Month: November 2021
A Good Book for Christmas
Christmas at our cottage in northern Wisconsin has become one of the rare occasions when I allow myself the luxury and pure enjoyment of reading–actually turning the pages, I mean. Let me set the stage: Outside, snow is falling. The Christmas tree is lit and a fire is blazing in the hearth. At my elbow is a cup of steaming spiced tea. The dog is curled up next to me on the sofa. So what am I planning to read this year? Five books in two weeks. Here’s my list.
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What’s Your Holiday Tradition?
I love Christmas. And I start preparation the day of Thanksgiving. Long before it was known as Black Friday, I[…]
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Save a Plate
Giving thanks to those who spend their holidays serving society. Police officers, firefighters, nurses, doctors, EMTs, the bartenders and waiters who will serve people who don’t have a family or who need an escape, the gas station attendants who will make sure everyone gets to their destinations, the pilots and flight attendants. Yes, they all chose their jobs, but it doesn’t take the sting out of being away from their loved ones on a holiday.
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How Thanksgiving resembles a book
Preparing for Thanksgiving reminds me of planning a book. You know the general sense of the meal, when it will be served, and have personal high points in mind. Same thing with the idea for a book.
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The Great Cranberry Controversy
Traditionally I post “In Defense of Parsnips” during Thanksgiving week, offering praise for the underrated delicious root vegetable, but since[…]
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What does it mean to be a Miss Demeanor?
Finding a good illustration for a post about friendship is not easy, but, as always, the trees led the way.[…]
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We’re All In This Together
Last Sunday I returned from New England Crime Bake, my first in-person writers’ conference since the start of the pandemic. Gathering together with fellow authors was a joy. As wonderful as social media is, as wonderful as Zoom can be, we crave face-to-face with other human beings. That’s how we’re built.
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The Holidays, Translated by Catriona McPherson
I’ve been discussing holidays with friends online recently. Partly that’s because I planned a trilogy of books ( the Last[…]
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