It’s an excellent day NOT to be a turkey…or my pants. If I had been thinking, I would have stocked up on pajama jeans last year. Maybe I’ll correct that blunder on the most sacred day of the year – Black Friday. (For those who don’t know I come with a “prone to cynicism” warning label, I’m totally kidding.)
My sister Denise and her husband Chip are the brave souls who are hosting our family’s Thanksgiving dinner. So the first thing on my “What are you thankful for” list is that I’m not Chip and Denise. I dutifully made our family traditional recipe for Cranberry Chutney (Yummo) and made Dulce de Leche Cheescake bars for dessert – one of MANY treats we will have. (We all make desserts so none of us have to eat Dad’s undercooked pumpkin pies. Looooong story.)
I’ve been crashing on deadline, trying to get as much written on Crystal Storm (book #2 of the Hunted series for Harlequin Teen) before promo begins for my next release, Indigo Awakening, in December and the virtual tours in January. But I am determined to take some time off to enjoy the holidays and replenish the creative well. If there is any “writerly” or "life" advice I can share today, it’s that you should embrace all people and things. Enjoy them as if you were a child seeing everything for the first time.
So here is my game plan to make the most of my time off with the people I love and laugh with every day:
1.) The minute I walk into Chip and Denise's home I will turn off my cell phone and thoroughly enjoy the amazing smells coming from the kitchen. They are making THREE turkeys. (Yes, it sucks three times as much being a turkey at their house.)
2.) I’m going to hug absolutely everyone I see and take my time doing it, including One-eyed Jack, a visually challenged pug that snorts when you squeeze him.
3.) My ears will be tuned into every story and my chuckle box will be fully engaged because if there is another year ‘round tradition in my family, it is laughter.
4.) In my family, we have designated BUZZARDS. These are the few, the proud, the first at the bird. I don’t know who started this (totally ME), but the movement has been passed down to future generations. My nieces and nephews have learned the fine art of swooping in for the choice pieces (without leaving fingers behind) while my dad and Chip slice the turkey. Crispy skin is double points.
5.) I WILL NOT, under any circumstances, eat my meal in under 30 minutes. What is up with the rush, people? It takes hours to make (days even) and we finish as if there is a race & there’s a prize for being first done. (Of course if there IS a prize, forget what I said.)
6.) And an addendum to this pledge, I am extending these commitments to Saturday when my Dad is hosting a tailgate party for the Aggie game, a cabrito mexican dinner gorgefest. (It will suck to be a goat on Saturday. Spread the word.)
Okay, so that is my plan. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season with the people you love, but know that at the top of my list for things to be thankful for is YOU.
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