It’s that time of year – time to take a break, sit back, relax, and reflect on the good things in your life. It’s amazing how hard it is to stop the busy-ness, turn off the television, close the laptop, ignore the calendar and forget about the to-do list for a few minutes. There’s grocery shopping to be done, piles of laundry, a turkey to cook, tables to set, etc., etc. I know!
The house is quiet right now. Everyone’s doing their own thing, so I’m trying to sneak a few minutes of calm before holiday festivities begin. I have much to be thankful for. There’s the big stuff, of course – living in the U.S., freedom of choices, and good health. I suppose, like most of you, it comes down to people. I’m so very thankful to be the mom of two awesome kids who’ve grown into decent, responsible young adults. I’m thankful they can be here for the holiday – and happy that they WANT to be here! 🙂 I’m thankful for a supportive spouse who works hard and provides our family with a wonderful lifestyle. Without his dedication, I wouldn’t be able to devote my time and energy to starting a new career. I suppose, in a way, I am also thankful that I was laid off from my corporate job a few years ago, which is what catapulted me into the world of fiction writing. At the time, it didn’t feel so good, but I know I probably would not have taken the steps that led to becoming an author otherwise.
That, of course, brings me to many other people to thank. So grateful for critique partners, editors, beta readers, friends who cheer me on, readers and followers! I recently ran a promotion in which I gave away thousands of one of my women’s fiction novels for free. Not everyone will like or even read the book, but I’ve been touched by the number of people who’ve bought one of my other books, who’ve taken the time to write a review or give a rating, and those who’ve left kind words of praise. Many thanks to all of you!

I’m looking forward to spending Thanksgiving Day away from my computer, not writing. I’ll be eating, and hanging out with family and friends, and eating some more – sharing fun times that will turn into treasured memories (that’s the plan, anyway :-). And when it’s all over, I’ll get back to work with renewed energy – thanks to the encouraging words from so many enthusiastic readers.

I know some people will be working today, some are facing personal crisis, some are missing loved ones and not feeling particularly thankful. But I hope you all can find some peace and quiet, a little time to reflect, and something or someone to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Darlene