Tag Archives: gifts

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

19 Wednesday Dec 2012

Posted by in Melia's Musings

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So. . . Yeah, it’s that singing thing again.  Woke up to it.  Wasn’t sure if I should cringe or smile.

Some people are frantic through the holidays.  Me?  Not so much.  I figure if I can’t have fun with it, why go there?  So, gifts, cards, and baking this year were limited – as in, I stopped when I felt like it, and what I got was what I got.  It’s made for a far more relaxed holiday season for me, and that makes me smile.

Gotta admit, though, that it’s beginning to look like Christmas really is on its way — at least, for the Alexander household.  Take a peak.

Melia's Workshop

Melia’s Workshop

Baking treats!

Baking treats

It even snowed! (View from the day job office.)

It even snowed! (View from the day job office.)

And, of course, I had to see my CPs Donald Power, Lainey Rogoza, and Meredith Clark.

And, of course, I had to take time to see my CPs Donald Power, Lainey Rogoza, and Meredith Clark.

No, not my tree -- the kitties would have WAAAYYY too much fun with one like this. Pretty, though!

No, not my tree — the kitties would have WAAAYYY too much fun with one like this. Pretty, though!

A sampling of workshop and bakery output -- phew!

A sampling of Melia’s workshop and bakery output — phew!

Hmmm. . . Ready or not, there are six days ’til Christmas.  Now to figure out what to get Hubby. . ..

-Melia

Partying With My Roses

16 Sunday Dec 2012

Posted by in A Writer's Life, Melia's Musings

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Ah, the holidays.  Presents.  And decorations.  And parties – the best part! Recently, my RWA chapter, Rose City Romance Writers, got together to celebrate – minus the holiday champagne.  I was having such a great time sucking in writing brilliance from my chapter mates, I didn’t snap pics of EVERYTHING.  (Surprising, I know!)

With Kylie Wolfe, Tammie King, and Laurel Newberry

With Kylie Wolfe, Tammie King, and Laurel Newberry

Anywho, a couple of pics, great writing friends, and awesome conversation, and the party was over too quickly.  (Personally, I like Jessa Slade’s suggestion that we party once a quarter!)  Some snippets of conversational wisdom:

1.  Rejection is a good thing.  When rejections are announced, we all cheer, ’cause it means a writer is getting her precious work out into the world.

2.  In a world of rejections, writers need to remember to bask in the things that do go well — meeting deadlines, a positive comment from a critique partner, or even one from the editor / agent who rejected the submission.  It’s too easy to get pulled down in this business, and without looking at the positive things we do well, no matter how small, our writing could suffer.  We definitely don’t want that!

3.  Having a debut book is crazy exciting!  Ask any author.  🙂

4.  Lightning strikes create bestsellers.  Authors should be out there with a lightning rod AND an umbrella.  The book needs a certain “something something” that causes it to take off, besides good writing, ’cause, let’s face it, there are always books we all feel should be best sellers — like our own!  😉

5.  Roses are generous people.  Not only were writing and industry advice freely given, we also collected donations for a women’s shelter.  Whether we like it or not, there are those around us who are in far greater need than we could even imagine.

The holidays are busy.  I get that.  But it should also be a time to slow down enough to visit with family and friends, and to reflect on what makes this time of year special for each of us.  You know, you gotta stop and drink the champagne!

What are your holiday celebrations like?

-Melia