Erica Vetsch's Blog, page 14
January 1, 2023
A New Year...a New Series
One of the regular questions I get
and I think ALL authors get is...
Where do you get your ideas.
So my advice to you is, you need to answer that question,
Not be impatient with it, because you get asked it over and over...but have an answer ready.
And the idea for the Wyoming Sunrise Series came from Women's Suffrage.
Did you all know that Wyoming was the first state in the Union to give women the right to vote?
That seems so odd to me. First of all because it was a heavily MALE state, full of frontier's men, cowboys and miners and just very few women. I read somewhere six adult men for every woman and almost no children.
Also, the legislature was all male.
Click Here for a video of my covers
So how did women get the right to vote in Wyoming?
I've done a lot of research and it's all mixed up with political appointments--the territorial governor was a Republican who was in favor of giving former slaves the right to vote, also the low number of total people--and 'people' meant adult voters--so they needed women to have enough voters...there were a lot of reasons...but bottom line...they did it.
Because women had the right to vote, Wyoming, which became a territory in n1869, wasn't allowed into the Union as a state until right before the turn of the century 30 years. And they were rejected multiple times because.....you can't come in with women voting.
And women's suffrage meant more than just voting. Yes, appointed office, also elected offices...women could run for those. There were property rights laws amended. As things were a woman with a job, and there were very few married women with jobs unless they worked alongside their husbands in a shop, but a woman with a job...her income was sent to her husband and considered his. The minute they married, her property became his. Any inheritance she received was automatically his.
Interestingly, two years after women were given the right to vote...and this included serving on juries, they stripped jury duty from women's right They believed women needed to be sheltered from such ugliness as a trial. Women would become coarse if they had to serve on juries. So suffrage wasn't an easy ruling and a woman's rights weren't that secure.
I also found it pretty funny that one of the women's suffragist's rallying cries was, "If women have the right to vote, there won't be any more wars."
Insert eyeroll, that's not working out.
Utah also gave women the right to vote but, when the Union said, "Nope, you can't become a state...not with women voters."
Utah stripped women of the right to vote and was allowed in right away.
Wyoming refused.
The part of their refusal that I loved was, when the 'behind the scenes' vote counting showed that THIS YEAR it was going to pass there was a riot in Washington D.C. PROTESTS against allowing it. One representative from Wyoming kept shouting the words from a telegram he’d received from the Wyoming legislature: “We will stay out of the Union a hundred years rather than come in without our women.”
Whoever it was who was shouting it, ended up having to climb a wall somewhere to escape the mob but even as he climbed, he kept yelling, over and over again, “We will stay out of the Union a hundred years rather than come in without our women."
I think we all believe our generation invented hostility between political parties, protests and demonstrations and riots.
Nope.
Reading about this is just full of fascinating information. the next place to allow women the right to vote was New York City...they allowed women to vote in school board elections only.
Shaking my head.
Dakota Territory, it wasn't divided into North and South Dakota then, passed women's suffrage laws multiple times but it was with the understanding that the governor would veto it. So the legislators could look supportive of women voting and never have to actually allow it.
They tried to get the governor of Wyoming Territory to reverse himself on the issue by saying, we're going to give Indians the right to vote and black people. He just said, "Okay, let's do that."
One of my favorite parts of the research was discovering Esther Hobart Morris, only days after women's suffrage was passed, Esther was appointed to the job of Justice of the Peace in South Pass City in Wyoming. I've read since that three women were so appointed at the same time, but I haven't found the other two.
And I decided one of the heroines in my three-book series might as well be one of them. So pretty, delicate Nell, the town seamstress, a frustrating job since there were few women in town and she wants to sew pretty dresses!!! Gets to be a judge.
I had all my heroines play against type.
Book #1 Forged in Love has a woman blacksmith.
