Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 100

Advent Day 9: A Christmas Tradition -- the Chrismon Tree

Missy Tippens




I thought I would share a church tradition with you today! The Chrismon tree. The word Chrismon means "Christ monogram." The tradition got started at the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA, in 1957. You can read a bit more about it here. It's something that I've really enjoyed at several of our churches over the years. Here's a photo of part of our family (my brother-in-law, sister, mother, son, daughter, hubby, and I'm in the blue) at last year's Christmas Eve service. You can see the Chrismon tree behind us.



It's a beautiful tree that I always look forward to. The ornaments are all handmade. Some are ceramic, and some are fabric with beads and sequins etc. Here are some close-ups. I obviously favor the ceramic ones. :)






I always look forward to the candlelight service on Christmas Eve. I sing in the choir, so it's a beautiful thing to look out as the members in the congregation hold up their candles while they sing Silent Night. It's so very moving.

Since I haven't decorated yet (at the time of writing this post), I had planned to share last year's photo. But last year was a rough Christmas for me. My beloved dad, for whom I'd been a caregiver, had passed away earlier in the year, and my elderly dog--my writing buddy--had died on Thanksgiving. So it was hard to get in the Christmas spirit while grieving.

So today, instead of sharing a Better Homes and Gardens photo, this is me being real with you. Here's our tree from last year. I never did get the ornaments put on it. We only had the pre-attached lights and pinecones, and the shimmer from the "snowy" tree branches.




I felt bad for my kids when they came home, felt guilty for not providing a "normal" Christmas like usual. But you know what... they handled it beautifully. We had a sweet Christmas despite the tree being a bit bare. And though our home tree was sparse, we were able to enjoy the beautiful "Christ monograms" on Christmas Eve while at church. We muddled our way through our first Christmas without my dad and thought of him often along the way. So many sweet memories.

I pray each of you has a wonderful Christmas season. And if you've lost a loved one this year, please know you're in my prayers. I hope we'll all reach out to someone who may be grieving this year.


As my special Advent giveaway, I wanted to paint a small angel like I did for last December's post--my own homemade Chrismon. I haven't done the painting yet, so this will be an IOU for when it's done! Hopefully before Christmas! haha

Be sure to enter the big giveaway below (to be announced at the end of the year). And let me know in the comments if you'd like to be entered for the angel painting (winner announced in the Weekend Edition)! Let's chat about Chrismon ornaments. Have you heard of them before?

If you didn't get it last year, pick up Missy's Christmas novella, available as an ebook at Amazon. Click here for more info.

Unlucky in love, police deputy Hardy Greenway has spent his life in the friend zone. But now he’s fallen hard for the girlfriend of his nemesis. Dori Blanchette has been waiting for a proposal from her boyfriend, but how can she say yes when she has feelings for Hardy? With Christmas tree ornaments playing spontaneously and secrets being revealed, there’s no telling who will end up together at Christmas!

Welcome to Dahlia, Georgia, where everyone feels welcome!



ALSO! After years of doing my own website, I just had it professionally re-made by Robin Lee Hatcher. Be sure to check it out! www.missytippens.com.

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After more than 10 years of pursuing her dream of publication, Missy Tippens, a pastor’s wife and mom of three from near Atlanta, Georgia, made her first sale to Harlequin Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for numerous awards, including the Romance Writers of America RITA® Award. Visit Missy at www.missytippens.com, https://twitter.com/MissyTippens and http://www.facebook.com/missy.tippens.readers.

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Weekend Edition

  





If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes.  Note our new email address and please send your emails to Seekerville2@gmail.com










Sunday: Erica Kicked off our Advent Season with a reminder to reflect, relax, and remember! The winner of the Library Card Socks and a copy of A Child's Christmas Wish is Dee LeeRoye
Monday: The winner of an ebook copy of Christmas at Star Inn , a novella collection by Margaret Brownley, Ruth Logan Herne and Mary Connealy is Paula Shreckhise
Tuesday: The winner of a copy of Cobblered to Death by Rosemarie Ross is Glynis
Wednesday: Mindy Obenhaus shared her memories of decorating Christmas cookies with her Great-Aunt Gladys. The winner of her prize package is Lucy Reynolds!
Thursday: Julie Lessman returned to Seekerville with a sweet story about prayer and a gift her husband bought her. The winner of a set of 6 Christmas books is Layne!
Friday: Cate shared her memories of Christmas when her children were young. The winner of an ebook of Christmas in Hiding and a keepsake Christmas ornament is Joy!
Saturday: Gabrielle Meyer takes us back to her childhood on the banks of the Mississippi River (The winner of A Mother's Secret will be announced next weekend!)




