The Most Craziest Time of the Year

I'm a bit stressed. November flew by, and December is here. That means Christmas is now less than a month away.

I work in retail, so this time of year gets crazy at my day job. Our business doubles, even triples some days. I enjoy being busy, but keeping up with deadlines can be hectic! Not to mention, the orders get more complicated and take more time to do, since people like to give shadowboxes as gifts. I usually end up sewing and pinning things until I can't feel my fingertips!

I always have grand plans on things I want to give as gifts. I want to crochet scarves and hats, draw portraits, make jewelry. And yet, every year, I find myself scrambling to make things at the last minute, or breaking down and buying something instead.

Apparently, I suck when it comes to planning.

However, one present I am giving myself this year is the completion of a holiday short story, which Sapphire Blue has picked up for publication. I've always wanted to write a holiday story, but never forced myself to take the time for follow through. We are in the editing process, and hope to have it out later this month. I can't wait to see what they come up with for the cover!

I'll share more as the details come in!

And now, on to more craziness...

Christle
http://www.christlegray.com

What I'm Thankful For

Thanksgiving is almost here. The time where everyone is supposed to stop and take a moment to count their blessings.

With the stress of everyday living these days, I find it increasingly difficult to stop and smell the roses. This time of year is especially hectic in my retail day job. Longer hours, looming deadlines. More to do and less time to do it.

But at least I have a job to be stressed over. So many people don't even have that right now. Even when I want to pull my hair out, I make myself stop and take some deep breaths, because not having this job would give me a whole new set of problems.

Having a full time job with a commute does make the process of being a prolific writer a tad difficult, though. My time is very limited outside of work. And my husband has a multitude of health problems that keep us busy going to the doctor.

Despite all this, I know I'm blessed. I have a job. I have a home. I have a wonderful husband who's been madly in love with me since we were seventeen years old. I found a great publisher who believes in me and my work (when I can get it done-LOL) And through them, I have a fabulous group of author friends who keep me somewhat sane and definitely laughing.

And I'm thankful for readers who buy and read my books. Just today, I looked and found that my first release, Second Chances, is #2 on Sapphire Blue's contemporary list, and Summon Me Swiftly is #4 in the Romance/Erotic category.

I really do have alot to be thankful for!