#30 Days of Gratitude - Day 30: Traditions

Two days ago I talked about the wedding tradition in my family. While that only happened every 20-30 years, gathering together to celebrate Thanksgiving happens annually. Well, at least it did until this year.

Covid.

Unfortunately, covid cases have risen dramatically in west Michigan. To stay safe, Hubs and I will celebrate by ourselves, while our children will celebrate with their families. It will be different. We'll still watch the parades, esp. the one in Detroit since that's where we both grew up. Maybe we'll watch the Lions game, if there is one. We'll FaceTime with each family and think about how we'll get together for Thanksgiving next year.

I want to thank Tara Tyler for starting this 30 Days of Gratitude. Since March, I've felt overwhelmed, upset, and down. I'd forgotten I have so much to be thankful for. Blogging for the past 30 days reinforced that even in bad times, I need to remember our blessings.

 

#30 Days of Gratitude - Day 28: My Husband

Forty-eight years ago, I married my best friend. We hadn't known each other for very long, but we knew we were meant to be. 

In keeping with what has become a family tradition, we married on Thanksgiving Day. My maternal grandparents did because Grandpa got the day off from his milk delivery job. My parents did because my dad got a furlough from the Army Air Force that weekend. So, I thought it would be cool to do the same. Then (no pressure) our daughter married on Thanksgiving Day, too.

I'm thankful for the special man in my life who still brings me joy, happiness, laughter, and, most of all, love.

 

#30 Days of Gratitude - Days 21 & 22: Compliments & Freedom

 I goofed. Totally forgot to post yesterday. A couple of days ago, I wrote about getting up after  falling down. Here's me getting up as I do double duty.

Day 21: Compliments. How do you accept compliments? Do you say "thank you" or "it was nothing"? Why is it so hard to accept a compliment? Even when we deserve it. Is it something ingrained in women that it's not modest to be recognized? Or is this something that only older generations are prone to? 

I love compliments. I love when people say they enjoy my books. I'm grateful for any compliment, like a review, and I'm learning to politely say "thank you."

Day 22: Freedom. This topic could go so many ways. A recognition of the many freedoms we enjoy here in America. But since covid dominates our lives, I want to talk about the recommendations by scientists on preventing the spread of the virus. 

Scientists agree that wearing a mask gives us something like 70% protection from the virus. As does staying a minimum of six feet apart. I get a flu shot every year, a tetanus shot every ten (or sooner if I've been cut), a mammogram every year. Not because I have to, but because my doctors recommend it. I wear a mask to protect myself and to protect others. I think I don't have covid. I have no symptoms, but I could still carry the virus. So I wear a mask.

Staying 6' apart is not a problem. We rarely go anywhere. We don't have visitors, other than family and even that is rare. Because covid cases have risen dramatically, our state health department just issued more restrictions, including not more than 2 families, maximum 10 people, gathering together. Consequently, our immediate families are not getting together for Thanksgiving this year. (And we still don't know about Christmas.) Even before the new restrictions, we already decided we wouldn't join our families. It will be weird, but this whole year has been weird.

My point is choice. We could grouse about restrictions or deliberately ignore them. We could say it impinges on our freedoms. I say I have the freedom to choose to follow the rules, to do what is right--to wear a mask, to stay apart, to celebrate Thanksgiving without our families.

I'm so grateful for having the freedom to choose.

Here's info about the #30 Days of Gratitude.

It's not too late to join in. Here's the Form: 30 Days of Gratitude 2020 Blog Hop

Stop by Tara Tyler's blog to see who else is participating.

  

Post Thanksgiving

I hope you and your family enjoyed the past weekend--that you had lots of good food and company, that you didn't get crushed in the stampede called Black Friday, that you got some rest. We had a great Thanksgiving. Son (the chef) cooked, Daughter and I brought sides and desserts. We rolled our stuffed selves away from the table and went into a turkey coma. Almost. Everybody clamored to hold the twins. Except their parents who were only too willing to release the boys to waiting arms.

Unfortunately, that's where the fun ended. Nothing real serious but Hubs and I both got sick on Friday. Consequently, we missed lunch with our friends, my aunt's funeral visitation, and our great-nephew's baptism. No idea if it was a stomach virus or something we'd eaten before Thanksgiving dinner. Doesn't matter. We're both better now.

