What’s this? A Merry Christmas Sunday Letter!
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I’ve been on a blogging sabbatical. It wasn’t something I planned; it just happened during this “time is flying part of my life.” Seriously, Christmas is three days away, and I’m not sure what happened between Labor Day and today. Really, the whole year has been a blur.
No, that’s not entirely true. I’ve spent much of 2024 working on my next book, The Third Act of Theo Gruene. And now I’m taking a mini-vacation from Theo to enjoy the holidays and write this Merry Christmas Sunday Letter to you!
Sugared Cranberries
For me, baking is a way of celebrating the holidays. The aroma of cinnamon and orange, vanilla and brown sugar. Gingerbread cookies lining a cooling rack. Sharing treats with friends and neighbors. Remembering when Momma and Nana were always baking up rich chocolate and pecan pies for Christmas Eve dinner.
‘Tis the season to cook all our favorite foods!
Last week, I made delicious Oatmeal Scotties from the easy recipe on the back of the butterscotch chip bag. I also made sugared cranberries, which I think are fun to have on hand during Christmastime. They are so versatile! Drop one into your glass of wine or iced tea, scatter a few on top of your buttermilk pie, or pop one into your mouth every time you walk through the kitchen.
I followed THIS recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen.
P.S. Since I actually marveled at a live cranberry harvest this fall in Wisconsin, I’ve been obsessed with cranberries.
What are your favorite treats to make at Christmas?
Porch Christmas Tree
This cute little back porch tree makes me so happy. Since he’s a back porch tree, I decorated him with natural ornaments including an orange and lemon slice garland (my how-to HERE) and dried sea holly pods. Also for color, I added a garland of red wooden balls, which I’ve had for a hundred years.
The best part of having this little tree? It belonged to my friend/neighbor who is out of town for the holidays. She had undecorated it, asked if I wanted it, and of course, I said YES!
It brightens up the corner of our porch and reminds me of my friend. Also, it’s a great way to recycle a tree she no longer needed.
Favorite Books of 2024
I read 45 books in 2024 (so far), and here are my favorites!
- Sipsworth, Simon Van Booy ~ I tell everyone to read this book!
- The Frozen River, Ariel Lawhon ~ The history in this story is mesmerizing.
- The Safekeep, by Yale Van Der Wooden ~ Whoa. A twist I wasn’t expecting.
- The Women, Kristin Hannah ~ This latest Kristin Hannah is as great as The Nightingale.
- The Mercies, Kiran Millwood Hargrave ~ Strong women set on the edge of civilization = compelling!
- The Madstone, Elizabeth Crook ~ A fabulous Texas adventure set in the 1860s.
- North Woods, Daniel Mason ~ Such a cleverly constructed novel!
You can read my reviews on Goodreads.
What was your favorite book of the year?
What I’m MOST Looking Forward to 2025!
Yes, I am looking forward to the launch of my next book—The Third Act of Theo Gruene. I am finalizing my edits, (I know, I know, I’ve said this many times, LOL, but I really am!), and I hope this fourth story of mine will be in your hands by mid-year 2025. Fingers crossed…
I’m still working on the cover and would love to get your opinion on these two options…
- Which do you like better?
- If you don’t like either one, let me know that too!
Even though I can’t wait to finish Theo Gruene, the thing I’m looking forward to THE MOST is…
I’m going to be a Nana in 2025!
My baby is having her first baby, and I can’t wait.
Yay!
With this incredible change to our family, I feel myself moving into a different life phase, one I can’t yet fully imagine but already know will make my entire world shine even brighter.
I can’t comprehend a greater joy!
Things Momma Says:
I suspect the thing you’ve missed most about my recent blogging absence is hearing the things Momma says. It’s okay. You can admit it. 😂
Just because I’ve not been sharing her pithy quips certainly doesn’t mean she’s not had plenty to say about a variety of topics.
Here’s a gem:
I have a great memory at times.
And another:
I’m not built for jeans anymore.
🎄🎄🎄
Bringing you this Merry Christmas Sunday Letter feels like a gift to me. I realize how much I’ve missed the entire process, and hope to be more consistent in the new year.
Thank you for supporting my writing by buying, reading, and recommending my books, inviting me to speak at book clubs and garden clubs, and simply showing up to read this post. I wish you a fabulous holiday + peace & love in the new year.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
Congrats on being a grandma! I know, that sounds old. So pick a new hip name as so many do. I am Anny (instead of the granny or nanny they already had and it fits my name.) I like both of your book covers but not having read the book, I don’t know which fits better. The one on the left is mysterious (and of course makes me think of Boo Radley), but the one on the right is more welcoming. So I am no help. Can’t wait!
Cover #2. Congratulations on the baby! MERRY CHRISTMAS
I was just thinking that I hadn’t gotten any of your blog posts recently! I was glad to see this one.
I understand about time flying by. It seems like Thanksgiving was just last week. I feel like I’m stumbling through Christmas this year, but come what may, we’ll celebrate here Wednesday.
Congratulations to all on that grandbaby coming. As I’m sure others have told you, there’s nothing quite like it. It will change your world, and your mom will doubtless marvel at Great Grand stage. We now now have two great grands, and they are dolls.
I’m glad you’re on the home stretch with your book and will be eagerly awaiting it. I like what Annette said about book cover designs.
Hoping to see you in person in 2025.
Hi Talya, and welcome back. Of the two, #2 is more appealing, but neither would drag my eyeball into the stacks quickly. The Bike in Accidental Salvation…”, was an eye catcher, for me, and I wonder if “third act” might feel like stages, curtains, masked faces? Or, knowing nothing about the book, something suggesting a bygone #1 and #2? Or, you can never go wrong with a puppy licking the toes of your new grandchild. Merry Christmas! Don
I like 2 it fits you. I read your books because they are so enjoying, but smile because I know the author and your very special mother. Keep writing Lea
Your Sunday letters are always so uplifting. Keep them coming.