Tag Archive for: Thanksgiving

Thanks!

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By Bethany Maines

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I feel it would be traditional
to catalog the things I’m thankful for. 
Currently, I’m thankful that I don’t have to pee. 
For those of you who aren’t Facebook friends or who missed
the announcement, I am, what the old novels describe as, “in the family
way.”  All the magazines these days
describe it as having a baby bump. 
I describe it as having someone jump up and down on my bladder all day
long.
It is our first foray into parenthood and we’re looking
forward to it.  Clearly, we’re not
looking forward to it as much as our parents and some of our “Auntie”
friends.  Which I figure is only
natural – they get to have all the fun of a baby with none of the actual
work.  My father, in particular,
seems to be laying in stocks of sugary snacks, and cataloging noise making
toys.  He’s taking grandpa-hood
seriously and if this baby girl doesn’t think he’s the awesomest grandpa ever,
it won’t be for lack of a well-organized campaign that includes flanking maneuvers,
propaganda, and bribes. 
Meanwhile, my brother seems to be on permanent rant about
which baby names are “stupid.”  As
far as I can tell he doesn’t like any baby names.  Which is very freeing in the sense that any name my husband
and I pick will obviously fall short of the extremely ridicu… er… lofty rules
my brother seems to have.  Not that
I was planning on obtaining his opinion on a name anyway, but it’s always nice
to know where one stands.
All of which, leaves me feeling extremely grateful. For as
annoying as my friends and family are, well, the fact remains that I have a
whole truck-load of friends and family! How could I be any luckier?  (I could win the lottery.  Just throwing that out there God, in
case you’re listening.)  Tomorrow, I
will be baking pies and trying not to over stuff myself surrounded by people
who love me and will also love my baby. 
And that really, is pretty much the definition of a good thanksgiving.  I can only hope that you out there in
Stiletto land will be as lucky.  And
in appreciation for welcoming me onto your computers I offer up this extremely
simple recipe that has replaced cranberry sauce at our house.
Cranberry Relish
Ingredients:
  • 1 bag cranberries
  • 1 large orange
  • 1 cup sugar

Directions: Place all ingredients in food processor and chop
finely.  You may need to quarter
the orange to fit into the food processor, but you do not need to peel it.  Add more sugar and a touch of cinnamon
if desired.  Keeps for at least 2
weeks in fridge, but it doesn’t usually last that long.  Also great on pancakes and toast.
Bethany Maines is the author of
the Carrie Mae Mystery series and Tales from the City of Destiny. You can also view the Carrie Mae youtube
video or catch up with her on Twitter and
Facebook.

Thanksgiving Past and Present

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It’s that time of year again–Thanksgiving is right over the horizon.

I always have plenty to be thankful for and I think I’ll start with the actual Thanksgiving holiday. I have so many wonderful memories of Thanksgivings past–ones growing up at my grandmother’s house in South Pasadena–back when our family was still small. (Mom and Dad had no idea how their two daughters would expand the family.)

After I married, and hubby and I had our own home in Oxnard (also California), we hosted Thanksgiving several times–we had to put tables up in the living room. Later when we moved to Springville (still California), I was the one who always hosted Thanksgiving. Bigger house, more room, and relatives came from southern California bringing their signature dishes.

Now many of those relatives have passed away–my grandparents and parents, auntie–but our family has increased in size. My sister hosts her own large family in Las Vegas, NV. My daughters who live in southern California will be having Thanksgiving with their own offspring. We’re going to have a large bunch here.

I’m fortunate to have two children who live nearby as well as some of their children and grandchildren. I’m thankful that I can still and enjoy cooking–and I have a new stove this year. My old stove I had for 32 years finally gave up the ghost. Everyone is bringing something, so we’ll have plenty to eat.

In the last few years, we’ve had a new tradition come about. While some are watching football, a group of us have enjoyed playing board and card games.

And I suppose to sum all of this up, I’m truly blessed by having a big family.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. I hope you’ll share some of your Thanksgiving memories or your plans for this year. I’d love to read about them.

