The Sting of Rejection

Recently a book I submitted was rejected. Shocking I know, but there you have it. And I freely admit that it stung a bit. Or rather, the reason it was rejected was a bit of a blow. It wasn't rejected for poor writing or because the story was bad. Actually, it was rejected because the story was too similar to another story already published.

After the first little shock, I tracked down the other story and read it. It was eerily like my story. Though I had never read the other story, there were many, many details that were very close to my story. It left me with a queasy feeling in my stomach. And it left me with a feeling that my story was tainted in some way.

As a writer, there is nothing that is a greater sin than copying another writer's work. Nothing. That's why there are copyright laws. The theft of another writer's ideas is anathema. So, with that faint questioning tinge attached to my story, you may imagine how devastating it was for me. My initial thought was to destroy the story. Delete it from my computer and pretend that it never was written.

But that really wouldn't solve the problem. I've had some time to think about it. For now, I will put the story away until I can gain some perspective about it. I'm too close to it to make changes now. Some day I will take it out, revise it beyond recognition, and maybe... maybe, submit it to some other publisher.

In the meantime, I must wrestle with the uncertainies and insecurities that all authors face when their work is called into question. In my case, there is also the niggling feeling that my work will be scrutinized in the future with people wondering where I acquired my ideas. The truth is that there are only so many story ideas out there. That expression about there being nothing new under the sun... is true.

I write a series about blue people. Imagine my shock today when I discovered that there are several documented cases of blue people. Entire families apparently carry a certain recessive gene for a condition that literally turns their skin blue. Bright blue. I must say that when I read that article, I just sat here for a while and wondered what the heck to do. Never in a million years would I have imagined that as a reality.

I wait with bated breath to find out that there are really shape-shifters that can shift into any animal they wish, or that there really is a planet Avalon where King Arthur is still ruling Camelot. It's a weird, weird universe out there. Nothing will surprise me now. No doubt some one some where knows the truth.

My friend Kelly wrote a blog about a woman who declared that there's really only one romance story and that the authors just change the names. I don't believe that's true, though it is a struggle to write an original story within the framework of the standard formula. There are unwritten "rules". A happily ever after is required. The hero cannot treat the heroine badly--no abuse, rape, etc. And the same for her--not that I was ever tempted or attracted by that kind of thing.

When I first sent off for submission guidelines years ago, they actually stated that nothing "bad" could happen to the heroine. Nor could she be unattractive, overweight, a non-virgin, and some other things I don't remember. I do remember thinking that it wasn't worth my time to write a story for that publisher as I wanted to write something that bore a vague resemblance to reality.

When I sat down to write my latest story, I was enthusiastic and happy about that story because it had an unusual premise and even the possibility of a series of spin-off stories. I find it disconcerting and strange that my "unusual" premise isn't all that unusual.

I'm sure that this happened for a reason. If nothing else, I will learn a bit of humility from the experience. I want to thank my editor for her graciousness and patience in answering my questions. And I want to thank my friends for their unswerving support and encouragement.

Anny

Don't forget to stop by Kelly's place for her continuing travelogue at www.kkirch.blogspot.com and then stop by Amarinda's place as she sees in the new year down under at www.amarindajones.blogspot.com Blessings on this last day of 2007.

Home at last

Why does it always feel so good to be home after a trip? Oh, I know about the superficial things like sleeping in your own bed, getting back to your routine. But what exactly makes it such a deeply satisfying thing to be home?

It's more than the familiar scents of your home or the surroundings. More than being able to find your way to the bathroom in the dark. More than knowing every little sound and creak in the area. And it's more than being able to walk around in your underwear without scaring anyone.

Perhaps home is home because you can be yourself. No matter how close you are to your hosts, their home is not your home. Their routine is not your routine. And there is no possible way to visit anyone without radically disrupting their routine. I imagine that it will take a couple of weeks for my daughter's family to return to the routine that's allowed them to cope in a chaotic world.

Much of the time that we were there, I was very conscious of the fact that our presence, though very welcome, was making life difficult in ways that couldn't be avoided. There were a lot of compromises this past week. Compromises are exhausting and require some delicate balancing.

Home is where you can collapse, stare vacantly at the wall, and sigh. Lest the reader think that I feel this way only when going to visit my daughter, let me clarify. I feel this way whenever I go anywhere. It seems that I'm a hermit at heart.

We saw I am Legend this week. My daughter and I were discussing the premise of being alone in the world. She felt like she would go crazy after a while without people around her. Me? I would probably be in my element.

Elizabeth Moon wrote a book in which the main character, an old woman, was accidentally left behind on a planet that was evacuated. She did strange things--except I didn't think they were that odd. She slept in a different house each night. She walked around naked just because she could. She only ate things she liked and didn't eat the things she didn't like. She stood in the pouring rain because she liked the feel of the water on her skin. Yep. That would be me.

So I'm home at last. I loved visiting with my daughter and granddaughters. We cooked, cleaned, repaired some stuff, went shopping, played games, talked, and took a million pictures. Before too long, we'll do it all again. In the meantime, they'll settle back into their routine. And so will I.

Anny

Don't forget to check out Amarinda's words of wisdom at http://www.amarindajones.blogspot.com/ and Kelly's travelogue at http://www.kkirch.blogspot.com/ and Blessings on your day!

End of year update

New e-mail in my box this morning..."I wanted to let you know personally that you have been nominated in the cafe's Best of 2007 awards for the following category: Best New Author 2007 at Love Romances Cafe!"

Well, that certainly was a very nice ending to the year. Even if I don't win, a nomination is a really cool. It was an exciting deal for me! For more info... The polls open January 1st and close on the 20th. I will announce the winners on the 21st of January. To vote please go to the Cafe loop and click on polls.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/loveromancescafe

Let's see... other news in the my life. Today is my granddaughter's birthday. She's four years old. We had her party last night. She was still bouncing off the walls from the sugar rush at 11 PM. And Nanna was tired. Very tired.

Today we'll be on the road all day, going home. It's quite a ride and no doubt we will be tired when we arrive home so it will probably be another couple days before I get myself together so that I actually can think about the trip.

For all of you on the road, travel safely. Blessings on your day!

Anny

Drop by Kelly's Blog at http://www.kkirch.blogspot.com/ and Amarinda's Blog at http://www.amarindajones.blogspot.com/ for the latest in their lives.

You Can't Go Home

Every time I move, I go through the same process. You would think that I would eventually catch on, but apparently I'm a slow learner. Several years after the fact, I will make a pilgrimage to the "old" job, neighborhood, town only to finally realize that I have no place there.

I suppose it's almost like the grieving process. It'a a final acknowledgement that the separation is final. Weird. Intellectually, I've known for many years now that I would never really go back, but today, it really hit home. I was in a foreign land.

I went to my old place of employment to meet a former co-worker for lunch. During the period we worked together we knew each other so well we knew what size underwear the other one wore. We shared a job. When our department was between directors, my friend and I kept the department running. We shored each other up through some of our darkest personal days.

She's still my friend and always will be. But both of us have moved on with our lives. Both of us have experienced huge changes in the intervening years. Sadly, we've grown apart. Like separated spouses, we were vaguely uncomfortable with each other, wondering what to talk about. We no longer share common experiences.

