Eva Pasco's Blog - Posts Tagged "christmas"
Eva’s Byte #236: The Christmas Rush
Oh, by gosh, by golly…
It’s about that time for mistletoe and holly. The Christmas “rush” is on—both the hustle and bustle of anticipation, and the intense—if only, short-lived—absolute joy.
The Hallmark movie channels have already begun their sleigh ride through winter’s wonderland in the pure-driven snow. Stated in their guidelines for author submissions:
We tend to avoid stories with very sad or distressing elements, including but not limited to terminal illness, abuse, addiction, early stages of grief, and children or animals in peril.
An Indie author already behind their closed door of not accepting unsolicited manuscripts, I’d never be willing to suspend my disbelief to write a story fitting even more of their strict guidelines. Because, I like to expose what goes on behind closed doors.
My novels in the genre of Contemporary embrace realism. They portray women over forty who grapple with, confront, and overcome their personal dilemmas to become empowered in making profound life changes for the better. In so doing, my novels are descriptive, introspective, and explore the gamut of inner conflicts: convention vs. rebellion; fate vs. free will; loyalty vs. betrayal; unbridled love vs. sacrifice; death—inevitable or tragic?
For art imitating life—sensitive topics are broached rather than omitted.
More power to those authors whose novels have been adapted to a Hallmark flick. Or, aspire to. A winter wonderland with busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style offers a rush to counteract any holiday doldrums.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
It’s about that time for mistletoe and holly. The Christmas “rush” is on—both the hustle and bustle of anticipation, and the intense—if only, short-lived—absolute joy.
The Hallmark movie channels have already begun their sleigh ride through winter’s wonderland in the pure-driven snow. Stated in their guidelines for author submissions:
We tend to avoid stories with very sad or distressing elements, including but not limited to terminal illness, abuse, addiction, early stages of grief, and children or animals in peril.
An Indie author already behind their closed door of not accepting unsolicited manuscripts, I’d never be willing to suspend my disbelief to write a story fitting even more of their strict guidelines. Because, I like to expose what goes on behind closed doors.
My novels in the genre of Contemporary embrace realism. They portray women over forty who grapple with, confront, and overcome their personal dilemmas to become empowered in making profound life changes for the better. In so doing, my novels are descriptive, introspective, and explore the gamut of inner conflicts: convention vs. rebellion; fate vs. free will; loyalty vs. betrayal; unbridled love vs. sacrifice; death—inevitable or tragic?
For art imitating life—sensitive topics are broached rather than omitted.
More power to those authors whose novels have been adapted to a Hallmark flick. Or, aspire to. A winter wonderland with busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style offers a rush to counteract any holiday doldrums.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Eva’s Byte #240: The Fezziwig Identity
* In a culture of workaholism, how do you embrace the Fezziwig Identity of merrymaking during the holiday season?
Oh, by gosh, by golly
It’s time for mistletoe and holly—soon!
After Thanksgiving, 27 days remain until Christmas!
An Indie author, I rarely cut myself slack from the peculiarities of honing my craft: drafting a WIP; blogging; writing an occasional memoir; creating ad posts for social media; editing; reading; writing book reviews.
It goes without saying, my toils and troubles are not motivated by far-fetched fame and fortune. Not when my eBooks are priced from $2.99 - $3.99!
Writing and all of its satellite components provide a joie de vivre!
By golly, it’s the Indie’s Fezziwig Identity!
Fezziwig—Scrooge’s business mentor in A Christmas Carol (1843 novella created by Charles Dickens)—contrasts sharply with his apprentice’s miserly and coldhearted ways.
Fezziwig, “It's not just for money alone that one spends a lifetime building up a business…. It's to preserve a way of life that one knew and loved.”
Like Fezziwig, in the days leading up to the holiday, I’ve slacked off a bit by carving time to make merry. I’ve been decking the halls of my home with decorations. I’m indulging in sappy Hallmark Christmas movies.
The Fezziwig Identity empowers workaholics to embrace merrymaking during the Christmas season without it costing a fortune.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Oh, by gosh, by golly
It’s time for mistletoe and holly—soon!
After Thanksgiving, 27 days remain until Christmas!
An Indie author, I rarely cut myself slack from the peculiarities of honing my craft: drafting a WIP; blogging; writing an occasional memoir; creating ad posts for social media; editing; reading; writing book reviews.
It goes without saying, my toils and troubles are not motivated by far-fetched fame and fortune. Not when my eBooks are priced from $2.99 - $3.99!
Writing and all of its satellite components provide a joie de vivre!
By golly, it’s the Indie’s Fezziwig Identity!
Fezziwig—Scrooge’s business mentor in A Christmas Carol (1843 novella created by Charles Dickens)—contrasts sharply with his apprentice’s miserly and coldhearted ways.
Fezziwig, “It's not just for money alone that one spends a lifetime building up a business…. It's to preserve a way of life that one knew and loved.”
Like Fezziwig, in the days leading up to the holiday, I’ve slacked off a bit by carving time to make merry. I’ve been decking the halls of my home with decorations. I’m indulging in sappy Hallmark Christmas movies.
The Fezziwig Identity empowers workaholics to embrace merrymaking during the Christmas season without it costing a fortune.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Eva’s Byte #292 – Stardust Memories
Inspired by “Stardust,” a song recorded by Nat King Cole in 1957.
Stealing across the meadows of my heart, the refrain of stardust memories from Christmases of yesteryear during childhood and adolescence.
One stardust memory, in particular, was joy riding through cities dressed in holiday style. Streets adorned with garlands strung from one side to the other, and centered by wreaths dangling in the middle formed a never-ending arch.
At the urging of my mother, sister and I, my dad would oblige our request to take off to find the bright lights. We’d file in our station wagon and assume our usual positions, my sister and I at opposite ends in the back seat.
Off we’d go hither, thither, and yon to Providence, Pawtucket, or Cranston on any given evening leading up to Christmas.
Our favorite excursion, by far, was Garden City in Cranston.
Another favorite stardust memory is how my father went to great lengths in perpetuating our belief in magic. As cited in my Nonfiction Memoir collection, 100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s—Memoir #69 -The Christmas Conspiracy:
In 1961, for my sister’s benefit, my father got the notion to drive us to Boston on Christmas Eve where Santa was purported to have been holed up to greet boys and girls. My sister cast a pall over my father’s good intentions as soon as he pulled out of the driveway, whining her concerns about whether we’d be home in time for her to fall asleep before Santa came down our chimney.
By the time we arrived at Boston Commons, having spotted Santa mingling with children who’d also made the pilgrimage, my father plowed through a throng of people. He approached the red-suited fella, pointed to where we stood, and bent Santa’s ear long enough to persuade him to tell my sister he wouldn’t be taking off for the star-studded skies until much later. When it was her turn to tick off her wish list and tell him what a good girl she’d been all year, Santa allayed her fears and winked at my father.
*At this juncture in time when a pandemic modifies our holiday gathering plans, it’s more important than ever to haul out the holly, put up the tree, and make merry to create stardust memories.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Stealing across the meadows of my heart, the refrain of stardust memories from Christmases of yesteryear during childhood and adolescence.
One stardust memory, in particular, was joy riding through cities dressed in holiday style. Streets adorned with garlands strung from one side to the other, and centered by wreaths dangling in the middle formed a never-ending arch.
At the urging of my mother, sister and I, my dad would oblige our request to take off to find the bright lights. We’d file in our station wagon and assume our usual positions, my sister and I at opposite ends in the back seat.
Off we’d go hither, thither, and yon to Providence, Pawtucket, or Cranston on any given evening leading up to Christmas.
Our favorite excursion, by far, was Garden City in Cranston.
Another favorite stardust memory is how my father went to great lengths in perpetuating our belief in magic. As cited in my Nonfiction Memoir collection, 100 Wild Mushrooms: Memoirs of the ‘60s—Memoir #69 -The Christmas Conspiracy:
In 1961, for my sister’s benefit, my father got the notion to drive us to Boston on Christmas Eve where Santa was purported to have been holed up to greet boys and girls. My sister cast a pall over my father’s good intentions as soon as he pulled out of the driveway, whining her concerns about whether we’d be home in time for her to fall asleep before Santa came down our chimney.