Book #2 Laws of Attraction has a woman justice of the peace
Book #3 Marshaling Her Heart (link and cover coming soon!) has a woman rancher...and yeah, I know, a feisty lady rancher is sort of my thing, in fact, I have to try and fight it or I'd make every heroine a feisty lady rancher!!! But I decided I could slip one in this series.
It all comes back to 'where to you get your ideas.'
So as writers, Seekervillagers, tell me how you get your ideas.
Commenters will get their name in a drawing for a $25 Amazon Gift Card.
Let's talk inspiration.
Forged in Love
coming in February
When sparks begin to fly, can a friendship cast in iron be shaped into something more?
Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she's riding in, killing both her father and brother. As she takes over her father's blacksmith shop and tries to move forward, she soon finds herself in jeopardy and wondering--does someone know she witnessed the robbery and is still alive?
Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to western Wyoming, leaving his painful memories behind. Hoping for a fresh start, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with harsh resistance from the townsfolk, who prefer to stick to their old ways.
Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the trials they face in town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?
December 31, 2022
Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests
THE OCTAVE DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Adoration of the Shepherds by Matthias Stom, c. 1635–1640, North Carolina Museum of Art. [PD-US]
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.
When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.
LUKE 2:16-21
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF US WITH PEACE, JOY AND LOVE
IN 2023!
The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below.
Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.
Also, please join us in praying for the protection of our military and for law enforcement officers and border agents.
We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support!
God bless you and keep you safe.
December 30, 2022
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. Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected. **(All winners' emails will receive a response within a week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, we may not have received it. Please leave a comment in the following Weekend Edition.)
Monday: Erica answered some questions submitted by a Seekervillager.
Wednesday: Cate gave a sigh of relief over The Quiet Week
Monday: Mary Connealy brings wisdom and humor to 2023--A new year, a new series!
Wednesday: Mindy Obenhaus will be here to share.
Thursday: Audra Harders welcomes the New Year
Pepper's newest release, Authentically, Izzy, is getting some good shelf space at your nearby Barnes and Noble. It's been spotted throughout the country. Here's a little glimpse. See any other authors you know?
And if you're feeling a bit forlorn over the Christmas holidays coming to an end, here's a fun interview with Pepper about her Christmas novel, The Mistletoe Countess! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e80tF9b3-M0
Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )
Story Premise Workshop offered by CS Lakin at Live Write Thrive
What Separates a Good Writer from a Great Writer? by Eldred "Bob" Bird at Writers In The Storm
Plans vs Goals vs Resolutions vs Intentions at The Bullet Journal
The Core of Story Intimacy in What We Write by DiAnn Mills at The Write Conversation
3 Ways Your Novel Could Change the World by Lewis Jorstad at The Novel Smithy
Changes in Publishing with Jane Friedman at The Creative Penn
The Art of Story Structures at Write To Done
A Positive Writing Mindset by Jennifer Chastain at Learn How To Write A Novel
Star Wars: Hero's Journey Example and Case Study by David Safford at The Write Practice
Motivation and Productivity at Fiction University
December 27, 2022
The Quiet Week
It's that quiet week between Christmas and New Years.
Advent is complete, and we have celebrated the birth of our Lord with joy, but since it is still the Christmas season, I thought I would follow our December theme for today's post.
My favorite recipe is very much on my mind as I just made it for Christmas dinner. If you'd asked me this question ten years ago, I undoubtedly would have shared a Christmas cookie recipe, but this dish has taken over.
My daughter found the recipe several years ago on this website - Keepin' It Kind.
I wouldn't want to steal credit for her recipe, so I'll just show you two quick photos of our batch in progress and then refer you back to her for the glorious finished photos.
Ingredients:
three large sweet potatoes cut into medallions, pomegranate arils, orange juice, maple syrup, sea salt, chopped pecans, coconut sugar or brown sugar, and ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
You may notice in the picture that my daughter chose an assortment of colored sweet potatoes. Who knew there were purple ones?
Sprinkle with pomegranate arils and chopped pecans.