I have moved frequently enough (forty one times) to know that this is the normal process. But each time it saddens me. That camaraderie is gone and I feel the loss. It diminished my spirit a bit to say good-bye, knowing that both of us were just a tad relieved that the visit was over.

My daughter asked if I was sorry that I arranged the visit. After a bit of thought, I can say, "No." I'm glad I went today. I'm glad that we had that short time together. If I grieve a little tonight, it isn't for the past, but for the future. Time grows shorter for both of us, each in our own little world. I rejoice for the time we had together...even knowing that I can't go home.

Anny

Kelly's on the road again, but may snatch a chance to update us, so check http://www.kkirch.blogspot.com/ and Amarinda is practicing her gymnastics tumbles and so far she needs just a bit more practice so check her out at http://www.amarindajones.blogspot.com/ As always blessings on your day!

Looking Forward

Traditionally at this time of year people take time to reflect on the accomplishments, good decisions and bad for the past year, and set some goals for the coming year. I think it's a natural human trait to stop and assess where we are in our lives. The closing of a year is a good time to think about what we want to accomplish in the coming year.

When I was a much younger woman, New Year's resolutions were a popular tradition. I've noticed that it's a tradition that seems to be passing away pretty much. And perhaps that's not a bad thing. Resolutions somehow are so concrete that they set us up for failure when we can't keep them. Personally, I believe setting goals is more positive. A goal is something you can strive for, yet it isn't a failure it you don't reach that goal. It's a destination, not the journey.

This past year has been a year of highs and lows for me. I've had sadness and joy, success and failure, good news and bad. I accomplished more than I dreamed I would, yet less than I hoped. There is much to look forward to as I leave 2007 behind me.

My goals for next year are simple.

I would like to walk every day. I know that there will be days that this will not happen, but it is a worthy goal. I will not set a distance or time, but I will set the goal of walking every day.

I compiled a tentative schedule of books I would like to write in the coming year. My goal is to stick pretty close to my schedule. That will require less time online, less time putzing around, and more time actually writing. All of the above will require more self discipline.

I am a terrible housekeeper. I have set a goal of straightening up before I go to bed every night. It would be better if I had nothing to straighten up, but after all these years, that doesn't seem like a likely event, so perhaps I can start by simply picking up stuff before I go to bed. I don't hold out a lot of hope for this goal, but I've been surprised before.

I think that's probably my entire list. If I find that I'm actually meeting my goals, I might get daring and add a couple more, but for now... this is enough.

At my age, I've discovered that I can't do everything or be everybody or be everywhere. In many ways, this is a liberating realization. I no longer have to strive to meet anyone's expectations but my own. Looking forward to a new year I can anticipate finding out what I can accomplish for myself.

What about you? Do you have a hope or dream for the new year?

Anny

Stop by Amarinda's Place at http://www.amarindajones.blogspot.com/ and Kelly's blog at http://www.kkirch.blogspot.com/ for the latest in their lives. Blessings on your day.

The Holiday Letdown

The inevitable post holiday letdown has crept up. Grandkids are tired. The rest of the adults are beat. Isn't that way? All the hurry and scurry suddenly comes to a screeching halt and then you're conscious of just how weary you are.

Today will be a recuperative day. Quiet, peace, visiting. Maybe a little cooking. I understand that the grandkids have lined up a couple of surgical strikes on dollies. I think there might be some sewing of dolly outfits.

There's also the ever popular games... Risk, Rummy, Yahtzee, and some other new stuff to try out. Nanna will put up her feet and snatch a quick snooze maybe. And take a million pictures. A million pictures that speak a thousand words each. A million pictures that make a million memories that freeze the moments forever.

My wish for you is that you also have the precious moments to remember. Travel safely if you're on your way home. Enjoy the pleasure of togetherness if you're still with family or friends. Blessings on your day!

Anny

Christmas Day

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house... everyone was awake including the house mouse! We watched Dickens Christmas Carol, hung the stockings and put out the cookies for Santa.

This morning the grandkids sneaked into out bedroom while it was still dark to let us know that Santa came! Smiling, excited whispering about what Santa brought. With a weary sigh, I sat up and sleepily located my slippers. When I requested coffee, my older granddaughter ran to fix me a cup.

After a hasty, excited sorting of the gifts, the girls settled down to open the presents. There were oohs and aahs over dollies and teddy bears and board games. My older granddaughter "bought" her own gifts for us from her school store. Anxiously, she waited for us to open our gifts. She was so excited when we ripped the paper off the presents.

"Do you like it? Do you like it?" she exclaimed.

"It's lovely!" We assured her--and it was because it was picked with love.

There were all the usual things. The excitement over the most inexpensive things. My younger granddaughter's most excitement was over a tiara set. She walked around for quite a while with the tiara in her hair.

My older granddaughter was delighted when she received her very own address book. She spent the better part of the day collecting addresses from anyone who happened to show up.

It's always the little things that seem to elicit the most excitement. I remember my own children showing far more excitement with the boxes than the contents. The little one was more impressed with the bows.

Then we started working on breakfast and people began dropping in about the same time. The rest of the day was a hodge-podge of visiting, playing games, playing with presents, and drinking coffee. Christmas... spending time with family which is what it's all about.

May you all have a wonderful Christmas.

Anny

Christmas Eve

Today will be a day of rushing to and fro trying to finish up last minute shopping and cooking. For many, it will mean a day at work, possibly having an office party. Some will be traveling, trying to contend with rainy or snowy roads or canceled flights. So somewhere in the hustle and bustle, maybe you'll stop to memorize those small snapshots that make the holiday worth the aggravations. I'm offering a few to get you started.

My granddaughter singing carols by candlelight to the accompaniment of an electronic keyboard. That high little voice sang Silent Night and Hark the Herald Angels Sing with a serious earnest expression as she strived to give me a personal concert because we missed her school concert.

The absolute wonder on my four year old granddaughter's face as she learned to peel the paper backing from the bows we picked up at the dollar store and slapped them on the packages under the tree. It was better than watching a fireworks show. She was thrilled with the idea that she could decorate the packages.

Watching my granddaughters dancing around the living room to the Kid Be-Bop Video. They have an entire routine worked out. The orange and turquoise hair pieces added an entirely new dimension to Christmas couture.

The shared laughter as we all watched Santa Claus 2 together. Laughter from silliness and fun is the cornerstone of celebrations, isn't it? May you all have laughter and many wonderful memories. Merry Christmas.

Anny

Blessings on your day and safe travel!

www.amarindajones.blogspot.com
www.kkirch.blogspot.com

The Winners and The Last Saga for 2007

We have Winners! The Twelve Days of Romance have ended and we have three lucky winners.
1st Place - Kimberly Lane - 6 books
2nd Place - Tina Brunelle - 4 books
3rd Place - Jennifer Lindsey - 2 books
All winners have been notified. We want to thank all contestants so much for participating. I want to say that I really enjoyed reading all of the entries! Merry Christmas!

And now the last Saga episode of the year...

“He will never love you.” There was only one woman he loved and that could never be.

“He will if I have the obelisk.”