Marilyn

Fall

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By Dru Ann Love

One of the things I love about living on the East Coast is we get to celebrate all four seasons. My favorite are Spring and Fall. It’s not too hot like Summer and it’s not too cold like Winter. Spring and Fall seasons give you the nice in between.

What I like most about Fall is the changing of the leaves. A walk in the part will have you staring at the lovely colorful leaves as they fall to the ground. When I was younger, I loved when they were all gathered in a pile and we got to jump smack dab in the middle of it. Did you do that as a youngster? Could I do that now, no way, first I couldn’t jump in in and second I would not be able to get up. But I do remember the freedom it gave me.

Fall is also good weather to sit in a chair, wrapped in a blanket and read the next scintillating mystery that have you in goose bumps, especially if it’s the latest thriller set at Halloween.

Speaking of Fall, there’s the two holidays: Halloween where there is no excuse for eating that Snicker bar, that Hershey kiss, that Dove bar, that jawbreaker (yeah, like that’s going to happen), that tootsie roll pop and especially Brach’s candy corn (accept no substitution, because Brach’s is the best). Best of all, you can also dress anyway you want and not be criticize…a mummy, sure; a superhero, sure; a Agatha Christie, solve that puzzle; a zombie, go for it; you can be anybody and have you fill of it.

Then there is Thanksgiving where you are given permission to eat all the food that the dieticians and/or nutritionist say you shouldn’t eat during the rest of the year. Want that turkey leg? Have at it. Want a thick slab of baked ham? Go for it. Want some dressing with gravy? Pour it over your food. Some macaroni salad? Put that scoop on your plate. Rice? Yep. Collard Greens? Put it right next to the white rice. Cranberry Sauce? Put it in that spot, right there. Candied Yams? Make sure to give me a slice of that pineapple. Baked macaroni and cheese? You betcha.

Then there’s dessert. Apple pie? Slice it up, please. Yellow cake with chocolate frosting? A thin slice, please. I don’t know where I have the room to eat it. Ice Cream? Right between my pie and cake. And don’t forget the pumpkin pie to go with my cup of hot beverage. And then Thanksgiving is over and now I can sleep for a week.

What’s your favorite thing about Fall?

Holiday Moments

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by Bethany Maines

I’ve been enjoying this week of Thanksgiving reflections on
the Stiletto Gang. Each one reminds me of my own family and all the little
moments that go along with holidays. 
My grandmother’s unstoppable
attraction to returning to the kitchen just as we were about to pray.
“Mama, sit down!  We can’t eat the meal until you sit
down!” 
“Well, yes, but just one more
thing…”
Grandpa hacking up the turkey with
the electric carving knife, which gave way to Dad eyeballing the turkey with
suspicion and frustration as the perfect cut always eludes him.  Until last year when my thirteen year
old cousin arrived fresh from watching the cooking channel.
“Well, first you cut off the
drumsticks and then you cut here, here and here.”
“You know, it sounds like you’ve
got a real plan.  Why don’t you try
it?  I’ll help steady the bird.”
My cousins eyes lit up like a
Christmas tree, and we all admitted that his cutting job was pretty darn good.
           
My German cousins confusion about
the fact that my mom makes an entire pan of stuffing (we all eat too much of it
to make it in the turkey) and the fact that we’d never noticed that this
invalidated the basic premise of stuffing until she pointed it out.
            “Yes,
but what is it?”
            “It’s
stuffing.”
            “But
it’s not been in the bird?”
            “Oh.  Um… I guess it’s not stuffing.  It’s stuffing type stuff.”
           
The year my mom spontaneously
invited the boy I had barely started seeing to Thanksgiving.  I really should have known better than
to bring him by the house.
            “But
mom, that was only our second date!”
            “But
he doesn’t have anywhere to go! 
And he’s from Virginia.”
            Since
Grandma was born in Virginia that meant it would the height of rudeness to turn
him away, since clearly he was practically family.  The Virginia argument invalidated all other arguments.
           
