I wear many hats in real life and cyberspace. Truthfully, you won't catch me without a hat on my head if its daylight. It seems I got my lifetime dose of sunshine nearly fifty years ago, so I have to be extremely careful. Sunblock is my best friend.
I inhabit the realms of mystery and romance, of traditional publishing and indie publishing, which can be something of a logistical challenge at best. The good news is I never have to wonder what I'm going to do next. Something is always happening. And I like it that way!
This week, starting this past Wednesday on Dec 5 through this Sunday Dec 9, my zany cozy mystery is yours for the taking on Kindle. With great reviews from Kirkus, Mysterious Reviews, The Reading Reviewer, and a wonderful fanbase on Amazon, this Five Star rated book is a winner for readers who enjoy romantic mysteries.
You'll want to follow this link to download a complimentary copy.
http://tinyurl.com/8u7bcnq
Be sure to tell your friends. On The Nickel the holiday gift that keeps on giving!
This year, thanks to the gift of fabric and an inherited sewing machine, I've been sewing aprons for my family. In our tiny house, the only space to do this is on the kitchen table. Fortunately, my husband goes with the flow. Last night he rested the bowl of taco meat on the table top ironing board beside his place mat without batting an eye.
Other holiday traditions I enjoy, besides gathering with family and friends, is helping out at the giftwrapping both at our outlet mall. So many folks come in and want something special for their loved ones and they ooh and ahh over the pretty handmade bows and shiny paper. We have foil wraps, jumbo bows, and best of all, big ears to listen to everyone's story.
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| grandson Abe |
That's right. Everyone has a story, and the need to share it drives us to seek out others. The best gift, IMO, is to take the time to listen to someone this season. Sit down and really listen to what they have to say.
I have a dear friend who works at soup kitchens in December. She makes big pots of soup at home and brings them in to share with everyone at the kitchen. Another friend spends extra time helping out at the shelter.
What about you? Do you have your hands full with the regular hustle and bustle? Do you cut corners on decorating or baking to make it all work out? Just wondering.
Don't forget to get your copy of On The Nickel.
Wishing you the merriest of holidays!
Maggie Toussaint
www.maggietoussaint.com
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Maggie--I'm rushing through my emails because I have a long list of household things to do--my husband does more than half of them because he works faster--and then we want to indulge ourselves in shopping and eating lunch out.
ReplyDeleteLove the hat!!!! And that baby--what a cutie, and handful, for sure--just more sweet soft baby places to kiss and snuggle. I see his blue eyes even in these small photos. All the different shots are just wonderful.
I do make candy and snacks, things mostly for us to last the entire month.This is what Jim loves most--lots of snacks to choose from--and not all are sweet. It must be from a deprived childhood...I don't know...but he considers all this as special gifts for him. Some will go to a few neighbors. Otherwise, no decorations, no famly gatherings except at our daughter's when she tells us to come over--she does everything--and we only exchange food gifts, etc. Nothing big at all.
We write checks really well, so that's how we celebrate and give a little back: The Presbyterian Childrens' Home of Texas (four)--no orphans, but filled with all ages who cannot live at home for some reason. The Food Bank. Save the Children. And one group thing we choose to be part of--whichever we decide on. This year it's a used car with repairs, new tires, etc. one year insurance. This goes to three siblings whose mother died a few months ago. The older daughter is 18, senior in high school, works part-time, and is "mother" to two younger siblings..Their photo is adorable--they are so dressed up and beautiful and smiling so much. (most of the photos of people who are needy are quite dreary.) But these young people wanted to really show off for the photo! We chose them because of their smiles. They'll get a lot of help, for sure. Have a great day.
Celia,
DeleteI'm in awe of folks who bake and make candy for the holidays. It's something I have no talent for. Yes, sweet little Abe in a nice handful, and I couldn't help sharing this series of our photos a few months back. I much admire your style of writing checks. Wishing you a merry Christmas!
Maggie--How I wish I could borrow your adorable Abe. Thank you for sharing your Christmas spirit. Yesterday I followed your example and decorated my apartment and set my two-foot Christmas tree, all sparkling with lights. DH took me shoping. A quick shopping spree during two hours. I get tired too easily. Today I am wrapping presents and I am happy as I planned how to give of my time to people who need a friendly ear. Thank you. You are an inspiration.Give Abe an extra kiss for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're feeling better and that you are embracing the holiday spirit, Mona. I need to get busy on my wrapping! Wishing you a fab holiday!