How are you doing with your shopping? I've been doing more and more online. Consequently, I'm less stressed than usual. Today is gorgeous, sunny and in the 50s, so Hubs will put up the outdoor lights. He really enjoys them. As soon as I pack up the Thanksgiving and Fall decorations, I'll start putting up the Christmas ones. No way will my home look like House Beautiful. What gets done, gets done. I just have to find a time when the older grandkids can help. Last year, we let them stand on the kitchen counters to put my nutcracker collection on top of the cabinets. They had a great time while we stood close by for safety.

My edits came back from my freelance editor on my Christmas novella. I haven't been crazy about the title From Jailbirds to Wedding Bells and asked for suggestions. The new title is Romance Rekindled. Shorter and it fits two couple who discover that love the second time around is better.

Here's the blurb:

Abby Ten Eyck likes her life the way it is. She runs a successful business, has a well-adjusted teenage daughter, and has managed to keep men at bay since her divorce fifteen years ago. Just before Christmas, she’s hit with change. Her mother decides to sell the family home. Then she’s arrested, with an unknown man. Could this new man in her mother’s life create more upheaval? Or could his handsome son be just what Abby needs to revive her dormant feelings?

Sam Watson embraces transition from frenetic Wall Street to a small Michigan resort town. His health is worth moving close to his dad who seems over the moon in love. But it’s the daughter of his father’s girlfriend who fascinates him. Abby Ten Eyck reminds him of his driven self. He must help her slow down before she burns out. Like he did.

I should have the cover sometime this week. I'll share for a cover reveal. Tentative publication date is next Monday, December 4th. 

Now I just need to finish the edits, write the short story for The Roses of Prose blog, mail presents, and . . . and . . . 

Take a deep breath. Slow down and enjoy the season. Great advice to self. Doing it is another story.

Have a great week.

Happy Thanksgiving

It's appropriate this week to remember we have much to be thankful for. And not just on Thursday as we in the U.S. celebrate Thanksgiving. Making a list (and checking more than twice) is helpful. I know once I hit "publish" to put this on my blog, I'll think of something or someone to add.

I am so thankful for many things, mostly people.

My wonderful husband to whom I've been married for forty-five years this Thanksgiving Day. He's so patient and caring, a terrific husband and a wonderful father. 

My daughter who is a wonderful mother herself. She takes on so many responsibilities and handles all effortlessly (or lets us think it's effortless).

My son who is a great daddy. His eyes light up when his daughter runs to him, and he hasn't stopped smiling when holding his newborn twins. He's caring and loving, attitributes he learned from his dad.

My son-in-law who is as patient with my daughter as my husband is with me. His love for his children shows in all he does.

My daughter-in-law who has become a great friend. She's a caring and protective mother.

My grandkiddies, five delightful children. Their smiles light up my day and their giggles are contagious.

My siblings and their spouses who are always supportive, caring, and loving.

My friends, who are patient and supportive.

My home, shelter, an oasis of calm in a crazy world.

My faith, shaky at times, solid at others. Knowing our God is forgiving and loving bolsters me in times of need.

My parents, now enjoying their final rewards, who taught me strong values, responsibility, and how to work hard to succeed.

My career as a writer and my lovely readers, especially those who tell me they enjoy my stories.

Music, books, movies, the arts, without which my life would be boring.

What are you thankful for?

I hope you and your family enjoy Thanksgiving. Safe travels, all.

Happy Thanksgiving

It’s too bad many of us only think about what we’re grateful for at Thanksgiving. We should be thankful every day. We live in a land of plenty when people in other parts of the world go hungry, have no homes, no freedoms, and live with fear every day.

As we sit around a table laden with enough food to feed two or three times as many people, we give thanks for our many blessings. Here are a few of mine.

Grandchildren who make me laugh and fill me with good cheer.

Children who’ve grown into responsible, caring adults.

My husband who’s a quiet presence in our home, always supportive, a good man.

A family who takes care of each other.

Friends who love us and care about us.

Our house that shelters us, in a neighborhood of genuinely nice people.

My talent as a writer where I can entertain readers by giving life to the characters in my head.

Supportive writing friends.

Fans who are enjoy my books.

Books that have always been my friends.

My list could go on and on. Even though I mentioned him above, I am most grateful for the man I married 44 years ago on Thanksgiving.

Safe travels to all who will be on the road this week. 

What are you grateful for?

#IWSG: Holiday Frenzy

Once again it's time for the Insecure Writers Support Group, whose mission is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! IWSG is the brainchild of Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh Thanks, Alex, for starting this group and keeping it going. And thanks to this month's awesome hosts: Sandra Hoover, Mark Koopmans, Doreen McGettigan, Megan Morgan, and Melodie Campbell!

