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Christmas Time (Archives)

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.

Countdown to Christmas

🎄✨ The Gentle Countdown to Christmas with Honey & Hubie ✨🎄

As Christmas draws near, the world begins to buzz. Shops fill, to-do lists grow longer, and the days seem to whirl by in a mix of excitement, errands, and festive chaos. Yet somewhere between the wrapping paper and the rushing, there is a quiet kind of magic—one that whispers instead of shouts. And that is where The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie shines brightest. In the days leading up to Christmas, when everything feels fast and full, this story offers something rare: a moment to slow down. A soft place to land. A warm breath in the middle of winter’s hurry.

🌟 A Story That Brings Calm to the Christmas Countdown

While adults check calendars and children count the sleeps until Santa arrives, Honey and Hubie remind us of the kind of wonder that doesn’t rush. Their world is full of gentle courage, small acts of friendship, and the kind of imagination that warms even the coldest December day. Reading their adventures becomes more than just story time. It becomes a pause… a quiet moment shared… a way to settle the heart during the busiest season of the year.

🎁 A Cozy Escape for Families

As Christmas approaches, evenings grow softer—twinkling lights, warm rooms, and time spent together. Honey and Hubie fit perfectly into that space. Children lean in to hear about fairies, woodland creatures, and the brave little greyhound who learns to face her fears. Parents find themselves relaxing too, drawn in by the sincere sweetness of the tale. It is the kind of story that helps families breathe again—something peaceful to balance the noise and excitement of December.

🎄 A Christmas Countdown Full of Wonder

This year, why not make Honey and Hubie part of your family’s countdown?

•Five days before Christmas: Meet Honey and Hubie and slip into their magical world

• Four days before Christmas: Pause the holiday rush with a chapter of soft adventure

• Three days before Christmas: Share a lesson about courage and kindness

•Two days before Christmas: Let imagination take over where stress used to sit

• Christmas Eve: Cozy up together for a heartwarming read that ends the night with smiles

By the time Christmas morning arrives, children aren’t just excited for gifts— they’re filled with wonder, joy, and the warmth of stories shared.

✨ A Book That Feels Like a Calm Winter Night

In a season that often moves too fast, The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie reminds us to slow down. To enjoy the small moments. To sit together. To let imagination be the gentle snow that settles over everything else. Christmas may be busy, but a good story has the power to quiet the world for just a little while… and Honey and Hubie do exactly that.

📖 Begin your calm Christmas countdown here:

👉 The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie by T. J. Mueller https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Excellent-Adventures-Honey-Hubie/dp/1838759301

May your days leading up to Christmas be cozy, magical, and filled with adventure. And may Honey and Hubie bring your home the gentle calm the season sometimes forgets to offer.

Christmas Time

Have an amazing day.

Five Things I’m Good at…

Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán on Pexels.com

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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Sunday Morning

It’s another Sunday morning and I had a sleepless night. Chachi, the cat, was in his element and sleep was the farthest thing on his mind! The little brat decided that he was going to do one better than Cristiano Ronaldo on doing the “bicycle kick!”

He spent most of the night dribbling dry kernels of food and dashing from room to room. Then he did the hoops, not a pretty sight as the little guy is a tad overweight and lands with a heavy thud every time he tries that move. If that wasn’t enough, he would run across the room meowing loudly, “Watch me mommy!” Lord, have mercy. I decided to let him have his way. He’ll eventually run out of energy but that’s where I was wrong. He was like an eveready battery with enormous amounts of energy. Note to self: Cut back on feeding him too much!

Just as I was dozing off, he jumped on the bed, came over and pressed his face on my face and rubbed it all over with his whiskers! I found out that he was marking his territory or rather his property! Cats! They’re the only household pets who need “property.” The others are contend with being fed and taken care of but this breed needs property to feel secure and to know that they have the upper hand!

After a while of listening to his loud purring, I told him to go to bed. “No way!” was his answer. It was time for another round of football and this time he upped it. He was going for Ronaldo’s bicycle kick and I must say, it was pure perfection! The Little Butterball was having the time of his life and me, not so much!

