Another week has wrapped up and while there wasn’t a lot writing, there was a lot of other work to tackle. There’s a significant amount of admin work for authors and that’s pretty much what I had been focused on. And, also there was a book release! HOW TO FRAME A FASHIONISTA released on Tuesday. This week was also Thanksgiving here in the states. For our area, it was a rainy one but we made sure not to let the weather dampen the day. There’s a whole lot to be grateful for despite 2020’s attempt to be the worse year evah (as Drew would say). We made sure to remember that when we sat down at our table. 2020 has felt and still feels like a heavy weight on my shoulders. Is is too much to wish for that when the clock strikes midnight on January 1st that the heaviness vanishes? Poof. Just like that. Gone like 2020? Fingers-crossed.

Now, we have a few weeks to go before we ring in the New Year and I intend to embrace the season and squeeze out every ounce of joyfulness and merriness I possibly can. And I’ve started with pulling out my beloved gingerbread cookie jar. Isn’t he adorbs? Talk about merry and bright. He makes me smile. Can’t wait to stuff him with cookies. 🙂

These cookies will definitely be kept in the cookie jar. Though, I’m not sure how long they will last in there because they are so yummy! The photo doesn’t do them justice. These are the Double Chocolate Chip cookies that will be included in THE CORPSE IN THE GAZEBO, which is book number five in the series and will be out next September.

Here’s another photo I snapped after making a batch of Oatmeal Raisin Bars. They definitely hit the spot midday with a cup of tea.

Aside from admin work, I watched some sessions from an online conference I purchased over the summer. And I wrapped up the week with errands and some more outside work to get ready for winter. I also hit day number fourteen in my month long workout challenge this morning. There’s a lot to be frustrated by this year but there are a few things that have been pretty amazing (like the Resale Boutique series getting renewed). I’ve chosen to look at those things as opportunities. I had the opportunity this year to change up my workout routine and I somehow became a morning exerciser. Never in a million years would I have thought I would ever want to exercise before breakfast. Oh, here’s a quick snapshot of my workout buddy.

I hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday and that this coming week is a great one for you!

Deb

The first week of November has wrapped up and it definitely was memorable. I chose to focus on the fact that I had the whole week off from writing and that for a string of days we had glorious, spring like weather. I’ve always looked for the good, the bright side of things and in 2020 that has become even more important to do, so when this week happened, I was easily able to regroup and find the bright spots in the week. Here are some of them.

The monthly message in my planner is a great reminder. I am thankful. I am grateful. And I am hopeful. There is a lot that I can’t control but I can control how I react to those situations.

On November 2nd, I turned in my manuscript to my editor. The fifth Food Blogger book is officially on its way to being published. I don’t yet have a publication date but I did get a sneak peek at its cover and it’s beautiful. I can’t wait to share it with you. To celebrate turning in my manuscript, I’ve taken this week off from writing. The first few days felt weird because I wasn’t writing or editing. But by day three, I was embracing the break from the page. And as I write this post, I’m looking forward to Monday and getting back to BEAUTY AND THE DECEASED, the fourth book in the Resale Boutique Mystery series.

Of course, I have to share this photo of Connie from Halloween. She’s such a cute pumpkin! She was out to greet the neighborhood kids as they came to trick or treat. The day before there was snow (not much, but still…it was snow) and luckily for Halloween the weather turned around and it was a brisk but beautiful day. Perfect for the little goblins.

Like me, Connie also enjoyed a leisurely week. She had her day of beauty aka grooming appointment. She came home with flowers in her hair and a new haircut. She also came home tired and hungry.

Connie’s week wrapped up with a play date with her BFF, Maura. It was a beautiful day with temps in the 70s, so the play date was extended to two hours. Connie took a little break but Maura had a different idea. Getting the photo of Maura in action was pure luck.

Even though I wasn’t writing this week, I did have work to do and on my list was to begin recipe testing for Food Blogger #5. I typically make each recipe that will be included in the book one more time before I send them off to my editor after I complete the line edits in early December. This baking session was for chocolate chip scones. OMG. So good. They’re one of my favorite scone recipes. The other that is a staple in my recipe repertoire is the recipe for White Chocolate Scones.

And wrapping up the week, I spent most of yesterday outdoors tidying up before winter finally does arrive. The weather was gorgeous and Connie was with me, though she spent most of her time on the chaise lounge while I worked. Seems about right, doesn’t it? LOL. I didn’t snap any photos but it was mostly a cleanup of leaves on the patio and clearing out of the planters. Not very exciting like baking scones.

I hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday and that this coming week is a great one for you!

Deb