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Christmas Time

It is that time of year when there seems to be a certain something in the air. It just feels kinder, softer and gentler. People seem friendlier, more in tune with life and rushing around becomes a “must do” and even though the hustle and bustle is not liked in some circles, it is part and parcel of the season.

Driving home yesterday, I noticed the Christmas tree vendor setting up his booth for the mad dash of Christmas tree buying. Not fake ones but ones that make your living room smell wonderful and out of the ordinary as the countdown begins to Christmas. I’ve always loved the scent of fresh pine accompanying my morning coffee as I go back in time to Christmases past.

However, it is not just about the good times, joyful times, the cozy times, but also about the moments I still hold dear in my heart. Memories of Christmases past where a special someone was there and he made Christmas so much better. The sale of Christmas trees brought back some memories that also brought a ache to the heart. He is gone now but those memories remain. The way he would make his way here excitedly on weekends ready to make Christmas a fantastic affair. A fresh tree was a must, he got the tree and I did the decorating. Menu planning was left up to me but there was always something special on the table, he made sure of that. Presents galore were all his doing and he loved giving. The Christmas tree vendor brought back some memories as I am sure more will come rushing in as we get closer to Christmas. He’s an “angel” now, this friend of mine, having earned his wings and I’m sure he’ll be singing with the rest of the angels welcoming the season in. Have a fantastic Christmas, “my angel.”

“But I am sure that I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round…as a good time, a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely.” Charles Dickens

It is a time to rejoice, to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season, to breathe a little freer and to hug a little tighter. A time to step back, to sit by the fireplace with a cup of something warm and to take in the beauty of Christmas time. Sure, memories will rush in, they will hurt at times, you will shed a few tears, but when all is said and done, it is the most beautiful time of the year.

Have an amazing day.

Ever Seen Wild Animals?

No, not really except for in documentaries. I call Chachi, the cat, the Lion King but that doesn’t mean anything. He just looks like one, a smaller version of Mufasa but with an attitude!

Other than that, I see deer all the time as I go walking in nature. They seem pretty tame or at least they seem to be from a distance. Once, one dashed out from the woodline just a short distance away and took off to the open fields. No harm done but it did shock me. I’ve heard that we have wild boar in the forest but I’ve never seen them. Also, there are wild dogs. It seems they attacked a deer brutally and left it to die in the forest. A warning sign was posted everywhere after that but I’ve never seen any of them, but when I pass a patch of woods, I listen carefully just in case they are lying in wait but so far nothing. I did see a huge red fox streaking across the fields once heading somewhere in haste. Perhaps, it was late for a date!

“Do you ever see wild animals?”

The answer is not really and I hope I never do!

Daily writing prompt

Do you ever see wild animals?

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A Series of Letters

To my loyal readers, friends, and WP buddies, you know who you are.

This year, I want to share with you a series of letters I composed with gratitude for helping make The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie a success. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Dear Friends,

Some of my happiest childhood memories came from wandering through the quiet woods behind my home — places where imagination felt as real as the trees themselves. When I began writing this book, I returned to that world with the same sense of wonder I felt as a child. Every page reflects a piece of that enchanted place, filled with curiosity, friendship, and the simple joy of letting imagination run free.

It warms my heart to share this story with you. My hope is that, whether you are reading it with a child or rediscovering your own sense of wonder, these pages bring a little magic into your day. Thank you for stepping into this adventure with me.

With warmest wishes,

T. J. Mueller

FOCUS

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It is one of the hardest things to do. You’ve got a plan in hand, all set to go, you take off and then you come to a screeching halt! What happened? Life did. Your focus is not on what you need to get done, the noise surrounding you is too loud, it is hard to concentrate and “giving up” is less work and easier to do. You are at a standstill not knowing which direction to take or worse still, you don’t have the energy to carry on.

“Starve your distractions, feed your focus.” Unknown

How do you starve your distractions? First, what are distractions? They are defined as, “things like technology (phones, social media, websites, YouTube, video games, Netflix), other people, or noises around you,” all vying for your attention and quite often they win.

“Stay focused on your goals and ignore the noise.” Unknown

Not easy to do, I know. I’ve let distractions get the better of me and what I could have achieved in a short amount of time took forever and a longer route to get there. You have a plan? If not, make one. You want to get somewhere? You’ve got to focus. Here’s the truth. If you don’t focus, you’re left by the wayside. Tony Robbins once said, “Your life is controlled by what you focus on.”

Focus on the good things and you get more of the same. Focus on doing better and you will. Focus on what’s in front of you and you’ll start moving forward.

FOCUS! FOCUS! FOCUS!

Oh, one more thing.

