You’d think I’d have learned by now that dates in the calendar are always closer than they appear. I’m making some progress — here it is, before Thanksgiving, and I spent the afternoon at a gem show, searching for components with which to make Christmas gifts. I can barely sew on a button, I’d starve if I had to eat my own cooking, and my idea of housework is to sweep the room with a gaze, but I can make jewelry.

I got hooked a few years ago, when I attended my first gem show, in search of interesting barrettes. Struck out when it came to hair ornaments, but I found these beautiful mauve pearls, unbelievably affordable. All I had to do was string them into a necklace, add a pendant and a clasp, and tie a few knots. (We won’t go into how much time and money I actually invested before it was done.) Mom was almost in tears when she saw her gift. Naturally I wanted a necklace, too, and soon Mom wanted another, and so … it’s entirely my mother’s fault I got hooked on making jewelry. It got so out of hand, buying so many unbelievably affordable strands of pearls and gemstones (not to mention tools, findings, and other supplies), I had to start selling pieces to support my new habit, er, hobby. Shirl’s Pearls, a custom jewelry design business, was born.

Book deadlines have kept me from doing much jewelry work this year, but I have set precedents with Christmases past, and Mom has high expectations. Especially since I did that tunnel-vision thing this spring while working feverishly toward a deadline, and Mother’s Day went right past me. Moms may forgive, but they don’t forget.

It’s on my to-do list to post pics of some of my designs on my web site, especially since the only image up there now is of a bracelet that I sold earlier this year. Maybe I’ll get my act together in time to scan or take pictures of whatever new designs I come up with, before I spend Christmas Eve (after midnight, of course) wrapping them up.

I’m not going to talk about shopping because I’m not much of a shopper.

I’m not going to talk about crafts, because I’m not very “crafty.”

I’m not going to talk about cooking because I’m not much of a cook.

What I would like to talk about is blessings.

This is the time of year when I reflect on all the blessings in my life. I may not have everything I’ve ever wanted but I have a lot to be thankful for. In appreciation for all God has given me, I try to give back and make this world a little better place. How? I’m happy you asked

The holidays can be a stressful time and so I make a concerted effort to smile and be especially cordial to the harried clerks in the store and to all the other that I come into contact with day to day. It amazing how something as simple as a smile or a nice comment can brighten the darkest day.

Also, for the past few years I’ve been setting aside $100 (in $5 bills) to give out as “additional” tips to service workers who seem to be going above and beyond duty in spreading good cheer. For example, if a waitress gives good service and I’d normally tip $5, I give her $10 instead. Sometimes I hand it to the person bussing the tables, or to a carwash attendant, etc. In doing this I’ve discovered that it really is better to give than to receive.

What about you? I’d be interested in hearing what you do to make the candle burn even brighter during this holiday season or what you’re especially thankful for this year.

So this week we’re blogging on crafts and shopping and decorating and finding the perfect gift, and I’m reading all the blogs and feeling like a total L-O-S-E-R. Well, not so much after reading Kim’s entry, but still an L-O-S, anyway. I think it started last weekend. No, actually I think it started about 18 years ago, but let’s start last weekend.

It wasn’t long after I drove my beleaguered VW Beetle into the driveway Saturday evening that my fiancé, Ultimate Sportsfan, reminded me that I had an appointment with his mother and sister-in-law early Sunday morning to go shopping at the Nutcracker Market. If you don’t live in Houston, you may not know that the Nutcracker Market is a huge shopping extravaganza held in an enormous convention center. It’s supposed to be so wonderful that you have to pay $10 to get in the door.

Pay just for the opportunity to shop. Who knew?

So even though I love my future mother-in-law (and I’m not just saying that because she might read this someday), I will admit that I tried to beg off. I mean, I’d just driven over 1200 miles across Texas. I was exhausted. I was hungry. I had no clean clothes. Suffice it to say that Ultimate Sportsfan wasn’t having any of my moaning and groaning. He spouted all sorts of drivel about opportunities to get to know his family and make a dent in my Christmas list (List? What list?), when really you know why he wanted to get rid of me: Sunday, big screen TV, couch…

So I went, and I cannot tell you how quickly four hours with your future in-laws will curb a burgeoning ego trip. Sure I was flying high from just touring the state. I was psyched that I’d been in the newspaper (with a photo) and on the morning news. But none of that matters when you’re with family. What matters then are your new recipes, your Christmas decoration tips, and just how cute your kids will be in their Christmas outfits.

You see my dilemma, right? I don’t cook, I don’t decorate, and I don’t have kids. How am I supposed to compete? L-O-S-E-R. So I did what any thirty-something chick who doesn’t want to be saddled with the worst-daughter-in-law-ever label would do: I promised to make something sumptuous to bring to Thanksgiving dinner.

