Having Faith
It’s one of those rare Florida cold weather days, sans snow, when everyone who has lived in the colder states remembers why they moved here. For us lifers, it’s a delicious time to crank up the fireplace, drink hot mushroom cocoa and snuggle up with a dog and a book. I’ll look back on these days with great fondness when August rolls around again.
I hope your holiday celebrations were filled with love and laughter. I hope the joy continues into and throughout 2026. Many of us have had a rough year; it’s hard to find a silver lining when we are bombarded every day with misery that surrounds us and affects us. But we must. And I’ve come to realize that for every crisis or catastrophe there is always at least one, even a tiny one. All I can do is offer myself as an example.
This past year my family has been affected by health problems and the traumatic death of a beloved dog, my community by political divisiveness, my German relatives by fear of another looming war, the world by antisemitism, collateral damage of innocent people starving and dying, more climate change, more reports of the world losing its humanity as we embrace isolation and a life dictated by machines, prices going up and up, and, as we get older and older, our quality of life seems to be jeopardized. Whew! In writing we call that a dump. I’m also done.
I’m going to go into this upcoming year with as much optimism as I can. And I’ve had a good start. My sister Jackie came with her friend from Colorado to spend Christmas and will be here until the 7th. Her daughter Briana and her husband came from Jacksonville where Graham is stationed with the Marines. My son came over every day and the house was as full as it has been for a long time, back when Jackie and her family lived here in Eustis and my parents lived in Fruitland Park. Lots of laughter and new conversations. A comfortable vibe to be around those you love and those who love you.
Here’s a quote from ILLEGITIMATE that reminds me of how precious family is, but also that we need to love ourselves so we can share that love and look forward to its return.
Home isn’t always a Christmas card scene: the perfect family gathered in front of a blazing hearth, smiles oozing love. Home is that place within yourself, that core deep inside. Home is that voice that says you’re okay, no matter where you are or who awaits your return. Those you love and those who love you are the foundation, the walls, and the roof. Everything else is up to you.
Oh, and the book. My year will be busy, which for me translates into joy. I’m grateful that Vine Leaves Press is putting this out in the world for me. And I appreciate all of your support. Writing is a study in isolation, and, eventually we writers tend to question why anyone would want to read what we have written. To run off the noisy gatekeeper, we have to write for ourselves and hope to find that connection readers are looking for. I am grateful (an important buzz word😊) that writing this story has provided a transformation at this point in my life. Like the Grinch, my tiny heart grew and grew and now it’s overflowing.
For those who love sharing their opinions, here is a link for BookSirens where you can order a free Advanced Reader Copy and give your review, which is then passed on to Goodreads and Amazon. I am also looking at an audiobook option for those who prefer to listen rather than read.
Thank you in advance. For those who participate, there will be a chance to win a $50 gift certificate.
direct link. https://booksirens.com/book/VL2D71F/SD2FI5T
Happy New Year, y’all!
Maddie