A sudden green flash lit up the room and he appeared. “Neither of you shall have the obelisk.”

Emmeline gasped in shock. “What the bloody hell are you doing here?”

And now...

"Tchk, Emmeline, you just jump from one difficulty to the next. When will you admit that you will never best me?"

She straightened up, quills clacking in agitation. "I am the best. I am the best! No one will defeat me!"

He nodded agreeably. "It's always a good thing when you have confidence. Hold your head up high. Believe that you are beautiful and let no one convince you otherwise."

"What do you think you are?" she demanded. "Some weird cheerleader?"

"I simply believe that all women are beautiful in their own way."

The Mary moved to join Emmeline. "I don't think you really believe that. You just want Emmeline to give you the Obelisk. Once you have it in your possession, you'll be long gone."

Emmeline tapped her lip with one finger. "I agree, The Mary. He's full of baloney. If I destroy the Obelisk, I bet he sings a different tune."

"Go for it!" The Mary crossed her arms over her ample bosom and nodded sharply. "It's time to find out the truth. Destroy the Obelisk and we will finally know who he really loves..."

Who is he? Who does he love? Tune back in on the first Monday after New Years to see what direction Kelly takes us in...

Until then, check their blogs at http://www.amarindajones.blogspot.com/ and http://www.kkirch.blogspot.com/ Blessings on your day!

Shopping in the Age of Sam's and Walmart

Well we traveled most of the day on Friday, finally arriving at our destination at four p.m. It was a long day. Then we unloaded the truck. The truck was packed to the roof and everything had to be carried up a steep flight of stairs. By the time everything was carried in, I was one tired Nanna.

My daughter arrived home from work and we set off to do the grocery shopping at Sam's and Walmart. It took awhile. We didn't arrive back home until after ten p.m.... and still had to carry the groceries up the same steep stairs and and put them away.

For this Nanna, is was all overwhelming. I'm used to going to the grocercy store, picking up a few things for the house hunk and myself and going home. The five hour super shopping spree left me ready for bed. I hope that everyone has their entries in for the Twelve Days of Romance Contest because time is nearly up.

Until tomorrow!

Anny

Don't forget to check in at www.amarindajones.blogspot.com and www.kkirch.blogspot.com for the latest. Blessings on your day!

Christmas 2007

Well, here we are. In a few short days, the presents will be opened, wrapping paper will litter the floor, the food will be eaten and we'll sit in a stupor, feeling as though we've been through a war. I am a great believer in simplicity. If I had my way, there would be no gifts except for children and those would be few and inexpensive.


My ideal Christmas is one of quiet and reflection, soft carols, candlelight, sharing a meal and good talk, playing a game or reading a book. No doubt there will be some who would find that too boring or sedate. I want time to savor the meaning of Christmas and that's no possible while rushing to and fro in search of the perfect gift for someone who has no need for more "things".

There are so many who will do without this year--so many families who are missing loved ones in the Armed Forces, so many families without homes lost in fires, storms, earthquakes. In the hustle and bustle of the celebrations, take time to be thankful for all we have.

In a few short hours I will be driving along with the thousands of others on the Interstates, traveling to be my daughter and grandchildren for Christmas. Our truck is packed to the ceiling with all sorts of things that need to be transported--a Christmas tree to replace theirs since it abruptly keeled over this week, too tired to stand up anymore, and bags of bedding from a friend who cleaned out her cedar chest, and of course the presents we bought on Black Friday, plus the luggage for a week, computer, brief case, materials for dolly dresses, and assorted other necessities.

Quite frankly, we look like we're moving. I'm very happy that most of it is staying in New York. I have no idea how it always happens, but we always seem to drag along enough stuff to outfit a new house.

If you're out on the roads too, drive safely. Remember that the object is to arrive safely. The fastest driver does NOT win. The winner is the one that reaches their destination in one piece. Please all be winners.

On Saturday, I will post the last episode of the Saga for this year. Then we'll all take a breather and restart the Monday after New Years. No telling what we'll think up with all that spare time on our hands.

Merry Christmas.

Anny

Have you entered the contest? There's still a little time. Remember that entries need to be sent to me by midnight tonight EST! So hurry so you don't miss your chance to win!
Do you want to win some fantastic holiday reading? If so come celebrate the Twelve days of Romance with 12 authors from Ellora's Cave, Wild Rose Press, Total-E-Bound and Cerridwen Press. Each day beginning December 8th and running through December 19th one of the twelve authors will tell what their "True love gave to them" on either their blog or website.

Collect all twelve answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with 12 days of Romance in the subject line to win some great books. There will be three lucky winners. The prizes –1st prize--6 books2nd prize--4 books3rd prize--2 booksEntries must be in by December 21st at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.



Anny Cook Winter Hearts
Sandra Cox Boji Stones
Bronwyn Green Ronan’s Grail
Heather Hiestand Cards Never Lie
Barbara Huffert Deal of a Lifetime
Amarinda Jones Mad About Mirabelle
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Cindy Spencer Pape Cowboy’s Christmas Bride
Brynn Paulin Fallen
Jacquéline Roth Access Denied
KZ Snow Mrs. Claws
Lacey Thorn Earth Moves

Don't forget to stop by Amarinda's Place where she's interviewing Santa and of course she has the Saga today. www.amarindajones.blogspot.com And over at Kelly's place she's interviewing fellow author Brynn Paulin. www.kkirch.blogspot.com Blessings on your day!

What is Christmas?

As I sat at the computer waiting for inspiration to appear, I thought about what Christmas means. Is it shopping? Is it the story of the Christ Child? Is it the presents under the tree on Christmas morning? Christmas Carols?

For each person different things are the true essence of Christmas. For some, if they are not with their families, then it isn't Christmas. For others, certain decorations are the true meaning of Christmas.

As for me, I'm not sure what it is exactly that makes it Christmas. I have spent Christmases surrounded by a vast family and friends. I have spent Christmas alone. There was more than a Christmas or two that was tinged with grief and sadness and others that were filled with joy. Both sides of the coin had their place because our lives are not static. We are constantly moving on, constantly dealing with changes in our lives.

Traditions help us stay grounded as life rushes past but we must not be so buried in tradition that we are lost when the traditions fade away. We must be open to establishing new traditions to take their place. Sometimes a new tradition begins with a whimper. Sometimes with a bang. Some are born of desperation.

One Christmas we were so broke I wasn't sure where we would find the money for the yearly stuffed animal from Santa. My friend called to let me know that a local pharmacy had all their teddy bears on clearance. We drove down to the store, found four different ones and for the princely sum of six dollars, Santa would be making a house call at our place Christmas Eve. They were plain. Stone cold plain, but my friend rummaged through her sewing supplies and located enough fancy ribbon to outfit each bear with a jaunty bow.

And then I had the notion to issue a "gift certificate" to each of the kids. I designed them and printed them out on an old dot matrix printer and colored them with colored pencils. Each one was for a specific sum to be payable when we received our income tax refund. Looking back now, I wonder what my kids really thought about receiving a colored promissory note. But I give them a lot of credit. They acted quite excited about it.

