Monday, December 17, 2012

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.

11 comments:

The Happy Whisk said...

Looking forward to hearing about the adventure you have with your mom in a few hours.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

You and your mom enjoy!

I can usually surprise my husband with a few things at Christmas.

jan said...

I'm worse than a kid when it comes to Christmas. I want it to snow. I can't wait to see the kids (now in their 20's and 30's) open their gifts. I prepare a traditional breakfast in addition to dinner...and God forbid I should change a thing. But the best thing is seeing how thoughtful my children are in the gifts they give one another. I'm ready!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Go break your mom free!
I have fun finding things that will make my wife's face light up. I'm pretty good at surprising her.

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

Thanks for the shout out. You have a Merry Christmas and I hope you find something wonderful under the tree. Violence in any form is terrible, and yes, violence against children is just awful. I hope that our country can take something away from Connecticut and use that to make some legislation that will prevent it from ever happening again.

Golden Eagle said...

I hope you have a fun trip with your mother!

Jemi Fraser said...

I LOVE buying those surprises that I know will light up people's faces! There's nothing at all quite like the joy and surprise!!

Enjoy your field trip with your mom - I hope for lots of up days for her.

Unknown said...

All the gifts are done; I'm taking a little extra effort in wrapping them this year (using ribbon, lace and buttons to make them a little steampunk. My family won't get it but it should look nice at least.)

Hope you have an awesome Christmas!

Jamie

Lynn Proctor said...

i am probably giving things that i think are special but i may have over-thought some of them haha--my best to your mom <3

momto8 said...

hope things go well with your mom..good luck with everything.
yes...this national tragedy is too messed up to even comprehend...and it is so heavy in our minds and hearts...

Talli Roland said...

Sounds like it's going to be a very happy Christmas morning at your house. I love the expression on people's faces when they open gifts.