Monday:  Missy Tippens will be sharing about the Christmas tradition of the Crismon Tree! She'll be giving away a small, hand-painted angel, made my...Missy, herself!
Tuesday:  Sandra Leesmith returns to Seekerville! She'll be talking about her family traditions--including poetry! Be sure to stop by to share your traditions. You may just win some Sees Chocolates!
Wednesday: Ruth Logan Herne "Ruthy" is here with us Wednesday and she's talking about Christmas then and now with a giveaway of her newest Love Inspired book "A Hopeful Harvest" (releasing this week!!!) and an e-copy of her beautiful anthology with Mary Connealy and Margaret Brownley "Christmas at Star Inn" and (can you believe it??? ) a copy of her current 2-in-1 from Love Inspired that pairs "Her Holiday Family" with a Jill Hart novel! Come on over. Let's talk. You know she'll bring cookies!

Thursday: Candee Fick will be sharing why you don’t have to be home to embrace the Christmas season. (Hint: Her memory involves a giant blizzard). She’s also celebrating a new book release.  Friday: Annie will be sharing a warm Christmas story with you!

Saturday:  And today Meez Carrie (aka: Carrie Booth Schmidt) will be in the house with a toast to the holiday season!









Missy Tippens has more devotionals being released in the 2020 edition of All God's Creatures: Daily Devotions for Animal Lovers! Don't miss a year of inspiration from Guideposts Books! Available now in print or e-book. Click here for more info. 




Darlings! It's that time again, the time of year to recommend Seekerville to the 101 Writer's Digest Best Websites for Writers! Here's the link... they make it easy-peasy and we would be grateful for your vote/nomination! Thank you so much!!!!


LINK TO WRITER'S DIGEST!!!!

Are you looking for that perfect Christmas gift for that special person? Books make great gifts!



RUTHY'S NEWEST NOVEL RELEASES THIS WEEK!The official date is 12/17 but it should be spotted in stores nationwide beginning this week and she's so excited! If you spot "A Hopeful Harvest" in a store near you, send her a pic! She loves seeing them pop up from sea to shining sea! Available in Walmarts, Krogers, Winn-Dixies, some Barnes & Nobles, and many other stores. HAPPY DANCING!!!!




Never Burn A Bridge! by Steve Laube at Steve Laube

Last Minute Holiday Book Sale Strategies by Penny Sansevieri at Writers In The Storm

Expect The Unexpected: Creating Plot Twists by Janice Hardy at Fiction University

17 Eco-Friendly Gifts For Writers This Christmas by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors

The Fun of Pantsing by Ray Rhamey at Writer Unboxed

Plot Generator by Reedsy

Advent Day 7 - Returning to My Childhood Home through Stories ~ Gabrielle Meyer

When I was a little girl, my dad was the caretaker for a nine-acre estate on the banks of the Mississippi River. My family lived above the carriage house at the bottom of the hill and the two mansions (you read that right, there are two historic mansions on the property) were at the top. The entire bottom of the hill was our play area and we spent countless hours making memories there. For several years in a row, my parents hosted a large New Year’s Eve party and for days in advance, my dad sprayed water on one part of the hill to make it icy. When you jumped onto a rubber inner-tube, you practically flew down that hill! My dad had to put several hay bales at the bottom to stop the tubers, so they wouldn’t slide onto the frozen Mississippi River.


One of the beautiful mansions at Linden Hill 



There was also a small pond behind our house, which my dad would clear of snow so we could ice skate, and there was plenty of yard for the children to make snow forts and have snowball fights. At some point in history, the bottom of the carriage house was turned into a large heated garage. My parents would clean it to near sparkling and then set up the chairs and tables there. I remember pouring hot chocolate and hot cider into Styrofoam cups and then walking outside to see all the steam rise into the cold night air. It was truly a magical place to grow up, and I have so many wonderful memories of holidays spent there.