Have you recovered from Thanksgiving? Black Friday? Cyber Monday? Did you brave the elements to capture the bargains? Or did you (like me) stay home and enjoy that second cup of coffee and visit with company?

Thanksgiving at our house was laid back and enjoyable. I didn’t rush around, as I’ve done in years past, making sure everything was “perfect.” Half of my family came along with my sister. (We’ll see the other half at Christmas.) As we settled down at a table loaded with more food than we could eat, we thanked God for our many blessings. That we live in a (mostly) safe place, have a home and plenty of food, and loved ones to share it with.

Something else we’re thankful for—we live in a place where we can choose our profession. We can write on any topic without censorship. Most of us don’t even give that a thought. We take for granted what others in the world crave. Freedom.

As an indie author (self-published), I’m responsible for all aspects of releasing a book. Since I have zero artistic ability, I hire a cover artist. And since, despite my degree in English, I can’t see my own mistakes, I hire an editor. Everything else is up to me. One thing I’ve learned is to be flexible. The book that (in my plan) was supposed to be released in October is still with my editor for a final proofing. I used to get upset. Now I force myself to remember that some things are out of my control and I have to go with the flow. I can tell you that The Case of the Fabulous Fiancé (An Alex O’Hara Novel) will come out before Christmas.

One deadline I did make this year is a writing short story for The Roses of Prose blog. Each year, we give back to our readers by offering a collection of free short stories, and I was given the privilege of going first. My story is in three parts. Part 1 came out yesterday, Part 2 today, and the conclusion will come tomorrow. If you get a chance, pop over and read “The Christmas Jailbirds.” http://rosesofprose.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-christmas-jailbirds-by-diane-burton.html

Despite the frenzy of the next four weeks, I hope you take time to enjoy the season. Wishing you all peace and joy and writing success.

Click here to find others on the Insecure Writers Support Group Blog Hop. Or go to IWSG on Facebook to see who’s blogging today.

Thanksgiving

This post was originally printed in the November 2015 issue of Novel Notes, a group newsletter by Alicia Dean, Leah St. James, Kathy L. Wheeler, and me.

Why is it we go from Halloween to Christmas? As if another major holiday doesn’t exist in between? Are there even store decorations for Thanksgiving? In grade school, remember drawing turkeys using your hand as a template? Did you perform skits about the Pilgrims? Dress in costume? I wonder if kids today even know who Squanto was? Are they taught about the first Thanksgiving and how the settlers at Plymouth Colony would have died if not for the generosity of the Indians?

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday for many reasons. It’s when family gets together to do nothing more than share a meal. No presents to buy and wrap. No expectations. Just visit, catch up with each other’s lives—especially for those not connected by Facebook.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings. At times, this is tough to do. When life overwhelms us, it’s hard to give thanks. Not to get preachy, but if we look beyond ourselves, we can always find someone who has more problems than we do. And we can be thankful for that.

One of my fondest memories of Thanksgiving is watching the Hudson’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (now America’s Thanksgiving Parade) on television. Like many department stores, Hudson’s is no longer. Marshall Field’s bought them out and then Macy’s. But the parade continues. No matter where I live I always tune into the parade as it travels down Woodward Avenue in Detroit.

Along with parade watching, I remember the smells of Thanksgiving morning as Mom would prepare the stuffing for the turkey. Onions, celery, carrots (mirepoix, as my chef son would say) being sautéed in butter along with sage and a little thyme. Love that smell. The turkey roasting during not just the parade but during the Lions’ game, too. For me, the menu for Thanksgiving dinner is the easiest of all holiday meals. It’s always the same: turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes in maple syrup (oh, the carbs!), vegetables (usually peas and corn), a relish tray, Jello salad, cranberries (not my favorite), pumpkin and pecan pies for dessert. Pushing away from the table more stuffed than the bird was and going into turkey coma.

My very favorite Thanksgiving memory is the day I married my best friend. Yep, we got married on Thanksgiving Day, just like my mother and grandmother before me. They married on that day because of convenience. I did because the timing was right and I thought it was kind of cool to carry on the tradition. Although I had no expectations, my daughter was married on Thanksgiving Day, too. Hubs refuses to recognize the date we married (which is today, btw). According to him, we got married on Thanksgiving Day and that’s the day he celebrates. Since this year will be our 43^rd anniversary, he can celebrate whenever he wants.

However you celebrate Thanksgiving this year, whoever you are with, take a moment to be thankful and enjoy the day.

If you are interested in Novel Notes, you can subscribe here. Each month we have articles, book reviews, new releases, and an opportunity to win a $25 Amazon or B&N gift card.