            The
mad scramble every year to draw names for Christmas gifts and the year we all
managed to forget, so my cousin and I became the designated pickers.
            “Aren’t
we going to draw names?”
            “Well,
your aunt and uncle just left, and I think Grandma’s asleep.  So I guess not.”
            “We
should use a random number generator and just assign everyone.”
            “Great,
I’ll get some paper and a pen.”
            That
worked out quite well for me because I “randomly” managed to assign myself one
of the family’s better bakers and got an entire plateful ginger molasses
cookies.  She who does the picking
gets to pick – just saying.
Each Thanksgiving has the same
soothing routine of football and turkey and wishing I’d worn pants with an elastic
waist.  But each Thanksgiving is
also different as we give thanks for the new babies and the new spouses and
remember the relatives that are no longer with us.  The tradition connects us with those who have gone before us
and I, for one, wouldn’t have it any other way. 

Bethany Maines is the
author of Bulletproof Mascara, Compact With the Devil and Supporting
the Girls.  Catch up
with her at www.bethanymaines.com or check out the new Carrie Mae youtube video.

A Reason to Give Thanks

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By Evelyn David

That’s the title of a new short story collection we
published last week – as well as how I’m feeling at the start of the holiday
season.

Hurricane Sandy
totally threw off my calendar. I lost a week when we didn’t have power
(although I did read some great books by candlelight), so it was a total
surprise when my daughter started talking about our Thanksgiving menu. Turkey
Day already? Didn’t we just have the Fourth of July? Hot dogs and hamburgers
anyone?

So I had to start from scratch, so to speak. Restock the
fridge and try to figure out what to make besides the obvious gobbler, which
personally I could do without. I love all the sides, but really don’t care that
much for turkey. Still, this is a family steeped in tradition, so turkey it is.

Anyway, it’s so very easy to get caught up in the minutiae
of a holiday. This one likes Brussel sprouts, this one would rather die than
eat one – you all know the drill. In the midst of all the prep, it struck me
that if I had learned nothing from my week without power (besides needing to
buy a generator!), it’s that I actually have so very much for which to be
thankful, with or without electricity.

I am blessed with a wonderful family, a writing partner who
is also my friend, a delightful, supportive literary community – what else do I
need (save perhaps chocolate?).

Rhonda and I hope you enjoy our holiday confection, A Reason
to Give Thanks. It features two Brianna Sullivan paranormal holiday stories;
one Mac Sullivan Christmas mystery; a frothy romance centered around
Thanksgiving; and a short-short that will intrigue and maybe haunt you! (Note: collection includes previously published
Evelyn David holiday-themed short stories and novellas).

A Reason to Give Thanks includes: Giving Thanks
in Lottawatah, Bah, Humbug in Lottawatah, Moonlighting at the Mall, The Fortune
Teller’s Face, A Reason to Give Thanks, Sneak Peek – Murder Off the Books,
Sneak Peek – I Try Not to Drive Past Cemeteries

A Reason to Give Thanks
Kindle
Nook
Smashwords

Most of all, we want to wish each of you a very Happy
Thanksgiving.

Marian and Rhonda, the collective Evelyn David

________________________

 

Sullivan Investigations Mystery
Murder Off the Books Kindle – Nook – Smashwords – Trade Paperback
Murder Takes the Cake Kindle – Trade Paperback (exclusive to Amazon)
Riley Come Home (short story)- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Moonlighting at the Mall (short story) – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords

 

Zoned for Murder
Kindle Trade Paperback


Brianna Sullivan Mysteries – e-book series
I Try Not to Drive Past Cemeteries– Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
The Dog Days of Summer in Lottawatah– Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
The Holiday Spirit(s) of Lottawatah– Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Undying Love in Lottawatah- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
A Haunting in Lottawatah – Kindle (exclusive to Amazon this month)
Lottawatah Twister – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Missing in Lottawatah – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Good Grief in Lottawatah – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Summer Lightning in Lottawatah – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords

The Ghosts of Lottawatah – trade paperback collection of the Brianna e-books
Book 1 – I Try Not to Drive Past Cemeteries (includes the first four Brianna e-books)
Book 2 – A Haunting in Lottawatah (includes the 5th, 6th, and 7th Brianna e-books)

Romances
Love Lessons – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords

Food For Thought

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By Evelyn David

Sometimes I’d like to lose 10 pounds. Most times, I just
think about it.

