"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
John F. Kennedy
Well, hello there on this wonderful Thanksgiving Eve! What a month November has been--elections, defections (Sigh, many in the writing community are now enjoying the blue skies having ditched X, BUH-BYE), and a plethora of daily commentary to delight and/or infuriate all.
This Thanksgiving I am quite joyful. The cold weather has arrived, and the Tis-The-Season is now upon us. The lights are up, candles are burning, and the spirit of holiday hygge is shining brightly.
I intend to savor each moment... and enjoy my favorite time of year. #BLISS
Since tomorrow is the biggest feast day of the year for those of us in the United States, I thought I'd share this whimsical poem penned by Langston Hughes to celebrate our day of Thanksgiving:
💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽
When the night winds whistle through the trees and blow the crisp brown leaves a-crackling down,
When the autumn moon is big and yellow-orange and round,
When old Jack Frost is sparkling on the ground,
It’s Thanksgiving Time!
💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽
When the pantry jars are full of mince-meat and the shelves are laden with sweet spices for a cake,
When the butcher man sends up a turkey nice and fat to bake,
When the stores are crammed with everything ingenious cooks can make,
It’s Thanksgiving Time!
💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽
When the gales of coming winter outside your window howl,
When the air is sharp and cheery so it drives away your scowl,
When one’s appetite craves turkey and will have no other fowl,
It’s Thanksgiving Time!
💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽💫🦃🍇🌽
Wishing you and yours the bounty of the season. God Bless!
It's Wednesday, time for #DearDiary:
Thanks to all who have been reading Behind the Scenes!
I truly appreciate all the book love and support for my latest cozy tale. It's the perfect read for Thanksgiving lovers. Gemma and friends have a turkey day they won't soon forget! 💫🦃 Pick up your copy here:
Mystery, murder, and celebrating good things this month from the writers of X...
There are bad men in the world. And sometimes, they come back.
Jim Fosse aka James Martin is one of those men. The itch to do evil deeds has returned. Murder is on his mind as he masterminds a deadly, international scheme to inflict a last act of revenge on those who thwarted his efforts years ago. The plan is meticulously executed around the globe, with deadly results--most according to plan. But not all.
In London, P.I. David Braddock reluctantly meets with an acquaintance he'd rather forget. The man reveals new allegations that bring Jim Fosse's murderous plot to a new light. As the crimes and clues are connected, David embarks on a journey to stop a notorious fiend that might be his last.
Author Dolan once again delivers a chilling tale of murder and international intrigue that pits characters together in a final act of deadly vengeance. Who will survive? Spoiler alert, you won't know until the last page. A suspense filled thriller, sure to keep you guessing, highly recommended!
When mystery writers gather for a literary festival on the Ghan, expect a cross-country train ride filled with jealousy, snarky commentary, lots of drink, and of course... murder. Seven writers will board the train, with five leaving alive. Add in agents and fans, and the list of suspects in this literary whodunnit will keep you guessing!
Motives for murder abound--is it the author who thinks another stole her plot? The agent left high and dry for a big commission payout? The literary writer who loathes commercial fiction? Or will secrets emerge that stun everyone aboard?
Author Stevenson weaves an entertaining whodunnit that will keep you turning pages to the end. A fun read for cozy mystery fans, highly recommended!
Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer for your fav mystery lover? Author Kate Jackson has just the book for you complete with crosswords, word searches, spot the differences covers, pathfinder puzzles, and much more!
It's a perfect gift for mystery fans of all ages--highly recommended!
Sometimes it's the little things that can add so much, taking life from the mundane to the exuberant. THE MANY MINI WAYS TO CREATE A POSITIVE & INSPIRING LIFE gives readers time proven suggestions and activities sure to enhance your lifestyle and lift your attitude.
Whether it's indulging in a relaxing spa day, sitting by the fire reading, watching a fav movie, daring to wear the red lipstick--Author Russo's sage suggestions will inspire you to incorporate the things you love and enjoy in your life. The New Year is approaching--make the changes to become the best you!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Yes, I know turkey day isn't 'til tomorrow, but the OH and I decided it was time for some Christmas sparkle at Cherrywood Hall West to kick off the holiday season LOL. We're officially in the Griswold zone... 🎀🎄
We're also excited to return to the San Juan Capistrano Playhouse in a few weeks to watch their holiday production of Miracle on 34th Street. This one is a musical and I can't think of a better way to mingle and jingle! Ho-Ho-Ho, let's get this holiday season started!
Welcome to my world. Until next time, wishing you and yours a joyful, holiday season!
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. It's that most wonderful time of year, and I can't wait to get my Christmasy cold and snow on. In December, the OH and I are heading to Vail, Colorado. My snow boots are doing the happy dance! Gemma and Rikkhe approve 💖👑❄️
Happy Thanksgiving, Veronica! I'm enjoying Behind the Scenes now, as the feast approaches. I'm glad to hear you're headed to the snow in December—pack those boots and have a great time. Love your holiday lights and decor—it's never too early! We'll put up our tree, etc., beginning Friday. Lots going on! I have the Golden Age of Detection Puzzle Book and I love it! xo 👢👑