It is my pleasure to welcome author Holly Jacobs to the lair today! Holly's latest book for Harlequin Superromance, HOMECOMING DAY, is out now. Here's Holly...
Homecoming Day
by Holly Jacobs
I love Christmas. And no, it has nothing to do with my name, or a possible holiday birthday. I was actually born in August and Mom named me Holly because she didn’t want me to have a nickname, which would explain why I’ve spent most of my life known as “Hall.” LOL But I digress. I love Christmas because it’s a holiday that’s all about family. As my four children have aged, they’ve started talking about Christmases past with a hint of nostalgia. “Mom, remember when we were little and you made us sit at the top of the stairs while you turned on the tree and lights on Christmas morning?” “Mom, remember that Christmas you let us have Christmas cookies for breakfast?” “Mom...” You get the point. They have great memories of the holiday. So do I.
Maybe that’s why I so enjoy writing holiday stories. For me, the holidays mean family, and it doesn’t matter if I’m writing straight up comedy, or my more dramatic, emotional romances, my books all tend to have family and community at their heart.
This month’s SuperRomance, Homecoming Day, certainly does. I introduced the Keller family, who live in Whedon, PA, in last winters, Unexpected Gifts. They had a cameo in February’s A One-of-a-Kind Family. I had so many wonderful letters from readers, and many people asked for Seth (the quiet, alienated Keller brother) and Tucker (the heroine of Unexpected Gift’s best friend) stories.
Homecoming Day is Seth’s (Tucker’s story will be out in Sept. of ‘11). In it, I explain why he’s estranged from his parents. Now, I’ll confess, I don’t always agree with my character’s actions or reactions. I understand why Seth is alienated, but I’m pretty sure that’s not how I’d react. That’s the gift writers receive...the gift of seeing the world through another set of eyes. Seth’s story broke my heart more than a little as I wrote the book. And the heroine of the story, Laura, broke it the rest of the way. Helping them heal...well, that was my joy as a writer. I have mottos or high concepts for most of my books. Their story centered around the idea that “Life gives second chances...sometimes so does love.” As a writer, I loved helping Seth and Laura find their second chances!
I guess that’s another reason I love this time of year. It’s not only that it’s about family, it’s the idea that the new year is just around the corner and that’s a time of new beginnings and second chances. That’s why we make New Year’s resolutions...we’re hoping to change something about ourselves or our life–to allow ourselves to start over. A few years ago, I started giving myself a word of the year, rather than a resolution. Something to reflect on as the year plays out. I don’t like the winning/losing aspects of resolutions. If you don’t accomplish it, you lose. With a word of the year, occasionally thinking about it and try to incorporate it into your life...well, you’ve won! And if you pick the right word, it can certainly make a positive change in your life.
I’ve used the word AWARENESS and OPTIMISM in past years. I write the year’s word on a neon Post-It and stick on my desk, where I’ll see it regularly. I haven’t settled on a word for this year. I’m thinking of Glee...a word I tend to use a lot in my day-to-day life. But I’m not sure. Has anyone else ever had a word/motto of the year?? If not, and you had to pick one for next year, what would it be?
Holly
PS. As part of the blog's 12 Days of Christmas, I'm going to pick a random name from those who respond and send them a copy of the first Whedon book, Unexpected Gifts!
It's FINALLY here! The Romance Bandits 12 Days of Christmas Booty. Every day between now and Christmas, one lucky commenter per day will win a daily prize and on some days, additional goodies from that day's blogging Bandita or guest. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we'll give away more booty including autographed books, GR mugs and much more! Come join us! Tell your friends! Let's make the Season BRIGHT!
honestly I dont use a particular phrase or motto but i do how everuse 3 numbers 149 for everything it reminds me of my priorities of family friends and love with out all of that we have nothing great post i havent read any in this series tho
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the recent release of "Homecoming Day," Holly. I don't have a motto or word of the year. If I had to choose one for next year it would be hope. I'd rather have a positive outlook on things and I think it goes a long way in making you feel better if you fall into a rut.
