Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 11-16-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Wanted: new Energy Fairies for Suzanne and book club reader Misty Eubank.

Job requirements: full time, ready to work 24/7 and just in case, built-in emergency back up batteries. Must love multi-tasking, skipping meals, little time for exercise, or lounging in a chair with your feet up, and be willing to work over time on holidays--sort of a work-till-you drop commitment. A cheery disposition is a must, no complaining, no sick days allowed, and absolutely no long bubble baths--only showers--they're quicker.

Okay, so the Want Ad may be wishful thinking, but Misty and I really do need a little help.

"Dear Suzanne, I must admit I was so surprised when I read your column today [about how an acupuncturist is helping you with anxiety]. You never appear to be anxious in your columns and I confess that in the past, I have been envious of your seeming ability to juggle cooking, gardening, writing, grandkids, husband, etc. effortlessly. I am a woman about the same age as you and I CANNOT DO ALL OF THAT!!!! The energy fairy has left the building. So while I am sympathetic to your anxiety, at the same time I am somewhat reassured that you are not 'Super Woman' and neither am I. Thanks for sharing this story. I needed to hear it. Now if I could just find a good acupuncturist."

...Misty Eubank

(Suzanne replies)

Dear Misty,

Sounds like you have trouble with your energy fairy, too. Isn't it frustrating? I know the feeling. Frequently Ms. Energy Fairy and I need to have a little heart-to-heart about why she isn't holding up her responsibilities. As far as I'm concerned it's Ms. Energy Fairy's job to be charged and ready to roll on a moment's notice. Just because I've dealt with a stressful problem earlier in the day and I'm feeling emotionally drained, she better find a way to make sure I'm perky, perky, perky all day long. We each have a job to do. Mine is to see how many activities I can stuff into one day, Ms. Energy Fancy-pants is suppose to make sure I have enough energy to do them. "No excuses," I tell her. Make friends with the Energizer Bunny, offer to do his laundry, or give him a foot rub--his feet must be killing him by the end of the day. I don't care what it takes, my Energy Fairy better be charged and ready for whatever and whenever I want to do something. Yet, I assure you she isn't, but we can still dream, can't we?

If your Energy Fairy has been letting you down, here's a great book I discovered, The Power of Pause: Becoming More by Doing Less by Terry Hershey. I love the book, it's on my holiday list to buy for friends and I have 12 copies to give away to readers. To enter the drawing, go to: http://tinyurl.com/ygs9mxw

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these are five that deserve your attention: Barbara Pope, Cezanne's Quarry; Graham Garrison, Hero's Tribute; Shannon Van Roekel, Desert Fire; Jean Davies Okimoto, The Love Ceiling; and Tim Downs, Ends of the Earth. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

* This month's Penguin Classics book is Under The Sea-Wind by Rachel Carson. To comment on the book and get some holiday recipes from Suzanne, go to: http://tinyurl.com/NovClassics

Dear Reader Column 11-13-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

From my Email Bag:

"Hi Suzanne! I love your Crock Pot Dressing and it has become a requested dish at Thanksgiving around here! I made it the past two (or 3?) years and I plan to make it again. It is great for so many reasons: you can prepare it quickly, it doesn't take up space in the oven or cooktop, it is fresh (and it tastes that way!)--I may have to make it today!"--Julie Kuntze

"Suzanne, I wanted to tell you that my grandmother did just what you described in (Wednesday's column). She extended her already big table out with card tables. I have such fond memories of helping her set her table and stealing black olives. She finally started buying extra to put out just before the meal, knowing her granddaughters were going eat or wear as finger hats the bowl of olives she'd set out earlier. In addition, I have made your Crock Pot stuffing and it was delicious. Thanks for writing! It is a pleasure reading with you."--Fondly, Kate

"Good morning Suzanne, I'm having 22 people for Thanksgiving dinner this year and was also wondering where to put them. That's the most I've had in several years. I love your idea of 'extending' the dining room table and will definitely try to do something like that for my family. The younger kids just hate having to be at a separate table than the grown-ups! I will DEFINITELY be making your Crock Pot Dressing again this year. I've been making it every year since I discovered it--at least four, maybe even five, years ago. My family loves that recipe even more than the one that was handed down for a couple of generations in our family. And, it gives me a great opportunity to tell them about you and the book club! We have a few newcomers this year so I'll be singing your praises once again. Enjoy Thanksgiving with your family and friends! I know I will."--Kim Vander Wyst,

