Dear Santa,
It's almost Christmas again, and I don't even have my list written out for you. That's OK, though, isn't it, since we decided years ago that my list could always just say "BOOKS!"? This year, though, if we have time to talk, I might ask you for an extra week before the holiday comes around. I'm woefully behind, and I want to make sure my baking is done so you get your milk & cookies on Christmas Eve. And the shopping, Santa...I've barely started. It won't be too bad, I guess, since books are also at the top of my "to give" list too. Isn't it wonderful how we can find a book to suit almost everyone we know? So many books for so many people!
Santa, there are some outstanding ideas in the latest Story Circle Book Reviews e-Letter. All of the books are available on Amazon, and Amazon is still promising to get books delivered by Christmas Eve (as of today, Dec. 18). Be sure to let your elves know that books ordered from Amazon through any of the SCN sites benefit Story Circle. It's like an extra gift you give to SCN!
Remember my friend in New Mexico who thinks chocolate is its own food group? Don't you know she'd just love the mystery and chocolate trivia in The Chocolate Snowman Murders? Anyone who cooks would love their very own copy of the SCN Cookbook Kitchen Table Stories. My writing e-circle is revisiting some of our own stories in that attractive book as we discuss Christmas traditions,memories, and recipes. We're having so much fun!
And my friend who's busy knitting up gifts for everyone she knows might welcome a break, while she sits down with a cup of hot chocolate and a copy of Fleece Navidad, a Christmastime mystery cozy read. She'll get the added bonus of delicious Christmas recipes and knitting patterns (just in case she's forgotten someone).
I can't imagine any woman I know not loving a beautiful new journal and a unique new pen. If that special lady likes to write, or might be thinking about starting to write, an excellent suggestion would be the SCN book Starting Points. It's chock full of writing prompts, one for each week of the year, to encourage creativity. It can even be downloaded if you haven't got time to order it.
A lovely and touching gift for mothers and daughters would be Maya Angelou's latest book, Letter to My Daughter. I have several copies tucked away. It's a new favorite of mine.
OK, Santa, now that I've given you some ideas to make your gifting easier, can we talk seriously about that extra week?
Love from your friend in Magnolia TX
P.S. I think I've been a very good girl this year...
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Well, this is my last entry of 2008. When we meet here again, we will have begun 2009. In the meantime, I wish each of you all the blessings and good wishes of this holiday season, however it is celebrated where you are. For all of us, I wish for peace, joy, happiness, good health and all that brings true lasting contentment.
What a lovely letter to Santa, Susan I! I share your wish for just another week before Christmas, or at least a few days. Sigh. And thanks for the list of books to look for. I send your lovely list of wishes back to you, and hope that the New Year brings healing, peace and joy to your life.
Susan T
Posted by: Susan J Tweit | December 19, 2008 at 10:56 AM