ReplyDeleteI say to myself, "this, too, shall pass" a lot this year. I'm hoping next year will be better.
ReplyDeleteHi Holly, Congrats on recent release of HOMECOMING DAY. I don't have a word but if I had to say something for next year, I'd say "Maybe 2011 is the one!"
ReplyDeleteWell done SiNn have fun with him
ReplyDeleteHi Holly I do love the sound of this book I need to look for it.
What a great idea to have a word or a motto for the year instead of a resolution I have never thought of that before.
For me it would have to be "spark" reminding me to be positive and happy and to have fun filled days.
Thanks Beth for inviting Holly along to day.
Have Fun
Helen
Enjoy GR SiNn
ReplyDeleteHi Holly
I love anything about Christmas and like books abou Christmas too. Yours sounds good and I also like series... I don't make New resolutions as I don't think I am going to change now but I always think it a new year and hope it will be as good as the last one.
I've never picked a word for the new year but it is a great idea. I think I would pick Joy. It would remind me to find the joy in each day.
ReplyDeleteGood morning everyone! I didn't expect to arrive and find posts already!
ReplyDeleteSiNn, Family first...it's always been one of my goals. I think that's one of the most important thing to remember!
Jane, Thanks for the congrats! A new release is always exciting! Hope is a great word!
Sheree, I hope next year is a wonderful year for you!
Nas, Hoping '11 is not only The One, but also a great one!
Helen, Now, Spark...that's a word I wouldn't have thought of, but it provokes a great mental image and reminder!
Barb, I like Words of the Year for just that reason...resolutions tend to fall by the wayside, but a word...well, every time you think about it (or look at the Post It in my case) you win!
Maureen, Joy is a wonderful word!
What a lovely way to start a day...visiting here and finding all of you!
Holly
Hi Holly! Congrats on the release of HOMECOMING DAY! As you know, I *loved* this book! I've liked all of your books but this one is my all-time favorite. Seth and Laura burrowed their way into my heart and are still there.
ReplyDeleteMy word is "Joy." I chose it ten years ago when my husband died after a lengthy illness. That first year, it reminded me to find some joy in each day, no matter how small or insignificant. It's become so ingrained by now that I automatically look for the joy in life every day without even thinking about it.
* Please don't include me in the giveaway.
Hi Holly and welcome to the Lair - great to have you here during such a fun time.
ReplyDeleteLove the sound of Homecoming Day - will have to check it out! The story I'm currently battling my way through writing is all about second chances too, so it's a subject close to my heart.
I don't have words that I choose, but I do try to focus on two phrases that my lovely hubby uses. One is 'you can't fight gravity' - in other words, don't stress over things over which you have no control. I'm not always great at this - this weekend is a classic example! - but I'm trying and hope to be better in 2011.
The other phrase is 'be here now'. In other words to enjoy and appreciate the life you're living instead of always looking for joy in what may or may not come in the future.
If I had to pick a word for 2011, it would be SALE! *g*. I hope it will be a year of sales for me and the other AYU Banditas and BB's.
Hi, Holly! So good to have you back here with us. I, too, love the holidays and the memories my family has made over the years. Especially poignant now that the younger kids are so close to leaving the nest!
ReplyDeleteAs for a phrase of the year, I've decided to adopt one from an unused British WWI poster the Ministry of Information made up in case of a German invasion (that never came): Keep Calm and Carry On.
That is going on Post-It notes at home, at work and probably in the car. It will come in handy as we head past my husband's first year of unemployment and the ever-dwindling savings account. As the second child heads off to college and the third enters her senior year of high school. As the 13-yr-old minivan turns 14. You get the picture. Keep Calm and Carry On. Words to live by.
Hi! Great post!
ReplyDeleteI say "Hope springs eternal" quite a bit in my emails; I guess it beats "No good deed goes unpunished", LOL!