Bake and enjoy!
But do go and visit the website for this recipe.
I hope you enjoy.
Choosing a favorite Christmas movie is a lot harder. I've enjoyed so many over the years. I have fond memories of watching Muppet Family Christmas and an animated musical version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (featuring the mouse subplot) with my daughters. (We watched them again this year!)
For years I played Elf at my students' request, but I never really paid attention. This year, after hearing so many adults say it was their favorite Christmas movie, I watched carefully. I get it. I actually cried at the end.
It's that quiet week between Christmas and New Years.Adve...
It's that quiet week between Christmas and New Years.
Advent is complete, and we have celebrated the birth of our Lord with joy, but since it is still the Christmas season, I thought I would follow our December theme for today's post.
My favorite recipe is very much on my mind as I just made it for Christmas dinner. If you'd asked me this question ten years ago, I undoubtedly would have shared a Christmas cookie recipe, but this dish has taken over.
My daughter found the recipe several years ago on this website - Keepin' It Kind.
I wouldn't want to steal credit for her recipe, so I'll just show you two quick photos of our batch in progress and then refer you back to her for the glorious finished photos.
Ingredients:
three large sweet potatoes cut into medallions, pomegranate arils, orange juice, maple syrup, sea salt, chopped pecans, coconut sugar or brown sugar, and ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
You may notice in the picture that my daughter chose an assortment of colored sweet potatoes. Who knew there were purple ones?
Sprinkle with pomegranate arils and chopped pecans.
Bake and enjoy!
But do go and visit the website for this recipe.
I hope you enjoy.
Choosing a favorite Christmas movie is a lot harder. I've enjoyed so many over the years. I have fond memories of watching Muppet Family Christmas and an animated musical version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (featuring the mouse subplot) with my daughters. (We watched them again this year!)
For years I played Elf at my students' request, but I never really paid attention. This year, after hearing so many adults say it was their favorite Christmas movie, I watched carefully. I get it. I actually cried at the end.
December 26, 2022
Prepare Ye the Way!
I love John the Baptist.
First, he's not your average every day prophet.
Second, he goes the distance.
Third, he has a really strange diet that I know sets him apart from me and every human I have ever come in contact with on the planet, so he's not afraid to sacrifice! And fourth, but never least: He gave up his life proclaiming the good news of Jesus, of salvation, of everlasting love.
He guilted Herod's wife and ended up beheaded....
I thank God that his story was written down, that it was chronicled because John isn't God... nor were the hundreds/thousands of martyrs who've given their life to spread God's word.
He was a man.
The Lord's second cousin...
And he stood strong.
I can tell you honestly I'd be wailing and whining and I wouldn't eat the bugs.
But I am so in admiration of those who can raise the bar high. Lift the cross high. Take the high road.
I think that's what Advent always means to me... to move beyond, take the high road, prepare heart and soul for God and let the rest get done as it can.
We are so very blessed to live in a time with so many fun things abounding, but too much fun makes us bored when life is simply life.
Don't be bored... seek the quiet moments, the silent times, the warmth of solitude when they come because the world has a way of crashing in when you least expect it... and the strength of those prayers, hymns, solitude can be your foundation to greet that world head on.
Bring it, World! :)
So today we wish you a beautiful day of a wonderful holiday season... Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and now New Year's coming right up.
We wish you the joy of birthday, the beauty of the star and the faith and wisdom of those three wise men, traveling afar to bring gifts to a newborn king. The quiet grace of the presentation at the temple, the wisdom, faith and belief of Anna and Simeon who set the bar high again...
From the Gospel of Luke: "Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel."
Simeon didn't just see a baby, a Savior, a king... he prophesied what Jesus would do and the sword that would pierce Mary's heart. A piercing that wouldn't happen for thirty-three years... What is that if not God?
For if God is with us, who can be against us???
Happy holidays, my friends! Sending blessings of hope, warmth and cheer and if your year has suffered loss, please know that we are praying for you and yours... that your loss matters. It will always matter.