The homes were originally built by lumber barons who came to our town on the banks of the Mississippi River in the early 1890s. The last family member passed away in 1989 (the year we moved out) and the estate was donated to the city. It is now operated as a conference and retreat center. Every time I return there, it’s as if I’m cast back to my childhood. I live just down the river from the estate and I take my four children there often to reminisce. I also host a large writer’s retreat there each summer and attend several events there throughout the year. I’m so thankful I can return to my childhood home whenever I like.

The Meyer children at the Linden Hill Estate



I’ve also used the estate as a setting for both historical and contemporary stories. My newest story (and my first contemporary novel) releases in February 2020 from Love Inspired. The story, A Mother’s Secret, is set at the fictional Bee Tree Hill, which is inspired by the estate. In the story, there is only one mansion, instead of two, but everything else is the same. I loved writing this story and I cannot wait for it to release! It was like returning home as I wrote it. 
Enter to win a copy of this yet-to-be-released
title today!



I’d love to give away an advanced copy of A Mother’s Secret to one person who comments on this post before?? (US only - International winner will receive ebook only.) 




Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Upper Mississippi River with her husband and four children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and loves to write fictional stories inspired by real people, places, and events. Learn more about Gabrielle and her historical, contemporary, and cozy mystery stories by visiting her at www.gabriellemeyer.com or www.Facebook.com/AuthorGabrielleMeyer.


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Advent Day 6 - Christmas with Children

This Seekerville Advent journey had me reflecting on my favorite Christmas memories. I have sporadic memories from my childhood like the year my father/Santa almost didn't find Snugglebun (the baby doll who came in a cradle with a small lamp) that was the ONLY thing my sister wanted, because a man snatched the last one from in front of him. I don't remember how he actually got one, just the story of the one he lost.

Then there was the year I was 5 or 6. I remember walking solemnly around my backyard wondering how it could be Christmas when there was no snow. Note, I've survived many many snowless Christmases since, so I'm wondering if snow at Christmas was a thing to 5 year-old me because of Rudolph.

That reminds me of another memory. Back in the day, The Sound of Music always aired on Thanksgiving Night (except for the times it was The Wizard of Oz instead). Charlie Brown, Frosty, Rudolph - they all were only on once and it was a special occasion that we were allowed to stay up for. There was no streaming! If you missed it, you were deprived for a whole year!





My most wonderful Christmas memories though, come from when my girls were young.

I miss my sweet babies

My husband LOVED prepping for Christmas with the girls. It usually involved a trip to Macys and the mall so we could select that year's special ornaments.



We would wander through Toys R Us and the girls would eagerly point out presents they'd love. They are still amazed that we managed to get the presents into the cart (under their winter coats) and check out without them noticing. My oldest daughter and I had a long Thanksgiving road trip last week, and we were reminiscing. She commented that she remembers Daddy always came out to the car awhile after us, but since it happened every year, she didn't think anything of it.

Such JOY! Cinderella loved the gown Santa's elves made for her.

Not so the letters from Santa. I remember the year she told me that Santa's handwriting looked an awful lot like mine. I thought I was so brilliant typing it and leaving it in the printer the next year, but apparently that was a dead giveaway to my smart 4th grader.


My girls are grown women now, and have their own homes, but we still make sure to spend the holidays together. This will be our second year without my husband. It's hard. It's different. But we're making new traditions. Last year we each got white candles for our windows to light in his honor - one for each of us, and one for him. And when we take those precious decorations from their boxes, we have beautiful memories.

In my Love Inspired Suspense, Christmas in Hiding , Callie Martin loves Christmas. She's a kindergarten teacher who longs to be in her classroom amid the glitter and tinsel, but instead she's in witness protection and on the run for her life. I had so much fun writing Callie and her love of Christmas, but I especially loved writing the scenes where her U.S. Marshal, Jackson Walker, goes out of his way to bring Christmas to her.

What memories do you have? Do you have a special family tradition or memory you would like to share?