Now, here’s the problem. I can’t cook. I mean, I suck at cooking. Let me illustrate. Once when I was about fourteen and babysitting, I was asked to make microwave popcorn for my charge. I set the microwave on fire. I don’t know how it happened. I swear to God I read the directions. Needless to say, I was never asked to cook for that kid again. Strangely enough, I was asked to babysit again…

So here I am again, figurative popcorn package in hand. I am supposed to make banana bread and mashed potatoes. I am supposed to make them from scratch, but that’s just a recipe for disaster. So I bought packaged potatoes and bread mix. Who am I to argue with Betty and Duncan? They obviously know what they’re doing, whereas I am completely lost.

So here’s my dilemma. Do I pass these off as made from scratch or fess up? Remember I am trying not to earn the worst-daughter-in-law-ever label before I’m even married into the family. Remember also that I have a lot of competition. The other daughter-in-law has two cute little boys, cooks, decorates, and plays Bunco. I don’t even know what Bunco is. So, you tell me, are these potatoes from scratch or did Pillsbury give me a little help?

My, how time does fly when you’re banging your head– er, pounding your fingers against the keyboard!

For the past six months, I have been concentrating–or TRYING to concentrate–on my current work in progress. Sadly, I have always been one of those people who tend to let important events and dates slide by without noticing when my mind is occupied with other matters. My family fondly refers to it as “single-minded focus.” Which sounds so much better than early senility…

That appointment I made for the hairdresser’s two months ago? Oooops. No wonder my bangs are roughly nose-length. The movie I planned on going to see with friends back at the beginning of October? Umm…I think they figured out I had forgotten to show up right about the time the credits started rolling. (Mental note to self: Buy these friends REALLY nice Christmas gifts)

Holidays are like this for me as well. 4th of July? I vaguely remember hearing some loud pops outside my office window right around that time. It could have been firecrackers. Of course, it could have been heavy artillery and I wouldn’t have known the difference. Halloween? Darn it, I knew those strangely dressed people who turned up on my doorstep a few weeks ago weren’t collecting for the local newspaper. Never mind that I don’t even get the local newspaper.

It wasn’t until I sat down for a break on Monday night to watch one of my new favorite television shows, Related, and realized it was the Thanksgiving episode that it occurred to me that I was in danger of forgetting that upcoming holiday as well. Not that I ever have big plans for Thanksgiving. I never cook anything that other people are expected to eat. (See Anne’s last blog entry for my post about chocolate chip cookies and flaming dish towels) But I usually really enjoy the chance to get together with my family and enjoy THEIR cooking. I’d hate to miss out on an opportunity to savor food that doesn’t come from a microwaveable dish.

So, does anybody else do this? Let things fade away into the periphery of your awareness when you have other things on your mind? At this rate, I’ll remember to do my Christmas shopping for this year by the time Christmas rolls around NEXT year.

I used to be so organized. There was a time in my life when I would make my Christmas list in September and have all of my shopping done long before Thanksgiving. This year, I have nothing. No list, no presents, no ideas. Um…hello….there are only like 38 shopping days left. What am I doing?

Nothing. And we have a large family – well, a large extended family, so it’s not like I just don’t know what I’m getting The Professor. None of this would be a problem if I didn’t have this weird thing about me where I want to give the best gift ever to every person I give something to. It’s a sickness, really. Especially since I totally love to make people cry with gifts. That’s just not right. I know it’s wrong…I just can’t help myself.

So clearly since I’m not shopping, I must be decorating, right? Uh-no. This is unlike me too. I usually start playing my Christmas CD’s in October and start ooching decorations out among the pumpkins. Yeah, I know, we’re supposed to wait until after Thanksgiving, but I just love all the lights and stuff from Christmas. It’s when my inner harlot comes a knocking and I let her out. The more lights and the tackier, the better. Bring on the lights!

Not only do we have the gift-giving fretting and the hassle of decorating, we have the other holiday panic – weight gain. ACK! I don’t know about y’all, but I certainly don’t want to step on the scale after the holidays and hear, “Would one of you please step off.” So I’m being diligent with my work-out routine and promising myself that one piece of pumpkin pie is more than enough. Maybe turkey day won’t be so difficult – we’re going to my in-laws so I won’t have access to my mother’s amazing cornbread dressing. But then there will be Christmas…I can be strong though. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can…….

I wish I were better at crafts. I did a lot of sewing when I was in my teens – made a lot of my own clothes and even some for my younger sister. And when I was first married, I made a shirt or two for my husband, but after that, the only sewing I did was around Halloween when my kids needed costumes. Then I made some really great stuff (if I do say so myself ).

And scrapbooks? Robyn, I give you a lot of credit for being patient and organized enough to do it! I’ve kept almost everything my kids have ever made, and some day I’ll have to make time to put their things into scrapbooks (note to self: plan on putting scrapbooks together for the kids one of these days).

I recently thought about starting quilting, but then what would I do with all the quilts I make? They’re not exactly small – like a basket of knitting, although I have started knitting again. I’m not really any good at it. I can do a straight stitch and come up with a scarf, but that’s about all . (Don’t tell my daughter – she’s getting one!)

The art department of one of the local colleges has a pottery show/sale every December and I pick up a lot of gifts there. They’ve got everything from jewelry to birdbaths, spoon rests, huge serving bowls – you name it. What I like about this show is that these are things you won’t find in a department store. They’re really unique and make great gifts.

Wow. I’d better get my gift list together pretty soon. Luckily, my husband likes to do a lot of the Christmas shopping, and has great ideas for what to get everybody. The only problem is that he’s a lot more extravagant than I am. I like to stick to a budget. But since he’s willing to do it … I just go with the flow!

It’s that time of year again. No matter what religion, race or creed, holiday shopping is upon you whether you like it and want to participate, or not. You can’t go into a shop without being bombarded by signs and items to buy, buy, buy! The perfect diamond for your sweetie, the perfect tie for your guy. Bah, I say! I will make the supreme scarf, the finest filigree, the ideal ingot for everyone on my list. And for all of us crafters out there, now is the time to get our heinies in gear.

Ok, ok, so I will be spending some time in the shops purchasing the things I’ve been writing down on my master gift-giving list. No, I am not Martha, although I do watch the Apprentice, and I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express two weeks ago.

So what do you have planned for holiday gift giving? Any crafters out there? *cricket chirp* I have some projects that make nice holiday gifts and will post them if anyone is interested. And I’m always on the lookout for new ideas.

In any event, Happy Insane-o Season! May you win the best parking spot and find the shortest line!

Greetings from the rainy Pacific Northwest! I’m Shirley Karr, and I write humorous Regency historicals. At least, most of the reviewers said What An Earl Wants is funny. There’s a secretary in my first book, smugglers in the second (Kiss From A Rogue, out in Feb. ’06), and spies in the third (Dec. ’06). But really, all of them are about banding together to solve problems. Especially my twist on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, where the dwarfs are smugglers and Snow White is their ringleader.

As you can tell from the timing of my post, I am so not a morning person. I do most of my writing at night, when there tend to be fewer distractions, and it’s easier to slip into England circa 1816. (There are exceptions, like last weekend — I was the only witness when two guys stopped their car to have a fight in my driveway at 2 a.m. More about that later, maybe, after the grand jury convenes.) You can also tell I don’t write short books.

I’m new to this whole blog thing, but glad to be with this great group of writers, and more than happy to talk about the ups and downs of writing. I’m also more than happy to talk about The X-Files (MulderandScully), Stargate SG-1 (alpha AND beta heroes, oh my!), and Johnny Depp.

I hope you’ll stop by often, and share in our journey. And feel free to ask questions, any questions at all. All seven of us will be happy to answer. Just keep in mind that we write fiction for a living.

Hello from Nebraska!!

I appreciate the opportunity to say welcome and introduce myself. I’m Cindy Kirk and I write contemporary romance for Avon. Never heard of me? That’s because my first book for Avon–tentative title “When She Was Bad”–about a woman who leads two very different and separate lives–won’t be on the shelfs until 2007!! But by then I hope to have a least two more waiting in the wings.

Can you tell I’m an optimist? Yep, that’s me. The glass is always half full and I love happy endings–in movies, on television and definitely in the books I read and write.

Writing for me is a passion. Nothing beats the thrill of having the story I’m writing unfold before me and having the characters take on a life of their own. I’m definitely a seat-of-your-pants (AKA pantser) writer. For those not familiar with the term it means that I don’t plot out each chapter or scene, I just sit down and write…and where the story goes often surprises even me.

I’m hoping that in the weeks and months to come you and I can get better acquainted. I’ll let you know a little more about how I happened to sell to Avon, how dramatically my story line changed before I even submitted it and more about myself (but only in small doses–I promise )

Hey, I’ve got an idea—why don’t you grab a cup of coffee and tell me a little bit about YOU??

Dear Quills,

I’ve got to tell you that if you’ve been traveling the web, searching for a fun blog, you’ve found it. I’m Shana Galen, and I’m so proud to be a member of the Jaunty Quills. I hope you’ll consider yourself an honorary member, and stop by often. I write Regency romances for Avon. My stories are full of espionage, adventure, passion, and humor. I also write chicklit under the name Shane Bolks. In fact, I’m traveling right now promoting my new chicklit, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Men I’ve Dated.

The Fictionista Chicklit book tour has been a blast. Julie Kenner, Josie Brown, and I have been cutting a stiletto swath through Texas this week. We started in Houston, then hiked it to San Antonio, then scooted over to Austin, and I’m actually writing this from Dallas. We’ve been hosting literary nights out at the local Hard Rock Cafes—wine, women, and a few well-chosen words. It’s been an adventure—I’ve been stuck in traffic jams, had to change clothes in a truck stop, and even rescued a miniature dachshund. But the more I travel, the more I realize I would so much rather be home.

I live in Houston, Texas with my fiancé, Ultimate Sportsfan, and two kitties. I love to read, shop, and watch indie films. I’m currently working on a new historical series, the Misadventures in Matrimony series. The first book will be out in September. It’s going to be so much fun, and I’m excited to have this blog so I can share all my personal adventures—and misadventures—with you.

See you next Friday,
Shana