Holiday Spirits and Cover Reveal

It's a world of ups and downs this holiday. Those of you who have children know how fun Christmas is when your kids are little. It's different when they're older. My lovely children are even more appreciative as they get older, knowing the college education we're paying for is a year long gift, but I miss having those surprises under the tree. I miss seeing their faces light up on Christmas morning. Now they ask for things they need for Christmas. Not so much fun.

But as I wrapped gifts a few night ago, looking at the sad little piles, I realized how surprised and happy they're going to be when they unwrap those few packages this year. Beyond getting them a few things they need, I found something for each child I know they want but would never ask for. I'm excited to see their faces light up Christmas morning.

But the past week has dampened my holiday spirit. Sadness hovers at the edges of every thought and activity. As a parent, I'm horrified and angry. As a teacher, I'm depressed at the ease with which this terrible thing happened. As a teacher, I know we can't protect our children in schools without making them into prisons. As a writer, I can't find any words to express my feelings. This shadow will darken many holiday celebrations.

My mother's health is another yo-yo of emotions. I intend to help her escape the long term care unit she's in and go on a field trip. Don't know where we're going or how we'll get there, but I'm breaking her out of there for a few hours. She's pretty excited, so I hope the snow holds off until after next Saturday.

And finally some writing news. Toni DePalma, a fellow author with Crescent Moon Press, is revealing her cover today for her paranormal YA, Devil's Triangle. Pretty terrific. I can't wait to see what they come up with for my book. Check out Toni's website here.

Also join in Michael Offutt's super blog tour with lots of cool giveaways here to celebrate and promote Oculus.

Do you have some faces you hope to see light up on Christmas morning? Are you giving people things they need or things they want? Done shopping? Please visit Michael and Toni.

Friday News

Finally we're expecting some nice weather for a weekend. I'm going to take the opportunity to run outside for the next two days after being a wimp and running on the treadmill all weak. I don't mind the cold so much, but running when it's cold and windy is not my style.

There are a few things I'd like to share with you going into the weekend and in anticipation of next week. Michael Offutt is celebrating the release of the second book in his A Crisis of Two Worlds series. Oculus has a super cover just the like the first book, Slipstream does. Go check it out on his blog. I know he'll appreciate the visit.

On this blog on Monday, I'll be featuring an interview with Nutschell Windsor. You're going to really enjoy. Nutschell is so generous on her blog with interviews of writers that many of you already know her. Well, stop by Monday and get to know her a little bit better.

And some news about myself, after being available on Kindle, Smashwords and other retailers for two months, Barnes and Noble finally as the third book in my fantasy series, Beneath the Mountain available for Nook. I just know thousands of faithful Nook users have been waiting. I'm not sure why it took B&N so long to have it available, but it's finally here.

Are you familiar with Michael or Nutschell? Are you Nook, Kindle, iPad or other? Plans for the weekend?