In honor of my husband's love of choosing ornaments, I'm giving away this Christmas memories ornament that you can choose to have engraved however you like, along with a digital copy of Christmas in Hiding. I apologize to those who prefer print, but Amazon has no more and neither do I, so we have to go with eBook.







Cate Nolan lives in New York City, but she escapes to the ocean any chance she gets. A devoted mom and teacher, Cate loves to leave her real life behind and play with the characters in her imagination. She’s got that suspense writer gene that sees danger and a story in everyday occurrences. Cate particularly loves to write stories of faith enabling ordinary people to overcome extraordinary danger. 







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Advent Day 5 -- A Timely Tale for Christmas by Seeker Julie Lessman

by Julie Lessman


Hello, everyone—Julie Lessman here, and I am delighted and honored to be back on Seekerville today for the “Advent in Seekerville” celebration. This year’s theme is “Home for the Holidays,” and I have to say my story below details one of my favorite holiday memories.
You see, I grew up in a family of thirteen kids, and all I remember of Christmases past is a wall of presents piled halfway up a ten-foot tree. As soon as presents were distributed, all of us tore into the gifts at the same time, completely swallowed up in a sea of paper and bows. To this day, I have no memory of gifts I received or what anyone else received because, frankly, it was bedlam.
So, when I met my husband, I discovered their tradition was opening gifts one at a time, everyone seated in a circle of laughter so we could all oooh and ahhh over each token of love. Wow! That sealed the deal for me and from that Christmas on, that became my favorite Christmas tradition of all that we still honor today.
And so, I thought I would share a “timely tale” of that very first Christmas I spent with my husband’s family when we just going together, not married yet. Because the greatest gift I received that year was a very special lesson from God, which to this day, has given me a life“time” of joy. Hopefully this lesson will inspire you—like it did me—to take “time” to thank God for His abundant blessings.
I wish you and yours a happy, healthy, and holy holiday season!
Hugs,Julie

Advent Day 4 - Baking Memories

by Mindy Obenhaus

Christmas. The word alone conjures up images in our minds. The twinkling lights, familiar carols, the aromas of cinnamon and cloves and Christmas cookies fresh from the oven.

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved Christmas cookies. The cut-out, decorated variety, in particular. Unfortunately, my mom was not a big baker. My great-aunt Gladys, on the other hand, loved to bake, however she didn't have any children. Matter of fact, she never married. She was quite a character, actually. Very independent. And quite different from most women born in the late 1800s. 

One day every December, Gladys would invite me and a couple of my cousins to join her in her very tiny kitchen to decorate Christmas cookies. For me, it was a dream come true. The cookies, the icing, the sprinkles! I looked forward to it all year long.
It was a snowy Saturday morning in mid-Michigan when me and my cousins Betsy and Jeff gathered at Gladys's for our annual cookie-decorating event. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. The smell of vanilla still hung in the air from all those fresh-baked cookies. Christmas trees, stars, snowmen, angels... I don't remember what I was doing, I only recall turning quickly and running into my cousin Jeff--who happened to be carrying a sheet pan that contained his allotment of cookies to decorate. The collision sent the pan tumbling to the linoleum floor, where the cookies promptly broke into pieces. Boy, was I glad those weren't my cookies. 

Then Aunt Gladys uttered those words that still haunt me today. "Mindy, you'll have to give Jeff half of your cookies."

The thought of parting with half of my beloved cookies had my bottom lip trembling. Tears welled behind my tortoise shell glasses. But no one dared argue with Aunt Gladys. She was a retired school teacher, which, in my little mind, was akin to a drill sergeant. So I gave Jeff half of my cookies and vowed that one day I would make my own Christmas cookies.
Years later, when I was a young bride, a dear family friend gave me a recipe for sugar cookies that I still make every December. I've shared it over at the Yankee-Belle Café and you can find it here. They're soft and delicious, just the way I like them. And whether I'm with my kids, grandkids, or by myself, decorating them is still a treat. 
For today's gift, I'm giving one commenter a set of holiday cookie cutters and a copy of my February 2020 release, Her Rocky Mountain Hope (US only - International winner will receive ebook only). Simply leave a comment telling me about your favorite holiday treat.
And don't forget about the Kindle Fire drawing found at the end of each post during that Advent season. We'll choose a winner after 12/25/19 and announce it on New Year's Eve Day.

