Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!
God has blessed us and our family immeasurably, and I pray you feel blessed, too. It's both a sweet time of reflection and an exciting time of anticipation.

Two other Christian authors, friends in the Texas High Plains Writers Association, joined me for the "Christmas in October" event. It was much more fun sharing a booth than doing it solo. Sales were good and we made some great connections. We already plan to have a booth in the same event next year. 

Research for the new book is ongoing, and so far, the book includes about 22,000 words. The possible back and front cover is attached. The back is incomplete without blurbs, publisher information, and ISBN barcode.

The trip to Italy was amazing! My roommate was a sweet friend from Amarillo, and we joined a tour group that included people from California, Arizona, Minnesota, and West Virginia. The weather was perfect the entire eleven days that we were there. We flew into Venice and traveled by bus to Assisi, Florence, Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and Rome. All our flights were on schedule (basically) and our luggage traveled with us. No hiccups. It was great! If you want to see photos, I have narrowed my 700 shots to about 350 good ones. 

Christmas is just around the corner and music is in the air! I will play piano for some programs and sing in others. The children's choirs will sing at church and at Park Central Senior Adult facilities. The Sanctuary choir and orchestra of First Baptist Church in Amarillo will present our annual musical program. It is "Bright Angel Hosts," and takes place Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4 pm and 7 pm, and Monday, Dec. 9 at 7 pm. The Amarillo Master Chorale with the Amarillo Symphony present our "Holiday Pops" on Friday, Dec. 20 at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, Dec. 21 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. 

Cheryl Brewer, the church librarian, and I will lead a Bible Study on "The Forgotten Jesus: How Western Christians Should Follow an Eastern Rabbi" by Robbie Gallaty. The eight-week study will begin Sunday, January 12, at 4:30 to 5:30 pm, in FBC room 101. If you do not yet have the book, be sure to contact the church office to order one for you. Of course, Amazon has the book, too.

Looking ahead, Amarillo Master Chorale will present Handel's complete Messiah with a small orchestra on the Saturday evening before Palm Sunday. That is April 12, 2025, at 7:30 pm. This will be a thrilling, meaningful experience. Fun, fun, fun!

Merry Christmas to one and all!​