“You decide how to show up, and you’d better come correct: the way you look, what you say, how you act and react. No excuses! Get in front of the mirror and own what you see. You may have to drag your fabulousness out of hiding, but it’s there.” Alyssa Edwards

AND

“The more you focus on you, the better you become.” Unknown

Cut out the noise and the excuses. Zero in on what you want. You’re allowed to waver now and then but get back on track. FOCUS, and you’re halfway there, the rest needs work!

Have an amazing day.

The Field of Dreams

I’ve visited many places during my lifetime but the one that I still see in my mind is this place that mom and dad took us to as children. It was in Singapore and the air was scented with night blooming jasmine. Dad wouldn’t tell us where we were headed but it wasn’t too far from where we lived.

We arrived at this open field and it was getting dark. Dad said, “Wait for it.” Sure enough, tiny flickers of light began to form all over the field, dim at first and then as the night grew darker, the lights became brighter. It was mesmerizing and magical. I had never seen anything like it before so I asked, “What are they?”

Dad said, “Fireflies.”

I didn’t know what fireflies were but it didn’t matter. I was caught up in the magic of the moment. Soon, they were all around us and as the parents watched, the children ran around trying to catch them. Dad handed out small glass containers and I managed to catch a few of them. They twinkled within the confines of that container and I watched dazzled by their magic. I thought they were tiny little fairies at first but dad set me straight on that theory. He decided I had enough imagination going on in that little head of mine!

However, it is a place I’ve visited many times during my childhood and it never failed to keep me captivated. If you’ve never seen a field full of fireflies lighting up the night then you’ve missed out on a wonderful display of “magic.”

I’ve visited many places since then and seen gorgeous sunsets, beautiful beaches, fantastic landscapes that have taken my breath away but my first encounter with the fireflies still is at the top of the list.

Daily writing prompt

Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?

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LOL!

This one got a laugh out of me this morning. What can I say but that’s Trump for you!

So DONALD Trump

GOES TO THE VATICAN to

Meet the Pope.

He later said: “I met with Pope Francis today. He’s a really great Pope – great, great Pope. You know he’s the leader of the Catholic Church – big church. I couldn’t believe it when he told me how many Catholics there are. Way more than I thought. They have churches all over the world — Some are very, very close to my hotels and golf courses.

He tells me he’s elected for life, probably copying that Xi guy in China. Fantastic idea, though. Fantastic. It turns out the Pope is a lot like me, you never see him with his wife. He told me he’s infallible. I said that’s great, you’ll never have to worry about breaking a hip.

He told me about a Mary Magdalene, beautiful girl, beautiful. Apparently a hooker. I asked him for her number. Didn’t catch his answer. I’m told he said it in Latin. I give the guy credit because he doesn’t look Latino.

He took me into the Sistine Chapel. Beautiful ceiling. Not the usual white stucco stuff. I don’t think too many people even know about this place. The paintings are great, I’m telling you. Lots of colours. The Pope (great guy, by the way, knows more about the Bible than almost anybody. We got along great, I think he really likes me) told me the whole thing was painted by this young Italian. I think his name is Mike Langelo. At least that’s what Francis (we’re great friends) called him, I think.

Trust me, we’re going to hear more about this guy. He’s really artistic, and everybody tells me I have the greatest eye for the best art. It’s natural, just like my incredible understanding of science. All the renowned scientists say they can’t believe it.

I told Frank I’d like to buy some of Mike’s art. I asked if Mike’s done anything on velvet. He’ll check. I’ll hang his stuff at Mar-a-Lago or Trump Tower. This Mike guy needs more exposure. He’s too much with the churches. He could paint my presidential portrait on the Capitol Dome. Or maybe a mural on my big, beautiful border wall; but just on our side.

When we left, the Pope gave me a bible. Huge book. (Huge.) I told him I have the full set. You get one for free every time you take a porn star to a motel room.

Unbelievable. Just heard. The mainstream media are at it again. Fake news. (Fake news.) I just saw something on TV. They claim Mike the painter died 450 years ago. Sad. I’ve already got people looking into this and you won’t believe what they’re finding

Honey and Hubie’s Gingerbread Forest Adventure!

Honey and Hubie can’t believe their eyes! They’re in the Gingerbread Forest and it is magical.

Honey: “This is magical Hubie!”

Hubie: “It sure is Honey. The colors, the sparkles, the cookies, the candies and the icing are fantastic but I can’t eat any of them. Look at the Moppets, they are having a feast!

Honey: “Who cares about eating any of the cookies and candies, Hubie. This place is magical and I love it!”

Hubie: “You’re right Honey. This is a brand new adventure and I’m loving it!”

Honey: “Me too, Hubie, my friend.”

Hubie: “I’m glad you’re my friend Honey. You’re my very best friend.”

