Holiday Tradition by Kari Nichols

by Iona Morrison | Nov 29, 2015

I would like to take a moment to welcome Kari Nichols to my blog. She is a new friend that I met on twitter. Kari and her husband recently moved to France. I know you will enjoy Kari’s Holiday Tradition.

Kari’s Holiday Tradition

Throughout my short twenty-nine years, my family’s holiday traditions have evolved and changed. I grew up with my mother and father and two older sisters in Little Rock, Arkansas. We weren’t raised like a typical southern family—my parents were both raised in the Southwest by parents from the Northeast (creating a completely unique culture for myself and my sisters). The deep-rooted family traditions held closely by most families weren’t present in my life. My family made our own traditions, and we stuck with them for as long as they made sense. My parents didn’t feel the need to hold onto traditions that didn’t work with older children as well as they did when we were young. We had a streak of about five years of Advent wreaths—complete with weekly candle lightings and scripture readings. There was another span of six or seven years where our family would make several varieties of Christmas cookies together.  When we were all living under the same roof, my sisters and I would take turns placing the tree topper after the tree was completely decorated. But none of these traditions stuck as we grew into adults and began families of our own.

So as I sit here thinking of what holiday traditions my family has always had and continues to celebrate, I’m left with one:

From the time we were babies, my parents instilled into us that Thanksgiving and Christmas are a time for gratefulness.

Now, that may seem cheesy, but every year of my life—as far back as I can remember—my  family has taken time during the holiday season to give thanks for what we have. At Thanksgiving, my mother used to grab a handful of uncooked corn kernels and divide them equally amongst our family. We had to take turns saying what we were thankful for (no repeating what anyone else said!), placing a kernel in the center of the table each time, until all the kernels were used. Once we were older, the kernels were no longer used, but the rest of the tradition remained.

The things my mother would say during that time still stick with me. While most people might think of the typical stuff to be grateful for—“a good family,” “the holiday gathering,” “tasty food,” etc., my mother would always throw in a few surprises: “running water,” “electricity,” “enough money to buy food for a meal.”

It quickly transformed my thoughts into a place of absolute gratefulness. “I’m sitting in a heated home, with enough food for ten people even though there are only five of us. And cooking this meal was a breeze because of the stove, oven, and running water.” The tradition turned our entire holiday season into a time where we felt grateful for even the smallest detail—like waking up in a comfortable bed with clean sheets. And it made our Christmas presents—no matter how small or inexpensive—seem like grandiose gifts fit for only the richest of families.

And so I am thankful for a family that taught me how to truly be grateful for everything I have. That is the holiday tradition that I hope I will never lose.

Links:

www.karinichols.com

www.twitter.com/thekarinichols

www.facebook.com/thekarinichols

paperback books:

Rogue- https://www.createspace.com/4903508 Ghost- https://www.createspace.com/5731104 A Dysfunctional Life- https://www.createspace.com/4975024 Amazon: Rogue- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MRO73PM Ghost- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0155OLR5M A Dysfunctional Life- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U8H0P2S

The Snyder Christmas Tree by Theresa Snyder

by Iona Morrison | Nov 22, 2015

The Snyder Christmas Tree

 I come from a very large family. When I say very large, I mean like a litter of puppies large…a BIG litter of puppies. I have two natural born brothers and twenty-three foster and adopted brothers. There were never less than ten of us in the house at one time. Add in the friends we dragged home and you had a regular Humane Society collection of kids.

Christmas was always the biggest holiday of the year. All my brothers came home for Christmas bringing with them their wives and kids if they had any. For that reason, the Christmas tree had to be perfect in Mom’s eyes.

There was a tradition, almost a ritual, about the installation and decoration of the tree. It had a predictable flow to it which established the start and the end of the season.

The tree was always put up the week before Christmas and taken down on New Year’s Day. It went something like this…

Mom and Dad would load us all in the station wagon to make the trek to the Christmas tree lot. The lot was always a different place, because we were a nomadic military family, but Dad usually picked one run by the Boy Scouts. Once there, we would all pile out to go on a search for the ‘perfect’ tree. Of course, the Boy Scouts were helpful too, so Mom and Dad had lots to choose from.