Income tax time finally arrived and we spent hours at the stores spending their gift certificates. The next Christmas rolled around much too soon. Things weren't a whole lot better. With a faint heart I asked them what they wanted for Christmas. Unanimously, they all declared that they wanted the gift certificates again. And so a tradition was born. For many years after that, we had the Cook family gift certificates.

Heh. I was just ahead of the curve as usual. Now we do gift cards. And they're still excited.

In the last five years, we've had more of a turnover in traditions than at any other time in the past. One Christmas we witnessed the birth of a grandchild. Another Christmas Eve I brought my husband home from the hospital after surgery. Most years we've done minimal decorating due to various circumstances.

Three years ago I completed seventeen calligraphy pieces, matted and framed, and mailed them out. They were all 11 X 14 and miracle of miracles they all arrived safely. Two years ago I made memory books for my kids. They were a hodge-podge of pictures, short stories, recipes, and memories. The kids call them The Christmas Book and they hold a place of honor in their homes.

New traditions. Old traditions. They stretch back through the years providing the tapestry of Christmas past and present. Perhaps that is the meaning of Christmas... the wonderful tapestry of memories and traditions that hold us together through the good times and bad.

Anny

Check out Amarinda's blog at www.amarindajones.blogspot.com and Kelly has the saga at www.kkirch.blogspot.com Don't forget to send in your entry for the Twelve Days of Romance by Friday, December 21st at midnight EST. Blessings on your day!

Five more days to Christmas!

Food Pantry Feast AND the Saga

Frannie surveyed the pantry shelves in dismay. There wasn't much left after she assembled the last of the Christmas baskets for the record number of needy families this year. Jonas, their volunteer who had already picked up the baskets for delivery, was long gone.

Now, Mrs. McCandless, her neighbor lady, had reluctantly called the pantry for help. Her pension check was late and she had no food for the next week. Actually, she had shyly shared the disturbing news that Mrs. Hubicki and Mr. Sanchez, who had retired from the same company, were also in similar dire straits.

Frannie would have gladly spent her own money to provide for them, but she had already emptied her wallet to put together the Christmas baskets for the other families. Somehow, the cans of beans, beets, and asparagus other people had donated, just didn't quite fit her idea of a Christmas dinner.

Abruptly angry with the people who took the opportunity to empty their own pantries of things better not bought, Frannie found a sturdy box and carefully packed the few odd items left on the shelves. It was food, after all, even if it wasn't what was normally prepared for Christmas. Five cans of beans--pinto, navy, black, red, northern--not even two cans the same! A small bag of rice, two cans of beets (yuck!), one can of asparagus tips (oh, gross), one can of salmon, a small box of cornbread muffin mix, another little box of biscuit mix, three cans of evaporated milk and a lone, tiny box of animal crackers. She stared down at the box contents and wondered once again what possessed people to donate only what they didn't want. Why did they think that a poor family would be happy to eat what they had already rejected?

She carried the box over to the refrigerator, set it on a chair next to the door, and slowly swung the door wide. It was nearly empty. A small container of dill cream cheese, a quart of skim milk, and two cartons of eggs with several cracked eggs in each. Resignedly, she packed them on top and closed the door.

She carted the box to her car, returned and locked up, and then with a deep sigh, slid behind the wheel. When she carried the box up to Mrs. McCandless' apartment, she was almost ashamed of the things she was delivering. Mrs. McCandless opened the door and greeted her with a wide smile.

"I knew you would help us!" she exclaimed happily. "Come in, come in." She stepped back to allow Frannie to squeeze past her. "Just carry that out to the kitchen. Mrs. Hubicki and Mr. Sanchez are already there."

Delivering the meager supplies to Mrs. McCandless was embarrassing enough, but Frannie hadn't counted on her other two neighbors' presence. She shrank back.

Mrs. McCandless urged her on with a firm hand planted in the middle of her back. "Come on, now. You know where the kitchen is. You'll join us for a cup of tea."

Frannie set the box on the table and silently sat in the only empty chair. Mrs. McCandless plunked down a cup of tea in front of her and then began to empty the box. Mrs. Hubicki and Mr. Sanchez exclaimed over each item as it appeared as though Frannie had delivered something priceless. She just didn't understand how they could be so happy with such a poor selection. They swiftly divided the contents between them and contentedly settled down to planning their Christmas dinner.

"You'll come, too," Mrs. Hubicki said firmly. "I know you have no one to spend Christmas with. No one should be alone on Christmas Day."

"I can't horn in on your dinner," Frannie protested, while thinking they had little enough to eat already!

"You will be here," Mr. Sanchez pronounced softly. "We are all family here."

Frannie shook her head in amazement and silently abandoned her quiet, solitary plans.
"What shall I bring?"

They looked at her with shocked expressions. "Oh, no," Mrs. Hubicki replied quickly. "You've already brought us a feast!"

"That? That's not a feast!" Frannie said disdainfully. "There's no turkey or ham, no sweet potatoes or dressing, no pie…"

Mr. Sanchez shook one finger at her in admonishment. "Frannie! God blesses all food! You will come day after tomorrow and see!"

It snowed Christmas Eve with huge fluffy flakes falling softly just as Frannie returned home from the joyful, candlelit church service. But Christmas Day was vary cold and bright, sunlight glittering back from the new snow. As time drew near for Frannie to go upstairs to Mrs. McCandless' apartment, she removed the two pies she had prepared from the oven and slid in a pan of fresh yeast rolls. When they were done, she slipped on her shoes and carried the pies upstairs.

Mr. Sanchez answered the door with a wide smile on his face. "Frannie! Welcome! And Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Sanchez. Please ask Mrs. McCandless where I should put the pies. I have to run back down and get the rolls."

Mrs. Hubicki appeared in the door to the kitchen. "Pies? And rolls? Frannie!" She shuffled slowly over to Frannie and took a pie, while Mr. Sanchez relieved her of the second one. "Hurry back! Dinner is almost ready!"

Frannie rushed downstairs, grabbed the rolls and bounded back up the stairs to Mrs. McCandless'. Mr. Sanchez had left the door ajar for her, so she carefully nudged it open and slipped inside. Out in the kitchen, she could hear the cheerful chatter of her elderly neighbors and suddenly, she was glad that they had invited her to their dinner.

In a very short while, they sat down to a beautifully arranged feast and much to Frannie's amazement, it was a feast. Mrs. Hubicki's old soup tureen held a delicious pink beet soup. Mr. Sanchez had prepared a spicy, tasty cornbread and bean pie. Mrs. McCandless presented a light and fluffy salmon asparagus puff.

Mr. Sanchez watched her as she tried each new dish. "Frannie, God gives us the tools and supplies," he said quietly. "What we do with them is up to us. We chose to honor the food you brought to us by using the creative talents God gave us. It would have been just as nourishing if we had just eaten the food out of the can. But this tastes better!" He sat back from the table, patted his flat belly and declared, "Now! It's time for pie!"

Anny

Yesterday Amarinda left us with...

“Sounds boring. I have other plans for us.”

Us? “I don’t want to be naked with you.” She did dumb things when that happened.

“Chicken,” he massaged her hand within his. “I want to show you the true spirit of Christmas.”

Emmeline snorted. “I’m not interested in shopping or eating myself into a coma.”

“Come with me,” Zoltan implored. “Trust me.”