I edit/type resumes (CVs), reports, etc. from home, and my most-used word is "Consistency". For example, if you set up your Education section with dates along the left edge, be consistent and set it up like that for Employment and Volunteer Activities. If you start spelling words the British way with "our" at the end (like "honour", because we're Canadian), don't throw in an "or" at the end of the same word later (like "honor"). Be consistent.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGood morning! I just want to thank Holly so much for being with us today. Her books are fabulous and Homecoming Day is getting awesome reviews *g*
ReplyDeleteHolly, I love that you pick a word for inspiration for the year! I may have to borrow this idea but I'm still mulling over which word I'll use. Confidence? Dedication? Balance? Hmm...will let you know if I find one that fits me :-)
Holly, I dearly love Superromance. What a lovely post. (And your cover is just wonderful) My word for the year will be Blessings, as I've certainly learned how to count mine.
ReplyDeleteCaren, you and I are living almost mirror lives right now . . . I love straightforwardness of Keep Calm and Carry On. Fits in well with Count Your Blessings. :)
Hey, SiNn! I think anything that reminds us of our priorities is great *g*
ReplyDeleteAnd you've won the coveted golden rooster for the day! Congrats!
Hey, Jane! Hope if a fabulous choice *g* I agree that having hope and being positive help pull us through the tough times :-)
ReplyDeleteGood to see you here, Holly! Congrats on the new release.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a yearly motto but I do have a fortune from a fortune cookie taped on my printer. It says "Your present plans are going to succeed." I like that one!
Hi, Holly, welcome to the Lair. Your books sound amazingly warm and comforting, just like the season. I like reading about people who have troubles when I know they'll find solace and happiness at the end of their journeys.
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of a word for the New Year. I think mine would be EMPATHY. It's human nature to judge others based on our own experiences rather than trying to understand where they're coming from and identifying with their sorrow or joy.
Yay, SiNn! Hang onto that rooster and get him to do some holiday chores for you!
Welcome, Holly. Homecoming Day sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI don't use a byword or a motto for the year. If I had to pick one, it probably would be perseverance. I once heard my dad say that nothing, good or bad, lasts forever, and I think perseverance gets you through the bad until the wheel turns to good again.
Merry Christmas!
SiNn, congrats on the rooster.
Sheree, I've had "this too shall pass" years. I hope 2011 is much better for you.
ReplyDeleteNas Dean, I hope 2011 will be "the one" for you.
ReplyDeleteSheree, I'm hoping next year is better for you, too.
ReplyDelete"Maybe 2011 is the one!"
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed 2011 IS the one, Nas!!
Helen, I love "spark"! And it fits you so perfectly *g*
ReplyDeletebut I always think it a new year and hope it will be as good as the last one.
ReplyDeleteThat's a great way to think, Barb *g*
Maureen, I love the idea of finding joy in each day.
ReplyDeleteYou all are giving me great ideas to use as the word I might pick for 2011 :-)
A phrase that I enjoy and use would be not to worry. An old one that my mother gave me many years ago.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on Homecoming Day. I use a word a great deal and it is one of my faves. Beschert, since we all could benefit from this .
ReplyDeleteNice catch, SiNn! Make him do something festive!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your new release, Holly. I do love stories of the black sheep coming home at last!
I like the idea of picking a word for the year. A friend of mine does it every year.
I keep thinking of the Edison quote "Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."
So my words for this year are:
Discipline
Diligence
Devotion
Determination
all of those applied to my writing will change my
Destiny !
I tend to use "it happens" all the time. My best friend has like major issues and I hate to tell her the line "I told you so", Cause I always feel so bad, so I us "it happens" and for so reason I've started using it more and more. It's like my "things could be worse" pharse.
ReplyDeleteBusy morning here. Still on Christmas prep!
ReplyDeletePJ, Thanks so much! You've made my day...more than once now! LOL I was so nervous about this book...the characters were very different for me. Wishing you all kinds of joy this year!
Anna, You might like the book, Wherever You Go, There You Are...it fits your saying! And I hope that sale is there for you this year!