By the time we arrived at Boston Commons, having spotted Santa mingling with children who’d also made the pilgrimage, my father plowed through a throng of people. He approached the red-suited fella, pointed to where we stood, and bent Santa’s ear long enough to persuade him to tell my sister he wouldn’t be taking off for the star-studded skies until much later. When it was her turn to tick off her wish list and tell him what a good girl she’d been all year, Santa allayed her fears and winked at my father.
*At this juncture in time when a pandemic modifies our holiday gathering plans, it’s more important than ever to haul out the holly, put up the tree, and make merry to create stardust memories.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Eva’s Byte #295 – The Glitter of Christmas
“Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.” (The Grinch from How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss – 1957)
Operative word—perhaps!
The COVID-19 pandemic has rendered 2020 a vile year, serving us a three-decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich with arsenic sauce on a silver platter. Limiting this year’s in-person holiday gatherings to only people in your own household is like not touching them with a 39-and-a-half-foot pole.
At least technological advances enable us to keep in virtual touch.
Boo-hooing aside, “perhaps” previous Christmases got away from us, its true meaning suffocated under all the glitter of commercialism. The hustle and bustle of jostling crowds in search of perfect gifts creates a distraction from the reason for the holiday season.
As Charles Dicken’s Ghost of Marley in A Christmas Carol said, “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business…”
If anything, the pandemic has emphasized the true meaning of Christmas—that of giving up one’s self to think of others in various states of financial or psychological need.
Disappointed as we might feel about our socially-distant holiday gatherings this year, kindness is the glitter which fortifies the glory of Christmas.
Merry Christmas! May peace and goodwill prevail.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Operative word—perhaps!
The COVID-19 pandemic has rendered 2020 a vile year, serving us a three-decker sauerkraut and toadstool sandwich with arsenic sauce on a silver platter. Limiting this year’s in-person holiday gatherings to only people in your own household is like not touching them with a 39-and-a-half-foot pole.
At least technological advances enable us to keep in virtual touch.
Boo-hooing aside, “perhaps” previous Christmases got away from us, its true meaning suffocated under all the glitter of commercialism. The hustle and bustle of jostling crowds in search of perfect gifts creates a distraction from the reason for the holiday season.
As Charles Dicken’s Ghost of Marley in A Christmas Carol said, “Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were all my business…”
If anything, the pandemic has emphasized the true meaning of Christmas—that of giving up one’s self to think of others in various states of financial or psychological need.
Disappointed as we might feel about our socially-distant holiday gatherings this year, kindness is the glitter which fortifies the glory of Christmas.
Merry Christmas! May peace and goodwill prevail.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Eva’s Byte #345 – Over-the-Top
Aspiring to the creed of “moderation in all things,” I’ve made exceptions when it comes to collecting gnomes and sea glass. And, although I consider myself a moderate aficionado of all things Christmas, I admit gravitating toward over-the-top renditions. They serve a purpose for bypassing the doldrums stirred by world events and the cerebral circumstances we find ourselves in at any given time.
One of those renditions—getting a daily dose of over-the-top holiday music played around the clock on my local radio channel.
Specifically, Andy Williams’ version of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. While this particular song has always smacked me as the epitome of holiday hocus pocus at warp speed—“the hap-happiest season of all”—it serves its purpose in keeping away life’s bee stings and dog bites which are felt more acutely during this time of year.
For a gal who prefers reading and writing lit with grit, there’s also something to be said for Hallmark’s over-the-top holiday movies. That is, unless they’re too much of a far-fetched stretch for my suspension of disbelief.
Of course, the essence of Christmas is brought home in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol through the gist of: the true meaning of Christmas is to give up one’s very self, to think of others, and bring happiness.
Nevertheless, may each of us cultivate the holiday spirit in a meaningful way because we all need a little Christmas.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
One of those renditions—getting a daily dose of over-the-top holiday music played around the clock on my local radio channel.