And now....

With a poof they were transported to the small yard of a tiny shabby church. In one corner a battered nativity scene shook precariously in the howling wind as snow flakes swirled and danced in the air. “A church? Zoltan, never tell me you’ve got religion?”

“Quiet, Emmie. We’re here so you can see what the true spirit of Christmas is about. Come on.” Zoltan took her hand in his and led the way to the back steps. “Careful, the steps are icy.”

They clattered down the steps into a chilly musty smelling basement that milled with cheerful, smiling people. In the far corner children played near a spindly tree that listed drunkenly to one side. It was decorated with popcorn strings and chains of construction paper loops. Old-fashioned, colored and scratched light bulbs blinked intermittently as the ancient wiring struggled to provide sufficient power.

Through a pass-through window on the right, Emmie could see men and women working busily in a small kitchen. Suddenly, a man carried a tall stack of heavy soup bowls out of the kitchen and placed them on the counter. The woman behind him had three containers of silverware and a basket of paper napkins.

Immediately people began to line up next to the window, the old folks first, then women with small children, and then the rest of the older children. Everyone remained cheerful as some of the men helped the elders into place. A short chunky black man with glasses came out of the kitchen. He wiped his hands on the white apron swathed around his middle before offering his hands to the people on either side of him.

In a quiet ripple that ran around the room, everyone held hands. The man bowed his head and said a simple blessing for the food, ending with a hearty “Amen!” that was echoed by the others.

Emmeline watched as the people lined up for the Christmas dinner of soup and bread. “Why are they smiling?” she demanded fiercely with a scowl. “How can they smile about soup and bread?”

Where will Kelly take the Saga next?

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me Five Faithful Companions!

Don't forget to drop in at the Twelve Days of Romance Authors and find the last clue!

Anny Cook Winter Hearts
Sandra Cox Boji Stones
Bronwyn Green Ronan’s Grail
Heather Hiestand Cards Never Lie
Barbara Huffert Deal of a Lifetime
Amarinda Jones Mad About Mirabelle
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Cindy Spencer Pape Cowboy’s Christmas Bride
Brynn Paulin Fallen
Jacquéline Roth Access Denied
KZ Snow Mrs. Claws
Lacey Thorn Earth Moves


Blessings on your Day!

The Christmas Child

Christmas 2003. It was a busy, busy year. In June we moved from New York to Maryland because the house hunk was transferred. Moving is always stressful, but this time it was particularly so because we lived in our last home for nineteen years. So much stuff. So much stuff to sort and get rid of or throw out! Then in mid-September Hurricane Isabel roared into Maryland. Fortunately, we were not near the flooding, though one of the trees behind our building ended up on our balcony.

Our youngest daughter was pregnant, due in late December. We made arrangements to stay with our oldest son. Our daughter and her boyfriend were staying in a small room so Christmas was celebrated at our son's apartment. No baby. It appeared that the baby was in no hurry to arrive. We made arrangements to wait the baby out, but by December 29th, we were running out of our medications and reluctantly made the decision to go home the next day. That afternoon our daughter called, "Don't go yet! I've started labor!"

In a little while, her boyfriend called. "She wants you to be here when the baby's born." So we hopped in the car and made the forty-five minute drive across the Hudson River to the hospital. When we arrived, he was waiting for us and ushered us up to the maternity floor.

She didn’t quite make it for Christmas, but on December 29th close to midnight, Dan and I were with Jennifer and Dion, present when Daisha Monet made her entrance. Witnessing the miracle of a new baby never gets old. The precious gift of a new life—especially at Christmas—is a reminder of the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Anny

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Five Faithful Companions!

Do you want to win some fantastic holiday reading? There are only a couple days left! If so, come celebrate the Twelve days of Romance with 12 authors from Ellora's Cave, Wild Rose Press, Total-E-Bound and Cerridwen Press. Each day beginning December 8th and running through December 19th one of the twelve authors will tell what their "True love gave to them" on either their blog or website.

Collect all twelve answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with 12 days of Romance in the subject line to win some great books. There will be three lucky winners. The prizes –1st prize--6 books, 2nd prize--4 books, 3rd prize--2 books. Entries must be in by December 21st at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.



Anny Cook Winter Hearts
Sandra Cox Boji Stones
Bronwyn Green Ronan’s Grail
Heather Hiestand Cards Never Lie
Barbara Huffert Deal of a Lifetime
Amarinda Jones Mad About Mirabelle
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Cindy Spencer Pape Cowboy’s Christmas Bride
Brynn Paulin Fallen
Jacquéline Roth Access Denied
KZ Snow Mrs. Claws

Don't for get to stop by Kelly's Blog and Amarinda's Place at www.kkirch.blogspot.com and www.amarindajones.blogspot.com Blessings on your day!Lacey Thorn Earth Moves

Questions and Answers with Kelly and Amarinda

Normally on Monday I have an author interview and book review. Today, I have five questions I asked my blog mates to answer so that my readers might get to know them a little better. They came up with some surprising answers...

Kelly:

1) What is your favorite holiday of the year and why? I don't have one. I must be a scrooge sort because I don't particularly care for holidays (or the PC answer: "hee hee, everyday is a holiday! hee hee")

2) Did you ever believe in Santa Claus? If so when did you find out the truth? No and I'm not sure why. I remember writing a letter to "Santa Claws" telling him I wouldn't pick on my brother the next year, all the time knowing my parents would read it and think it was so cute. I was right. They still have the letter and I can't bring myself to tell them the truth.

3) How do you commemorate the New Year? Brazilian tradition to shove as many grapes in your mouth without chewing or swallowing before the final bell tolls on the midnight hour. And sipping wine with close family.

4) If you could be invisible for one hour where would you go? Probably my old job and the boss I didn't get on with. I'd "haunt" her for an hour. Twitch her ears, pull her chair back from the keyboard, type random creepy messages on her computer... yeah, that's what I'd do.

5) What do you believe is your best piece of work so far? Sins of the Father bookwise. It's with my agent but not with any house yet. If I were being PC and gooey, I'd say my kids... or the letter of stalkitude for my honey Hugh Jackman detailing every last second of his life because I love him and he's mine, not that other skanky hoe's, just mine and he's going to love me and pet me and take me home and cuddle me and whisper how much he loves me and then and then and then read me some poetry based on my superlative accounting of his life. Sigh.

Amarinda:

1) What is your favorite holiday of the year and why?
Anzac Day – 25th April. I think it’s an important occasion for Australians as it brings the nation together as we remember everyone who fought and died in the wars. It also reminds us that peace should never be taken for granted.

2) Did you ever believe in Santa Claus? If so when did you find out the truth?
I had always been very sus as child about the whole Santa-racing-round-the- world-in-one-night-of-the-year thing. When I was five years old, my mother asked me to pick out a wristwatch I might like from Santa. It magically appeared in my Christmas stocking. I realized it then.

3) How do you commemorate the New Year?
I am a creature of moods and whims. I will generally do what suits me on the day, though it will involve a bottle of champagne.

