Over the last month, I’ve been writing to Santa and publishing these every Monday (or trying to, internet notwithstanding!). This is my final letter, written for Christmas Eve, 2018. (Please note these letters do not include promotional or hyper links since I am not promoting or selling. This is for giving.)

Dear Santa, I wish…

Santa, over the last few weeks I’ve asked that you give special blessings and gifts to the mentors, the selfless ones and the troubled ones. I’ve given you names to help you fulfill those wishes and I hope I’ve been a good elf.

On this Christmas Eve, I’m not silly enough to ask for impossible things like world peace or bipartisanship between Republicans and Democrats. I can’t even ask for proof of life in outer space. No, even I realize those wishes are bigger than the both of us. But I do have a bit of a quandary with this last letter.

My problem is how can I wish for anything for myself? I have been blessed with love of family and friends, a roof, food and health. Everything else surrounding me is the glitter on the gift box! I feel very selfish asking for anything at all when I have so very much.

As a result I give to charity. I avoid those organizations that say a lot but spend the money on administration and salaries. I want my donations to go to work right away so I give to places like SMILETRAIN, PURPLE HEART HOMES, FEED AMERICA, and HUMANE SOCIETY. I donate to my local VOLUNTEER Fire Department and I give to the POLICE for things like vests and dogs and survivors benefits. Help others to find places to give and encourage giving. It will help so many and makes you feel good. 

So what about me? Well, I do have some selfish wishes. I wish my friends and family would buy my books. I wish for buyers to leave me reviews. I wish to write better stories and to that end I study but a little luck wouldn’t hurt, if you have some extra. I wish successful bestselling authors could be less clique-ish and more open to lesser known authors, like me. 

See? There I go being selfish. I don’t like the way it makes me feel. I prefer to give, Santa. I guess that’s why you are so happy.

So I’m going to wish for more people to do Random Acts of Kindness. It makes you feel good and it does so much for others too. Wait til you see the smiles you get for being generous and kind. Oh, wait, you already know that smile! 

I do have a wish that is far greater than me — I wish for boys, girls and animals to be fostered and adopted! I want people to share the love they guard and to give it to some creature who is aching to be loved. Please Santa, find good homes for these children and pets.

After that, I don’t really have much to wish for except to wish that my friends to know how much their recent kindness, generosity, and love has meant and still means to me. This is the best gift of all. It is priceless and cannot be wished over. If that is all I ever have in life, then I am wealthy beyond measure.

I wish for everyone to be as blessed as I have been. Safe travels this night and give Rudolph some extra oats. Watch out for my friends the bats.

Oh, I’ll be waiting up with cookies. And if I fall asleep, well then, Merry Christmas Santa. God Bless us, every one.

I remain, Yours Between the Lines,

Sherry

(I’ll be back for the 2018 Year in Review wrap up next Monday!)

Over the next four Mondays before Christmas, I am writing some small letters to Santa. In each letter I will express my gratitude, and make my wishes known. Here is my second letter, a big one from the heart:

NOTE:  THIS LETTER WAS MEANT FOR DEC 10, BUT DELAYED DUE TO NO INTERNET FOR SEVERAL DAYS. THIS WEEK’S LETTER WILL APPEAR WED DEC 19.

P.S. no promotional links provided during these thank yous.

Bless You, Selfless Ones

Dear Santa,

I don’t want to confuse you. Last time I wrote about the mentors and asked you to bless them with good things for all the lessons and support they give so generously. This letter I’m asking you to recognize the selfless supporters. I know it sounds like I’m repeating myself, but I’m not.

The supporters are those who have lifted me up, held me aloft, without asking me to spend money or to repay them. These people gave of their time to market, promote, assist and in general, showcase me. They did not expect any payment, never asked for any, and never will. They are a rare breed of individual and I want to thank them. Some may also be, or have been, mentors, but for the most part they are a unique persons with unique gifts.

First, let me thank a man who seems to have faded out of my life. Ron Shaw. He was the first person to put me on the radio thanks to an introduction arranged by Robbie Cox. Ron Shaw and I shared a love of stories and poetry. And that first time on the radio put me into new hands, and helped me to meet other new people. In fact he put me on the radio twice. And it was free. Yup. Free. I want to send him special blessings for taking a chance on me.

Then I need to thank Ms Musu Bagura for taking me on the radio for Focus on Women’s Magazine with La Femme de Prose. I remember feeling so nervous. Suddenly I was going to be speaking to other women writers (the primary audience). Musu was wonderful and set me at ease. I worked with her twice but it left a deep appreciation in me.

Along the way I’ve been blessed with several more supporters who interviewed me on the radio or in person. Thanks goes to G.W. Pomichter, Sage IA and crew at Hangin’ With Web Show for putting me ON air. That was 15 minutes of “ohmygodwhatamidoing” and I was so grateful. 

Coming soon on the heels of Hanging With was Yvonne Mason and her show Off the Chain. Yvonne and I are old friends now despite only having met in person once. There was an instant connection. Yvonne has been a hard core supporter and has had me on air with her over six times. Free. Such amazing chances she takes on this woman. Santa, be especially good to her.

This led to my meeting Laurie Kehoe and her radio show Author’s Corner. Our connection is short so far but I want to know her better, after the generous hour she gave me on air. We share so many likes. It is a friendship I look forward to having and growing. She blessed me so much, so please return the favor, Santa.

