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Sunday, December 17, 2017

#CRAFTS WITH ANASTASIA--GUEST AUTHOR LAURIE RYAN TALKS CHRISTMAS TREES

Always a fan of happily-ever-after endings, romance was a natural genre for Laurie Ryan to gravitate to. She loves writing stories of stubborn, single-minded heroines who have to learn that everything is better when you’re not alone. Learn more about Laurie and her books at her website.

How Do You Decorate Your Tree?
Hi, everyone! And a mega-thank you to Lois Winston for having me here today. I understand it’s craft day, so I thought I’d chat a bit about Christmas trees. There’s no right or wrong way to decorate a tree from my perspective. And everyone does them a little differently. However, I’ve found there are basically two types of tree-decorators. Those who can put together a magical tree that is perfect in every way, like the amazing tree above my sister-in-law did last year. (I sure wish I had that kind of talent!)
Beautiful to look at and it makes me smile just staring at the picture. Then, there’s the rest of us, who’s trees tend to be mismatched, willy-nilly arrangements of memories and quirky projects. Here’s mine from a couple years ago.

Just like the other tree, my grin is wide as I sit and stare at it. None of my ornaments match, but each one has a memory attached to it. Like the ones below, all of which are handmade. (Just not by me.) A treasured memory of seeing the Northern Lights, gifts from my husband’s grange and one from our grandson, as well as a beloved trip to Mt. Rainier.
Every year, it’s like visiting with old friends as each ornament comes out of the box. Do you feel that same way? I hope so. I’ve never tried to make my own ornaments. That kind of craft is not easy for me, and I envy those who can design three-dimensional crafts like that. Me, I scrapbook and write. Thank goodness for Pinterest, because if it’s not flat, I probably can’t imagine it. I can certainly enjoy it, though. And I do. At home, at my sister-in-law’s, in our local town center. And in the windows of the many houses I drive by at night.

Healing Love
Nicole Milbourne is committed to a cause–eradicating the deadly disease that stole her mother’s life. One man is determined to show her a world larger than her single-minded focus. Adrift for Christmas, Nicole’s favorite holiday, she accepts the lifeline Damien Reed tosses her; Christmas with his family. Will an unexpected Christmas fill Nicole’s lonely heart and show her the healing power of love?

6 comments:

hamjenny said...

My favorite Holiday Tradition is baking cookies with my family

Lavada said...

Merry Christmas Laurie. Love your blog post. We got an ornament "Baby's First Christmas" for our first grand child and went on to purchase ornaments for them all. We did this until they were 18. It gave them a dozen and a half of special ornaments for their trees. We all loved putting those on the tree each year. A lot of memories that will be passed down for years to come.

I love "Healing Love" and recommend it as a must Holiday read.

Jayne Nichols said...

We tend to do our Christmas baking Greek style with baklava and koulerakia (cookie cookies). Just purchased Laurie's new book, Healing Love. Only $.99 at Amazon. Is it okay to say that here? Can't wait to read it.

Laurie Ryan said...

hamjenny, I know what you mean about baking. It's one of my favorite things to do each holiday season!

Laurie Ryan said...

Lavada, I love the ornament tradition. What a cool way to set them up for their own trees.

Laurie Ryan said...

Jayne, you had me at baklava! And thank you for the purchase. I hope you enjoy it.