MERRY CHRISTMAS & THANKS!

This year has probably been one of the roughest because so many unexpected things happened. There were times I cried in my car wondering if it would ever get better. It was definitely like one of those crazy roller coaster rides!  Despite all that, I realized who my true friends were and met some real-life angels.  After so many years, I now know that angels have no expectations. They simply are around to offer unconditional protection.  They don't ask to be repaid, or have negative demeanors despite offers of help, they accept your faults, treasure your friendship,  encourage, make you laugh when needed, and mostly listen without ever judging where you are in life.  So I give mad props to Tawanna, Tiani, Kels, Kelly, Lorie, as well as Dr. Sawyer and her Medical Team,  Somehow they were in the right place at the right time, every time.

We all think our problems are insurmountable until we meet up with others who've had it even worse. This year, I met military wives and mothers who lost children, or became caretakers for husbands struggling with trauma or injuries, and they were so amazingly strong! I met abused women who were running for their lives and misunderstood; many were homeless with no food to eat. I think about them every day wondering how they got through, as they became powerful messengers for others.  Kudos to Shelly and Lena and their families and so many others.  My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Wow!  I interacted with so many cool bloggers and authors this year that it made me do the happy dance!  They shared new books, recipes, fashion tips, freebies and profound thoughts all

throughout the year, and it was fabulous.  In addition to sharing such awesome content, they stopped over to say hello to me on a regular basis, which was very much appreciated.  Lexxie, Red, Anna, Mary, Angela, Kels, Kathy, Braine, Stephanie, Sophia, Sharonda, Lissa, Kimba, Joy, Sarah, Keionda, Lark, Blogoratti and my buddy Lanie - you guys totally rock with your comments and support! For Genique, Brenda Novak, Catherine Anderson, Patricia Maxwell, Cathryn Fox, Pamela Morsi, Delilah Devlin, Eden Bradley, and Postcards, I thank you all so very, very much!

When you enjoy the work of an author, or get caught up in a program on television, it's great to get to know them one-on-one behind the scenes to find out they are regular and fun people, who just happen to be famous.

Super kudos to Anna from Herding Cats and Burning Soup who had the courage to offer up a FREE Christmas Dinner for other bloggers in the NC area. Still amazed with that one!  For those of you who know her, this image fits her perfectly! (lol) 

ChumpLady who normally focuses on the cheating spouse reminded me that there is a difference between kindness and niceness.  I never really thought about it, but her take on these commonly used words totally makes sense. Visit her site to find out more.

If you're alone, or with family and friends, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and an even better New Year!  We hope all your dreams come true in 2016 and that you're surrounded by lots of love, love, love!  Hugs... I'm just thrilled to be alive right now and smiling!  I wish hottie hubby a super Merry Christmas with lots of food and fun!  Of course, I hate that he's one of those guys who NEVER gains weight! (lol)

ps. - if you've been following my blog, you may know that my son and grandbaby live out of town and I haven't seen them in 3 years! Well, he didn't want me to be alone while I've been recovering, so guess who's showing up in a few minutes??!!!!!