Three-time Carol Award nominee, Mindy Obenhaus, writes contemporary romance for Love Inspired Books. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren at her Texas ranch. Learn more at www.MindyObenhaus.com


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Writing a Love Triangle

Click to Buy

Most romance novels focus on the hero and heroine falling in love. However some women’s fiction and cozy mystery romance threads involve a love triangle. Since my current release, Cobblered to Death, is a clean cozy mystery with two love interests, I thought I’d share my do and don’t suggestions in writing a love triangle.

Do create attractive love interests. This covers more than looks. It includes personality, occupations, activities and general outlook on life. Give each love interest a personality trait that draws the protagonist to them. Example: One love interest shares the same love of classic movies as the protagonist. The other love interest and the protagonist volunteer on the same community betterment project.

Don’t make the love interests perfect. Give them flaws. Make them clumsy or overly helpful, stubborn in certain instances or generous to a fault.

Do keep the love interests different. Although some people have a certain ‘type’ of person they are attracted too, if your love interests twin each other in physical traits, speech patterns or occupations, it will confuse the reader. Use an opposite approach. One might be a home body while the other enjoys socialization. Example: A detective and a pastor bring vastly different world views to the relationship which could help or hinder the protagonist figuring out the whodunit part of your plot.

Don’t forget to have each love interest provide a different emotional support to the protagonist. One could be the voice of reason while the other points out possibility. Both should show concern for the protagonist’s safety and wellbeing.

Do keep the love interests civil to each other despite their jealous feelings. It’s okay to show their jealousy in words, tones or actions, but not to the point of an argument or fist fight. The love interests can’t torment or taunt the other about spending time with the protagonist. After all, you want your reader to cheer both of them on and wonder who the protagonist will choose by the end of the book or series.

Don’t have the protagonist pit the love interests against each other. The protagonist must be upfront with both love interests that they don’t have an exclusive relationship. This allows flexibility in each book to have the main character favor one love interest over the other to keep the reader guessing, and hopefully buying the next book if it is a series!

That’s my list. Do any of you have more do and don’t suggestions on love triangles? Do you like to read books where the main character has more than one love interest? If so, have you ever been disappointed in the characters choice?

I’ll be giving away one copy of Cobblered to Death to a U. S. resident (sorry…foreign postage costs more than the book). Leave a comment to enter the drawing!

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RosemarieRoss is a pseudonym of multi-published in multi-genres author, Rose Ross Zediker. Rose writes cozy mystery novels, contemporary and historical inspirational romance novels, and has hundreds of publishing credits in the Christian magazine genre for children and adults. Her titles have appeared on ECPA bestseller lists and been finalists for the RITA, National Reader’s Choice, Booksellers Best and Book Buyers Best award contests. 



Blurb:Courtney Archer is known for hosting the show Cooking with the Farmer’s Daughter … despite the fact that she’s actually a pediatrician’s daughter. Now she’s signed on for a role on The American Baking Battle. On this reality show, she can start developing a more authentic image for herself—and as a bonus, the usual backstabbing and manufactured drama isn’t part of the Baking Battle script. But genuine drama is heating up behind the scenes …

During a film shoot in the scenic Pocono Mountains, Courtney has to juggle career commitments like pots on a six-burner stove. Adding to the stress is Mick, a contestant who finds out about her fake farm-girl story. Determined to succeed at her new gig, she whips up a cherry cobbler in a cast-iron fry pan one evening and leaves it out to cool. But the next morning, it’s Mick’s body that’s cooling—right next to Courtney’s pan, now classified as a murder weapon …



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Advent Day #2--Christmas presents for YOU

Day 2 of Advent.


First a recipe

Connealy Scalloped Corn

This is my kids’ absolute favorite
It’s more really fantastic macaroni and cheese than scalloped corn but whatever it is, it’s a Connealy Family Reunion staple.



