Time Flies

Where does time go? It seems only a few days since Thanksgiving, yet here we are almost at Christmas. I can't help being excited. The stockings are hung, tree lighted with packages under it. Guests begin arriving tomorrow. I'm cooking light this year. No, not cooking low cal--although there are less cookies and candy to tempt us this year--I mean that I am ordering brisket from our favorite barbecue place for Christmas Eve and making an easy lasagna recipe for Christmas Day. I don't entertain as complexly as I used to. Doesn't seem to diminish the joy of the occasion.

I tried to take this week off from writing, but couldn't help myself. It's a sickness, and I can't stay away from the computer even if it's just to add a line here or there. Writing is my number two passion [my hubby being the first] and I am happy that this year has been productive. The mystery is done except for editing, my cozy mystery is half completed, a time travel/romantic suspense is ready to submit, a second mystery ready for editing then submission, and several romance partials have been mailed off. Not a bad year--especially if ANYTHING sells.

I hope your year has been a happy one. Best wishes for A Merry Christmas, Happy Channukah, or Happy Solstice. I wish you the love of family, joy of counting your blessings, and holiday cheer.

Best laid plans . . .

Bad news: I did not finish my mystery novel's rough draft in November as I'd planned. Life interrupted, although I did approach the book's end. I lack about 45 pages, so that's not bad. I found I could NOT turn off my internal editor and just write. No, I had to reread the previous day's work before starting a new writing session. Of course, there were always changes to be made. Always. But the book is shaping up and I'm pretty happy with it so far.

More bad news: The day after Thanksgiving, I learned that I do bounce, just not well. On the way across a shopping mall parking lot, I tripped and landed on my boobs then bounced on my face. Trust me here--it's not a good idea, so don't try it. The left side of my face looks like something from a Stephen King novel, and I don't mean the protagonist. Although I did miss several days writing while I recuperated from the headache and swelling, I do not intend to sit out the holiday parties this weekend. My friends are kind people who will overlook my frightening appearance. I hope! If not, I'll follow my daugher's suggestion and tell everyone I'm experimenting with a new look to go with a paranormal I have planned. It could work, right?