Mother was the deciding vote. She would have us turn our choices around – finding the flaws of a gap in the branches, or a twisted trunk. Some were too tall, some too short, some too skinny and some too fat, for the place she had in mind. Nobles were not on the radar. Mother liked bushy fir trees and in her later years Grand Firs were her favorites.

Once the tree was selected, purchased and tied to the top of the station wagon, we were off.

Arriving at home the tree had its trunk trimmed, was set in the stand and brought into the house. This was all done by Dad and the boys while Mother and I prepared a tray of homemade cookies and hot chocolate for consumption while doing the laborious job of decorating the tree.

Once the tree was inside the house Mother was in charge again. She would have Dad under the tree adjusting the screws and the boys up top in order to get the tree straight, and its best side showing out into the room. Once that was accomplished, which was sometimes a lengthy process requiring many cookie breaks and much debate, then the ornaments were brought in from the garage.

At this point the tree was still in the hands of Dad and the boys, but with Mom as overseer. They had to install the lights. This was in the days of those big bulbs. Mother would point out two bulbs the same color, which were too close to one another. They would have to be changed out. Burnt lights were replaced and eight colored foil shades were put randomly behind bulbs of contrasting colors.

Now it was time for the ornaments. They were each handed out by Mother, one-by-one into our hands. Jazzed on sugar from the cookies and hot chocolate, and impatient from having to wait for so long while Mom and Dad dinked to get the tree just right, we stood in line waiting for our ornaments to hang.

Each ornament had a story Mother recited when she handed it to you because each ornament represented a person or an event. The tree was a hodgepodge of Snyder family memories.

There were three blue balls left from the original dozen purchased by Dad from the Five-and-Dime store on their first Christmas together. They had thought they would skip having a tree. They were young and short of cash with a new baby. But, Mother was away from home and Dad found her crying over my older brother, so he rushed out, found a Charlie Brown Christmas tree and bought the last box of bulbs at the Five-and-Dime. Mother always said it was the best Christmas ever.

Each of us kids had our own angel, picked out for us on our first Christmas and lovely wrapped and preserved year after year. Mine and Wade’s were so old that they were not actually ornaments, but hand painted little ceramic figurines with ornament hooks affixed around their necks. I always though it rather odd looking.

The angel tradition expanded with the foster and adopted and on into the grandkids over the years, until toward Mother’s later years, we had a separate tree for the angels.

The reason there were only three blue ball ornaments left from the original dozen was because Mother established the tradition of exchanging an ornament with friends. Each year, she would buy a few extra ornaments and when company showed up, she would gift them with the mutual agreement that they would bring one from their tree or we would pick one up when we visited. Hence, the many stories Mother told as she handed each ornament out. This is a tradition I have continued with my tree over the year.

The tree had been through the growth of many toddlers and animal family members, so there were ornaments made from plastic for the lower branches. There were the traditional handmade ornaments. Whether made from foil covered toilet paper rolls, cotton balls, Styrofoam with pins and beads, or macaroni, they were all cherished by Mother.

In their later years, Mom and Dad picked up ornaments from places they visited and I gave Mom a fancy ornament each year in her stocking. These all had their history too.

Somewhere about the time the tinsel went on Mother would tell the story of the year the tree fell over twice. The second time it actually fell on Dad, who was sleeping on the couch because he had a cold and didn’t want to give it to Mom. That year we kids had the brilliant idea of filling clear glass bulbs with food-coloring water. Dad not only had the tree fall on him, but it also exploded in a mess of wet and glass. We kids woke to find the tree on the front porch. We had two trees that year. One for the house and the one on the porch which we decorated with popcorn strings for the birds.

Last, but not least, there was the top ornament. Its point has been shattered, but we still used it. The story that went with that one was about a tree that was too tall. Dad bent the top down to attach the ornament, when he released, it flipped up and hit the topper on the ceiling, breaking it off. It’s still a pretty topper, so it still adorns the tree with its own story to tell.