Honey: “You are my best friend too, Hubie. Let’s enjoy the Gingerbread Forest and see who else will join us.”

Hubie: “C’mon Honey. Looks like Twister is eyeing the candy cane and it’s just like him. He always wants what he can’t have!”

Honey: “Looks like Twister needs help. Let’s go help him.”

Off they go through the forest surrounded by magic at every turn.

Five Things I’m Good at…

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Let’s see….hmm…..nothing comes to mind!

After much thinking, some things did come to mind. My dad used to say that I had an overactive imagination, way back when I was a little girl. I don’t disagree. It still is overactive and that is what helps my writing! If you’re wondering where does she come up with some of the stuff she writes about, blame it on “imagination” that knows no bounds!

The next thing I’m good at is taking a small problem and blowing it up into something unsolvable. When a problem shows up, I look at it and instead of dealing with it like a normal human being in a calm and collected fashion, I pull my hair out! You must be thinking that she pulls her hair out a lot. Right you are. Still, the bald spots are not showing yet because I’ve got plenty of it, hair that is! Overthinking is my arch enemy and my nemesis but I’m working on it.

The next thing I am good at is painting pictures with words. People tell me that they can imagine themselves in the story and that is a good thing. Mom was good at cooking, younger sister was good at singing and I thought I didn’t have any talents until I discovered writing. I agree with the “people” that I can and do paint pictures with words.

I’m a good mom. I was a goal-oriented and career-driven person and never thought I would be a mom one day. Finding out I was pregnant did not set too well with me. It meant giving up my career and moving to another country altogether BUT the minute I felt the little guy kick, I knew that I would be the best mom possible. I’ve always been there for my son and I guess I always will be. He’s my priority. However, Chachi, the cat, thinks he’s the priority! I tell him he’s my baby from another mommy but he says, “No mom, I’m your baby!” I suppose he’s right. I’m good at being a mom.

I’ve written about friendship here more than once. I’m a good friend or at least I try to be. Sometimes I get taken advantage of because of the “niceness” factor but I’m learning not to take everything and to let go when the so called friendship is not working out. I’ve got a criteria for friendship. Be on time, show up when in trouble or at least show that you care, stand by your friend and not jump ship at the first sign of trouble but most of all, be a good friend and not a fair-weather one.

There you are. Five things I think I’m good at. Next question please……

Daily writing prompt

Share five things you’re good at.

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A Little Bit of Christmas Magic

As the festive season twinkles to life, I find myself reflecting on the joys of sharing stories –especially those that bring a little extra magic into our lives. The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is a story born from the heart –a tale spun from the same threads of imagination that lit up my own childhood holidays.

Why is this book a wonderful Christmas gift? Because it invites young readers –and those young at heart –into a world where friendship and bravery light the way. In the midst of the holiday bustle, there’s something truly special about a gift that encourages children to dream and imagine, to see the world through a lens of wonder.

For me, writing this book was a way to revisit that enchanted forest of my own memories. It’s a place where the values of kindness, loyalty, and imagination come to life in the form of colorful characters and whimsical adventures. And what better time than Christmas to share a story that reminds us all of the simple joy of believing in a bit of magic?

I hope that as you gift this book, it becomes a part of your holiday tradition — something that brings a smile, a shared moment of reading by the fireside, and a reminder of the timeless magic that stories can bring into your lives. Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with warmth, joy, plenty of wonderful stories and a touch of fairy dust to bring it all to life.

T. J. Mueller

One Thing I Would Change About Myself?

Hmm….just one thing? There are many things I would want to change about myself but ok, I’ll go with one and since you asked.

It would be hands done, being too nice. I have a tendency to bite the bullet and even when I want to let it rip, I step back, take a deep breath and come out smiling hiding my real feelings. It could hurt, I could think it is not fair, but still I take it in stride and instead of letting my feelings show, I let it go inside and do its job of bringing me to my knees at times and at other times, hit rock bottom.

Why? Why do I do that? I don’t know, it is part of my personality. This being “too nice” makes people view me as a pushover. Nice people end last? I think that phrase has a lot of truth to it. So, on this journey of self-discovery, I am learning to be more assertive, to not accept everything that comes my way and to say it like it is even if it is not well-received. My mental health matters, although it is a hard thing to do for someone like me.

These days, I step back and I come back wearing a cape! Ready to do battle? Not really, just standing up for myself. I am learning to like this new me but the old me still shows up wearing sackcloth and ashes and wants to talk me into going back to who I was. Not going to happen. There is something very “rejuvenating” about changing yourself for the better. Like it or not, here I am! Take it or leave it, that’s up to you.

Daily writing prompt

What is one thing you would change about yourself?

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