Food evokes all kinds of responses.
 
I have friends who
genuinely don’t care what they eat. They eat just to live, could care less what
they ingest.
 
Some see food as a barrier to their ultimate goal – to be thin. Model
Kate Moss, scarcely a role model, nonetheless summed it up for way too many
young girls: Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.

Wow, not for me. Of course, that might be part of my
problem, but lots of things taste way better than skinny ever felt.

I’ve only been really thin once in my life. The months after
my father died, I stopped eating. It was the only time I was a size six – and
it didn’t matter one whit to me. And I guess I wasn’t even that thin, compared
to today’s concept of size zero being a worthwhile achievement.

One of the happiest times for me is when I’m at the table,
surrounded by family and friends, enjoying each other’s company, as well as delicious
food. I like to cook. It’s my hobby. But for those who don’t, I enjoy the food
just as well if we’re together, at a restaurant or eating take-out. Food paired
with those I care about is the perfect combination.

But I also like the adventure of food. Some friends think
spending money eating out is a waste. They want something tangible for their
money, like books, clothing, jewelry. Heck, I like those things too, but I also
like the fun of finding new restaurants, not even particularly expensive ones,
and sharing the experience of new tastes.

Some times, food is a source of comfort. That’s probably
wrong, but does it work better if I say that food prompts memories that give me
joy? When I make a Kugel (noodle pudding), I remember the lovely lady who gave
me the recipe. I got a thrill when my granddaughter was asked what she wanted
to eat when she got to Grandma’s, and she announced that Grandma always made her macaroni and cheese
(her favorite). My homemade chocolate chip cookies are a staple for holidays,
expected by family and friends.

We host a luncheon every year on the first day of Rosh
Hashonah (the Jewish New Year). One friend shared with me that he woke up the
morning of the holiday, just a week after the tragedy of 9-11, and knew no
matter what else was happening in the world, he could count on the baked salmon
I cook every year for the guests. That sense of continuity gave him comfort in
a time of uncertainty. This year, when I changed things up a little with a new
chicken dish, you would have thought I had introduced pizza as the main dish
for Thanksgiving (which wouldn’t offend me at all if that is what your family
has traditionally served).

So I’d like to lose 10 pounds, but I’d also like to continue
to eat my favorite foods. You don’t have to tell me. Moderation is the key,
with patience required for slow, but steady results. Yeah, I hear you.

In the meantime, what does food mean to you? And what is your
favorite food memory?

 
Marian, the Northern half of Evelyn David

 

 
_____________________

A HAUNTING IN LOTTAWATAH – the Kindle ebook version will be a free borrow during October for Kindle Prime Members. Also the ebook will be offered as a free Kindle download for all during Oct. 1-5, 2012. Click Here

 
 
 
 

Sullivan Investigations Mystery
Murder Off the Books Kindle – Nook – Smashwords – Trade Paperback
Murder Takes the Cake Kindle – Trade Paperback (exclusive to Amazon)
Riley Come Home (short story)- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Moonlighting at the Mall (short story) – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords

 


Brianna Sullivan Mysteries – e-book series
I Try Not to Drive Past Cemeteries– Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
The Dog Days of Summer in Lottawatah– Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
The Holiday Spirit(s) of Lottawatah– Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Undying Love in Lottawatah- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
A Haunting in Lottawatah – Kindle (exclusive to Amazon this month)
Lottawatah Twister – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Missing in Lottawatah – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Good Grief in Lottawatah – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Summer Lightning in Lottawatah – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords

The Ghosts of Lottawatah – trade paperback collection of the Brianna e-books
Book 1 – I Try Not to Drive Past Cemeteries (includes the first four Brianna e-books)
Book 2 – A Haunting in Lottawatah (includes the 5th, 6th, and 7th Brianna e-books)