4) If you could be invisible for one hour where would you go?
I like to understand the way people think as they do so I would go into the home of someone who writes hateful, sarcastic words on the internet and just watch them to see the real person and not the surly/bitchy image they hide behind. There are all reasons why people are the way they are. I may also, just for fun, move some of there stuff around…

5) What do you believe is your best piece of work so far?
I am my best piece of work so far. I like the way I have turned out, flaws and all. I am unique and I can’t top that.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Five Faithful Companions!

Only a few more days... who has the last few clues?

Do you want to win some fantastic holiday reading? If so come celebrate the Twelve days of Romance with 12 authors from Ellora's Cave, Wild Rose Press, Total-E-Bound and Cerridwen Press. Each day beginning December 8th and running through December 19th one of the twelve authors will tell what their "True love gave to them" on either their blog or website.

Collect all twelve answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with 12 days of Romance in the subject line to win some great books. There will be three lucky winners. The prizes –1st prize--6 books, 2nd prize--4 books, 3rd prize--2 books. Entries must be in by December 21st at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.



Anny Cook Winter Hearts
Sandra Cox Boji Stones
Bronwyn Green Ronan’s Grail
Heather Hiestand Cards Never Lie
Barbara Huffert Deal of a Lifetime
Amarinda Jones Mad About Mirabelle
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Cindy Spencer Pape Cowboy’s Christmas Bride
Brynn Paulin Fallen
Jacquéline Roth Access Denied
KZ Snow Mrs. Claws
Lacey Thorn Earth Moves

Anny

Don't forget to stop by Kelly's Blog to see where she's taken the Saga at http://www.kkirch.blogspot.com/ and then stop by Amarinda's Place to check the state of the Aussie world at http://www.amarindajones.blogspot.com/ Blessings on your day!

Forty Years

This picture was taken forty years ago today. Mostly, it doesn't seem that long ago. Surely it isn't... and yet I know it is. When we stood there next to that cake, celebrating our marriage, anything seemed possible. We had new hopes and dreams and we were positive that we could conquer the world. I had been eighteen a whole three weeks. He was barely twenty-one. We knew what we were doing...right?

Today's Christmas memory talks about our first Christmas together. It was 1967 at the height of the build up for the Vietnam War. My cousin was home that Christmas in his spiffy Green Beret uniform. Life was uncertain for everyone except us. We were certain that we had life by the tail. Heh. What did we know?

Christmas 1967. Dan and I were married for exactly eleven days. We were broke. We had a bookcase and two floor pillows in our living room… and one spindly Christmas tree decorated with castoff ornaments and lights. It was a magical tree, lighting up our living room, casting the Christmas spirit throughout our tiny Chicago apartment. We bought our presents from a salvage liquidator, but chose them with care and love for the recipients.

I was the first of my generation to be married. Short of gas money, we hitched a ride with my parents when they traveled down to Gary, Indiana for the family Christmas. My husband was from a fairly small family so he suffered a severe shock when we arrived at my Aunt Mary’s house. That first Christmas there was 27 of us for dinner. Dinner was a group effort, with everyone contributing something. The cousins usually ate at one table and the adults at another. With my marriage, I graduated to the adult table.

After dinner (and the great clean up), Uncle Charles played Santa, passing out gifts to everyone. Ours was the sort of family where everyone received something from someone, whether they could contribute that year or not. Dan and I received several things for our new home.

Finally, we got to the good part—carols. Our family has been truly blessed with musical talent. My father played the violin, others played other stringed instruments, but everyone sang the old familiar religious carols celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Someone read the Christmas story from St. Luke. Grandmother spoke about the Christmases of her childhood. My husband’s people were not particularly religious and his family’s celebration consisted mostly of eating and watching television. That was the first time he had heard the Christmas story apart from church.

That first Christmas of our marriage, we had no money, but I introduced my husband to the love of an extended family… a loving family that has continued for forty years.

A miracle.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Five Faithful Companions!

Do you want to win some fantastic holiday reading? If so come celebrate the Twelve days of Romance with 12 authors from Ellora's Cave, Wild Rose Press, Total-E-Bound and Cerridwen Press. Each day beginning December 8th and running through December 19th one of the twelve authors will tell what their "True love gave to them" on either their blog or website.



Collect all twelve answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with 12 days of Romance in the subject line to win some great books. There will be three lucky winners. The prizes –1st prize--6 books
2nd prize--4 books
3rd prize--2 books
Entries must be in by December 21st at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.




Anny Cook Winter Hearts
Sandra Cox Boji Stones
Bronwyn Green Ronan’s Grail
Heather Hiestand Cards Never Lie
Barbara Huffert Deal of a Lifetime
Amarinda Jones Mad About Mirabelle
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Cindy Spencer Pape Cowboy’s Christmas Bride
Brynn Paulin Fallen
Jacquéline Roth Access Denied
KZ Snow Mrs. Claws
Lacey Thorn Earth Moves


Don't forget to drop by Amarinda's Blog for her unique take on life at http://www.amarindajones.blogspot.com/ and then pop over to Kelly's Place for her Sunday Quote at http://www.kkirch.blogspot.com/ Blessings on your day!

Anny

The Pretty Package AND the Saga

Christmas 1960. A bleak, un-Christmasy year. My mother died at the end of May in an automobile accident in the midst of our move to Gary, Indiana where we were strangers. We had family there but I felt disconnected and lonely. It wasn’t Christmas without my mother and our own family rituals. I did not like snow and cold weather when it wasn’t a novelty. I didn’t like the schools. I didn’t like the teachers or neighbors. Most of all I didn’t like the kids that made fun of my soft, gentle Arizona accent.

My grandmother was living with us, keeping the house together, cooking and cleaning. She noticed that I felt left out. One day, she gave me a miracle. It was the miracle of belonging.

She invited me into her bedroom and shut the door. On her bed, heaps of wrapping paper, bows and boxes overflowed. Shopping bags on the floor bulged with any number of secrets and surprises.

“I need a helper,” she confided, “so that I will be ready for Christmas, but it must be a very special helper—one who can keep secrets no matter what the cost. Would you like to be my helper?”

My heart squeezed tight within my chest. Absolutely positively! She patiently taught me how to wrap presents, cut the paper, miter the corners, remove the price tags, mark the names on the gift tags… Looking back, I know she could have wrapped them in half the time it took to teach me, but oh! what a gift she gave me when she trusted me to keep her secrets. For several years, on and off, I wrapped her Christmas gifts. It was my contribution. It meant that I belonged.

Grandmother is gone now. Every Christmas as I wrap presents, I use every skill that she taught me, including her most important one: to look around and notice the person on the fringes of the family celebration and draw them into the heart of the family by allowing them a “special” responsibility.

As my children grew up, each traveled through the “lonelies”—times when they were on the outside looking in. I tried to take care to ask them to serve in a “special” capacity. Individually, they decorated the tree or house, wrapped presents, shopped for the whole family, baked cookies, assembled toys that were labeled “no assembly required.” Each year Grandmother’s legacy lingers in the memory and in the heart.

A miracle.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Five Faithful Companions!

Do you want to win some fantastic holiday reading? If so come celebrate the Twelve days of Romance with 12 authors from Ellora's Cave, Wild Rose Press, Total-E-Bound and Cerridwen Press. Each day beginning December 8th and running through December 19th one of the twelve authors will tell what their "True love gave to them" on either their blog or website.