Once the tree was decorated and the skirt placed around it, it was time for all of us to scramble and put our packages under the tree. Each one wrapped in everything from foil and the Sunday comics to brown paper bags decorated with potato stamped designs.

With the packages all in place, there was nothing left to do except sit back, eat more cookies and watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” one more time.

I Wish You All a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday Season

If you are looking for something special to place under the tree, think about my newest offerings from my fantasy collection, Farloft’s Storybook for your hatchlings age 2-1/2 to 6, or the Farloft Chronicles – Collections 1 and 2 for age 9 to adult.

If your tastes do not run to fantasy please check out my website for sample chapters and purchasing links to my Scifi, Paranormal and Memoir books.

Website: www.TheresaSnyderAuthor.com

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/TheresaSnyder19

Paper:

Thankful

by Iona Morrison | Nov 16, 2015

As we approach the holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I would like to take a moment to say how thankful I am for my life, my family, and all the many people I am privileged to call friends. I have been blessed to have each of you in my life.

This past year has taught me up close and personal, life can change in a moment. The sad events in our world over the past several days have reinforced those thoughts even more. Each day I live is a gift to be treasured, to be enjoyed, and shared. I love these words by Anne Lamott  “Life is motion, change, stagnation, bloom: nothing ever seems to happen, or awful stuff happens, or beautiful stuff happens and we say “Amen.” I am so grateful for each of you who were there to share in the awful stuff, the stagnation, the blooming, and the beautiful. “Amen.” You prayed so many prayers, crossed your fingers with mine as I waited and joined in my joyous moments. You have encouraged me,  laughed with me, and cried with me.

Life doesn’t come with instructions or warning labels for that matter. No scary music plays when danger is approaching. I’ve made some dumb choices and some brilliant ones. I have learned by trial and error, what it means to be human. I am not sure how I’m doing, but I’m working hard at being the best human I can be.

This is the time of year helps me to rediscover my footing in gratitude. I love so many things about the holiday season. I enjoy our traditions both old and new, the ornaments, and the decorations. I love the family gatherings with my kids and grandkids; the aroma of our favorite foods cooking; the laughter that trickles out around the table in conversation and games that are played late into the night. Now, more than ever before, I am also conscious of those who are missing, and others who are alone.

Thank you, my dear family and friends. I pray your hope is renewed along with mine as you gather with loved ones, see the lights of Christmas, and hear the stories of Chanukah. May your heart be opened not only to your own family but also to the human family. Let the love and the joy of the season spill out of your life into good deeds.

Please join me over the next few weeks  when Theresa Snyder, Kari Nichols, Susan Ricci, and Alexia Stevens a few of my author friends will be my guest bloggers and will share their holiday memories with you.  These are lovely ladies and I know you’ll enjoy their memories.

I Got Tagged

by Iona Morrison | Nov 10, 2015

I got tagged by Theresa Snyder to answer some interview questions on my own blog. So here I go and I hope you learn a little something about me along the way. Theresa will be one of my guest authors in November. She will be here the week of Thanksgiving so please watch for her Christmas memory and books which will be great gift ideas.

When did you first start writing? Was being a writer something you always aspired to be? I never considered writing fiction or aspired to be a writer until just a few years ago. My husband was working out of town I took a writing class called Breaking into Print for something to do. It covered both non-fiction and fiction. I felt at home in writing fiction. My teacher told me my stories had legs and he thought I should try my hand at writing a novel.  I gave it a shot. My first novel was picked up by The Wild Rose Press, and the Kindle version was recently released under Amazon Encore.

What genre do you write? I write mystery suspense with a little romance and a twist of the paranormal.

Can you tell us a little about your current work in progress? When did you start working on this project?   My current work in progress is another Blue Cove Mystery. This one tackles another subject plaguing  our society today. I started this book in the summer but had to do revisions and finish another book at the same time. There is a new character being introduced in this story who might become a spin off series. We’ll see how it plays out. I’m about 1/3 of the way done.

What was your first piece that you can remember writing? What was it about? There are many but the one that stands out to me was a characterization of my aunt who was born and raised in Australia.

What’s the best part about writing? I love watching a story unfold. I’m never entirely sure when I start who did it and how my characters will respond. I let them lead me, so to speak.