Romances
Love Lessons – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords

Let Us Give Thanks

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One year, my third son was to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. A Bar Mitzvah is a Jewish rite of passage and marks the moment when a 13-year old boy is considered an adult member of the congregation. (A Bat Mitzvah is the ritual for girls). It’s a religious ceremony where the youngster leads prayers at the Sabbath morning service, usually followed by a luncheon for family and friends at the synagogue. We then planned to invite guests to our home for coffee and dessert and hold a party for kids later that night. But even with keeping everything relatively low-key, you can imagine that there was a fair amount of work involved, plus out-of-town guests to feed, cooking, baking, readying the house…you get the picture. I tell this story because that year I suggested to my immediate family that we eat out at a restaurant on Thanksgiving.

This was followed by dead silence.

And that was followed by an explosion of surprise and dismay. The concept of eating Thanksgiving anywhere but in our home, with the traditional turkey and trimmings, was absolutely appalling to my husband and kids. It was Thanksgiving, didn’t I know that? Was I suggesting that we each make our own peanut butter sandwich for the main course? Why not go through the drive-through at McDonald’s? (Actually that didn’t sound like such a bad idea to the five-year old.)

As it happens, I’m not a huge turkey fan. I could, and often have, made a meal of the stuffing, side dishes, and of course, desserts. Nonetheless the family wanted the whole shebang. But what I realized is that while they wanted the traditional foods on the table, they mostly wanted the traditions they associated with our family’s celebration. While no one should be a slave to tradition, part of family glue is to do certain things the same way every year, building a treasure trove of family memories.

A couple of years later, we journeyed out-of-town to have Thanksgiving with extended family. The food was superb, but when we came home, my kids clamored for “our own” Thanksgiving. And so, the Friday after Turkey Day, we had another traditional T-Day meal, although this one was one of those supermarket deals where we got the bird, stuffing, sides, two kinds of pies, gravy, and cranberry sauce, all for $50. And the hubby and kids slurped up every last crumb. But what everyone remembers, besides the fact that we ate two banquets in a row, is that, as in years past, we went around the table and shared the blessings of our lives, we laughed, we teased, we had fun, we were “us.”

I know that our expressions of thanks should never be limited to one day a year. Still I’m happy to take a moment out of our busy lives to say aloud to those I love how very grateful I am for my life with an extraordinary family and incomparable friends. I am blessed indeed.

From both halves of Evelyn David, and all members of the Stiletto Gang, best wishes for a happy holiday full of joy and peace. Please share your favorite Thanksgiving memory – sweet, funny, poignant, you choose.

And may I add my thanks to the anonymous author who wrote of Thanksgiving:

The thing I’m most thankful for right now is elastic waistbands.

Marian, the Northern half of Evelyn David

—————–

Brianna Sullivan Mysteries – e-book series
I Try Not to Drive Past Cemeteries- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
The Dog Days of Summer in Lottawatah- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
The Holiday Spirit(s) of Lottawatah- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Undying Love in Lottawatah- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
A Haunting in Lottawatah – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Lottawatah Twister – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Missing in Lottawatah – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords

Sullivan Investigations Mystery – e-book series
Murder Off the Books Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Murder Takes the Cake Kindle – Nook – Smashwords
Riley Come Home (short story)- Kindle – Nook – Smashwords

Romances
Love Lessons – Kindle – Nook – Smashwords

Five Things I’m Thankful For

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Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at The Stiletto Gang!

On Thanksgiving, do you stop to think about all the things you’re thankful for? I do. There are so many, but most can fit into these five categories.

The top five things I’m thankful for:

5. Health and Happiness (knock on wood; we have obstacles, but overall, we’re good!)

4. Writing for a Living (to earn *a meager* living doing what you love is fantastic)

3. The writing and book loving community (truly, they are an amazing group of people)

2. Good Friends and Family (because what would life be without them?)

and number 1 on my ‘Thankful’ list is…

1. My wonderful kids and husband (because they really do give my life meaning)

Have a wonderful day!!