Hi, Caren! I love Keep Calm, Carry On...it should be every parents' mantra! My husband's saying about our kids? "Kids are expensive pets to keep." He's not just talking monetary-wise! LOL
Laney, No Good Deed Goes Unpunished is a song from Wicked. So now that's playing in my head! LOL
Kirsten, I love "believe." You're right, it's a word that shouldn't be limited to just one season!
Beth, Figuring out just the right word...well, that's the trick. Each year, I switch it up. Awareness was one of my favorite year's. It wasn't so much about trying to make myself feel glee, or optimism, but just reminding me to take in my life and not wish it away. Let me know what you pick!
Gillian, I'm so glad you love Supers...I'm so thrilled to be writing for the line! And Blessings...those are something we all need to be aware of and count!
Christie, I like that one, too!
Jo, Empathy is such an important emotion. As a parent, I've worked to make my kids try to walk in other people's shoes. And empathy is one of a writer's most important tools!
Thanks, Nancy! Perseverance is a great one!
Traveler, I try to follow that one and not worry...but my four kids seem to require a lot of worry!! Require and inspire a lot! LOL
Petite, Yiddish for destiny, right? I love the Yiddish word Mensch. I tried to raise all my kids to be mensches!
Louise, So '11 is a D sort of year! LOL
BJ, You're right, life tends to happen!
Holly
Busy morning here. Still on Christmas prep!
ReplyDeletePJ, Thanks so much! You've made my day...more than once now! LOL I was so nervous about this book...the characters were very different for me. Wishing you all kinds of joy this year!
Anna, You might like the book, Wherever You Go, There You Are...it fits your saying! And I hope that sale is there for you this year!
Hi, Caren! I love Keep Calm, Carry On...it should be every parents' mantra! My husband's saying about our kids? "Kids are expensive pets to keep." He's not just talking monetary-wise! LOL
Holly
Laney, No Good Deed Goes Unpunished is a song from Wicked. So now that's playing in my head! LOL
ReplyDeleteKirsten, I love "believe." You're right, it's a word that shouldn't be limited to just one season!
Beth, Figuring out just the right word...well, that's the trick. Each year, I switch it up. Awareness was one of my favorite year's. It wasn't so much about trying to make myself feel glee, or optimism, but just reminding me to take in my life and not wish it away. Let me know what you pick!
Gillian, I'm so glad you love Supers...I'm so thrilled to be writing for the line! And Blessings...those are something we all need to be aware of and count!
Christie, I like that one, too!
Jo, Empathy is such an important emotion. As a parent, I've worked to make my kids try to walk in other people's shoes. And empathy is one of a writer's most important tools!
Thanks, Nancy! Perseverance is a great one!
Traveler, I try to follow that one and not worry...but my four kids seem to require a lot of worry!! Require and inspire a lot! LOL
Petite, Yiddish for destiny, right? I love the Yiddish word Mensch. I tried to raise all my kids to be mensches!
Louise, So '11 is a D sort of year! LOL
BJ, You're right, life tends to happen!
Holly
Okay, so I posted the whole post and Blogger yelled, then I split it and posted it in halves...and the long one, and the two halves all showed up! LOL
ReplyDeleteGeesh!
Holly
Oh, what a great idea!! I like the word "positive" because I tend to dwell on things past. Or a motto maybe "live one day at a time" or "live today as your last". I'm going to be thinking really hard on a good word - thanks!!
ReplyDeleteOhh, love the sound of "Homecoming Day" and love series since I am never ready to let go of the characters at the end of a book.
ReplyDeleteI have had a motto for years, "if it isn't broke, don't fix it!"
I have a tendency to try and improve on things that don't really need to be improved.
I have a friend and her favorite phrase is "This too shall pass" I have to agree with that phrase as well.
I have never picked a word for the year and I don't do resolutions, I just face a new year with the hope that it will be better. I guess that would make my word HOPE.
My word for next year would be Faith. I think everyone could use a little more faith. I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season.
