Merry Christmas in July

by Shirley Hailstock

You all know I write romance. People say it's escapist fiction. I never really thought of it that way because so many of our stories are based in truth. Now that the world is in such a crisis, I've been overdosing on The Hallmark Channel and the Christmas movies, escaping to a place that's safe and people fall in love.



Many of the movies have the same or similar plots. I love the Christmas weddings ones because I love weddings. Christmas at the Waldorf doesn't involve a wedding, but I could watch it over and over. I've been to the Waldorf for a Christmas party that Harlequin (my publisher) threw and it's just as majestic as the movie portrays. I have wonderful memories of that party.



Visiting places is off the priority list at this time, but if you get a chance to visit the Waldorf, don't pass it up. I've also been visiting places virtually that are free for the moment; the Louvre in France, several museums and art galleries.




My library gives me access to free courses in a variety of subjects through Lynda.com. I love taking advantage of free education.




They are practicing Social-Distancing even in a virtual environment.

What about you? What are you doing to filter some of the news? Be safe. Wear Masks. Wash your hangs.

And as always, keep reading.


Comments

  1. The way I filter the news? Turn it off. :-) But every night I read a couple of hours, usually not to a safe place since I read suspense. lol But justice always prevails. My life hasn't changed much because as a writer, I have deadlines so I've been sheltering in. Of course the deadline has still slipped up on me.

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    1. My deadline slipped too. I don't listen to the news, but find that the vircus infor comes at me from all directions. It's on the computer when I sign on. Every letter that comes through the mail (bills included) has that as the first them. The newsletters I read talk about it. Even my blog didn't mention it by name, but it's there.

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  2. We need romance and travel now more than ever! I've been armchair traveling, too, and saving up the money I would typically have spent on eating out and running around. I'm hoping for some great weekend trips next year.

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    1. I don't eat out much. Even now, I cook rather than ordering for pickup. In "normal" times, it take a lot less energy and effort to prepare a salad (one of my favorite dishes), than to go out and pick up food. More writing time.

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  3. I have great memories of past trips and although I'd love to check off another destination on my bucket list, I'm beginning to accept the fact that there won't be any out of country trips for a long time. That said, hanging with family continues to be a wonderful substitute.

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    1. I am a fan of road trips, but I probably won't be taking any of those for a few years. I'm a homebody and love being home. I have many hobbies and things I like to do. As long as I can go out and get food and meds, I'm OK.

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  4. Reading has always been an escape and an adventure for me, and now more than ever. I've been gardening more this summer, and things are coming along nicely. Two zucchini in a pot on the deck, and I wasn't sure I could grow zucchini here. We walk in the park to see the wildflowers and watch the goslings and ducklings grow up. Life is good.

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    1. Please help me out with the zucchini. I have 4 (stalks, don't know what to call it). I looked up how to cook it, but am not sure if I want it. I made three loaves of Zucchini bread. It was loved by my daughter. We're on the last one now and I still have the 4 (whatever) that I don't want to spoil. So what's a good way tot cook them? Thanks.

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    2. Caramelize sliced onions in a pan of butter. Add sliced zucchini and tomatoes. Let it cook down a little. Sprinkle shredded cheese (mozz or mild cheddar is nice) and let it melt on top. Fresh herbs of your choice, I like fresh basil. My favorite summer veggie dish. I've also made it in a package of aluminum foil and put on the grill. It gets mushy and yummy. Pairs great with steak or chicken.

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  5. Thanks, Shirley. We do find ways to adjust! I've been reading a lot, talking to friends and family, writing and researching for new projects, streaming series, staying engaged in current issues and doing what I can while trying to stay optimistic. Just this afternoon I did a little reminiscing about a previous trip. I'm also following my grandson's baseball games through an app that simulates the plays--not quite like being there, but it will do for now. Life is pretty easy for me since I work at home and live alone, but I feel for those facing tough decisions about schools and family during this unusual time.

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    1. I work from home, but have a school age child. We are now facing what to do about September and school opening. I'm torn. The kids don't do well without the regiment of school. Who knew? It's not like being on vacation.

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  6. Right now I'm avoiding the news as much as possible. We don't have cable, so it's mostly a case of not looking at internet news sources and not getting on social media any more than necessary. With a book due before long, I don't want that kind of negativity. Exercise, gardening, writing and reading are favorite escapes...and indulging in a little BBC programming. But my favorite escapes are environmental DVDs--cascading waterfalls and streams, with birds and water sounds or ocean scenes with crashing waves.

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  7. I do enjoy the armchair travels, but I long to get "back on the road." I do watch the news because I want a broader scope on the things that are happening, but I do admit it can get discouraging. Stay safe, Shirley!

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  8. Summer insists on her time of glory, so I attend her outdoor galas. Like the seasons, this upheaval too shall pass. And our stories will still be here. Best!

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  9. Reading the news instead of watching it has helped me. Even listening to news radio in the car stresses me out these days. With my children always in the car with me these days, any rare excursion in the car is a fun event complete with Disney songs on the radio.

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