With love from Seekerville....
December 25, 2022
A Reader Question Answered
Erica here, digging out of the tinsel and wrapping paper to answer a reader question. I hope you all had an amazing time with family and friends on Christmas yesterday. I'm currently up to my eyeballs in my other job, in this, my busiest week of the year. I'm a bookkeeper for a lumber company, and it's end of year time. Lots of meetings with accountants, bankers, and the occasional lawyer, not to mention my boss...who also happens to be my husband. :)
Recently, we had a longtime reader write in to the seekerville email account to ask a few writing related questions, and I was lucky enough to get my name in first to answer them! Hee Hee!
Here are the questions: Are all authors obligated to write a daily word count for the publishers? What if an author works best with time or progress goals? Then what do they do or how do they explain it to the editor or their agent?
I'll take them one at a time.
Are all authors obligated to write a daily word count for the publishers?
The quick answer is: Nope. You sign a contract to deliver a certain manuscript of a certain number of words on a certain date, and that's it. The publisher does not (for the most part) worry about how you are going to get it done, they just expect you to hold up your end of the bargain. If you write only on weekends, or only during your lunch break, or while the baby naps, or maybe you go away once a month to a hotel room and write like your hair is on fire, you do you. The one caveat is, most publishers would prefer you did not wait until three days before your deadline to start writing your 100K word book. They expect you to plan and write and turn in your highest quality work.
What if an author works best with time or progress goals?
One of the best things about writing is that you get to tailor your process to your personality. Mary Connealy writes a minimum of 1000 words every day, and usually more. Ruthy gets up at the absolute CRACK of dawn to write until her daily duties (of which she has approximately a zillion and a half) require her attention. I am an afternoon M-F writer. I usually aim for a word count for the day, or try to finish a scene, and sometimes I stare at the blinking cursor wondering about most of my life choices. You may write everything in longhand and transfer to your laptop later, or dictate everything into a recorder. We're all different, we all have different processes, but we all get the contracted work done and hit our deadlines. Which leads to question #3.
Then what do they do or how do they explain it to the editor or their agent?
You don't have to explain your process to your editor or agent as long as you're getting the work done. However, there are some things you need to communicate about your progress to your agent, who can then pass it along to your editor if necessary. If you have a major life crisis that will affect your ability to finish the book. Your house burns down, you contract dengue fever, your sister and her quintuplets move into your mobile home with you for six weeks, etc. If you know you are not going to make your deadline, you MUST communicate that to your agent as soon as possible. I recently taught a class at a conference with my agent and my editor, and I mentioned the primary way to endear yourself to your editor is to turn in the expected project on the expected date with as little drama as possible, because if you're late, it set into motion a toppling domino of bad things at the publishing house. My editor, Janyre Tromp, from Kregel Publications, said her schedule is so tight, that if one of her authors is even a week late, it snarls things up. Areas that are affected include editorial schedules, cover art, marketing, catalog copy, online retail slots, publicity tours, advertising in places like Library Journal, and so many more. So, bottom line, don't be late, and if you have to be late, let your agent and editor know as soon as humanly possible. But as for your personal writing style and how you reach those deadlines, that's up to you!
Thank you so much to Kayla for sending in her questions. If YOU have a question about writing, publishing, or whatever, send it in to Seekerville2@gmail.com and someone will write up a post about it!
Regency London's detective duo is back on a new case--and this one is going to be a killer
Caught in the explosion of the Hammersmith Mill in London, Bow Street Runner Daniel Swann rushes to help any survivors only to find the mill's owner dead of an apparent gunshot.
Even though the owner's daughter, Agatha Montgomery, mourns his death, it seems there are more than a few people with motive for murder. But Daniel can't take this investigation slow and steady. Instead, he must dig through all the suspects as quickly as he can, because the clock is ticking until his mysterious patronage--and his job as a runner--comes to an abrupt and painful end. It seems to Daniel that, like his earthly father, his heavenly Father has abandoned him to the fates.