Collect all twelve answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with 12 days of Romance in the subject line to win some great books. There will be three lucky winners. The prizes –1st prize--6 books2nd prize--4 books3rd prize--2 books
Entries must be in by December 21st at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.



Anny Cook Winter Hearts
Sandra Cox Boji Stones
Bronwyn Green Ronan’s Grail
Heather Hiestand Cards Never Lie
Barbara Huffert Deal of a Lifetime
Amarinda Jones Mad About Mirabelle
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Cindy Spencer Pape Cowboy’s Christmas Bride
Brynn Paulin Fallen
Jacquéline Roth Access Denied
KZ Snow Mrs. Claws
Lacey Thorn Earth Moves


Yesterday on the Saga, Amarinda left me in the lurch with...


“I suppose you want it as well?” She chewed her cheesy snack thoughtfully.

“You know me Maudie, I’m always up for treasure.”

Maud pinged a Cheeto at a man who was leering at her. “I’ll tell you what, you announce to the bar your true identity and if you can get out of here alive then I’ll give you the key.” Maud smirked at her mischievously.

Oh crap. Emmeline knew her true identity would kill her.

She also left me with a terrible craving for Cheetos. But revenge is sweet isn't it?


“Well,” Maud speculated, “I suppose you don’t really need that key after all.”

“You are a witch, Maudie Crabapple. A dyed in the wool witch.”

“Yeah? And?” Maudie asked indifferently. “What of it? At least I’m not the secret Mistress of--"
“Maudie!”

“Romantic Erotica!” Maudie finished triumphantly. “Hey, guys! Emmeline is really Melody Valentine, an erotic romance writer!”

A shocked silence fell over the Gutted Frog. Then Beaky jumped down from the table where he’d been holding forth and trotted over to Emmeline. “Hey, Emmie! Are you really Melody Valentine? Will you autograph my copy of The Naked Menage?”

Another filthy pirate rushed up with his grimy dog-eared copy of Two Lovers in a Hot Tub. “Here! Sign mine! I love this book.”

Emmeline stared down at the battered book in wonder, but declined to touch it. Who knew where that book had been? “Eh, how would you like a new copy?” she asked hopefully. “I’ll sign it especially for you.”

“Oh, wow…” the pirate declared gustily with beer laden breath. “That would be fabulous.”

In a flash, the bar patrons were jostling for space in a ragged line that ran around the room. “Me!”

“Hey, no shoving!”

“No cutting in line!”

Emmeline stuck two fingers in her mouth and whistled shrilly. There was instant silence. “If you don’t behave, there will be no autographs,” she said sternly. “Now someone clean a table and chair for me. Do you think I want to sit in some puddle of ale?”

Anny

Stop by Kelly's Place and Amarinda's Report for some more excellent reading!
http://www.amarindajones.blogspot.com/ and http://www.kkirch.blogspot.com/
Blessings on your day!

Rover's Gift--Christmas Story for 2007

Rover's Gift

The wind howled out of the north driving the whirling snow in a stinging blizzard across the prairie. In the tumbledown barn, twelve-year old Aaron shivered as the cold drafts streamed through the cracks where the old wooden slats gapped apart. He had been waiting in the ramshackle building for two endless days since his Pa had sent him there with the shouted command to stay there until he came for Aaron.

A long time later, far into that fateful night, Aaron heard the distinctive boom, boom of the shot gun, but he didn’t dare disobey his father. Somewhere in his heart, he knew that his father would never come for him, but an unnamed fear and dread kept him from returning to the small house across the farm yard.

Abruptly, Rover the shepherd mix lifted his head, uttering a sharp bark. His ears swiveled as he strained to capture the faint noise in the distance. Patty, the gray tiger-striped barn cat slinked from the shadows in the corner with a tiny mouse clutched in her mouth. She slithered under the rough, ratty blanket Aaron clung to, depositing the mouse in his lap.

With a little shriek, the small brown mouse dived into the straw pile where Aaron was sitting. The mouse’s antics dragged an unexpected rusty chuckle from Aaron. “Silly cat. What did ya expect?”

Patty sat with her tail curled around her paws and plaintively meowed.

“Look, I ‘preciate the offer, but you should have eaten the mouse while you had it.” Aaron tugged the dusty blanket closer, wishing he had his coat or even another blanket. His stomach growled and rumbled.

Rover’s ears perked up again and he barked. Suddenly he rose and went to the door, barking with increasing urgency. Aaron wrapped the blanket more tightly around him and clambered awkwardly to his cold feet. Reluctantly, he stumbled over to the door and opened it just far enough for Rover to wriggle through the crack.

He peeked out at the heavy, curtain of snow that swirled so thickly the farm house was invisible. With a deep, shuddering sigh, he faced the truth that he had been avoiding for the last two day. The pain had been so bad the last week that Ma had cried and begged Pa to put her out of her misery. Slow tears rolled down his cold cheeks as he admitted that Pa probably finally did just that.

As he stood there weeping, the thought came to him that Rover was taking far too long to return. His voice trembled as he called out, “Rover! Come on, boy! It’s too cold to stay out there!”

The dog didn’t return or even bark in reply. Finally, his thin body shaking with cold, Aaron closed the door and returned to his nest in the straw, overcome with deep hard sobs at the final desertion by his dog.

A little while later, something banged into the barn wall, followed by a frenzy of barking. Aaron struggled to his feet and stomped over to the door, cautiously easing it open to peek outside. A huge man covered in snow, leaned wearily against the barn wall. Tail wagging furiously, Rover squeezed through the door and shook vigorously. Snow flew everywhere.

After a moment the man straightened up and entered, closing the door carefully behind him. Aaron’s eyes widened when he took in the shotgun the man carried in one gloved hand. Then he saw the handcuffs dangling a bit below the heavy coat the man wore.

The man’s sharp blue eyes took in the dim barn and with one comprehensive glance had most of the story. “Want to tell me why you’re out here in a cold barn, son?” His tone, though gruff, wasn’t judgmental.

Aaron swallowed hard. Then, haltingly he told the man what he thought had happened. The man listened with patient compassion. After Aaron was finished, the man considered his options for a few moments. Then he asked, “Y’all have an enclosed porch at the house?”

“Yes-sir.”

“You s’pose that fine dog of yours could lead us to the house?”

Aaron wiped his face with his sleeve. “Yessir. He’s a good dog.”

“Yes, he is. Without him, I would have frozen to death.” The man stalked over to the hook where a coil of rope hung. “Will he work with a leash?”

“Yessir?” With puzzled eyes Aaron watched him fashion a harness with the rough rope. “What are you gonna do?”

“We’ll harness your dog and then tie the rope to us so we don’t get lost.”

Aaron frowned at him. “Mister, who are you and why’re you out in this storm?”

The man opened his coat and displayed his badge. “I’m Deputy Harriman from the next county over. Our men are out searching for an escaped prisoner. My truck broke down and when I tried to walk for help, I got lost.” He smiled down at Aaron. “Thought I was a goner for sure until your dog showed up.”

He tied a loop around Aaron while he talked and then tied the end of the rope around his wrist. “Ready?”

