A New Season from Site Title

Greetings! If you wonder why you’re getting this email, it’s because we have met somewhere in some form, even if only over Zoom.

If you are already a subscriber, thank you.

For the rest of you, you know you’ll miss me if you don’t subscribe. Take the leap and click below!

December 1, 2021

“In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.” – William Blake

The days after Thanksgiving mark the beginning of winter for me, even though there are three more weeks until the Winter Solstice.

For me, one ritual to mark the passing from one season to the next is buying the first poinsettia. There is nothing better than that first jaunty red gracing the middle of the dining table.

Here in the San Francisco Bay Area we are still in the grips of a serious drought. But at least nights are getting chillier, marking a seasonal change.

Another winter ritual I always observe is the changing my bed from summer/fall blankets to my warmer duvet. This is a task I dread - if you have ever stuffed a duvet in a cover, you know why. (Here’s a great Youtube how-to video on how to do this easily). But when it’s all done, I feel like I’ve accomplished something and I’m ready ready to enjoy my warm winter bed.

This year, as the Pandemic grinds on, focusing on life’s simple rituals keep me going. What about you? What rituals are helping you find joy in your life? I’d love to hear from you. I might take some of them for my own.

Here is something I’m very excited about. I need to thank Stephanie Vuckovic, one of my online friends, for telling me about this.

If you love to read, as you know I do, then this could be for you.

Zibby Books has started the 22 in 22 challenge, asking people to visit 22 bookstores in 2022. I’ve signed up and am already plotting out when and where I’ll go. Now I just have to make sure I have a budget for the books I’ll buy.

Download their printable checklist to keep track of your visits. Log your visits on their website. There are even prizes awarded after 1, 5, 10, 15 and 22 visits. But remember, the best reward is supporting local businesses and authors.

If you sign up, let me know. I’m going to post photos of my bookstore visits. I’ll post any you send me as well.

Some recommendations:

When you sign up for the 22in22 challenge, here are three books I recommend: Inside Passage by Keema Waterfield, Quickwater Oracles by Ruth Thompson and A Constellation of Ghosts by Laraine Herring.

Buying the books from independent bookstores is one way support writers. If your local bookstore doesn’t have these in stock, you can ask to order them. You can also recommend that your local library purchase copies. These are great ways to support writers who might not otherwise make it onto shelves.

Here’s a post from Allison K. Williams in the Brevity Nonfiction Blog with other suggestions for how you can support writers:

Read the list of possible actions HERE.

I’d love to hear from you. Tell me about your reading recommendations, rituals, or bookstore visits.

Contact Me