 By Marilyn Baron Tonight, at midnight, we will say goodbye not only to 2014, but to a treasured tradition when we say goodbye to The Petit Fours and Hot Tamales blog. We’ve been blogging since December 28, 2008—six years. During our blog meeting at the 2014 Georgia Romance Writers Moonlight & Magnolias Conference we took […]
 About three years ago, ed my wife and I thought it would be our last Santa Claus Christmas with our younger son. Already asking questions, buy we felt sure he was going to realize the truth. So it was with somewhat heavy hearts we put him to bed that evening, another “growing up” milestone about […]
Walt- I have a four year old grandson that lives with me. He still believes. This Christmas when he was naughty, I only had to look at him and say “Santa’s watching,” and he’d stop misbehaving. It’s a powerful belief while it last. 
Walt, I loved the story and your fast thinking. The only story I have is of me very young, not quite believing, but saying I thought I saw something in the sky to make my folks feel better! Hopefully you’ll get comments from non-PFHT to win your books, but if you need it, maxinedavis01@yahoo.com. Good luck with the Body Movers Fan Fiction books! 
Connie, I tried stuff like that with my younger son, but it only worked for a short time. However, there is one Christmas morning I’ll never forget. Every year, we set one item next to the bed of each of our boys. One year, we stacked the gifts on pillows. During the night, our younger son’s pillow tower collapsed and his gift fell under them. He had been particularly bad that December. He ran out of the room wailing, thinking he’d made the naughty list. We called the North Pole and a gift “appeared” an hour later. 
Ha! I thought the NORAD tracker on-line made it worse, but it helped you out. A cute story.
Maxine, anything helps. When you believe, you’re willing to take any sound or sign as proof.
Piper, I love the Norad tracker. It’s a blast. 
I celebrate Hanukkah so no Christmas stories but I enjoyed yours.
Marilyn, Happy Hanukkah to you! I would love to hear a kid-related Hanukkah story, too. 
What a great story, Walt. Happy Holidays!
Thanks, Carol. You, too!! 
My children haven’t believed in Santa for many years, however this year was probably my best with them. My youngest son is 15 this September was a year since his father passed away. Well this year we put up the tree and we have no angel or star so my son decided that since Christmas was his Dad’s favorite holiday he put his father’s favorite had on the top of the tree. It is not only the gifts we receive or what you believe. Sometimes it takes a 15 year old to start a new tradition to keep their memories going to make the holiday.
Theresa, my condolences on your family’s loss. Your son’s decision was a beautiful one. 
Our son Joey 17, who we lost in a car crash in 2005, at no fault of his own. When he was in first grade he asked, “Mommy why does Santa bring me gifts and not the poor kids?” We were buying gifts for a giving tree. My answer, “Mommy and Daddy give Santa the money to make his gifts.” He was a great kid to care about poor kids, we miss him.
Helen, Joey sounds wonderful. My condolences to you and your family. I can’t imagine what pain you’ve endured. 
Thanks for the wonderful story. Christmas is such a magical time no matter the age.  By Piper Huguley Waiting for that first review to come in after you’ve published the story is one of the hardest parts of being an author, I think. You know what beta readers and people close to you think, but when you are asking people to put down their hard earned money–or even to take […]
When read a linked book, I expect the story world to change slightly. There are some things that will remain the same. However, I’m not following for that. I’m following for a good believable and enjoyable story.
Series books like JD Robb’s In Death series have the same hero and heroine in all of them. The reader gets to see the ebb and flow of their relationship and their personal growth over the course of time. I love that. I recall thinking at the end of The Preacher’s Promise that I wanted to see more of Amanda and Virgil because it felt like they were just beginning. I’m glad you continued with them. I look forward to reading The Mayor’s Mission.
I’m with you Walt. Some of the fantastical aspects of a story are not that appealing to me. Thank you for stopping by!
I didn’t know that about J.D. Robb’s books, Carol. I saw it in Marie Force’s Fatal series. Thanks for adding to my TBR pile and for your very kind words. 
I have written series, and it’s fine to repeat your hero and heroine. They grow and situations change which make for some good storytelling!
I applaud your risk taking. It sets you apart, and I believe the reader will take notice. Good luck with The Mayor’s Mission. 
Hi Piper! Congrats on the latest book. If I’m reading linked books, it doesn’t bother me if an author has the same hero and/or heroine. As long as the character changes (for better or worse), I’m fine. Congrats again!