Finally, I gave up and fell asleep. This morning, the floor was covered with dried pellets of food and the little thing was fast asleep in his bed looking absolutely adorable and purring up a storm. It was time to clean up the mess so I did. What’s this thing about football? I don’t know but this little guy could give Cristiano Ronaldo a run for the money!

Have an amazing Sunday.

The Separation

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

The hardest decision I’ve ever had to make was the decision to go separate ways. I was looking at a 16 year marriage going under and a little boy who doted on mom and dad and I knew it would break his heart and it did.

However, there was no other way out of the predicament I was in. I could pretend to stay in a marriage where one person dictated how it was going to be run. Meaning “cheating” was alright and I had no say in the matter. He learned different. Still, it wasn’t an easy thing to do. I had to take everything into consideration. I was in a foreign country, didn’t speak the language well, and I had a young boy to take care of. I still remember the letter our son wrote asking if he was the problem and if he was, he would do better. It broke my heart.

Walking away and shutting the door behind me was not an easy decision for all the reasons mentioned above but there was one other thing that took a hit. It was my self-esteem. I hit rock bottom and it took a long time and much working on myself to bring it back up. I learned that “cheating” destroys, it is a selfish act and the person who commits it, well they will do it again. It is just a matter of time. It becomes easier the next time around.

I wanted no part of that. During my journey, I also learned to find my self-worth and self-respect. It didn’t come easy but I knew that I was worth so much more and being in a mediocre relationship is not what a relationship is about. I don’t regret the decision to walk away.

Daily writing prompt

What’s the hardest decision you’ve ever had to make? Why?

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December

I have a love-hate relationship with December The year is drawing to a close and I have a chance at making things better as year end approaches and a new one begins. Add Christmas to that and what’s not to like?

Plenty. I love Christmas, the sights, the sounds, the scents, and just the feeling of peace that is everywhere. The house comes alive with lights and there is this dreamy quality about it. The fireplace crackles, add a blanket or two on the couch and you’re ready to snuggle and watch the flames burn. There is just something about this time of year. I love it and yet, there is a certain sadness because the heart longs for Christmases past when loved ones were near and it was a time for family and friends to gather and celebrate the season. Christmas is no longer like it used to be. The circle has grown smaller and it is usually just Chachi and yours truly. Last year, I had a friend who came over but it wasn’t the same. This year, I might spend it with my “Little Buttercup” who is always ready to spend time with his mommy.

I have a love-hate relationship with this month. I love the cold, even better if there is snow outside, walks in nature are filled with wonder, and festive lights twinkling everywhere warms the heart and fills the soul with a certain something. I can’t put my finger on it. I call it “magic.”

However, there are definite downsides to this month as well and when you’re alone, it is magnified during this time of the year. I’m learning to cope with it and taking it in stride as I do with most things. Still, I do love December and all that it brings.

Daily writing prompt

What’s your favorite month of the year? Why?

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Book Review

Reviews are worth their weight in gold because good ones are hard to come by so this one definitely put a smile on my face.

A Dad’s Perspective

October 29, 2025

Reading The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie with my kids was one of those experiences that reminded me why storytelling still matters. Every night, we’d get a few pages in, and they’d lean closer—not because the story was loud or flashy, but because it felt alive. The author’s words paint a world full of color and curiosity, where bravery isn’t about fighting dragons but about facing something new with heart.

The story opens with a dedication that perfectly captures its spirit: “May you never lose your sense of fantasy because it is what dreams are made of.” That single line sets the tone for everything that follows. This book isn’t just about adventure; it’s about protecting that childlike wonder we sometimes forget to nurture. You can tell it was written by a parent who understands how powerful imagination can be.

Honey, the miniature greyhound, and Hubie, the loyal green frog, are a pair that children instantly connect with. Their journey takes them beyond the safety of the garden into meadows, forests, and encounters with fairies, frogs, Moppets, and even a skunk named Twister. Through every challenge, Honey discovers courage, kindness, and the kind of quiet strength that resonates deeply with young readers.

