X-MAS BLOG CONTEST WINNERS

Woohoo, Thanks Nick for the my copy. Can’t wait to dive in!

Christmas wishes

I shared on Facebook something a friend had posted about what she wanted for Christmas from her kids. It spoke to me profoundly. She said she just wanted them.

I miss my kids. They live on opposite coasts and in different states from me. When my daughter Melissa started at the University of Arizona she moved out and never moved home again. After graduation in 1997 she moved from Tucson to Los Angeles and is in California still.

My son Aaron left for Northern Arizona University in 2001 and spent a couple of summer breaks at home, then moved to California to attend school there. He met his wife there and after about a year they moved to Oklahoma, then Texas and now will be living in Florida.

I admit I am envious of mothers who live near their grown children. It would be wonderful to have them over for Sunday dinners, be able to share birthdays with them, and plan holidays together. Just being able to spontaneously go to a football game together or share a bonfire party would give me such pleasure.

So my Christmas wish is time with my children. To laugh, love, and spend precious moments together.

Cheers!

-N

A word of advice

GREETINGS BLOGGERVERSE!

I asked people on Facebook to write down something they would tell their young self if they had the opportunity. I received some interesting responses. Here they are:

Matt Moses where should i start….

Chelsea Vaughn Don’t even think about boys until you’re older.

Penny Hilde Do you mean now or if we could go back in time? If I could go back in time there are many things but one things would be to stay in shape!

Beth Kellar Listen to your dad!

April Starr God first, stick with my plan I had my senior year – I had completely done things backwards from what I had actually wanted. Take care of me FIRST

Stephen Fiscella Not to worry about the things I did. I look back now and think what the hell.

Mary Wingfield How young are we talking here?

Nancy Vaughn Say 10-12 years old.

Mary Wingfield Don’t be shy.

Bobbie Herzog Go to class your freshman year. 🎓;)

Rachel Hanson Calm down. It will be okay.

Rachel Hanson Or maybe just this: Shut up. Seriously. Don’t talk so much. Listen more.

Serena Main You writing another book!? Please!

Nancy Vaughn 2nd book should be out this month. Working on the cover right now.

Serena Main I have photoshop, let me know if you need any help! 😉

Niki Holliman Think I would say always tell your family how much you love them.

Nikki Bedwell Forgive quickly. And often.

Rebecca Gayle Spend more time with your grandparents and write down their stories

Darlene Waldrom Trust in God. He will give you a good life.

Melissa Vaughn Don’t be afraid to step out in faith. The safe option is not always the best option.

Dawn Palmquist Be stronger, confident & recognize my self-worth!!

Kathleen Hill Stand your ground no matter what.

Nancy Vaughn These comments are so great! I may put them in a blog!

What advice would you give your ten year old self?

Cheers!

-N

December prep

December 2016 started with me dropping a couple of pounds thanks to a bowel prep for a colonoscopy. I don’t really mind the procedure itself since I’m in a propofol dream world when it is happening but its that nasty day before thing I hate. I sat in the bathroom watching Netfilx on my tablet. I have a whole new feeling for Ernest Saves Christmas! At least I got a good report and don’t need to revist this particular humiliation for ten years. It is an old people thing to have happen, one more thing to remind me I’m ageing and I hate it.

Christmas has arrived in my house!

We are decorated. It was so special to take the entire Saturday, to cover my home with lights and color, listening to Christmas music, and making the house look festive. As I removed items from the storage tubs the memories associated with that particular piece filled my heart, they are occasionally bittersweet, but worth taking the time to remember the story for each one.

I have so many things to complete this month. Beside the natural holiday shopping, cooking, and gift wrapping, I am finishing my second book this month! Finishing it has been delayed thanks to a ten day trip to Florida, spending several weeks helping my sister prepare for a disability hearing, several pages of critical edits and so on.

This morning blogging and writing are the first items on my to do list.

Now I am looking forward to sharing the season with our soon to be grandson (hopefully the adoption will be done by March) and welcoming a new year which I hope will have many new adventures and new friends.

I’ll be in touch.

Cheers!

-N