Happy Friday! I didn’t have a Friday Free For All post last week, as I had a book promo instead. So, this is a catch-up post. Also, I have a wrap-up post today about including metaphysical elements in fiction writing at Story Empire. Come on over!
I enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with my family. The kids all played so well together, and the food was delicious, so it was a great time. This is a photo of me, my two daughters, and my bonus daughter, whom we hadn’t seen in two years.
I received my first order of Black Rifle coffee, and I am very pleased with it. The three I have tried are all rich, smooth, and not bitter at all. I will be ordering from them again. I love that the company is veteran-owned and that it helps support veterans. That makes it a win-win. So, thank you to everyone who suggested Black Rifle! It’s good.
That being said, are any of you familiar with mushroom coffee? I tried some MudWater earlier in the year and didn’t care for it. Then I bought one bag of RYZE to try out on a Black Friday special. It is definitely more pleasing to the palate than the MudWater, but I’m almost certain nothing will ever replace coffee in my life.
My new book, The Edge of Too Late, is on a blog tour with Lone Star Literary Life. I’d love it if you’d join in! I am so happy with the way the entire Harbor Pointe Series has been received, and I love seeing reviews roll in. If you want to join in on the blog tour and enter to win some great prizes, here’s the link: LONE STAR LITERARY LIFE BLOG TOUR
Have you been feeling stuck, stressed, or maybe even a little despondent? Studies show this is common during the holiday months. The holidays are often a time of high emotion and demands, which can leave us feeling stressed and exhausted. Not only that, but the year is coming to an end, and often, it’s a time we pause to review what we accomplished or didn’t accomplish. For me, the accomplishments are a little on the lean side. I only released one book this year. Sales across the board are dismal regardless of how much marketing I do. I find myself questioning what I’m doing. Am I fulfilling my purpose in life? Or am I simply running in circles and going nowhere? Do you also find yourself questioning, or is it just me?
On another side of the reflection coin, I have to be honest and say that even after almost 15 years, I still miss my husband so much, and that feeling of loss is amplified this time of year. He loved the holidays so much and always went crazy with decorating inside and out. Now that I live in a small apartment, I hardly decorate at all, so I settle for enjoying my daughters’ decorations. But no matter how busy I stay or how involved I am in my family’s lives, I still find tears coming in those quiet still moments. Even though I knew him for 40 years and we were married for 25, it all ended way too fast. Yet, I don’t want to wallow in melancholy, so I suit up and show up every day for myself and everyone else. If you are fortunate enough to still have your partner, don’t forget to let them know how much you love them.
Here’s a bit of wisdom from Dr. Seuss.
That’s all for today. I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead. Take care and remember to breathe.
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I surely know the shoes you walk in Jan. This will be my 3rd Christmas without my husband, and despite invitations, cannot fathom the thought at sitting at anyone’s Christmas table. Decorations are the past for me too. But like you said, we suit up. Hugs <3
Glad to see you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Jan. I know what you mean by Mud Water; I bought some and wasn’t into it, either.
Great pic of your kids. It’s so nice when they grow up to love each other. Mine do too. So glad you love the Black Rifle Coffee. When I visit people, I always send an order to their house because I can’t stand not to wake up to it!
Lol, Jacqui. Your comment about the Black Rifle coffee made me chuckle. 🙂 I love that the children are growing up close. It will be interesting to see if they keep that connection as adults. Thank you for stopping by!
I love the picture of you with your girls, Jan. It’s wonderful! 🙂
I’ve had Black Rifle Coffee before (really liked it), but had no idea it was veteran-owned. That makes me want to support it even more!
The picture of Rick made me smile. No matter how many years pass, I know you miss him, but also hold him forever in your heart. ?
Thank you for visiting, Mae. Knowing the Black Rifle Coffee company is veteran-owned and that they help support programs to benefit veterans sold me on it before I ever tasted the coffee. That picture of Rick always makes me smile. He was like a big kid at Christmas. And yes, I hold the wonderful memories in my heart always. Have a wonderful weekend ahead! Hugs!
How wonderful that you could spend a lovely time with your family.
Regarding mushroom coffee… I have never heard of it before…
Thank God, I love the holiday season. I am stressed in October and November to get everything organized and then to have time to enjoy the few weeks in December. Most of all now, since this is the main season for my business. I am not really reviewing my life or myself at the end of the year but throughout the year. After Dec. 31st Jan. 1st follows… It is an ending and beginning for many plus in the business world, but honestly, for myself it is the next day.
Sending you big hugs for the coming weeks and days, dear Jan. Those we love will never lose their spot in our hearts, never?
I love that you can be so organized, Erika, but as you say, with your business, this is your super busy time, so you have to be. And you are right. The end of the year and beginning of a new one is a good time for reflection and planning ahead. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and that it’s super successful for your business! Hugs!
Yes, it is for my own sake… lol. However, I have always been organized since Christmas is always at the same date… hehe.
Thank you very much, dear Jan. I wish you a blessed season and joyful time with your lovelies ?
Beautiful family! Sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Jan. And yes, I question myself all the time. I even thought about giving up writing a few months ago, but I don’t think the characters in my head would give me any peace if I didn’t tell their story. Whenever I’m disappointed or down I give myself five minutes for a pity party, then get back to work. And I agree with Staci – Dr. Seuss was incredibly wise.
You are so right, Teri. The characters clamor for their story to be told, and I don’t think they would leave me alone. It has to be an attitude adjustment and then move on. As you say, give yourself five minutes for a pity party, then get to work! That’s exactly my routine, and I try really hard to avoid wasting time on the pity parties. This is a hard business and you either love what you do or find something else to occupy your time, right? And yes I totally agree about Dr. Seuss. Thank you for visiting!