1 can whole corn-drained1 can creamed corn  1 c. small macaroni-the kind isn’t important1 cup butter cut up1 cup Velveeta cubedDump in greased casserole dishStirBake 30 minutes-stirBake 30 more minutes
And a Christmas Memory
When my kids were growing up I was always really frugal at Christmas (okay call it cheap...BE THAT WAY!!!)
My Cowboy worked so hard! And I was a stay at home mom and I always tried to treat his hard work with respect...which extended to spending the money.
So inevitably I'd set a budget...maybe $25 dollars a kid...and shop sales and start early...work really hard to get them something nice without busting the budget.
And then very close to the big day I'd talk it all through with My Cowboy, what I'd gotten and if I needed to get them anything more, and he'd say, "Let's get them all (fill in the blank...something big and fun and exciting)."And we'd often go shopping together.
I remember the year, at the last minute, we went and bought them all sleds. All of a sudden my tidy Christmas plans were pretty extravagant and I had his blessing for that. And I could see he was having fun. And we could afford it, I was just hesitant to spend big.
An interesting fact about me and my cowboy. Our parents were ten years apart in age. I was one of the first of my parents eight children, third, and he was sixth of his parents seven children. 
His parents were like...wildly tight-fisted with money. My parents were pretty careless with it. But they both started out with NOTHING.I mean seriously poor. And they both worked hard and bought farmland...hard to pay for...and ended up fairly rich (No money but valuable holdings).
My parents careless generosity meant little because they had nothing. So I grew up in a very poor household...eight kids in a three bedroom farmhouse. 
By the time my little brothers and sisters could remember there started to be some money but when I was growing up...nothing. I mean NOTHING. I remember coming upon my mom once crying...my mom was a ROCK I'm telling you. She did NOT cry...so this was shocking.And I asked her what was wrong...I was scared to death...still pretty young. And she said, she wanted to write a letter to her mom...who lived about 90 minutes away but we rarely went to see them...gas cost money!She wanted to write a letter to her mom but she couldn't afford a stamp. A ten cent stamp.
I've always remembered that as a shocking example of just how absolutely poor my family was. An my folks didn't burden us with worries about money which made this moment all the more shocking to me.
And his parents, by the time he came along were very well-to-do...in the context that they were always cheap. 
So we came into our marriage with very different attitudes about money. I just always knew that, by comparison to how I grew up, we were pretty well-off. He always felt poor.
I smile when I think of how he remembers our early years of marriage. Very desperate times to his way to his way of thinking. To me...I couldn't believe we actually had some money in the bank!!! I felt rich but was so used to worrying about money I was careful not to spend much. He felt poor and was so used to his parents parsimony that he was careful not to spend much.
It worked because big picture, we agreed to be cheap...but for really different reasons.
That made his generosity with the kids at Christmas very special. And I still remember him 'coming through' with big gift ideas that I'd have never dared plan on. The sled year was a great example.


Thank you for joining us in this season of faith, of peace, of holiness.

Christmas




And prizes...let's call them presents...presents you can WIN...which isn't exactly a present...still...



Leave a comment.Let's talk great Christmas books.Leave a comment about your favorite Christmas book to get your name in the drawing for an ebook copy of----------
Christmas at Star Innby Margaret BrownleyRuth Logan Herne                                     Mary Connealy al


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Coming Home for Christmas Advent Celebration!

Erica Vetsch here, and I am delighted to kick off the Coming Home For Christmas Advent Celebration here at Seekerville in 2019.

For the next 24 days, we'll be anticipating and celebrating the birth of Our Savior. We'll be sharing each day, with current and former Seekers, guests, and YOU!

Our theme this year is Coming Home for Christmas, and each post will share a memory, a tradition, or possibly a recipe or event that is dear to the heart of the writer and invites you, the reader, to come into their "home" for Christmas.

Also, in the spirit of the season, each day will feature a giveaway. Come back each day for encouragement, fellowship, and celebration.

And don't forget to enter the Kindle Fire drawing found at the end of each post during the Advent Season. We'll choose a winner after 12/25/19 and announce it on New Year's Eve Day!

______________________________________________

When I think of Christmas, there are so many memories that jump into my mind. Great times as a child. Great times when  became a parent myself.

I love that so many families have traditions unique to them. For the Vetsch family, we always read Luke chapter two on Christmas morning before we open gifts. We have breakfast waffles each Christmas day. We watch Scrooge, starring Alastair Sim sometime in December.