The pacing is steady and thoughtful, which makes it perfect for reading aloud. There’s action and excitement, but also calm moments where kids can picture what’s happening or ask questions. My oldest, who’s just starting to read independently, kept stopping to guess what might happen next. That kind of engagement doesn’t come from noise—it comes from good storytelling.
What stands out most to me as a father is that the book never talks down to kids. It gives them credit for being thoughtful and imaginative. When Honey crosses the pond despite her fear or stands up for a friend, those moments land quietly but meaningfully. The message of courage and friendship isn’t forced—it’s felt.

The story has its quirks, and that’s part of its charm. It feels handcrafted, not polished by committee, and that’s a compliment. You can sense the author’s sincerity in every line. That kind of authenticity is rare—and children, in their own way, can tell when a story is written with love.

The Excellent Adventures of Honey and Hubie is the kind of book that lingers after the last page. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a gentle nudge to both kids and parents to hold on to imagination a little longer.

A timeless, heartfelt story that celebrates courage, curiosity, and the quiet magic of growing up.

Thank you Ron

Characteristics of a Good Neighbor

Someone who is quiet, helpful, stays in their lane and is not a gossip monger. Those are some characteristics that I find necessary to being a good neighbor.

People around here usually keep to themselves but gossiping is a necessary evil in this village. What starts out as a small piece of gossip gets shredded and passed around until it comes out on the other end as something big and hard to believe or digest! I think it stamps from people not having much to do. Most are old and the only thing they have got going is keeping up with their husbands, household chores and gardening. Lest I forget, their window seat is their best friend! Nothing gets past the womenfolk here.

That said, there are those who are very helpful and caring. My neighbor across the street calls when she notices that I had left my garage door open. I have a tendency to forget and when the phone rings and I hear her voice, I know it is the friendly neighborhood watch person reminding me to shut the garage door! Then there is the one who brings me a jar of homemade jam made from the harvest of fruits in her garden. I find that to be very sweet. The gesture is often returned. Today, I gave away the ripe figs from my garden and she asked, “Would you like some apples?” I pointed to my apple tree and said, “I’m trying to do the same!”

I am lucky to have some good neighbors. Most are quiet and noise is not something I have to worry about. Most days, it is extremely quiet and I love it that way. I think I am a good neighbor. I’m helpful, friendly, and I make it a point to bring a bouquet or two of flowers to some of the women around here. It is well received and I’m rewarded with a great big smile!

It works both ways. It’s a give and take sort of thing. If you want a good neighbor, you have to start being a good one yourself. All I can say is that I have good neighbors and I am thankful for the peace and serenity that surrounds this place that I call home.

Daily writing prompt

What makes a good neighbor?

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First Time Grown Up Feeling

I think it was when I had my first job during the school holidays. Not sure how old I was, perhaps fifteen. The job was nothing to brag about. I worked in a store as a sales person. It was my first step into feeling like I was doing something productive. The job itself was boring and one thing I knew, I wanted to do better than that.

Anyway, when I got my first paycheck I was over the moon. It was money I had earned on my own and there was pride in that. Okay, it was a paltry sum but back then it felt like a whole lot of money! On my way home, I stopped at a Chinese restaurant and picked up some food to go. I think it was a noodle dish and a stir fry of some sort. Happy as a lark, I made my way home with the food containers tightly in grip and a big smile on my face.

I walked in the door like a grown up. Walking over to the table I placed the containers on the table and declared, “I brought food home.” I think I was glowing from head to toe! Watching my brothers and sisters dig in was something else and when my parents did the same, I felt like a grown up for the very first time.

It was my first grown up experience. However, these days kids are different. My son had everything handed to him and he led a privileged life. Work was nowhere in the picture and when he had to step out in the real world, I thought this is going to be a difficult transition. Well, it was. Amidst the complaints of working for a living and falling flat on his face, he is learning to be a grown up in his own way. Thank God for that!

Daily writing prompt

When was the first time you really felt like a grown up (if ever)?

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