What’s the worst part about writing? I’m a bit of a chatty Kathy so keeping the story’s mystery intact without giving it all away is a big deal for me.

What’s the name of your favorite character and why? Jessie Reynolds, because she’s the one I’m working with right now.

How much time a day/week do you get to write? When is the best time for you to write (morning or night)? I spend about three to four hours a day writing. Afternoons into the early evenings work the best for me. I do this at least 5 to 6 days a week.

Did you go to college for writing? I took a writing class and novel writing class through the University of Connecticut.

What bothers you more: spelling errors, punctuation errors, or grammar errors? All of them. I make them all and see them all after the fact.

What is the best writing advice that anyone has given you? Write everyday.

What advice would you give to another writer? Enjoy the whole process from the first draft until the final stage. I love it all.

What are your favorite writing sites or blogs that you turn to for help, tips, or encouragement? I do a lot of research on the internet and I love getting to know other authors. Although, readers give me some of the best encouragement.

Besides writing, what else do you enjoy doing? What are your hobbies? I love spending time with my family and friends. I also love to read.

What’s the best book you’ve read this year? I’ve read quite a few and since the year is over yet I’ll hold my answer on this one.

What is the best movie you’ve seen this year? Any movie I see with my grandkids whether it’s Big Hero Six or Frozen is a great one. If they’re enjoying it then so am I.

What is your favorite book or series of all time? My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice.

Who is your favorite author? That’s too hard I like many, but overall I enjoy Jane Austen.

What are your plans for the rest of the year in terms of your writing? I’m waiting to hear on a book from my publisher. I’m about to query them on another book and I want to finish my work in progress.

Where else can we find you online?

https://www.facebook.com/Iona-Morrison-Author-534319506628681/?fref=photo

https://www.pinterest.com/ionammorrison/

http://www.amazon.com/Iona-Morrison/e/B00N39NJIA/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

https://twitter.com/ionacrv

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8605155.Iona_Morrison

It Works for Me

by Iona Morrison | Nov 1, 2015

“Very few writers really know what they are doing until they’ve done it.” (Anne Lamott)

I admit this is me.  I have no clue, I’m a pants-ter. (I don’t know if pants-ter is even a word, but it describes me. I fly by the seat of my pants.) I can see in my mind all you wonderfully organized folks out their shaking your heads in dismay and rightfully so. But, may I just say in my defense I’ve been like this all my life. I’ve raised three boys and never lost one. I managed to speak publically for many years without totally embarrassing myself, and I even have a clean house. I’ve traveled, managed an office, was a bookkeeper, (with books that balanced) and wrote two novels. It works for me.

 I’m impressed with, and in awe of people who plan out every step of their project; those who know what they are going to create from the beginning all the way to the end; organized before they start. I’ve attempted to do the same, but oh how quickly I stray from the path. I don’t just stray, I color outside the lines, and go a completely different direction,  I’m a pants-ter.  I wonder if there is an intervention for people like me.

 I should mention on my book shelves I have many organizers. Some cheap and some expensive. I bought the expensive ones thinking that if I spent more money surely I would use it. The concept was good, but it didn’t work for me.I have one or two entries in all them and then I forget to write anything in them ever again. I’m a pants-ter.

 Maybe I should have been a hippie because I tend go with the flow. It can get a little chaotic at times but hey I don’t need therapy for deviating from my lists. Yep, you’ve got it, I’m a pants-ter and a sticky note queen.

When it comes to writing my stories I’m the same. I listen to the voices in my head and I’m as surprised as anyone when the story comes together and works. My notes are scattered all across my desk on odd pieces of paper. Although some are now written in notebooks too. I have system, it’s an odd one for sure, but it works for me.

I’m hooked on writing. The whole idea of writing a new story still has the power to thrill me. I love being surprised by what my characters do. It’s so exciting when a new character works their way into my mind and won’t let go. It seems to work for me and for now I’ll go with it.

I know others do it differently and I will continue to be impressed by them, but having said that I think it’s too late to change my colors.  I’ve been a pants-ter way too long and it works for me.