Piper, I am glad you have the nerve to follow what you wanted to write! I’m doing that, too. I wish you the best of luck and I look forward to reading More Virgil and Amanda.
Piper,
Whew! It’s good to have your blessing Michelle, I was stressing about it! Thank you for stopping by and commenting!
Thank you so much for your kind words Tamara. I’m glad to hear it doesn’t bother you. I appreciate that you stopped by!
Thank you for the support Maxine! I appreciate it.
That reader feedback helps so much doesn’t it? Thank you for commenting Marilyn! 
Piper, if I’m reading linked books, I actually prefer that there is similar characters in each, I get so much into the story line it’s as if the characters have become family! And I hate when a series ends, lol! 
I am so looking forward to this new book! I love your writing and your characters–and the history I learn from you great research. I love returning to familiar territory, whether it be the same setting or characters, although I do love added characters (especially in romance). I fell in love with your characters from the get-go and really hope I can win this book for the Nook! Thanks for the opportunity, Piper! Bless you!
That’s what I hope to do! I appreciate your kind words Melanie thank you!
There can be a nice familiarity Jackie, it’s true! Thank you so much for stopping by Jackie! 
I love to see the development of characters in linked booked, but also fully enjoy a twist or the introduction of minor characters that end up with their own stories. Karen Kingsbury has mastered this well with the Baxter family and their neighbors, the Flannigans. She eventually spun them into their own 4 book series and it was brilliant. It was neat to see the Baxters pop up in Bailey Flannigan’s story and vice versa. I’m excited to see where you take this series Piper. Enjoy the freedom of your indie work and express your creative bent!
Ah Felicia, you are adding to my TBR pile. Of course I’ve heard of Christian fiction legend Karen Kingbury, but I haven’t read her yet. And she has a Baxter family too! Lol! Thank you so much for your kind words and for commenting! 
I cannot imagine how difficult it is to write a series book- keeping character straight, scenes, towns, families, etc.. Whew… and then the editing and all of this. I learn more each day and I love the comments they are helpful also. Thanks again Piper and fans for insightful information 
Hi Piper, congrats on your release!!! I love reading series books and I think that as long as the characters grow or change with the different situations then I am okay with that.
No problem Cilla! It’s wonderful to remain open to learning! Thank you for your insights and for stopping by!
Thank you for the congrats Tiffany! I appreciate your kind words and that you stopped by!
Congrats Melanie Pike and Felicia! You are my winners for an e-copy of The Mayor’s Mission! Thank you all who left comments!  SNOWFLAKE EGGNOG (the absolute best) 1 gal. Mayfield eggnog 1 (1/2 gal.) Mayfield Vanilla Ice Cream 1 ¼ cup good quality brandy 1 ¼ cup Amaretto di Saronno Liqueur 1 tsp fresh nutmeg Pinch of pumpkin pie spice for garnish in each glass. White sugar crystals to rim glasses (optional) Rim glasses […]
I had this Christmas Day at my brother’s house. I plan to have it again New Year’s Eve right here!
This eggnog looks wonderful. Thanks for the recipe.
I recently discovered a historical recipe for eggnog that has egg but is pre-milk. Afraid to try it.
Wow, this sounds delicious, Maxine. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Marilyn, Thank you for always commenting. I appreciae it so much. You are welcome for the recipe. My sister-in-law gave me this for the PFHT cookbook. She makes a couple of batches every Christmas Day. It “disappears!”
Wow, Walt. I can’t imagine what it would taste like without milk. I think I’ll stick to one with it. Of course Evan Williams makes a good eggnog they sell at the liquor store, but I prefer this one. Thank you, Walt, for your comments!
Hi Carol, I think you said your Christmas was going to be busy. Hope things have settled down. I know you enjoyed it, regardless. I appreciate your comments, Carol.
Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and a happy, healthy and safe New Year.
Hi Marilyn, Thank you for commenting! Yes, I hope everyone has a great holiday, and New Year!
A SPECIAL THANK YOU too my wonderful friend, SUSAN MCLEAN, who let me use a picturte of HER CHRISTMAS TREE this year for my blog.
That tree is definitely nice and stands up straight.
Walt, Thak you for taking time to comment today. I bet your two boys are keeping you busy today! Yes, her trtee is always beautiful. I think mine is too, but it is much smaller. Merry Christmas.
