* Walt Disney was corny. He readily admitted it. And so do I. I am especially corny at Christmas. Let me count the ways. I try to watch every damn Hallmark Christmas movie I can. Even though the plots are quite similar, I don’t care. They always remind me of love, forgiveness, and kindness during…
Tag: Christmas
Conversations With My Daughter
Several years ago, I would write posts about conversations I had with my daughter, Ellie, when she was younger. Some of them are hilarious, like when she thought I was actually having breakfast with Michael Buble and when she told me women could be anything they wanted, just not priests. I’ve provided some links to…
8 Last Minute Cozy Gift Ideas For That Special Lady
Christmas Day is less than a week away, and if you’re like me, you’ll be shopping your tail off at the malls over the next couple of days to finish up your lists. I’ve put together some last minute gift ideas for your favorite lady–that woman on your list who loves being warm and snug…
Holidays, Miracles, Hallmark & Traditions: A Blogger’s Paradise
Hello, there. You probably thought I fell off the planet because I haven’t been here in a while. It sort of feels that way, at least to me, anyway. I’ve been trying to take some needed time away to clear my head, focus on my teaching, and get ready for the holidays. I’ve also been…
All the Best This Holiday Season
I wish I had more time to write a meaningful post, but it’s midnight, and I’m just posting this among all the other chaos that can often become a part of the holidays. I’ve baked my butt off today and wrapped gits, cleaned bathrooms and the kitchen, fixed the lights that went out around my…
Midnight Madness in Annapolis
Last night was the second of three scheduled Midnight Madness events in historic Annapolis. The city looked beautiful, the weather was mild, and shoppers were scouring stores for holiday treasures. Next week is the last one, so if you live in the area, don’t miss out!
My Holiday Archenemy
It’s Sunday, and a few days ago we all gave thanks. Truly, I am thankful for so many things in life. I’m blessed beyond measure, and as the holiday season calls upon us to be merry and bright, there is one thing that can inevitably turn me into a Grinch or a Scrooge, if only…
Booted: The True Story of A Disappointing Christmas
It was Christmas Eve many years ago. My family and I were sitting around a lovely dinner table in Annapolis discussing our most disappointing Christmases ever. My mother recounted her story of when she was a little girl and how tragically disappointed she was to wake up one Christmas morning only to find there was…
Walking Through the Park and Reminiscing
I was a sophomore in high school and a member of the cheerleading squad. We decided that as part of the Christmas season, we would get together out of a sense of “goodwill towards men” and go caroling. Dressed warmly for the weather, a handful of Christmas carols up our sleeves, we set out upon…
Caution: I Pause For Happiness
* * * I actually heeded this advice for the past four days. There were several times when I paused this Thanksgiving weekend and looked around me, as if my eyes were a camera recording the moment. I didn’t want to forget this particular holiday weekend. I wanted to keep it for all times in…
Conversations With My Daughter & Elf On The Shelf
Yesterday, my family and I went to Washington, D.C. We walked around Georgetown and did a little pre-Christmas shopping. It was a beautiful day to be taking in the sights and sounds of Georgetown, and the place was hopping! Before we left, we were discussing what was in Georgetown to see—and we were talking about…
Mimosa Trees & Christmas Trees: A Letter From A Reader
This morning, I thought I’d share a letter I received from a reader. Dear Stephanie, I read your novel, “Beneath the Mimosa Tree,” and enjoyed it from the first page to the last. It’s such a perfect read for this time of year! While your title reflects something that happened “under the tree,” I wanted…