You'll find my Crock Pot Dressing and other recipes at: http://tinyurl.com/yuf6aq

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

KIDSBUZZ: This week brings stories from young adult authors who write novels that fill the silence that surrounds topics that affect teens. Meet Laurie Halse Anderson, Wintergirls; Nina LaCour, Hold Still; Jay Asher, Thirteen Reasons Why; and Gayle Forman, If I Stay. Go to: http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

* This month's Penguin Classics book is Under The Sea-Wind by Rachel Carson. To comment on the book and get some holiday recipes from Suzanne, go to: http://tinyurl.com/NovClassics

 

Dear Reader Column 11-12-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Inviting friends and even strangers to Thanksgiving Dinner has been a long-standing tradition for me. When my father was alive, it irritated him to no end that people who weren't "family" were sitting at our Thanksgiving dinner table. But I actually went looking for folks who were going to be home alone on Thanksgiving and I'd invite them over for dinner. That tradition continues today. The same day I begin working on my Thanksgiving menu, is also the day I start keeping my eyes and ears open for the opportunity to ask, "What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year?"

It's funny how things work out. I've always crossed paths with just the right number of people, so there's plenty of food and plenty of room to seat everyone. But I suppose one of these days things could get out of hand, maybe even a little comical. The idea of purposely looking for strangers to invite to Thanksgiving dinner, I think it would make a wonderful Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special, or maybe even a children's book.

Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and Snoopy have made plans to celebrate Thanksgiving together, but the week before the big day, Charlie Brown keeps meeting people who are going to be eating dinner alone. So of course he extends an invitation, and the dinner list keeps growing and growing. As the guest list grows, so does the need for more food. The gang has to keep making trips to the grocery store to buy more ingredients, and then they realize they'll need more chairs. When they start knocking on neighbors' doors asking to borrow chairs, they discover more people who'll be dining alone, so they invite them too. By the time the fourth Thursday in November rolls around sixty-eight people are coming to dinner.

Where do you seat sixty-eight people? It's eclectic table seating: dinner guests are perched on hat boxes, dining on the treadmill, eating dinner in bed (six people can comfortably dine on top of a queen size mattress), sitting on the front porch stoop, the upstairs hallway gives a nice view, dinner on top of Snoopy's dog house, three can fit in the claw foot bath tub, overturned dresser drawers make intimate tables for two, and the oversized chandelier seats four (but you have to eat quickly, because the bulbs start getting a little toasty by the time you're eating your pumpkin pie).

Yes, a house filled with family, friends and even a few strangers--that's what I'll be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: Steven Arterburn and Nancy Rue, Healing Sands; Charles Brokaw, The Atlantis Code; Jennie Shortridge, When She Flew; Anthony Flacco, The Road Out of Hell: Sanford Clark and the True Story of the Wineville Murders; Susan May Warren, The Great Christmas Bowl. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

* This month's Penguin Classics book is Under the Sea-Wind by Rachel Carson. To comment on the book and get some holiday recipes from Suzanne, go to: http://tinyurl.com/NovClassics

Dear Reader Column 11-11-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Fourteen people are coming to Thanksgiving dinner this year and I'm thrilled about it! Cooking the big dinner is fun and I'm not one bit worried about the menu, even though a couple of friends are vegetarians. This year's menu covers everyone's favorites, even James, my one-year-old grandson. We discovered a couple of months ago that James loves Grandma's deviled eggs. It's a messy meal, but no problem, especially in the warm Florida temperatures. When James is finished eating, we just take him outside and hose him off. James' favorite food, a bath outdoors and spending time at Grandma and Grandpa's house, what more could a little boy want.

When I picture Thanksgiving dinner in my mind, I see all fourteen of us seated around my old oak dining room table. But I'm pretty sure my table won't be big enough this year, even with the two extra leaves added in the center. I thought about setting up smaller tables around the house, but there's something magical about everyone sitting together at one table. So I've decided to move the sofa and keep extending the dinner table, with as many card tables covered in linens as it takes, so we're all together.

