06 Dec DELIGHTFUL DECEMBER

One never knows how a book will fare until it finally appears after years of work.

MANGER (Eerdmans), illustrated by Helen Cann, got off to a roaring start. Published in September, the first edition print run was gone by November. Promotion was widespread: A terrific blog by Sylvia Vardell at www.poetryforchildren.blogspot.com–a long interview with Tim Podell at www.goodconversations.com a main selection at Politics & Prose Booksellers in Washington, D.C. – a bevy of rave reviews including a starred review in KIRKUS, a large autographing turnout at a local Barnes & Noble bookstore in Ft. Myers, Florida – a book trailer on www.youtube and more.

I am so thrilled to have MANGER appear after MARY’S SONG.

In addition to the professional it is always thrilling to have such a rich personal life, dates with friends, a production of THE NUTCRACKER, a Holiday Pops Concert, a church pageant, and our huge, ever-growing Christmas gala which we host annually.

Charles has outdone himself this year bringing the theme WHITE CHRISTMAS glowing throughout the house. Believe me — hosting over 30 people for cocktails, appetizers, live music on the lanai, dinner, a sing-along, dessert and with luck a visit from Santa Claus takes a lot of planning – but it is so rewarding to meet with so many wondrous friends for an evening of pure delight.

Looking toward 2015 – a series of surprises are in store. To come.

Here’s to a blessed holiday season.May visions of sugarplums dance ’round in your head.

A wondrous 2015 to all as we venture onto tomorrows.