ReplyDeleteThe dh is a great believer in "good enough." There are times, he says, when obsessing about the last little tweaks really gets you nothing, that you should let some things go when they are "good enough" and save the intense attention to detail to the times when it truly matters.
ReplyDeleteThis is difficult for me. *sigh*
I don't have a word or motto of the year, but I try to live life with a positive attitude.
ReplyDeleteNope, haven't got a word or motto of the year. Don't know what I'd pick if I were to. I stopped making resolutions back in junior high when, for homework, we had to make a list of five resolutions...which I did...and had no intention of keeping. :)
ReplyDeleteCatslady, I hope you find the perfect word to give your year meaning!
ReplyDeleteDianna, I find a lot of readers enjoy remeeting characters in other books. I try to be careful that each book is independent. Are you familiar with Easter Eggs in DVD's? That's how I think about characters having cameos. If you know the characters, it's a treat (I hope!)! Hope is a great word!
Linda, Faith is a great word!
Nancy, I started basketweaving this year (I'm working on a new one today) and sometimes I simply have to accept good enough because I'm a novice. The Amish (I haven't been able to verify they really say it, but it's attributed to them) say that only God is perfect, so they always leave a flaw in their quilts. I think of that saying a lot when I count my mistakes in a basket! LOL
Runner, In a situation where you can either laugh or cry...I laugh! Positive is best!
Pissenlit, That's why I gave up resolutions...they seemed to fade before January was over!
Holly
I don't have a motto or word for the year but if I had to choose one this coming year its going to have to be diet, because after these holidays I am going to have to do something or buy bigger clothes.
ReplyDeleteHad a rather rough few months this year and found myself saying 'build a bridge' quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteJust to remind myself that I could get over 'it'... I just needed to build a bridge first!!!
I usually don't have a motto but I think for next year my motto will be "Don't sweat the small stuff. Just enjoy life."
ReplyDeleteVirginia, Good luck with the weight control! I walk my dogs between three and five miles away. I spend so much of my day in front of a computer, I need the activity. And now that the dogs are used to it, they won't let me be if I don't take them out! LOL I hope you find a new lifestyle that works for you!!
ReplyDeleteCath, I'm so sorry you had a rough time of it, but I love the imagery of building a bridge! LOL
Crystal, That's a great motto!!
Holly
Hey, PJ! Joy is such a great word for you as I'm always joyful when I see you *g*
ReplyDelete'be here now'
ReplyDeleteLOL, Anna! I have to tell myself this all the time - especially when my husband or kids are talking to me and my mind is focused on a story *g* I'm getting better at it though!
Hi Holly (waving madly!) - good to see you in the lair.
ReplyDeleteLove the cover - and the story. You are so right about the holidays and family. It's funny to hear those things that you considered insignificant when they're little come back as "remember when" memories. It's a magical wonderful time.
My husband and I took a yoga class a few years back- before I was published. The instructor told us to pick a word or phrase and repeat it over and over in our minds as part of the meditative process. My phrase was "Thank you." I just mentally repeated it again and again. I think it might have played a part in landing a contract. (My husband repeated the number of yards he wanted to hit a golf ball LOL). So if you need a phrase - that's a good one.
Hello Holly! Glad to have you in the Lair today. I've been a fan of yours for some time now!
ReplyDeleteI'm sort of chuckling about phrases, because my mom has some "salty"ones that I think of throughout the year. One of the best is, "Who the heck signed me up for this?" hehehe
One of my own I love to use at work with the new nurses is, "Panic never solves anything."
Another favorite of mine is, "Everything will be all right." I use this at home and at work. Although sometimes at home it comes out, "Somehow everything will be all right."
Keep Calm and Carry On. Words to live by.
ReplyDeleteSo true, Caren! Wishing for the best for your husband's employment situation in 2011.
I also think another good saying is just Hang In There!
Be consistent.
ReplyDeleteLaney, that is so great! I'm going to keep that in mind for my writing *g*
Hi, Donna! And I love your thank you story! I laughed about your dh's yard request! LOL
ReplyDeleteHi, Suzanne! That Somehow...yeah, that's a part of the saying I get. Even when I haven't been able to figure out how, Somehow things have always come round right for me...I hope for you, too!
