The Calm Before the Storm – Plus a Giveaway!

 

^{Do you feel it yet? Thanksgiving can be so stressful under normal circumstances. If you’re the one responsible for preparing the Thanksgiving meal, that stress doubles.}

^{There are family traditions to consider. Grocery shopping to be finished. Lists to be made to make sure you don’t forget anything, (I’ve certainly had to make more than one trip to the grocery store in the past!). Then there are the special food requests for those who might be allergic to certain ingredients. Coordinating with family and friends on who plans to bring what pie. You don’t want to have 3 pecan pies and no pumpkin or apple.}

^{And that’s just the beginning. Next comes the actual meal preparation. I usually start cooking the day before Thanksgiving. Sometimes earlier. I’m a planner.}  

^{Making sure the Thanksgiving meal comes off without a hitch takes a lot of organization and it’s easy to get frazzled when you’re in the middle of the storm.}

^{One thing I’ve learned through the years is that it’s important to take “moments” in between.}   

^{Before you find yourself frustrated, step away for a little quiet time with God. Be sure to thank Him for everything He has brought us through this year. And remember, it doesn’t matter if something isn’t perfect, or if there are no pumpkin pies. To me, those little “mistakes” are what leave lasting memories to smile about in the future.}

^{I’m giving away a copy of her upcoming book, AMISH COUNTRY KILLER. To be entered, comment and tell me how you cope with the stress of Thanksgiving meal preparation if you’re the chef or share a favorite Thanksgiving “mistake” that still makes you smile.}

^{Be sure to leave your email address in your comment. I’ll announce the winner soon!}

^{Here’s a little about AMISH COUNTRY KILLER:}

^{An unsolved mystery…}

^{Seeking the truth could be fatal.}

^{Reopening the investigation of her mother's disappearance puts chief of police Diana Fisher in someone’s lethal sights. As she delves deeper into the mystery, a murderer resurfaces, targeting the Amish community. Detective Micah Nissley, whose fiancée went missing a decade ago, joins forces with Diana to stop the threats and bring the killer to justice. But can they uncover the connection between Diana and the culprit before she becomes the next victim?}

^{Until next time, dear friends, Happy Thanksgiving!}

 

^Mary