Specifically, Andy Williams’ version of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. While this particular song has always smacked me as the epitome of holiday hocus pocus at warp speed—“the hap-happiest season of all”—it serves its purpose in keeping away life’s bee stings and dog bites which are felt more acutely during this time of year.
For a gal who prefers reading and writing lit with grit, there’s also something to be said for Hallmark’s over-the-top holiday movies. That is, unless they’re too much of a far-fetched stretch for my suspension of disbelief.
Of course, the essence of Christmas is brought home in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol through the gist of: the true meaning of Christmas is to give up one’s very self, to think of others, and bring happiness.
Nevertheless, may each of us cultivate the holiday spirit in a meaningful way because we all need a little Christmas.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Eva’s Byte #347 – Humbugs Aside
We all have ‘em—one or two, a few or more. Just because Christmas is around the corner doesn’t mean our humbugs go away. However, one either succumbs or casts them aside in the spirit of renewing our grip on life. That’s what I’ve had to do, or else the incongruities of situations could get the better of me.
Choosing to focus on my many blessings, there are a couple of ways in which I plan on retaining the meaning of Christmas all year long. The same ways I always have. More than likely, pivoting from the same principles a lot of people do:
Being mindful of others.
While I don’t have the means to carry out full-blown philanthropy, giving someone the benefit of a doubt goes a long way in promoting good will toward folks of all creeds and color. Reserving judgement by looking at all the angles is no different than what writers do to tell their story.
Believing in one’s own potential.
The world may not be a perfect place, but there is nothing stopping one’s imagination to foster creativity. In my capacity of a writer, I just completed the draft for Chapter 3 of my Contemporary Work in Progress.
*As we round the bend toward Christmas, may each of us cast our humbugs aside for the betterment of life.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Choosing to focus on my many blessings, there are a couple of ways in which I plan on retaining the meaning of Christmas all year long. The same ways I always have. More than likely, pivoting from the same principles a lot of people do:
Being mindful of others.
While I don’t have the means to carry out full-blown philanthropy, giving someone the benefit of a doubt goes a long way in promoting good will toward folks of all creeds and color. Reserving judgement by looking at all the angles is no different than what writers do to tell their story.
Believing in one’s own potential.
The world may not be a perfect place, but there is nothing stopping one’s imagination to foster creativity. In my capacity of a writer, I just completed the draft for Chapter 3 of my Contemporary Work in Progress.
*As we round the bend toward Christmas, may each of us cast our humbugs aside for the betterment of life.
My sincere appreciation if you’ve read this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: https://tinyurl.com/yycm7d2w
Eva’s Byte #448 – Electrifying!
This inquiring mind wanted to know if rising residential electricity rates would darken the prospects of displaying outdoor holiday decorations.
According to a survey conducted by Today’s Homeowner (Nov. 17, 2023):
Nearly 70% of Americans plan to electrify: display outdoor holiday decorations. Nearly 60% of Americans decorate with colorful lights, while only 22% prefer white lights—my decorating preference.
Now, that’s not to say the average homeowner is planning to lampoon the exterior of their house with thousands of lights like Clark Griswold.
One of my favorite holiday pastimes is beholding the magic of the season illuminated by festive lights.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m illuminating my way to the tunnel’s end of drafting chapter 46 (1011 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May the spiritual essence of the holiday season electrify our goodwill toward others.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
According to a survey conducted by Today’s Homeowner (Nov. 17, 2023):
Nearly 70% of Americans plan to electrify: display outdoor holiday decorations. Nearly 60% of Americans decorate with colorful lights, while only 22% prefer white lights—my decorating preference.
Now, that’s not to say the average homeowner is planning to lampoon the exterior of their house with thousands of lights like Clark Griswold.
One of my favorite holiday pastimes is beholding the magic of the season illuminated by festive lights.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m illuminating my way to the tunnel’s end of drafting chapter 46 (1011 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May the spiritual essence of the holiday season electrify our goodwill toward others.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Eva’s Byte #450 - A Few of My Favorite Christmas Songs
“The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole spins (1945) me back in time to my adolescence during the mid-Sixties when my parents had gotten me a stereo record player for Christmas. When my sister and I rushed to the living room in the morning to check things out, the words to this classic song greeted us.