Lady Juliette Thorndike is Agatha's bosom friend and has the inside knowledge of the wealthy London ton to be invaluable to Daniel. She should be in a perfect position to help with the case. Still, her instructor in the art of spy craft orders her to stay out of the investigation. But circumstances intervene, dropping her into the middle of the deadly pursuit.When a dreadful accident ends in another death on the mill floor, Daniel discovers a connection to his murder case--and to his own secret past. Now he and Juliette are in a race to find the killer before his time runs out.
Best-selling, award-winning author, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website, www.ericavetsch.com where you can learn about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspirationalregencyreaders where she spends way too much time!
December 24, 2022
Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests
THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD
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Nativity of Jesus, by Botticelli, c. 1473–1475, Columbia Museum of Art. [PD-US]
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the whole world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment,
when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there,
the time came for her to have her child,
and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.
Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,
praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:1-14
MERRY CHRISTMAS, DEAR FRIENDS!
May the Lord bless you abundantly on this joyous day of the Infant Jesus' birth, and may He fill you with Peace, Hope and Love in the year to come.
The Seekerville bloggers are praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. If you have any special intentions that need additional prayer coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below.
Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime.
Also, please join us in praying for the protection of our military and for law enforcement officers and border agents.We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support!
God bless you and keep you safe.
December 23, 2022
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. Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected. **(All winners' emails will receive a response within a week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, we may not have received it. Please leave a comment in the following Weekend Edition.)
Monday: Jan Drexler gave us insight into A Child's Christmas in the Midwest
Tuesday: Pepper Basham wished everyone Tidings of Comfort and Joy
Wednesday: Debby Giusti shared her Advent Reflection 2022! She also wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thursday: Pam Hillman asked the question: What Did Mama Really Want for Christmas in 1970?
Monday: Erica Vetsch jumps in to answer some questions submitted by a Seekerville reader!
Wednesday: Cate Nolan is our hostess today
Her Tailor-Made Husband available for pre-order.
I'm rereleasing one of my previous Love Inspired Historical books with a new title and a spiffy new cover. It releases on Jan 03 and is available for pre-order now.
Hazel Andrews has been in love with Ward Gleason since she was an adolescent. Her admiration and attraction for him have only grown over the years as she sees his dedication and integrity in action. Ward, however, continues to see her as only a friend. Frustrated, Hazel decides it’s time for a change and accepts her aunt’s invitation to join her in New York. But fate has other plans…
Ward Gleason had to grow up quickly. Man of the house by age ten, he took on all the responsibilities of a grown-up, including guilt over a family tragedy. Now serving as sheriff, Ward is determined to do the people of Turnabout proud. When he finds an abandoned child, he knows he’ll need help caring for the five-year-old until her situation is resolved. Hazel seems the perfect person to watch little Meg during the day, but when he learns of Hazel’s plans to leave Texas, it’s more than disappointment that settles in Ward’s gut. Could his feelings toward Hazel have deepened without him realizing it?
When the townsfolk spot Hazel leaving Ward’s home a late night babysitting, gossip spreads, threatening her reputation. Ward offers the perfect solution: A fake engagement until Meg’s family is located, then Hazel can break it off and move to New York.
Unless he can persuade her to stay. But after years of pushing her away, how can he now convince her his feelings are real?
