The Salvation Army Needs Your Help

Greetings Dear Readers,

Please join my in helping the Salvation Army. They do wonderful things with the donations they collect through their kettles at Christmas time. Each year they depend on volunteers to "Bell Ring" for them at the kettles placed throughout each city. Each year shifts at these kettles go un-manned and donations are not collected.

Why not start a new tradition by signing up for few two hour shifts over the next few weeks. You will feel wonderful for doing it and the rewards will go on for those served by the Salvation Army for the next year. You can find kettles in your area that need help at www.ringbells.org . After you "Bell Ring", post on my site to tell about your experience.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Thanksgiving Aftermath

Greetings Dear Readers,

This year we were blessed to spend the day with my Mother and Father in law at their beautiful home. Dinner was excellent, though we felt the absence of my sons as one is in Georgia and the other had to leave for work before dinner. The rest of the family enjoyed the meal and each other. Bezel, my youngest son, called and put a lovely smile on the faces of my in-laws. All and all we had much to be thankful for.

So often over Thanksgiving week we are inundated with ads telling us that we have to be out early to this or that store or we will be left out of some great consumer value.

This year I went to a local retailer at five in the morning to take in the sights and sounds of Black Friday first hand. The rushing and grabbing amazed me. No one seemed happy or to be finding joy in the purchasing of supposed gifts. As I walked around the store, I began to sing Christmas songs. People would catch my eye and smile. Employees would look over at me as if I had offered them a raise. Whenever anyone needed to get by my, I quietly waited for them to pass.

After an hour of spreading good cheer, I returned home to collect family members so that we could go back to the same store and Bell Ring for the Salvation Army. We sang Christmas carols, smiled at busy shoppers, and did our best to start the season off right for anyone who would allow us. I spent Black Friday stress free instead of looking for the cheap, new, and exciting. It was a day well spent and I am excited about the building Christmas season. Take some time to read A Christmas Carol or to volunteer for the Salvation Army (www.ringbells.org).

On a completely different note, I wanted to mention my thankfulness for the three ferrets that inhabit our home. They especially bring my wife much joy. Here is Beorn in his regal splendor. Yes, he is sticking his tongue out at you. He does this often when he wants out of his cage. We adopted him and his two playmates, Solstice and Padfoot from the local humane society. All three were strays that needed a home and they agreed to live with us as long as we let them be in charge of everything. It is working out so far.

Enjoy the Christmas season as it approaches and tell me what you like most about Christmas or share with me one of your Christmas memories.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Giving Thanks

Greetings Dear Readers,

As you know this week is Thanksgiving. I have so much to be thankful for this year. I have a wonderful family. My writing is entering a better phase. I have an editor who is excellent and supportive.

Try this week to find things to be thankful for. Even if you are not where you want to be, you can be thankful that change is always possible. I find that my problems seem much smaller when I focus on all the good things in my life.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and try not to over eat.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Wonderful Research

Greetings Dear Readers,

I know that most of you must have rolled your eyes at this title but it had merit. I think that for me one of the most exciting things about writing is the opportunity to learn so many new things. You must read much to write well and I find that my research into what I am writing is marvelous. This week I found a wonderful site while doing my research for Magi, the next book in my series about those involved in the life of Christ.

Reader's challenge: Tell me your thoughts about the three wise men. Let me know what you like about this particular story.

Wishing you all joy in the journey,

Merry Christmas

Settling into Fall

Greetings Dear Readers,

As the mercury drops and the leaves fall, I am recovering from Avalon's Halloween party, and settling into the fall writing cycle. I write best when the weather in cold and the out of doors does not beacon me. I was searching for data on the internet for an upcoming book and I found my name referenced in a Wickipedia article about Joseph.

I have also updated my Web site with a first look at the cover of the new book. Be sure to check it out. I have provided the link above.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn