25. December 2011 by Marie Pinschmidt.

I would like to recommend “It’s All in Your Head” by Maria McCutchen. Excerpt can be read and book ordered from Amazon.com. This is a true medical story by a courageous woman who writes from the heart  to encourage others undergoing medical nightmares.

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22. December 2011 by Marie Pinschmidt.

I hope everyone is having a Happy Holiday Season wherever you live and however you celebrate. I’m pleased to live in America where I’m free to observe the holidays as I choose. Thank goodness, governments or other ruling bodies cannot control what we feel in our heart; although with all our mind-blowing innovative technology, that, too, may someday happen. But today we will fill our minds and hearts with happy thoughts, love for our fellow man, and generosity for those who are needy in body or spirit.

A New Year is fast approaching and making resolutions appears to be a universal activity we indulge in as we lift our glasses to one another. Some might say I march to a different drummer, because I don’t make resolutions - at least I don’t write them down - perhaps because I usually fail to follow through. I’m human, after all, and life seems to dictate what I do, don’t, or can’t accomplish. I’m flexible that way.  I just daily do my best. Why did it take me so long to arrive at this point? Life got in my way (if you don’t believe it, read my memoir, “Life Interrupted”.

Perhaps it would be more productive to look back at what we’ve accomplished during the previous year? At least the past was real. The future is only a myth. If you’ve moved your family to a safer neighborhood, gotten that college degree, found that substitute job in this unsettled economy, or succeeded in growing a bumper crop of green beans or Brussel sprouts, you can feel good about yourself. So make that list of past accomplishments.

Personally, I’m glad to have survived another year. I’ve cultivated new friends and been able to keep the tried and true ones. The most meaningful gift we can give others is our friendship - and a helping hand.

I hope the New Year will be kind, but if it has other plans for me, I’ll work my way through those plans the best I can. Optimism is the key word - but optimism must be accompanied by action. Idle hands are definitely the Devil’s workshop. Let’s click the “off” button of negativity, open our minds and hearts to those sometimes hidden gems of possibility. Let’s humble ourselves and be open and ready to accept what the universe offers.

HAPPY NEW YEAR to you, my faithful followers, and thank you for giving me the gift of your time by reading my books. I hope it was time well spent. The worst thing a writer can do is waste a reader’s time. I RESOLVE to do my utmost never to do that.    Marie

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22. December 2011 by Marie Pinschmidt.

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5. December 2011 by Marie Pinschmidt.

Thank you for visiting me at this busy time. Hopefully you are reading my blogs and availing yourselves of my books - for yourself as well as giftgiving. My earlier novels (see website) as well as my memoir are now available as e-books and at a very reasonable price. All are free of explicit sex or unsavory language and thereby suitable for anyone on you list who like to read. LOL.

HOW WILL YOU HANDLE THE HOLIDAY STRESS? In a relaxed and happy manner, or will you run up tremendous debt to disturb your sleep all next year? Will doing so make you feel more acceptable and loving to family and friends? I would suggest you pause a moment and access your present situation. If money is no object then you are one of the lucky ones (perhaps more hard work than luck). Regardless, giving of your time is the best gift, and more meaningful than another gadget, another sweater, or even a precious gem (unless it is an engagement ring). They may not remember the perfectly wrapped box or even its contents but they will remember HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

This year, in particular, give your full attention to those about you. They may need a willing ear to hear and share in their concerns. Put aside the ego and help others cope with the Season with an extra tight hug, a friendly smile, and an “I love you” or “I understand”. That cranky old uncle you’ve been avoiding may have more to offer than you think. Throw him off guard by getting to know him better. Show him you care even if he is an old “poop”. You may turn his frown into a smile and, although he may never admit it, he’ll not forget how you made him feel.

I know you want the best for friends and family; just you and your presence IS the BEST. You’re irreplaceable even if you aren’t beautifully wrapped or wear a tropical shirt with pink flowers instead of a tuxedo. Real happiness comes from focusing on others and how you make them feel. Try it; your smiles may last all year through.

BEST OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON - AND A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL.

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