~Misa

Of Turkeys and Traffic

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Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and we’re flung far and wide this year, people on the move. We’re the stay at home people whereas my parents are the flung-far people. Here at Chez Barbieri we are hosting Jim’s side of the family, which makes us a nice, even dozen. Fortunately, that number represents the maximum occupancy capacity in the house and in particular, around the dining room table, so just one more person and we’d find ourselves elbow to elbow while enjoying my brined turkey.

Mom and Dad have headed south to see my sister who lives in Georgia. In typical Mom/Dad style, they planned on leaving for the South at six in the morning to “beat the traffic” but decided, after a spirited discussion at two in the morning that they would leave then. When my mother called me at two o’clock in the afternoon on the day they were supposed to arrive at my sister’s (their original e.t.d. had them arriving around dinner time) and told me that they were fifteen minutes from her house, I was surprised. Our conversation went like this:

Me: Didn’t you leave at six this morning? Doesn’t it take thirteen hours to get there? (I had visions of my father doing 120 miles per hour down 95 and was wondering how they were still alive. I’m bad at math, as we all know, but even I can figure out that the trip not taking thirteen hours means that they were traveling at very high speeds.)

Mom: Well, Dad got up in the middle of the night and I was watching television so we just decided to leave then. Oh, and by the way, we were supposed to start back the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, but we’re going to leave the Saturday after Thanksgiving instead. You know, to beat the traffic.

Me (incredulously): You haven’t even arrived at your original destination, but you’re already talking about when you’re coming home?

Mom (through gales of hysterical laughter): We’re old! That’s what old people do!

Newsflash: they’re not old. And they shouldn’t be doing what old people do. They’ve got at least ten years before they need to start doing that. But it provided us some good laughs when Mom realized that indeed, they are mostly retired and have nothing to rush back here for. We’ll be eating leftovers for weeks, so surely they’re not anxious to get back to have dinner at our house.

Now, I’ve taken a poll and apparently, many people of retirement age are alternately fascinated and horrified by traffic and will do anything they can to avoid it. A friend’s father begins his trek from Florida at nine at night and drives until he hits…you guessed it…traffic. Only then will he stop to eat and/or go to the bathroom.

I’m thrilled that we’re staying home because the only traffic I will have to contend with will be the backup at the bathroom door as several Barbieri’s attempt to shower and look presentable for the day in the only bathroom with a shower. I’m absolutely positive that “bathroom rage” will ensue. But there is no way that I’m getting up any earlier to “beat the traffic.” I’ll just wait at the back of the line until I see a break in the action and then I’ll make my move. Just like any good driver.

Happy thanksgiving, Stiletto faithful.

Maggie Barbieri

Surviving Thanksgiving, One Martini at a Time

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OK—so we’ve got all of the basics covered: the sweet potatoes, the green bean casserole, the turkey, the stuffing…there’s nothing left for me to contribute. So, because being together for Thanksgiving can be fraught (and is there a better word to describe being with one’s family answering questions like “how could you have voted for HIM?” or “how much of your savings do you have in stocks EXACTLY?” or even “when do you think SHE is going to have a baby?” and the worst of all “why are you STILL single?”), I’m going to simplify things. Here’s what I can contribute: the good old pumpkin pie recipe.

Take one can of pumpkin pie mix.

Add two eggs.

Add one 5-oz can of condensed milk.

Mix together. Throw in a prepared pie shell. Bake until done. Don’t tell anyone that you didn’t make it from complete scratch. Opening the cans DOES count.

And if that doesn’t make you feel better or help with the family dynamics, here’s my favorite cosmopolitan recipe:

4 parts any kind of vodka
2 parts Triple Sec
2 parts cranberry juice (great for urinary tract health!)
1 part fresh lime juice

Eat all of the pumpkin pie. Wash down with a cosmopolitan (or three). Happy Thanksgiving!

Maggie Barbieri