I love your thankful Mimi shirt, Jan! I’m always remembering the past this time of year and can image losing your soulmate, the loss never lessens. Hugs xo
I love my Thankful MiMi shirt, too, Denise. I only wear it once a year. 🙂 And you are right. The loss never lessens, but we all get through. Thank you for stopping by! Hugs!
Lovely photos and nice you could get together with family. I find that the less time spent on book sales, the better the feeling. Although conventional wisdom tends to force Indy authors to believe they can self-promote and become best sellers, the reality is a price tag of about $100,000 in funds to get the word and distribution far and wide. The result of this conventual wisdom is very depressed Indy authors. I find it more rewarding to focus on the joy of writing and the process of story development. Pounding out book after book with the expectation of a best seller right around the corner is an exercise in disappointment. I think Einstein said it best. Doing an activity the same over and over and expecting a different outcome is a rough definition of insanity. I hope you have a great tour.
It is such a blessing to be able to get together with family often. I like your attitude about book sales. It would be so nice to actually get paid for the work, but you are so right. Without unlimited funds, it’s not likely going to happen. And if I had unlimited funds, I wouldn’t care one way or the other if the books sell or not. 🙂 It’s a catch-22. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. I appreciate your support!
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A lovely hodgepodge, Jan. Congrats on the book. Hugs.
Thank you for stopping by, Teagan!
Beautiful family, Jan. I’m so glad you had your daughters, bonus daughter, and grandkids with you for Thanksgiving. I am sorry about the melancholy feelings. I can relate. (I can also relate to brave-face syndrome.) Take the time you need when the tears threaten. Then channel Dr. Seuss, who I’ve always believed was incredibly wise.
Yay for Black Rifle! So glad you liked it.
Yep! All good. I also think Dr. Seuss was incredibly wise and love all of his books. I’ve read them with my grandkids many time. No need to be sorry for the melancholy feelings. Tis the season. 🙂 It’s all good and I’ll keep suiting up and showing up every day, every time! Thanks for visiting, Staci, and thanks for the Black Rifle recommendation. Now to get my new Keurig. It’s on the way.
Dr. Seuss has a lot of wisdom!! Love that quote. It’s so true but a lot of people choose to let it destroy them. I know a good many who have. I’m sorry about the longing for Rick. Don’t try to hold back the tears or push it away because that only makes us feel worse. There’s nothing wrong with crying. This is such a depressing time of year for a lot of people, me included. The quietness is so much louder and often pounds in my head but when it does, I go talk to friends and spend some time laughing. I’ll have to try that Black Rifle coffee. Walmart has it. Love you, Sister.
Thank you for stopping by, sister. I don’t hold back the tears when I’m alone, but I put on a brave face when I’m with others. 🙂 It’s something our mom taught us to do. I love that you can seek out ways to feel better. That is such a blessing in life. I think you’ll like the Black Rifle coffee. It’s really good. Have a great weekend! Love you!
Love it all, Jan! Thanks for reminding us to breathe. 🙂 Happy weekend!
Yes! Breathing is important, Mary. 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful weekend and thank you for stopping by!
Lovely family photos, Jan. The smiles are contagious. Always, it seems, this season brings forth memories of loved ones. Hold tight to yours and bless them all. ❤️
Thank you, dear Gwen. I love sharing photos of my kiddos and grandkids. They are my joy! I appreciate you taking the time to comment today! Hugs!
Wise advice, Jan. The holidays make many melancholy, me included. You have a beautiful family, Jan. Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday. xo
Thank you so much, Sue. I appreciate you taking the time to visit and leave a comment. I wish you a wonderful holiday ahead as well!
We have downsized, too, and only put up a small (about 2.5 feet) tree that goes up and down in 30 seconds. I asked Santa for BRCC coffee. Hope he’ll stick some under the tree.:-)
I still have my husband, and (obviously) he still has me, but I know holidays will be difficult when one of us passes. May God give you comfort.
Off to check out some Lone Star Literary Life stops!
Lol, Priscilla. I laughed at the BRCC under-the-tree comment. 🙂 And God does give me comfort as do my memories and my family. Thank you for checking out the Lone Star Literary blog stops! Much appreciated.
Life really has become a matter of lather, rinse, repeat. It’s a combo of many things, including the economy. I feel you about books, and suspect we could form a club with large membership. Still, there is something good about discovering a new coffee, remembering loved ones, and more little things than I can mention in a blog comment.
So true, Craig. It’s the little things that matter the most. And often amidst the lather, rinse, repeat, something wonderful emerges we didn’t expect or see coming. It’s those moments I live for! Have a great weekend!
I hope you can find the strength you need, Jan. I am fortunate to still have my wife with me after 40 years. But a month after we were married, my father died. I think of him every day. We feel this kind of loss because of the love we shared. I hope you will also consider, when looking back over the year, the help you’ve provided others. I know that I appreciate your support and your willingness to share your knowledge with us. I hope you have a great holiday season.
Thank you so much for the encouraging words, Dan. I appreciate your support as well. I’m happy to hear that some of what I share is beneficial. Grief is an interesting part of life. I’m not sure we ever get over losing one we love, we just learn to get through it. Have a wonderful weekend ahead!
Yay! I’m happy you’re enjoying the new coffee, Jan. Black Rifle is a wonderful company. Love your family photos!
Thank you, Jill. I agree about the Black Rifle company. Have a great weekend!
I’m sure you will always miss your husband. I am fortunate that I still have my husband (married almost 47 years) but I try not to take him for granted. Have a great weekend.
I’m glad to hear you say you still enjoy your partner after almost 47 years. What a blessing! I appreciate you stopping by, Darlene!