And onto Epiphany 2011

I am reminded about the cold winter weather when I look outside my back door and see one of these - huge icicles.  This was taken a couple of days ago and it seemed to have grown about three inches in length each day, but sadly our warmer temperature today gave the icicle its demise.  Mick was concerned it would fall down and if someone were standing under it, it could be deadly, so he knocked it down.


Because of my Post Polio and my tendency to fall, I rarely go outside in winter.  It's dangerous for me to even try.  I must enjoy my winter from the window or doorway.  But it gives me more time to write.  A new story line came to me last night and this is a psychological mystery, rather than simply a murder mystery.  I've tentatively called it, Portal to Death and it's a story of a real estate agent in New Hampshire who stumbles across a FSBO (For Sale By Owner) property and an enthusiastic owner willing to make a deal.  The problem is, the real estate agent is new to the area and has no knowledge of the property's history.  It was a mental hospital for many years known for its brutal and almost savage treatment of its patients.  The owner tried to make it into a bed and breakfast, but found it impossible to make renovations or redecorate without strange things happening to the workers.   Tools would be misplaced, paint cans spilled, workers hit or slapped, glass broken in windows and a simmering howl could be heard in the hallways.  One by one the workers would leave the project and the owner simply gave up.  It would be up to the real estate agent to find a buyer and at the same time, maintain her sanity.  And in this case, she will be in for the fight of her life.


I think that sounds like a perfectly good story to me and could be part of my next book of stories. I doubt, however, it could be made long enough for an independent book.  But who knows?


The eBook is still in process.  I never realized how difficult editing it would be after changing the formatting.  It's making certain none of the content has been lost during the change and that takes the time.  However, I think I should be ready to submit in a couple of weeks, since I am making sure it doesn't go through the "Meatgrinder" and get rejected.  Whoever thought writing a book would be so difficult?

Now that we are moving into the new year, I am reminded that Epiphany is the time when the Magi gave the Christ Child their gifts.  These kings and wealthy men gave gifts they felt would help Jesus as He began His life here on earth.  Certainly the Gold would have helped when the Holy Family had to flee Herod's slaughter of the babies and children.  But Myrrh and Frankincense seemed to be more symbolic than useful.  How often do we receive gifts during this time which are useful - or are they merely symbolic of something else?  Gifts of love, wisdom, courage - all are symbolic.  A plasma, high def flat screen tv is useful.  But which gifts last longer and carry more weight in our lives - the television or the symbolic gifts?  It's something to really think about, especially now as the new year is upon us.  Which gifts will last long into our hearts and lives - and which gifts will we carry to Eternity with us?  Unfortunately, Christmas has gotten out of hand and the real meaning of Christmas has generally been lost.  This isn't the time for giving expensive gifts, seeing who can outdo who in setting up light displays or who can throw the biggest party.  This is the time to Celebrate the Birth of Our Lord.  If you don't believe in Jesus Christ or you simply give Him lip service, then please, do not celebrate Christmas.  Have a nice day off from work.  But also remember, God sees what we are doing.  And He takes notes.

Right now my thoughts are with our military and their families.  There are too many away from home during Christmas and New Year's.  There is a great emptiness they all feel.  Many of us are travelling this Holiday Season, too and if you see one (or more) of our military personnel, please remember to thank them for their service.  All it takes is a smile, a simple thank you and maybe a handshake to let them know they are thought about and appreciated.  It will make their being away from home at this time of year a bit more bearable and also help them to know they are making a difference wherever they are serving.


Happy New Year to all of you and your families as we swing into 2011.