The quickly approaching holidays always puts me into a
nostalgic mood. I reminisce about happy childhood
times that I have shared with family and friends. I think about the winter drives down
Christmas tree lane where the streets were lined with impeccably decorated
houses—lights twinkling brightly. Or the
short lived tradition of eating at IHOP (complete with hot cocoa stirred with a
candy cane) before going to the tree farm to select the perfect tree—and all
the eight-legged stowaway “friends” that also found their way into our
home. I think about family members coming from all
parts of California to celebrate Thanksgiving at Grandma’s house. Or going from one family member’s house to
the next, and somehow finding a space in our stomachs to pack away a few more
bites of holiday treats. I think about
New Year’s Eve sparkling apple cider, and seafood gumbo on New Year’s Day. I think about the smiles we shared, the games
we played, and the memories we built together.
And as I reminisce about times that fill my heart, I
endeavor to capture this warmth in the stories that I write. How wonderful it would be that each time
someone reads a story I write, they are filled with happiness, even though their
experiences may have been different than mine.
Isn’t that a great goal to strive for?
Writing that captures and warms the hearts of all who read it?
I think that if I am able to perfect infusing these happy
feelings into my writing, that I will be forever preserving a childhood that I
knew, and that was so wonderful to me.
But of course, I think that taking the time to reflect on my
own happy memories is a great first step toward this goal. Plus, it’s often an inspiration for new stories
to come.
Happy November, everyone!
