Friday, 4 December 2015

Hi Everyone:

Here we are at last; it is the final month of the current year, and for most it is a busy time indeed. If you are a football fan, like me, it is the time of year when we get to watch the best of the season's play. It's time for college playoffs and pro-football's final contests leading up to February's Super- Bowl. I'd mention that winter begins on the 22nd but here in South Florida I think it came and went last week.

But of course it is much, more; on Sunday Dec. 6th Hanukkah begins. My Catholic spouse has already placed our menorah on a table in the living-room and for eight nights I'll light another candle and recite the Hebrew blessing as we honor this festival of lights that recalls how 2,000-years ago, the family Maccabee led our people against a Syrian tyrant king (sound familiar?) who had conquered the holy-land and forbade the practice of Judaism.

Before the day arrives when all eight candles are finally lit, my wife will have our tree fully decorated and empty stockings strategically placed to remind us of the gifts to come when Christmas day arrives on the twenty-fifth. Our son, Casey, still sort of believes in the jolly old fellow who delivers all the goodies, and yes, we celebrate both holidays at our house. You can enjoy my favorite holiday short story in the Current Post section of my website at: http://joshtruxton.blogspot.com

We don't however celebrate Kwanzaa, which starts the day after Christmas and runs until New Years Day. We probably would if Danielle and Casey had their way. I guess by now, it's occurred to you that we are big on celebrating happy occasions. Kwanzaa is a wonderful celebration of African-American cultural values and traditions.

I had hoped to participate in The Author's Showcase scheduled for January 10th at the Delray Beach Public Library, but unfortunately I was given the wrong deadline for submission of my novel, Alex, Peanut Butter and Me, so while I'll probably attend, I won't be able to speak until 2017. That, of course, won't prevent you from purchasing my novel, which makes a great gift, at your local book store. It helps if you give them this ISBN number: 978-1-63066-062-8. If you'd prefer an e-book you can upload it at: www.amazon.com or for Nook users at: http://www.barnesandnoble.com

I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your loyalty in following my blog and to wish you and yours the happiest of holidays.
         Josh