Although I have many more, I’ve limited my faves to four:
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love (1963)
“Little Saint Nick” (Alternate Version) by The Beach Boys (1964)
“Merry Christmas Baby” by Elvis Presley (1971)
“Christmas Wrapping” by the Waitresses (1982)
In the capacity of a writer, I’m hitting the gas and peeling rubber drafting chapter 47 (689 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May the lyrics to our favorite holiday tunes brighten the season.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Although I have many more, I’ve limited my faves to four:
“Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” by Darlene Love (1963)
“Little Saint Nick” (Alternate Version) by The Beach Boys (1964)
“Merry Christmas Baby” by Elvis Presley (1971)
“Christmas Wrapping” by the Waitresses (1982)
In the capacity of a writer, I’m hitting the gas and peeling rubber drafting chapter 47 (689 words thus far) along my Contemporary work in progress.
*May the lyrics to our favorite holiday tunes brighten the season.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Eva’s Byte #501 – A Matter of Perspective
From my perspective, Christmas ‘tis the season for cultivating gratitude and manifesting good will to humankind. Whether or not I view Christmas as “the most wonderful time of the year; the hap-happiest season of all,” is immaterial. Or, any time of the year for that matter.
For me, it all boils down to having barely enough, having just enough, or having more than enough. In that regard, I’m grateful for having more than enough to rejoice about.
The other day, crawling in a line of traffic along my route, I espied a homeless encampment consisting of two tents in a wooded area, not far from the road.
Clearly, Christmas is not a one-size-fits all, holly, jolly proposition glossed over in traditional song lyrics.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m moseying along chapter 7(594 words thus far) of my
Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us experience the relevance of Christmas from our own perspective.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
For me, it all boils down to having barely enough, having just enough, or having more than enough. In that regard, I’m grateful for having more than enough to rejoice about.
The other day, crawling in a line of traffic along my route, I espied a homeless encampment consisting of two tents in a wooded area, not far from the road.
Clearly, Christmas is not a one-size-fits all, holly, jolly proposition glossed over in traditional song lyrics.
In the capacity of a writer, I’m moseying along chapter 7(594 words thus far) of my
Contemporary work in progress.
*May each of us experience the relevance of Christmas from our own perspective.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
Eva’s Byte #502 – On the Outside, Looking In
In the aftermath of light snow, on a gloomy morning with a biting chill of 34 degrees, I set out for my last trip in the capacity of a caregiver. Essentially, heading to the end of the road.
In the midst of braking during heavy commuter traffic, I was serenaded by Andy Williams’ “Happy Holidays” on the local twenty-four-hour Christmas station. Diverting my attention to the houses nearby, their illuminated windows indicated creatures were stirring. Perhaps, some sipped a hot cup of coffee while basking inside the warmth of their home.
Hoop-de-do and dickory dock!
I look forward to reclaiming the warmth of hearth and home without the encumbrance of anxiety.
In the capacity of a writer, it's been a slow crawl, but I hope to pick up the pace along the journey of my Contemporary work in progress. Currently, the draft of chapter 7 has progressed to 602 words.
*May each of us find time to enjoy our favorite seasonal activities.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
In the midst of braking during heavy commuter traffic, I was serenaded by Andy Williams’ “Happy Holidays” on the local twenty-four-hour Christmas station. Diverting my attention to the houses nearby, their illuminated windows indicated creatures were stirring. Perhaps, some sipped a hot cup of coffee while basking inside the warmth of their home.
Hoop-de-do and dickory dock!
I look forward to reclaiming the warmth of hearth and home without the encumbrance of anxiety.
In the capacity of a writer, it's been a slow crawl, but I hope to pick up the pace along the journey of my Contemporary work in progress. Currently, the draft of chapter 7 has progressed to 602 words.
*May each of us find time to enjoy our favorite seasonal activities.
My sincere appreciation to you for reading this far.
Eva’s Authors Den Page: http://www.authorsden.com/evapasco