(NOTE: This book was previously published under the title A Tailor-Made Husband)
Disclaimer: Any blog post that includes an offer of product purchase or service is NOT to be considered an endorsement by Seekerville or any of our authors (please see our Legal page )
Making the Pomodoro Technique Work for You by Hallee Bridgeman at Learn How To Write A Novel
Fun Fridays: "Oh Come Let Us Adore Him" video by Steve Laube
Why Every Writer Needs the Gift of Artificial Intelligence for Christmas This Year by Lori Hatcher at The Write Conversation
Merry Christmas, Dear Word Players! by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors
Worthy Words: Prophetic Plots by Christine Sunderland at ACFW blog
Novel vs Novella by Dave Chesson at Kindleprenuer
Let It Snow and Let It Go by Maggie Smith at RMFW blog
5 Time Saving Tips for Authors to Implement for the New Year by Melissa Makarewicz at Book Brush blog
Engaging Readers Using Psychology and the Show-Don't-Tell Mindset - Free Webinar by Angela Ackerman at Writers Helping Writers
Put Ground Under Their Feet by Lynette Burrows at Writers In The Storm
December 21, 2022
What Did Mama Really Want for Christmas in 1970?
We’re three days away from Christmas, and I don’t want to bog everyone down with a how-to post, a craft post, or lots of reading to wade through. Instead, I’m going to continue the thread of Christmas memories, traditions, favorite recipes, movies, and books.
When I was a kid, Christmas gift giving was fairly small at my house, but as far as I knew, it was that way for everyone, so I didn’t know any better. We got a gift or two at home, we exchanged gifts at school and at church, and I received gifts from both of my grandmothers. That was FIVE gifts spread out over five different events. That was enough to make any child … or at least THIS child … giddy with excitement!!
The rest of the Christmas season was spent waiting for the last day of school, practicing for Christmas plays at church and spending time with friends at the Christmas church potluck and cousins at grandma’s house.
I always find it interesting that we remember little snippets of things that happened in our childhood, but then nothing at all of many days and weeks. Maybe there was some little thing that really stuck with us about a certain event, a toy, or a person. One Christmas that I remember well was around 1970. Honestly, I don’t remember if we got to pick out our own presents every year, but I do know that year in particular, we did. So maybe that’s why it sticks out in my memory so much. I was six years old.
My older brothers wanted a race track from Sears-Roebuck. The race track costed over $75, which was way more than any one family member could spend for Christmas. We had $25 for Christmas. $25 in 1970 would buy a lot, at least in MY world. But it wouldn’t buy the coveted race track found in the Sears-Roebuck catalog. So my brothers talked my daddy into pooling “his” Christmas money with theirs and buying the race track. It was a huge affair, taking up the length and width of an 8 foot x 10 foot plywood table that was set up in the living room for several months. I’m sure Mama made sure I didn’t get roped into adding my Christmas money to the race track fund because I got a little wooden doll high chair and a doll.
My family made the trip to Sears which was a good 50 miles away for our shopping trip which was a big deal for us during those days. I still remember walking around looking at all the toys, trying to decide what I wanted to buy. I finally settled on the high chair. But the problem was that Mama knew I didn’t have a doll at home that would fit in the chair. So, my poor mother used part of her Christmas money to buy a doll with bendable legs to fit in the chair. It’s been so long ago, and my memory is hazy, but I think that was the year I got a doll with retractable red hair. A search of the internet brings up the “Chrissy” dolls of the 60s and 70s, and mine was probably that doll.
We also went to eat at a steakhouse, which was probably a bigger deal than going shopping in the “city”. All these years (and they are a LOT of years), I still remember the high-backed booths in the steakhouse. The doll and high chair, and the race track were wonderful, but the memories are what make me smile.
All these years later, I wonder what Mama and Daddy really wanted for Christmas for themselves. Did Mama have her eye on a pretty store-bought dress or new black patent-leather purse? Maybe Daddy need a new white shirt and black pants for church, or even a new pair of dress shoes.
But they didn’t get those things. Instead they got a race track, a doll and a little wooden high chair. But I have a feeling they didn’t mind. They were making memories with us kids, much like I’m doing with my kids and grandkids these days. I really don’t need anything. My old purse suits me just fine. I have enough shoes to last a lifetime, and my closet is full.
As is my heart.
Here’s wishing you all a very Merry Christmas
and a Very Happy New Year.