DeleteHi Maggie. Your grandson is an absolute cutie! Such a busy time of year but we do try and take time to remember and respect the fact that sometimes it adds more stress than joy depending on one's circumstances. It always feels good to do good for those who are struggling.
ReplyDeleteHappy sewing!
Hi Karyn,
DeleteThanks for the grandson compliment. All I contributed was half my DNA to his mom.. but I've defintely showered him and my other grands with love. Sounds like you are such a lovely person. Best wishes for a holiday season.
Maggie, I adore you. You encompass everything good in a woman's life. Love the hat, love the sewing. Speaking of sewing, I'm doing some of it myself, but not the good kind. We've had a bout of carpet beetles, research says probably from dry cleaner, if you can believe it. The little buggers eat natural fibers, particularly wool. Before we found them, most of my husband's clothes and cashmere sweaters had holes in them, in both the drawers and closets. The ones I can save, I have been meticulously repairing. The ones that looked like Swiss cheese we threw out. I guess what I'm doing is darning, but I am grateful I know how to do this sort of thing. I think sewing is a dying art! How many people under 40 can sew, I wonder? Happy Holidays!!
ReplyDeleteOmigosh, Heather, carpet beetles? They sound terrible. I think I'd cry if all our really warm clothes got eaten. You're brave and resourceful to battle them and take control of your wardrobe. My daughters can do a little hand sewing, but they never showed any interest in sewing. It's just something I've always done. Guess that shows what a dinosaur I am.
DeleteHave a great Christmas, Heather!
I'm so NOT a hat person! I admire those who share the holidays. When we lived in Orlando, we hosted sailors from the Navy base at Thanksgiving, since our own family was too widespread to get together.
ReplyDeleteTerry
Terry's Place
That's so lovely about how you opened your home to servicemen, Terry. You have such a big heart.
DeleteHappy holidays to you and your family!
Great hat but the baby steals the show! I can heartily recommend your novel to readers. What a great holiday gift you're offering.
ReplyDeleteHi Jacquie,
DeleteThanks for the recommendation. I'm pumped about the hat, the baby, the book, and the holiday! Thanks for you enduring friendship! Happy times to you, my friend.
Great photos! I like hats but I don't like to wear them. Looks great on you. :-)
ReplyDeleteI've simplified in recent years. I have quite a few nieces and nephews due to 4 siblings and their spouses being so prolific ;-) and I used to send books and craft things to each kid, but now I send one family gift to each household that they can enjoy together. And I keep it local. We have a nice local business that produces its own gourmet coffees and two local chocolatiers, along with plenty of local indie artisans, so I support the community at the same time I'm sending gifts out of state. I also tend to donate some copies of my children's book to local places looking for toy donations.
Ummm, yum. I've had visions of chocolate dancing in my head for days. A pitfall of dieting, but I will celebrate in style and pay the piper afterward. And I love the idea of offering your book to places requesting children's items. Wishing you all the best, Loraine. Happy holidays!
DeleteGot my copy of On the Nickel and it's in my TBR pile on the kindle.
ReplyDeleteLove your cute pictures!
I don't wear hats, but in the summer I'm usually wearing a cap to block the sun from my face and my eyes. In the winter, I'm usually wearing knit caps to protect my ears, which don't care for wind blowing into them.
It's hard to slow down during this season and listen to what those around us are thinking and going through. Good idea to relax a bit and pay attention to others.
Morgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com
Thanks for the download, Morgan! I'm with you. Wind doesn't belong in ears. I really hate that.
DeleteWishing you a peaceful Yuletide!
Cute baby! Shared your freebie. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa! Wishing you a blessed holiday.
DeleteHi Maggie!
ReplyDeleteI just signed up for your newsletter. I almost always wear a hat. When I was two I disappeared in a department store and was found minutes later walking down the aisle with a huge hat on my head. I was also seen riding my Big Wheel down the sidewalk when I was about four, wearing one of my mom's hats. Apparently my parents thought I was napping!
Carla :)
I'm so happy to meet another member of the hat club, Carla. Hats are versatile and can also be something of a disguise! Thanks for signing up for my newsletter.
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