Christmas Memories

First of all, let me apologize to everyone for the delay of this post.  Don't hold it against Ginger, it's entirely my fault.  My internet connection has been down since Friday and I just got it back. 

One of my favorite Holiday traditions is putting up my Christmas tree.  It's old, missing needles and branches, but its the first tree my husband and I had when we moved out on our own.  We have three children and every year we all go out and choose a new ornament for the tree.  It started out sort of  bare that first year.  We didn't have a lot of money for presents or decorations, but now there is barely a spot untouched on the tree or under it.  A testament to our good forturne, I suppose.

My son (he cooks better than I do) and I make homemade sugar cookies and candies to give as gifts, something we've done whether or not we could afford expensive gifts.  I think that's the best part of the season, spending time with family.  From me and mine to you and yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  May you spend them in good health with those you love.

Bethany Cagle

Bethany is the author of  Earth Enchanted book one in the Elemental Magic Series under the pen name Brynna Curry and Gypsy Moon under the pen name Brianna Roarke.
http://brynnacurrybriannaroarkebooks.webs.com/.

Welcome, Bethany Cagle

I've always loved this time of year. Down here in Alabama, the leaves are still turning as is the weather. All the stores carry their Halloween and Christmas merchandise at the same time, sometimes the same aisle. I can't wait to put up my tree. It's the same tree I've decorated since my children were babies more interested in boxes and paper than gifts. I have a lot to be thankful for this year.

Two years ago, this November the 19th, my husband almost lost his life in a horrific car accident. Having been a brittle diabetic for several years, he was careful to monitor his insulin and sugar intake. For whatever reason that morning, his efforts weren't enough. On his way to work, his blood sugar levels rose above seven hundred and he passed out, flipping his truck several times down what we call Spruce Pine Mountain.

The accident left him disabled, severing his aorta 50%, breaking ribs, and adding a host of new health problems he and I will be dealing with the rest of his life. He had just turned thirty years old. I'm so thankful he is still with us, though he is different than the boy I've known since I was sixteen. I'm glad he is still able to do things he loves like hunting and just being out in nature.

I'm thankful this Thanksgiving will be spent in our new house. After the accident, frozen and busted pipes caused water damage to our mobile home that was not reparable. Our possessions were okay, mostly, but we came home from the hospital to a funeral for his grandmother, a soggy house, and the prospect of having to live with my mother-in-law until we could settle all the trouble surrounding us at the time. It has taken nearly two years of diligent work to remodel the new house, with much of this done myself though how-to videos on HGTV and Lowe's.com. It will be so nice for the girls to have their own space and for my son to be able to shut himself away from his sisters when the giggling of teenage girls drives him a little crazy. I can't wait for the blessed peace and serenity of home.

I'm fortunate to have contracted my first two books and have them release the same year. While it made for a little hectic chaos with all the things going on, it's been great to work with and meet new people I would have probably never gotten to know otherwise. I'm looking forward to finishing several new projects and hopefully seeing those published in the new year.

My family is together, well and we are keeping afloat during these tough times. Everywhere I look I see new blessings taking root. I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season, spent with those you love.

Be blessed,


Bethany
Bethany Cagle writes paranormal romance under the pen names Brynna Curry and Brianna Roarke. You may find her online on her website OR on her blog. She also has author pages at Lyrical Press Inc. and Red Rose Publishing.