Itâs here! Can you feel it? The smell of crisp frosty air in the morning, cozy sweaters, fuzzy socks, hot chocolate, and fires aglow in the fireplace. Winter has finally arrived, and with it, my favorite holiday. I love the snow-blanketed ground sparkling in the soft glow of the sun, white covered trees, and twinkling Christmas lights breaking through the night sky. Thereâs something enchanting about Hallmark holiday shows, snuggling under a blanket on the couch, or listening to Christmas music. Thereâs no denying, this time of year is truly magical. In honor of the third day of Christmas, the day we remember the first gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh given to the Christ child, Iâd like to share with you my three most magical Christmas memories. I was an Air Force brat living on many different bases in various states. While living in Alaska, I became very sick the week of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, I went to bed to the sounds of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the background and great anticipation in my heart. When I woke Christmas morning, I was unable to see. I tried to open my eyes, but they wouldn't budge no matter how hard I fought. In panic, I scrambled from my bed and plastered myself to the wall, using it to guide me toward the noises below. I called out, but the bustle of Christmas morning was loud and my voice drown in the sounds of laughter and joy. I called again as I stumbled down the first step when I heard the voices of my parents. It was then I learned my eyes had crusted shut during the night. With a warm washcloth and some gentle words, I felt at peace as my eyes slowly eased open. What I saw was amazing. The silhouettes of two angels against the background of twinkling lights hovered over me. In my five-year-old mind, I knew Iâd seen heavenly beings helping me through a terrifying moment. I closed my eyes one last time, and when they finally opened and my vision cleared, the angels were gone, replaced with my parents. Years later, I realized those heavenly angels and my parents were one in the same, always watching over me. The image of my parents haloed in bright Christmas lights has stayed with me forever. My next magical moment came after I was married with children. Our big gift was a surprise trip to Disneyland, leaving the day of Christmas. Can you say excitement? Ages fourteen, thirteen, and seven, we packed out car and headed out for the Magical Kingdom with three other families. The ride was brutal, but we had a wonderful time reading, laughing, singing, and preparing for the fun week ahead. The fun was short lived. Shortly after arriving, my seven-year-old son came down with strep throat, allowing us the full tour of California as we found our way to the emergency room.The following day, after his medicine kicked in, he was confident he would enjoy Disneyland with the family. Within an hour, he was crying as I carried him down main street as he chanted, âI hate this place!â My son hated the âhappiest place on earthâ. Additionally, my fourteen-year-old daughterâs knee swelled like a balloon and she enjoyed the park from the confines of a wheel-chair. Why does this adventure stand out? We made many memories that Christmas and to this day, my children remember every detail of our trip. When we lost most of our pictures in a computer crash, the memories were all we had. For all of the mishaps, the memories outweighed even the hardest moments. Isn't that was magic is all about? Lastly, I need to share with you the Christmas after my father died. It was a sudden death, one that no one saw coming. My father went fishing, something he did a thousand times a year, and drown while trying to recover his boat after it blew into the water without him. That Christmas was extremely hard, not having my father there. My mother, in her loving wisdom, made each child a rag-time quilt with patches of my fatherâs flannel shirts. She spent many hours on each quilt so we could have a physical reminder of him always. Words cannot express how I felt that moment I held that quilt in my hands. Christmas time is full of special moments for all of us, little sprinkles of happiness that bring a touch of magic to our lives, if but for a moment. This Christmas season as we find ourselves in the chaos of the holidays, I pray that each of you are able to experience some Sprinkles of Christmas Magic that you will remember for years to come. Happy Holidayâs, Merry Christmas, and God Bless! Enter my Christmas giveaway for some cute homemade ornaments.
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Creative Prose Publishing is pleased to announce the release of the exciting debut novel of Norma T. Rudolph, The Gift of Lies. Norma's novel is a bit of fantasy and science fiction with some romance in the mix. You won't want to miss this one! Available February 23, 2015. The locals call the place Jakeâs Hell after Summer McCalisterâs crazy uncle Jake who claims to have seen impossible things there. Itâs a badlands of rugged rock cliffs and sharp pinnacles that no sane person would attempt to enter. The Atomalians call it Daneye, a secret alien city of unequaled beauty, masked behind illusion. Atomalians believe that natives of Earth must never know about them and their powers of the mind or it will destroy the Atomaliansâ peaceful lives. When Summer is drawn out of bed and pulled to Jakeâs Hell by an urge she canât control, she fears sheâs crazier than her uncle. But when the young Ahtomalian, Bentri, steps out of thin air, she knows sheâs either crazyâor dead. Taking her to his unbelievably beautiful city doesnât erase the fact that heâs keeping her hostage in a room with no door and no way out. Bentriâs world is suddenly and completely devastated by the appearance of the native Earth girl. If sheâs discovered within the city, law decrees she be destroyed. As Bentri is bonded with her, that means he would also die. Their only chance might be to escapeâbut can Bentri survive in her world? Thank you for stopping by, Creative Prose Publishing The Best Things Come in Pairs by Cindy C Bennett I'm not sure that I'd want to receive a pair of turtle doves, whether for Christmas or otherwise, but I do think great things come in pairs. Think about it, every great love story have a pair of lovers for you to root for. You have a pair of feet to walk on, a pair of hands to make your life easier, a pair of eyes to view the beauty of the world. A pair of ears helps to hear sounds. A pair of arms to let others know how much you care for them. A pair of lips to kiss the one you love. For me personally, pairs seem to be good luck. I have a pair of sons a pair of daughters, and a pair of daughters-in-law. I only have one son-in-law for now, but eventually I'll have a pair of them. I also have a pair of new grandbabies. I have a sister which makes us a pair, a pair of brothers, and a pair of sisters-in-law. I co-own Creative Prose Publishing with Sherry Gammon which means a pair of us help keep things running. I had a pair of dogs for years until a pair of years ago when a third was added (and who is totally my baby). So while I might not want a pair of turtle doves living in my house, I do love all the pairs I have that bless my life. I'm very grateful for each and every one of them! Want to win a pair of personalized Christmas mugs like the ones in the photo above? Enter below using either choice on the Rafflecopter (or both if you want 2 entries). And be sure to check in daily to win other great prizes from other Creative Prose Publishing authors. It's the season of giving, and we all want to give to you! Miss yesterdays? Go to creativeprosepublishing.com for the links. Cindy C Bennett is the author of several YA books in genres ranging from contemporary to paranomal to fantasy to speculative fiction. Visit cindycbennett.com to read more about her and her books. Cindy's Books The End of Feeling * Heart on a Chain * Geek Girl * Rapunzel Untangled * Enchanted Fairytales * A Fantasy Christmas * Immortal Mine * The Experiment * Whispers of Razari * It's a Love Thing * Screams in the Night a Rafflecopter giveaway Thank you for stopping by, Creative Prose Publishing |
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