Sunday, December 19, 2010

Holly Jacobs Is In The Lair!

hosted by Beth

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!

96 comments:

SiNn said...

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

Jane said...

Congrats 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.

Sheree said...

I say to myself, "this, too, shall pass" a lot this year. I'm hoping next year will be better.

Nas said...

Hi 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!"

Helen said...

Well done SiNn have fun with him

Hi 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

Unknown said...

Enjoy GR SiNn
Hi 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.

Maureen said...

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.

HollyJacobs said...

Good morning everyone! I didn't expect to arrive and find posts already!

SiNn, 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

pjpuppymom said...

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.

My 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.

Anna Sugden said...

Hi Holly and welcome to the Lair - great to have you here during such a fun time.

Love 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.

Caren Crane said...

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!

As 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.

Laney4 said...

Hi! Great post!

I 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.

Kirsten said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Beth Andrews said...

Good 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*

Holly, 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 :-)

Gillian Layne said...

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.

Caren, 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. :)

Beth Andrews said...

Hey, SiNn! I think anything that reminds us of our priorities is great *g*

And you've won the coveted golden rooster for the day! Congrats!

Beth Andrews said...

Hey, Jane! Hope if a fabulous choice *g* I agree that having hope and being positive help pull us through the tough times :-)

Christie Kelley said...

Good to see you here, Holly! Congrats on the new release.

I 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!

jo robertson said...

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.

Love 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!

Nancy said...

Welcome, Holly. Homecoming Day sounds wonderful.

I 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.

Nancy said...

Sheree, I've had "this too shall pass" years. I hope 2011 is much better for you.

Nancy said...

Nas Dean, I hope 2011 will be "the one" for you.

Beth Andrews said...

Sheree, I'm hoping next year is better for you, too.

Beth Andrews said...

"Maybe 2011 is the one!"

Fingers crossed 2011 IS the one, Nas!!

Beth Andrews said...

Helen, I love "spark"! And it fits you so perfectly *g*

Beth Andrews said...

but I always think it a new year and hope it will be as good as the last one.

That's a great way to think, Barb *g*

Beth Andrews said...

Maureen, I love the idea of finding joy in each day.

You all are giving me great ideas to use as the word I might pick for 2011 :-)

traveler said...

A phrase that I enjoy and use would be not to worry. An old one that my mother gave me many years ago.

petite said...

Congratulations 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 .

Louisa Cornell said...

Nice catch, SiNn! Make him do something festive!

Congratulations 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 !

Unknown said...

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.

HollyJacobs said...

Busy morning here. Still on Christmas prep!

PJ, 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

HollyJacobs said...

Busy morning here. Still on Christmas prep!

PJ, 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

HollyJacobs said...

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

HollyJacobs said...

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

Geesh!

Holly

catslady said...

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!!

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Ohh, 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.

I 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.

Linda Henderson said...

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.

Nancy said...

The 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.

This is difficult for me. *sigh*

runner10 said...

I don't have a word or motto of the year, but I try to live life with a positive attitude.

Pissenlit said...

Nope, 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. :)

HollyJacobs said...

Catslady, I hope you find the perfect word to give your year meaning!

Dianna, 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

Unknown said...

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.

Book Chatter Cath said...

Had a rather rough few months this year and found myself saying 'build a bridge' quite a bit.
Just to remind myself that I could get over 'it'... I just needed to build a bridge first!!!

CrystalGB said...

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."

HollyJacobs said...

Virginia, 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!!

Cath, 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

Beth Andrews said...

Hey, PJ! Joy is such a great word for you as I'm always joyful when I see you *g*

Beth Andrews said...

'be here now'

LOL, 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!

Donna MacMeans said...

Hi Holly (waving madly!) - good to see you in the lair.

Love 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.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hello Holly! Glad to have you in the Lair today. I've been a fan of yours for some time now!

I'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."

Beth Andrews said...

Keep Calm and Carry On. Words to live by.

So 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!

Beth Andrews said...

Be consistent.

Laney, that is so great! I'm going to keep that in mind for my writing *g*

HollyJacobs said...

Hi, Donna! And I love your thank you story! I laughed about your dh's yard request! LOL

Hi, 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

Beth Andrews said...

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.

Such a fabulous point, Kirsten - and so true!

Christine Wells said...

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.

Kat said...

I 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!!

Cybercliper said...

My 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.

Beth Andrews said...

Blessings is a great word, Gillian *g* I know I try to count mine as often as possible!

Beth Andrews said...

LOL, 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 :-)

Beth Andrews said...

I think mine would be EMPATHY.

Jo, that's such a great thought! Empathy is so important and something I always tried to teach my children.

Beth Andrews said...

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!

Love your dad's attitude!

Beth Andrews said...

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!

HollyJacobs said...

Christine, 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!

Kat, Spirited is wonderful!! Hope you find the spirit of the season!

Cyber, Having that kind of motto does make life easier!

Holly

Fedora said...

I don't have a word or motto--a couple that might be good are "breathe" and "joy"! Congrats on Homecoming Day!

chey said...

I haven't ever chosen a word or phrase, but I try to be positive. The glass is half full.

Beth Andrews said...

Hey, petite! Thanks for stopping by!

Beth Andrews said...

Love your words, Louisa! I do think determination is a big one when it comes to this career *g*

Beth Andrews said...

Hi, BJ! There are so many situations we can't control that 'it happens' is perfect for!

Beth Andrews said...

Holly, 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 :-)

Beth Andrews said...

Catslady, 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!

Beth Andrews said...

"if it isn't broke, don't fix it!"

That's so great, Dianna! I need to tell this one to my husband *g*

Beth Andrews said...

'Faith' is a great pick, Linda!

Beth Andrews said...

I try to live life with a positive attitude

It's so important, isn't it, runner10? Sometimes being positive can really turn a bad day around *g*

Beth Andrews said...

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 :-)

Beth Andrews said...

LOL, 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*

gamistress66 said...

I 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 :)

I 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

Beth Andrews said...

Cath, so sorry to hear about the rough few months. Hope 2011 is better for you! Love the idea of building a bridge *g*

Beth Andrews said...

Don't sweat the small stuff. Just enjoy life."

LOL! This is one of my mottos, Crystal! It works really well, especially if you have teenagers
;-)

Beth Andrews said...

My phrase was "Thank you."

Donna, this is one my favorites, too!

Beth Andrews said...

"Somehow everything will be all right."

This is so true, Suz!

I often tell my husband a variation of this when we're dealing with our kids *g*

Beth Andrews said...

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 :-)

Beth Andrews said...

If I went into everything with the right attitude and spirit my life would probably be more gleeful!!

Kat, I think you've come up with a fabulous motto to live by *g* I might have to borrow it!

Beth Andrews said...

"It is what it is"

Cybercliper, I've been using this quite often when discussing my current story with Tawny *g* Makes me feel very zen-like :-)

Beth Andrews said...

LOL, Fedora! I often have to remind myself to breathe when things get stressful *g*

Beth Andrews said...

Great attitude, Chey!

K.T. Bishop said...

I'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!

Beth Andrews said...

gamemistress, 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 :-)

Beth Andrews said...

Hey, KT! I love holiday stories - no matter what time of year I read them *g* And all those holiday specials are so much fun!

Beth Andrews said...

I just want to thank Holly once again for visiting with us today! And thanks to you all for joining the conversation *g*

donnas said...

I 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.

Tawny said...

Hi Holly :-) Hi Beth!!!

Welcome 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?

Carol L. said...

Congrats Holly on your new release..
If 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

HollyJacobs said...

Thanks, Flechen!

Chey, 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

Dina said...

Hi Holly, sorry comp is really bad, just dropping in to say Hi and hope to read your book. :)

Anonymous said...

My word would be FREEDOM. Freedom from clutter, freedom from regrets, freedom to relax. It works for me.
Congratulations on the release of HOMECOMING DAY.

Have a great Christmas and wonderful 2011.

HollyJacobs said...

Hi, Dina! Thanks!

Library Pat, Freedom is a great word!! Thanks!

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Holly