader engages in.  Like music and art, books are a personal choice.  Time is very precious too.  We’re all balancing lives and careers, and reading time is to be savored. I have a stack of TBR books, and it’s one of those things that’s never completed like laundry and cleaning.   So, it makes those reader connections all the more precious.  Someone took the time to read my work.  The gift makes me work harder, and strive to make each story better than the last.  I want that expectation, it keeps me fresh and alert. 

Any stories you’d care to share about writer and reader?

I’m blogging at Magical today, so come on over and join us there! And now, to our regularly scheduled program…

My grandchildren recycle.  Three of them are military-based, and the families do that across the board.  It teaches children at a young age the importance of recycling.  My two grandchildren that live nearby save papers, plastic, and aluminum cans.  And most important, they’re excited about helping the planet.  When my girls were young, we took our aluminum cans for recycling.  I’m ashamed to say, since everyone flew the nest, hubby and I haven’t kept up with the family tradition.  We’ve thought of it, but never followed through. Oh, we’re on the ball when it comes to not littering, and using more earth friendly products.

Since the little ones are excited, it’s inspired us to join in.  I have three sacks in my hall closet for all the items they’re collecting.  I’ll be taking mine to their house each week, which will make them  happy.  And, I feel really good about doing it.  I drink megga water bottles, and we get the daily newspapers.  We empty plenty of aluminum cans throughout the week too.

So, for all the brilliant children out there that are conscious when we sometimes are not, I thank you!  There’s no doubt in my mind, it’s this special generation that will not only clean up the planet, but figure a way to keep it that way!  Bravo, kids!   I’m very proud of my amazing crew! 

Have you been prompted to help the planet by a child’s inspiration recently? Or maybe you’re doing it on your own.  In any case, thanks for all you do!