As for memories, I have one particular memory that stands out, and that one instance has also now become a tradition.

Several years ago, in the middle of a super-busy holiday season full of basketball games, cookie exchanges, church responsibilities, shopping, etc. I was feeling more than overwhelmed. I just wanted December to be over. How sad is that?

I was expressing this frustration to my calm, steady, even-keeled husband, and he asked me, "What can I do to help you through this?" (Isn't he amazing? Sorry ladies, he's all mine.)

"I just need to sit, to talk to you, to take some time in the middle of the storm of activities to rest."

So we did. We turned off all the lights except those on the tree, sat on the sofa with my head on his shoulder, his arm around me, and we talked. We reminisced about previous Christmases, we talked about our wedding memories (We have a December 16th Anniversary...30 years this year!) we talked about how we met, and our first date (also in December.) We didn't talk about things we needed to get done, problems at work, or family issues.

Though we were much too old for such nonsense, we stayed up talking until nearly three in the morning! But, when I rose the next day, by heart and mind were so refreshed, that I didn't even care that I was short on sleep.



That time together in the midst of the busyness was so restful, we've repeated it at least once each December (Though we don't always stay up nearly all night.) We turn off the overhead lights, maybe light a few pine-scented or peppermint candles, and enjoy the quiet and beauty of the Christmas tree and each other.

This Advent Season, I encourage you to carve out time to be still and remember. To let go of all the busyness, the must dos, and the expectations, and just rest and reflect.

Tell me, what are you most anticipating this Christmas season?
_________________________________

Today's giveaway is both Christmas and Reader-related. I'll be giving to one person who comments, a pair of "Library Card" socks, and a copy of my Christmas book: A Child's Christmas Wish. (US Only for the socks and print book...if you're an international, and you win, I'll send an ecopy of the book to you!) Answer the question in red above, and you'll be eligible to win.

These are so fun! I have
a pair myself!
A Baby for Christmas

The only Christmas gift Oscar Rabb’s four-year-old daughter prays for is one the widower can’t provide: a baby sibling. And when his neighbor’s house burns down, he’s willing to open his home to pregnant and widowed Kate Amaker and her in-laws—but not his heart. Even if his little girl’s convinced Kate’s unborn child is the answer to her wish.

Kate quickly sees the generous but aloof Oscar has little interest in growing closer to his houseguests. Still, she intends to make the coming Christmas a season to remember for his daughter. And as Oscar starts to open up to her, Kate can’t help picturing just how wonderful the holidays—and a future together—might be.


Best-selling, award-winning author Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. She’s a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota, and she is married to her total opposite and soul mate! When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can read about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/EricaVetschAuthor/ where she spends way too much time!



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Weekend Edition

  



If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, take a minute to read them here. It keeps us all happy! All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes.  Note our new email address and please send your emails to Seekerville2@gmail.com







Monday: Erica Vetsch asked the timeless question: Should I Experiment with Writing Other Genres?
Wednesday: Cate Nolan hosted our Seekerville Thanksgiving Table.
Thursday/Friday: Seekerville Closed for the Holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sunday: Erica Vetsch welcomes in our 24 days of Advent! Come join the fun and check out the presents!!
Monday: What does Mary Connealy have up her Advent sleeve? Drop in and find out.
Tuesday:  Today our guest is Rosemarie Ross, also known as Rose Ross Zediker. She'd talking about the new cozy mystery that' sin bookstores now. And talking about love triangles.  
Wednesday:  Mindy Obenhaus will be sharing one of her favorite Christmas memories. Hint: It involves cookies.
Thursday: Julie Lessman is back in Seekerville. Don't miss a very exciting day!
Friday: Our Advent Friday will find us sharing thoughts with Cate Nolan. You don't want to miss a moment!

















A Writer's Prayer of Thanks by Bob Hostetler at Steve Laube

Plotting With The Hero's Journey by Janice Hardy at Fiction University

2019 Gifts for Writers and Readers by Amy Jones and Wtriter's Digest

5 Nora Roberts Quotes About Writing for Writers by Amy Jones at Writer's Digest

Do You Have a Holiday Writing Plan? by Rachelle Gardner