“Okay.”

“Wrap that blanket around you real tight, son. When you’re ready, you tell your dog what to do.”

With a nod, Aaron pulled the blanket around him and took a deep breath. He opened the door and said, “Home, Rover.”

Like a shot, Rover was out the door. With Rover straining at the end of the rope, they blindly stumbled across the rough snow covered yard until suddenly they were tripping at the base of the steps. Deputy Harriman hauled Aaron up the steps and tried the door. With relief, he found it unlocked. They tumbled inside, out of the wind. “You and the dog stay here. I’ll go check on your folks.”

He saw a heavy jacket hanging on a hook next to the door. “Here wrap this around you.”

Aaron huddled in his father’s icy jacket while the Deputy went inside. It seemed like a long time later that the Deputy returned and motioned for him to enter. In the fireplace, a fire flickered briskly. On the hearth, his father lay bundled in blankets. “Your father is gonna be fine, son. I’m sorry it took so long, but I had to see to your Pa first.”

“Momma?” Aaron asked bravely.

“As near as I can tell she died in her sleep, son. I need you to stay here with your Pa. Coffee is brewing. As soon as it’s done, I’ll bring you a cup. Until then, I’m asking you to stay here next to the fire. Okay?”

After a moment, Aaron looked him in the eye. “Sir, what happened to my Pa?”

“You remember how I told you about that escaped prisoner? It looks like he broke in here and shot your Pa. But not before your Pa got him, too.”

“He’s dead?” Aaron’s stark question told the deputy a lot about the strong, tough youngster.

“Yes,” he replied honestly, waiting to see how that would set with Aaron.

“All right.” Aaron sat down next to his Pa and gently patted him on the shoulder. “You’re gonna be okay, Pa. You’re gonna be okay.”

After the storm, the news spread across the country like wildfire. It was a Christmas Eve miracle they whispered. The story of Rover’s run through the storm to rescue the Deputy was marveled over. The Deputy arrived just in time to save Aaron’s Pa. Just in time for a true Christmas Eve miracle.

Later when Pa was better, they proudly attended the ceremony where Rover was made an honorary deputy. Deputy Harriman fastened the small metal shield on Rover’s brand new collar and then stood up and solemnly saluted.

Rover sat down then, looked at the small group, and then with a wide doggie grin, gave one sharp bark. A miracle.

Anny

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Five Faithful Companions

Do you want to win some fantastic holiday reading? If so come celebrate the Twelve days of Romance with 12 authors from Ellora's Cave, Wild Rose Press, Total-E-Bound and Cerridwen Press. Each day beginning December 8th and running through December 19th one of the twelve authors will tell what their "True love gave to them" on either their blog or website.

Collect all twelve answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with 12 days of Romance in the subject line to win some great books. There will be three lucky winners. The prizes –1st prize--6 books, 2nd prize--4 books, 3rd prize--2 books

Entries must be in by December 21st at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.



Anny Cook Winter Hearts
Sandra Cox Boji Stones
Bronwyn Green Ronan’s Grail
Heather Hiestand Cards Never Lie
Barbara Huffert Deal of a Lifetime
Amarinda Jones Mad About Mirabelle
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Cindy Spencer Pape Cowboy’s Christmas Bride
Brynn Paulin Fallen
Jacquéline Roth Access Denied
KZ Snow Mrs. Claws
Lacey Thorn Earth Moves

Don't forget to stop by Amarinda's Report at www.amarindajones.blogspot.com where she has the latest version of the Saga. Then pop over to see what Kelly's up to at www.kkirch.blogspot.com and then? Blessings on your day!

Help Wanted: Christmas Bicycle Mechanic

My blogmates have taken to requesting specific years of Christmas memories. Unfortunately, I can't remember every single one. Senior moments and all of that. I'm pretty sure though that Kelly requested 1979 so here it is!

Christmas 1979. That was the year we stretched the budget to get the kids’ bicycles. At our house, Santa always brings a stuffed animal. It was my feeling that Santa bringing tons of presents sets up kids for unrealistic expectations. No matter how the year went, a stuffed animal was always doable. And after that, whatever Mom and Dad can come up with is great.

My kids had a realistic idea of our money situation from the time we sat them down and let them pay the bills with real money. My house hunk had his check cashed at the bank in $1 bills. Then we sat down with the kids and let them count out the money for each bill. We did that for six weeks. If there was any money left over after the bills we let them do the grocery shopping with a calculator and count out the money for the food.

After that when we said there was no money, they understood that reality. To this day, they’re all very good managers. This particular Christmas was important to us as a family as the previous Christmas had been very, very bad. We didn’t have a lot of money, but there was a bit more than usual so we decided that we could afford to buy bicycles.

Of course when your kids are pre-teen age, hiding bicycles is a pretty tricky proposition. Finally, we simply made the garage off-limits. Late Christmas Eve the house hunk and I were out there trying to assemble three bicycles. The store would have assembled them, but that cost money that we couldn’t afford. One needed training wheels. Things did not go well.

Around 2 AM, the door opened and my second son trotted out there with his hands in his pockets. First of all, I was startled that he was still dressed. And then of course I demanded to know why he was awake.

“Well,” he said, “I thought I would see how long it took you to put them together. But it’s late. I’m tired. And I would like to ride my bike tomorrow. So I gave up. Do you want me to put them together?”

His father handed him the wrenches. “If you think you can do better than we are, go for it.” Thirty minutes later all three bikes were assembled and parked by the tree.

My son was nine years old that Christmas. Until he left for the Navy, it was always his responsibility to assemble all the gifts marked “Some Assembly Required.”

That year Santa brought the kids stuffed Safari animals—lions, tigers, and such. Up until a few years ago, they still had them. And then they decided to donate them to a kid’s program. As I recall, that was the sum total of Christmas gifts that year, except for the perennial favorite… new underwear. To this day, that’s a family in-joke. Every Christmas the kids receive new underwear. Now of course, it’s pretty fancy stuff.

Do you want to win some fantastic holiday reading? If so come celebrate the Twelve days of Romance with 12 authors from Ellora's Cave, Wild Rose Press, Total-E-Bound and Cerridwen Press. Each day beginning December 8th and running through December 19th one of the twelve authors will tell what their "True love gave to them" on either their blog or website.

Collect all twelve answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with 12 days of Romance in the subject line to win some great books. There will be three lucky winners. The prizes –1st prize--6 books2nd prize--4 books3rd prize--2 books

Entries must be in by December 21st at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.



Anny Cook Winter Hearts

Sandra Cox Boji Stones
Bronwyn Green Ronan’s Grail
Heather Hiestand Cards Never Lie
Barbara Huffert Deal of a Lifetime
Amarinda Jones Mad About Mirabelle
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Cindy Spencer Pape Cowboy’s Christmas Bride
Brynn Paulin Fallen
Jacquéline Roth Access Denied

KZ Snow Mrs. Claws
Lacey Thorn Earth Moves

On the Fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Five Faithful Companions!

Anny

Make sure you stop at Kelly's Place at www.kkirch.blogspot.com for her take on the Saga. And then stop by for Amarinda's Report at www.amarindajones.blogspot.com Blessings on your day!