What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

I've never been big on big New Year's Eve celebrations. I tend to hunker down with a few of my favorite things -- a stack of movies, maybe a piping hot pizza, the TV more ready for the Bowl Games to come rather than the evening's network hoopla -- and quietly usher in the changing of the guard from one year to the next. But just once I wish I could be attending a fabulous party on the last night of the old year.

I suppose that's one reason why I enjoy writing fiction so much -- to have the opportunity to live the life I've imagined, if not in reality than at least on the page.

So if I were to script my ideal New Year's Eve, I would be at a private party with some close and cherished friends, in turn with some of their fun, hip friends, laughing, dancing, and celebrating love and life. I left my heart in San Francisco a long time ago so maybe the party of my dreams would take place in a hip loft on the wharf . . . Then again, the New Year is about new possibilities, so maybe I would shift coasts and maybe the party in my thoughts would be right at the heart of the celebration in New York City. Either way, the venue would have tremendous skyline views of whatever city hosted us. There would be a heart thumping cocktail mix on the sound system while the TV would quietly hum in the background as we all awaited Dick Clark's countdown.

Midnight would finally come and we'd all huddle 'round in a group hug as the clock ticked down. In those final seconds the object of my affection would pull me aside in meaningful private recognition of those precious last seconds of the old year . . .

The party would continue into the wee, wee hours but I could go home happy and fulfilled at 12:05, for my New Year's wish would have already come true and time spent attending that one fabulous party would be complete!

Plus, I would need my rest to prepare for the football feast that would take place in just a few hours. Fabulous party or the quiet passage at home, either way New Year's Day has always been and will always be about football.

So real or imagined, what comprises your ideal New Year's Eve? Inquiring minds wants to know!

xoxo,
bex

Cool Yule, everyone!

I'm going to be offline for the next few days, so I wanted to check in and wish those of you who celebrate Christmas a very merry one!

What are you doing for the holiday? Inquiring minds want to know!

xoxo,
bex

The Holiday Frazzles

There's so much joy and fun that happens around the holidays, but there is always the real danger of encroaching on holiday burnout. It's getting down to the wire now, so how do you stay sane with so many additional, seasonal demands on your time?

Inquiring minds want to know!

xoxo,

bex

Festivus

So much holiday hubbub going on, not that I'm complaining because Christmas is one of my favorite times of year! I love the holiday spirit that gets ushered in with Thanksgiving and hangs around until New Year's. I try to channel this festive feeling throughout the year, but to hear the holiday music, to see the lights and Christmas trees and decorations, and to smell the evergreen and cinnamon and nutmeg as their scents transform the house are all unique seasonal delights for my senses.

Spending time with my loved ones is the best part for me, and trying to find that one gift that will put a smile on their faces is a special challenge I look forward to. I love wrapping presents! Do you have a favorite part of this time of year? What about you? Inquiring minds want to know!

xoxo,
bex