Well, when I said I was going to check out for a while, I meant it! Last time I posted, the trees Kansas City were just beginning to turn. Now, the holidays are upon us!

It’s been an extraordinary year, on all levels. I feel at once emptied out and renewed – as if the landscape of my heart has been cleared, the earth turned over and everything drenched with rain. Somewhere along the way, seeds were planted, but what they will yield – if they will yield anything – remains a mystery.  

I’ve battled some terrible demons in 2017, and been visited by some true angels. Reflection has been an enduring theme, along with family, friendship, and travel. The road has not been easy, but I think I’ve come away a better person because of it. More confident in my instincts, less inclined to call certain turning points “mistakes.”

Just over a month ago, around the time I checked out of my on-line journal, I began putting thought into how to finish 2017. I want to let go of the old year and bring in the new with a sense of companionship, gratitude, and celebration.

Now, with December just around the corner, I can say I have a plan. My plan spans a few weeks across Christmas and New Years, and – as befits 2017 – involves family, friends, and a little bit of travel. I’m very excited about this holiday season. Much like 2017 as a whole, I anticipate the next few weeks will be a time of reflection, joy, some pain, and much healing.

I hope this holiday season will bring you what you most need. If you’re worried it won’t, take a few moments in the next couple of days to imagine things differently. Then, once you’ve decided what you really want, dare to create the holiday season that would be best for you.

Just remember – what you think might be best for you isn’t necessarily so. But that’s okay. If there’s one thing I’ve learned after all these years, it’s this: when you reach for what you want, you almost always find what you need.

Peace and joy in this holiday season, to you and all your loved ones.

~*~

While I’ve been absent from this blog, I haven’t been away from internet. My Goddess Fish Name Before the Masses tour is ongoing. Here are the links to some of my recent posts. Remember each visit earns you a chance to win a $15 B&N/Amazon gift certificate!

October 25 – Author Interview at Christine Young

Nov 1 – Women in History Who Inspired The Silver Web Trilogy, at Books Chatter

Nov 8 – Ten Real-Life Creatures that Inspired the Magical Beasts of Eolyn’s World

Nov 15 – Five Reasons You Must Read Daughter of Aithne, on Fabulous and Brunette

Nov 22 – Interview at Independent Authors

Also, to kick off the holiday season, Daughter of Aithne is now available as part of Amazon’s Kindle Countdown deals. Starting today, you can download Daughter of Aithne for just $0.99! The price will go up a little bit every day for the next week, so the longer you wait to buy, the more you’ll have pay. This is a great deal on a fabulous book, so take advantage of it now! If you already own Daughter of Aithne, share the magic by spreading the word!