Holly
But what I mean by it is that I have to have faith that things will work out. Not to give up hope and say to yourself it will all be ok.
ReplyDeleteSuch a fabulous point, Kirsten - and so true!
Holly, welcome to the lair and thank you to Beth for hosting Holly today! HOMECOMING DAY sounds wonderfully heartwarming--I love that theme of second chances. What a wonderful idea to think of a motto for the year. I will have to ponder that one a bit more but I love the idea of glee, which to me means taking delight in everything you can. That sound like a great one for you for the coming year.
ReplyDeleteI don’t really have a word or motto but since it is the season I will go with the word Spirited. If I went into everything with the right attitude and spirit my life would probably be more gleeful!!
ReplyDeleteMy phrase has always been "It is what it is". I learned a long time ago that too much time and energy could be spent on asking questions where there may be no answers. Instead of wondering 'why' or 'how', ya just gotta dig in because "it is what it is" and only hard work, patience, and time will resolve most things. Knowing this lets me know that I can work through most anything.
ReplyDeleteBlessings is a great word, Gillian *g* I know I try to count mine as often as possible!
ReplyDeleteLOL, Christie! I have two fortunes from fortunes cookies on my desk but right now they're buried under a mess *g* I love getting one that fits my current situation :-)
ReplyDeleteI think mine would be EMPATHY.
ReplyDeleteJo, that's such a great thought! Empathy is so important and something I always tried to teach my children.
Nancy, my older daughter and I were having a conversation about her future plans and she mentioned perseverance as something important to her. I know it's helped me in my career!
ReplyDeleteLove your dad's attitude!
Traveler, I often tell the people in my family not to worry *g* I'm of the belief that if you can't change what's going to happen, worrying about it isn't going to make it any better!
ReplyDeleteChristine, Glee is something I do well! LOL Of course, most of my glee comes from very geeky sources! Finished my new basket today...glee! Had homemade chicken soup and homemade pumpkin pie for dinner...more glee (and another couple miles of walking the dogs tomorrow to pay for it!)! I wish you a year of total glee!
ReplyDeleteKat, Spirited is wonderful!! Hope you find the spirit of the season!
Cyber, Having that kind of motto does make life easier!
Holly
I don't have a word or motto--a couple that might be good are "breathe" and "joy"! Congrats on Homecoming Day!
ReplyDeleteI haven't ever chosen a word or phrase, but I try to be positive. The glass is half full.
ReplyDeleteHey, petite! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteLove your words, Louisa! I do think determination is a big one when it comes to this career *g*
ReplyDeleteHi, BJ! There are so many situations we can't control that 'it happens' is perfect for!
ReplyDeleteHolly, I'm still giving serious thought to which word I want to pick *g* There have been so many great suggestions today! I will definitely let you know when I decide :-)
ReplyDeleteCatslady, sometimes it's hard to let go of things that have happened! I find myself often looking to the future when what I need to do is enjoy the present *g* Maybe 'present' should be my word!
ReplyDelete"if it isn't broke, don't fix it!"
ReplyDeleteThat's so great, Dianna! I need to tell this one to my husband *g*
'Faith' is a great pick, Linda!
ReplyDeleteI try to live life with a positive attitude
ReplyDeleteIt's so important, isn't it, runner10? Sometimes being positive can really turn a bad day around *g*
LOL, Pissenlit! I'd never be able to come up with 5 resolutions because I know I'd never be able to keep them all. Too much pressure :-)
ReplyDeleteLOL, Virginia! I had the same thought. Maybe I shouldn't have made white trash while I'm under deadline. I can't stop eating it *g*
ReplyDeleteI so remember having to sit at the top of the steps on Christmas morning. My brother & I would wake up way too early and weren't allowed to go down to the landing on the stairs (thus unable to see anything) and would sit and bop up & down those 6 steps till mom & ad were ready to get up. Then once we finally got the older sisters up and out of bed we could go as far as the landing but had to wait there till got the okay from mom (tree lights on & camera ready) few more steps, stop for picture while we got the 1st glance of the tree and all the goodies, then we would be let loose :)
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a word/motto for the year. Might have to think about doing that as I never do resolutions.
