It’s been a busy week and I’m a little late starting to write my blog. My editors are tapping their feet, but I’m typing as fast as I can, and I have a lot to tell you. I’ve visited two states, several towns, and chased a mouse named, well, never mind his name, because it was obscene, and it, thankfully, finally heeded my threats. I’m in Montana, and it has snowed over six inches twice, and the wind has just about blown me across the prairie. I finished a new book (still nameless) in the Wrinkly Bits series, my fourth, whoever would have thought it? I had a book signing for Bits of Time in Emmett, (thank you, Melissa and Alyce at the Emmett Public Library for the warm welcome you offered the seven Emmett authors who enjoyed talking to readers), and I have sent off countless books from my friend’s loading dock in Montana. (Thank you!) We took a little tour of the Beartooth Mountains, which are somewhere east of where I am visiting. They were formed by glaciers, so I understand, and are rocky and craggy, very different from the Sawtooths and something new for me to see.
I’m in the middle of gaining a new website and today I had my first peek at it. I think it is gonna be a dandy and should be finished in mid-January. It’ll connect to e-commerce, whatever that is, and I’ll be able to showcase my writing better. Stay tuned.
The most important thing I did this week was go to church last Sunday and listen to a musical worship service, a liturgical chorale, it might be called. I’m not the best church goer anymore (don’t tell my minister brother, Tom) but my parents engrained church participation in me as a child. I enjoy the Christmas season and the awesome music that accompanies it. Christmas music is magic, and fills my soul, reminding me of why we celebrate Christmas, the reason for the season, as the cliché goes. The old-time carols reminded me of the lessons of my childhood’s Sunday School and church camp days.
The music was truly beautiful, in a small church greened with two decorated trees, wreaths, candles, and banners. It was typical of churches across America this time of year, people greeting people, enjoying each other with comradery, not politics. The choir, obviously trained singers, could hit high notes and low notes, along with major and minor chords, a few chants, and other musical configurations of which I have no knowledge. I have a song in my heart, but my family reminded me all too often to keep that rascal there, don’t let it out. And I don’t.
And now, I just looked out the window, and see a few more flakes floating down. Why, oh why, am I in Montana, when I could be in Florida, basking in the sun on the beach?
TO MY READERS: I am going to be absent from the Internet until January 4, giving me time to refresh and renew my brain…and start another book. Thank you for your support and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Gail’s Wrinkly Bits blog book Bits of Time is available only from Gail Cushman Books, Box 905, Columbus, MT 59019 for $15, plus $3.00 shipping and handling. Order Bits of Time soon and I’ll try to get it to you for Christmas delivery. I accept checks, Venmo, or credit cards, but for Venmo or CC’s you will have to contact me. Questions? Email Gail: gaildcushman@gmail.com.
And BTW…feel free to share!
Orders received after December 23 will be filled after January 4, 2022.