Maxine, thanks for sending out our holiday wishes this year. Hoping everyone had a wonderful Christmas and will have a great 2015!  by Sandra Elzie Can you believe Christmas is only two days away? Where did the year go? This was an unusual year for me…a lot more time on the road and in the air than I originally planned and several things were jammed together to make my life a challenge. By November I was convinced […]
Yes. I overbooked myself this year with too many commitments and am now taking a much needed vacation where I’m relaxing, reading and hopefully writing. In my opinion you can’t get enough vacations. 
I agree that vacations are fantastic…I just need to learn to space them a bit better. One every couple of months seems about right.
Sandy, Oh yes, I get “too much on my plate” quite often. It jus sounds like i good idea and I commit before i can stop myself. Except, of course, this year’s surgeries have forced me to slow down, heal and take my time. Everything happens for the best, so, lately I’ve tried to take that attitude and do what I can. Madison and Wes sound like a couple I will have to read about!
2015 will be a new beginning for me. I’m retiring Jan 2nd and will write full time. I’ve a few things in the works for the year-here’s to getting them done. (Glass raised)
Hi Maxine, Hope you enjoy Madison and Wes’ story.
Oh Connie!!!!! Congratulations on retiring!!! I remember my own retirement day very well. I told my boss for a year…a whole year (!) that I would be retiring on August 5, 2005…but he was in denial for over 6 months. lol  Snickerdoodles are crispy, crunchy cookies coated with cinnamon and sugar, perfect for dunking in coffee or tea or milk. Snickerdoodles are NOT health food. Some days I grind organic wheat berries and make 100% pure and wholesome whole grain yeast bread. Other days I pull out the Crisco and white flour and make snickerdoodles. I […]
I’ve never had a snickerdoodle before but I love cinnamon cookies. Thanks for the recipe.
Snickerdoodles may be my favorite all time cookie, though white chocolate macadamia nut is up there, too
The very first thing I learned to make! Snicker doodles will always hold a special place in my heart. Thanks Pam!
I LOVE Snickerdoodles. Thank you so much for the recipe.
Pam, I apoloize. I missed this yesterday, but I’m absolutely printing this out today! Thanks for the great recipe! |
by Carol Burnside
I will miss the Petit Fours and Hot Tamales. Happy New Year to all my blogging sisters and brother and thank you to our followers. See you in 2015 on our Street Team.
Congratulations on Having such a successful blog. I am late joining and I have loved every bit of it. I will look forward to individual postings from everyone. Continued Success and Blessings in the New Year
It was definitely fun. Happy New Year to all!
I will also miss PF&HT…it’s usually the first thing I do when I sit down at my computer. (sigh)
I hope everyone has a fun and safe New Year’s Eve tonight and I pray that 2015 will be a blessing to all.
It’s bittersweet saying goodbye to the blog, but I’m out there in the cyber world if anyone wants to say hello.
Contact me at: http://www.facebook.com/authorconstancegillam
website:constancegillam.com
Guys! I’m tearing up over here. May 2015 bring you love and laughter and all the words.
Will miss this online community, but will always feel connected to PFHTers, past and present!
Sally,
I know. It’s a new beginning, but it’s really sad. Thanks for commenting. Hope 2015 is a wonderful year for you and for everyone of the past and present Petit Fours and Hot Tamales and our readers.
It was my honor to be featured as a guest on your blog and I’ve enjoyed so many posts over the years– thank you! And best of luck in your individual publishing journeys!
I do want to point out that “All Good Things…” was the title of the last episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (at least I think it was). That still led to spin-offs and movies.
Oh, my friends, I will miss you! My resolution, not just a New Year’s one, but one I made recently and is to write “something” daily. Wish me luck. You can reach me at http://www.maxine-davis.com and Twitter, MaxineDav. Good luck, good fortune and good health to all . . .
I forgot to put up my contact information. I can be found at http://waltmussell.blogspot.com/
Blessings to all as we grow and develop in a new way in 2015!
I’ve added the additional contact info to the post for Walt, Connie and Maxine.
Cilla, thanks for your sentiments and your readership. We will miss all who commented.
Sally, thanks for dropping by. We still miss you around here!
Amy, we enjoyed having you guest with us. Best of luck to you as well!
I look forward to visiting with all the PFHTers on our new street team loop! Have a happy, healty and prosperous 2015, everyone!
As an original member of PFHT,I echo the sentiments expressed above and like Sally (and probably most of you), I’m tearing up, too. It was a great run. The years I spent here are full of happy memories and I feel close to every member.
I wish the blog could go on forever, but life changes. Hopefully wonderful things are in store ahead for all of us.
Love you all!
Thanks for dropping in, Linsey. We miss you! Hugs!!!