Happy holidays! :D
Cath, so sorry to hear about the rough few months. Hope 2011 is better for you! Love the idea of building a bridge *g*
ReplyDeleteDon't sweat the small stuff. Just enjoy life."
ReplyDeleteLOL! This is one of my mottos, Crystal! It works really well, especially if you have teenagers
;-)
My phrase was "Thank you."
ReplyDeleteDonna, this is one my favorites, too!
"Somehow everything will be all right."
ReplyDeleteThis is so true, Suz!
I often tell my husband a variation of this when we're dealing with our kids *g*
Hey, Christine! Your definition is how I think of Glee, too *g* And really, there are so many wonderful things in life to delight in :-)
ReplyDeleteIf I went into everything with the right attitude and spirit my life would probably be more gleeful!!
ReplyDeleteKat, I think you've come up with a fabulous motto to live by *g* I might have to borrow it!
"It is what it is"
ReplyDeleteCybercliper, I've been using this quite often when discussing my current story with Tawny *g* Makes me feel very zen-like :-)
LOL, Fedora! I often have to remind myself to breathe when things get stressful *g*
ReplyDeleteGreat attitude, Chey!
ReplyDeleteI've always been intrigued by the idea of a holiday book! I've seen the numerous movies on Lifetime and Hallmark about men and women finding each other. Great book, Holly!
ReplyDeletegamemistress, my husband has memories of having to wait on the stairs until his mom was ready for them all to come down *g* We make our kids wait in the hall. And, I've always had them open presents one at a time, taking turns so it's not a crazy free-for-all :-)
ReplyDeleteHey, KT! I love holiday stories - no matter what time of year I read them *g* And all those holiday specials are so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI just want to thank Holly once again for visiting with us today! And thanks to you all for joining the conversation *g*
ReplyDeleteI really dont have a specific phase or motto but I try to stay positive as much as possible. I have my lapses but I try to go back. So I would say a good one would be hope.
ReplyDeleteHi Holly :-) Hi Beth!!!
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the Lair. I love your word of the year practice. What a wonderful way to focus on the big picture and create a more meaningful direction. I'm going to borrow that for next year :-)
I think my word would be faith. It encompasses so much, doesn't it?
Congrats Holly on your new release..
ReplyDeleteIf I had to use a motto for the coming year it would be one my late Mom always said "Just get through today" . Happy Holidays.
Carol L
Lucky4750@aol.com
Thanks, Flechen!
ReplyDeleteChey, I try to be a glass half full sort of woman...most days I manage it!
Beth, I hope you find a word that fits your upcoming year perfectly! And thanks again for inviting me! This is a hopping blog!
Gamistress, What a lovely holiday memory! I hope you find your word, too!
Thanks, K.T.! I'll confess, I'm a Hallmark/holiday movie addict! I guess that's another reason I love writing books set around the holidays!
Donna, One year my word was optimism. Staying positive can take work, but it's worth it!
Tawny, I hope you not only borrow the word, but love it! Faith is a great word to start with!
Carol, Sometimes getting through a day is a huge accomplishment!
Seriously, Beth and everyone, thank you so much for making me feel so welcome! I hope you have a wonderful holiday, and if you do pick a word for next year, I hope it helps add some meaning to the year!
Holly
Hi Holly, sorry comp is really bad, just dropping in to say Hi and hope to read your book. :)
ReplyDeleteMy word would be FREEDOM. Freedom from clutter, freedom from regrets, freedom to relax. It works for me.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the release of HOMECOMING DAY.
Have a great Christmas and wonderful 2011.
Hi, Dina! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLibrary Pat, Freedom is a great word!! Thanks!
Happy Holidays, everyone!
Holly