I hope you’ve had a great week, I know it’s been a busy one for me. As the Christmas romcoms start broadcasting, I always remember that even though a big piece of my heart will always belong to my late husband, sometimes it would be nice to have a gentleman in my life after all this time. Maybe this year Santa has one on his list for me that fits all my criteria. That being said, are you ready to dive into my author life that is far from resembling a Hallmark movie?
Back-to-back meetings on Tuesday night. The first one was with the Chickasha Friends of the Library where I was asked to give my input on the recent local author event. The event, while small as there really is only room for about 16 authors, was a success and the authors who attended, including myself, had good results. A few were first timers and the feedback from them was good. We discussed marketing earlier for Fall of 2025, which we all agreed was a good time of year. Meeting number two was with the Chickasha Area Arts Council, which I am once again a member of, to discuss a couple of upcoming major events next month. CAAC was one of my artistic tribes a few years ago and I’m glad to be back among them.
I got out early in the morning on Wednesday and did my Thanksgiving dinner shopping. Went to three stores before I got a reasonably priced turkey. Started off at Walmart where I got several everyday items (water/vitamins) and checked the price of ham and turkey. Then I went to Homeland because they are having a “but a ham get a free turkey” promotion. Well, paying between $30 and $40 for a whole ham is not in my budget, even if a free turkey comes with it. My last stop was Aldi and BINGO! I got a 12# turkey (Honeysuckle) for under $10; also got several other items needed for Thanksgiving Day dinner. I’d forgotten that I can get more bang for my buck at Aldi and may have to rethink my shopping routine. How’s your shopping going?
I’m making progress on this
month’s reading assignment for my book club, Chapter Chat, through my local
library. I renewed it for the end of the month since it is such a long book. I’m
invested in it and my writing has taken a backseat this month. Given that I’m
on page 269 of 849, I HIGHLY recommend you read 11/22/63 by Stephen
King.
I also jumped on the Bluesky bandwagon and so far, am loving it. A lot of people are jumping from X (fka
Twitter) over to it. There are several authors you love there, and you can
make your own Starter Packs, which I don’t fully understand yet, although it
would be a great way for a reader to gather their favorite authors and offer a
place for readers to come together. If you decide to create a profile, look me up
here: Maxine on Bluesky
My youngest granddaughter decorated my fireplace mantel after school on Thursday. She arranged the Christmas village with 4 buildings including a church, a couple of snowmen, kids having a snowball fight, and flocked pine trees. This is the first time in 6 years since my late husband’s death that I’ve put up more than just a tree. I’ve got ideas for the tops of the windows, so it’ll be interesting to see if I get them decorated or not. All the pieces were stored among my craft items when I fell down the DT craft rabbit hole several years ago.
The weather is about to change, and boy has my knee osteoarthritis been letting me know it. I’ve had to use my cane more than usual this past week and I hate it. Been spending a bit of time on the stationary bike to work those muscles behind my knees and get them stretched out. In the process of moving things around in my office (which is where the bike is), I found my chair lumbar support which I am now using in my recliner, and I can already feel the difference walking with the way it positions my hips and back.
It’s Big 10 football Saturday in my house and it’s the day my son and I watch the Wisconsin Badgers together. Made an Aldi run this morning to grab a few things I forgot the other day and to get munchies for today and stuff to make taco casserole today. I picked up a 32 oz Stanley dup for $7.99 while I was there as well. Score!! Have you ever tried the Aldi brand Clancy’s Turkey Stuffing ruffle chips? You know what? They aren’t half bad; I’d buy them again.
But before the coin toss happened,
I attended a Google Meets of CROW (Central Regional Oklahoma Writers) online
meeting since I couldn’t go today. The program was entitled “Murders Follow Me
Around” by Lisbeth L. McCarthy; it was an interesting topic. The CROWs are my
writing tribe and friends in my life that are cherished.
A day of worship with Bible study followed by worship. Read more of 11/22/63 all last week. Also took time to watch a bit of the Packer Bears game. The weather took a turn overnight and the cold weather is about to set in. Glad I turned the heat on a few days ahead of time to help my 1950s brick Craftsman-style home stay warm.
Thank you for your continued
support, you’re very much appreciated for jumping into the stories that weave
their way through my mind.
Maxine