The first person who ever did an article about me, an interview, was Anna Mittower. Anna is a writer, photographer and Cosplayer and soon after I met her she went overseas to teach English in Korea. It was years before I saw her again. She may not realize how much she helped me with that first article. Then came others – Linda Allbritten, Dave Michael Jackson, Jenna Brooks, Mary Deal, Robbie Cox, Kimberley O’Malley, Kim McDougall, Terri Wilson, Don Massenzio, PJ L’Rue, Ravannah Rayne – and each one allowed me to shine, showcased by them. This is a singular honor, to let someone else put a glow in your space. For free. Without expectation of compensation, reward or recompense. Bless them fully, Santa.

Santa, these supporters – these selfless, giving angels – are unique because they give without asking for anything in return. They give without charge. They give without leaving behind guilt or expectation. I adore them more than I can say for the support and love they gave to me. “Thank you,” isn’t enough of a gift, so I’m hoping you’ll look extra kindly on them this year.

You might be thinking, Santa, that I should be mentioning friends and family. I agree but that letter is yet to come. These people are the ones who are mostly faceless or invisible, who give without reward, who have supported, promoted and marketed and made a difference in my life. Profoundly. No words I say will ever be adequate, Santa, so please find a way to shower them with extra blessings filled with love. And those I whose names I have forgotten, please bless them because they matter even if I’m too old to remember them by name.

My author life began ten years ago. I have been overwhelmed with kindness and generosity of spirit and many gifts that raised me up and helped me to fly. I never want to lose sight of those who put me on the early path and keep giving to me, people who never asked for money, nor changed me for any time or aid. I hope you are able to show them how well I remember, how I will never forget, Santa. My blessings are many and they were free. Just like love.

Another letter next week Santa. We’re closing in on Christmas! Merry Christmas to you and yours.

I remain, Yours Between the Lines,

Sherry

Over the next four Mondays before Christmas, I will be writing some small letters to Santa. In each letter I will express my gratitude, and make my wishes known. Here is my first letter, a big one from the heart:

P.S. no promotional links provided during these thank yous.

Bless You, MENTORSDear Santa,

I’m not sure where to begin this year. So much has happened; so many blessings. Let me begin with gratitude and say thanks for what have been my blessings. First let me give thanks to those who have been my mentors, people who guided me, sometimes not so gently, but always with compassion and concern that I become the best I can be. I am a continuing work in progress but there are people to whom I owe much:

Mary Deal, award-winning and bestselling author, award-winning photographer and painter, editor and explorer. I met her online in 1997 and she’s been a guidepost and an inspiration ever since. She helped me expand my poetry, and to find deeper meanings in my words. She led me into new light. She believed in me.

Judy Mallow-Gripton, author, editor, teacher and so much more. She taught me the difference between AP and CS. Served me well and I got jobs because of this understanding. She taught me how to do serial fiction. She gave me my first serialized column (lessons on poetry) and turned me into an editor.

Joel Friedlander, the man who knows a bit of everything about the publishing business. Right now I’m speaking about book covers: what defines a genre, what colors are taboo, all about fonts and readability. The list is endless. He is the god among the designers for me. And speaking of designers:   Sean Foley, Travis Miles, Robin Johnson, and Marisa-rose Wesley, my cover designers should be rewarded. Each taught me something about designing and covers and style. I’m learning more every day but these people put me on the path. As a result, my collaboration with these designers and their incredible talent, has brought numerous awards. Be good to them, Santa.

Interiors are important to books, too. Until recently, I didn’t know what creative book interiors looked like or even that they existed. Thank you Cassy Roop! And she patiently corrects me, explains concepts and teaches me with every new book she formats. These too, win awards. And I continue to be a student.

Teachers of the business are everywhere but a few others whispered in my ear, without mockery. I am filled with appreciation every day for those who came with me at the beginning. They have moved well beyond me, yet they never look down at me. And when I needed friends or advice, or a shoulder, they were there. This goes out to the #FLINKS: Robbie Cox, Margie Miklas, Taylor Fulks, Pam L’Heureux, Jackie Birdsong, Ginger Myrick, Lidia Doweyko, and Stephanie Michele.  Other strong voices in the dark include Elaine Calloway, Sarah Olsen, Terri Wilson, and Patricia Terrell.

People who can push you to do more than you might have dared because they believe that what you do matters, are rare. This mentor did that for me, fully realizing what the leap of faith meant. She taught me to dare to speak my truth. I did and I’ve never regretted it. Rachel Thompson. Be especially kind to her, Santa. The scars never truly heal. And to Sharon Jones Frizzell,  who knew me at my worst and never doubted I had “a better” in me. The lessons I learned from her helped me become the writer I am.

Retired Colonel (USAF) Stanley G. Maratos gave me three lessons for life. I’ve never forgotten them, have passed them to many and he probably has no idea how much his wisdom changed my life for the better. He’s over 80 years now and Santa, be kind to him for me. I give you his lessons now: 1. Fortune favors the bold. 2. Never trouble trouble. 3. Let right be done, no matter what.

Now for some mentors who died, yet their impact stays with me always:  Mrs. Dorothy Wise, English Teacher – she taught me about the depth of words and pushed my poetry. Mrs. Dolores Jean Ellis, choir teacher and friend who sat with me on tour one night and changed my life as we talked about love and the power of heart. And when I needed a coach for a competition while overseas, she delivered without question (and it was 6 years since I had seen her). And Mr. Roger Bishop, a civil servant who was as much a father to me as my own when it came to advise and support. He believed in my upcoming marriage to my husband when few did and he was quick to tell me how to live better.

Those are the mentors, Santa. I have friends and collegues who I will write you about but today my wish for them is health, joy, and success. May they have blessings to fill their lives for the kindness and impact they gave to my life. I am grateful for these people, every single day. I hope others bless their mentors and let them know how appreciated they are, too.

Another letter next week, Santa. Thank you. Merry Christmas to you and yours,

I remain, Yours Between the Lines,

Sherry