If you're planning your menu, you might consider my Crock Pot Dressing. Even though I buy a 23-pound bird, it's never big enough to hold all of the stuffing. So I always make my dressing in the crock pot instead. If you've tried the recipe, I'd love to hear from you. For the Crock Pot Dressing recipe, go to: http://tinyurl.com/27y4rg

*Be sure to check out our new KIDSBUZZ link. It's right after today's column.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

KIDSBUZZ: This week brings stories from young adult authors who write novels that fill the silence that surrounds topics that affect teens. Meet Laurie Halse Anderson, Wintergirls; Nina LaCour, Hold Still; Jay Asher, Thirteen Reasons Why; and Gayle Forman, If I Stay. Go to: http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

* This month's Penguin Classics book is Under The Sea-Wind by Rachel Carson. To comment on the book and get some holiday recipes from Suzanne, go to: http://tinyurl.com/NovClassics

 

Dear Reader Column 10-26-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Hello, hello, it's so good to be back from vacation! I missed you!

This year I booked a staycation. I stayed at home for my entire vacation, but I planned an itinerary in advance to ensure I'd be relaxed and entertained. Originally my idea was to get up every morning and go out in the community searching for a story. Say hello to strangers, find an exciting story every day, and type it up--deadline midnight! The idea sounded intriguing initially and my adrenaline was pumping, but the closer it got to day one of my vacation, the more it started feeling like I was planning a working vacation. So I nixed that idea in exchange for these.

1. Spend an afternoon on Siesta Key Beach.

2. Set up a table downtown on Main Street with a sign: "Writer looking for stories" and see what kinds of interesting people I'd meet. I realized it was "iffy" whether or not I needed a permit to set up a table and chair on a public sidewalk, but I figured even if I got arrested I'd certainly be guaranteed one good jailhouse story along with a mug shot I could share with you.

3. Invite my family to an Eat-and-Run dinner. (Eat-and-Run means after they finish eating they don't have to stick around, just say thanks and head out the door.) Scattering Eat and Run dinners in-between normal dinner invitations means we find the time to get together more often.

4. Spend time with my grandchildren.

5. Hang outdoor Christmas lights.

Every year, for the past four years, I've announced to myself that I was going to string Christmas lights over my bushes and palm trees, and every year for the past four years, I haven't put up one single strand of lights. I realize putting up Christmas lights before Thanksgiving is a social faux pas, so surely stringing Christmas lights before Halloween must be an outright holiday transgression. That's why I chose the color purple.

Purple covers any possible social gaffes--at least this year--because New York fashion designers have designated purple (Purple Heart, Pantone color 18-3520) as one of the "in" colors for Fall 2009. And since the first day of Fall was on September 22nd and winter doesn't officially begin in the Northern Hemisphere until precisely 7:42 a.m. EST on December 21, my yard is legally covered in Christmas lights even though it's only October 26th, and it's wearing the latest fashion trend!

Tune in tomorrow for more vacation escapades and I'll be giving away vacation souvenirs. It's so good to be back!

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: James D. Stein, The Right Decision; Linda Lael Miller, A Creed Country Christmas; Terri DuLong, Spinning Forward; Laura Brodie, The Widow's Season; and Terry Brennan, The Sacred Cipher. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 07-03-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Happy 4th! (tomorrow) to readers in the U.S.

Mary reads at the book clubs and her response to this past Wednesday's column about how my husband and I have been fixing up our house, even though we're not planning on selling, reminded me of a life lesson. Many times what I'd been searching for was right there, in front of me, all along.

"Oh Suzanne, you and I (and maybe HGTV) are on the same path. I usually spruce up my house just before I sell it, but this time I am doing that and more just for me. When I used to look at homes for sale I'd always think how cute they would be with just some minor alterations. When I bought, I usually figured that eventually it would be my 'dream home'...you know....that personal retreat with all the touches of home that spell 'serenity' when you walk in the door? But somehow I have never made it to that goal. I'd end up moving instead.

Last year I wanted to move again but with the economy the way it is, my house did not sell. That made me stop and think about all the reasons I fell in love with this house to begin with and all the plans I once had for it. Well now I am working on those plans: landscaping, skylights, room remodel etc. The feeling of contentment and satisfaction is priceless and I get to keep all the great neighbors. Good luck with all your plans."-- Mary

If you missed the column, find it at: http://tinyurl.com/kvw6f6

Today's note made me smile and have an aha moment. My wife is an HGTV junkie; I'm trying to find a support group for her. Anyway, she has been on the same kick of fixing everything up, and she did mention we should fix up our house like we were going to sell it. So in a month she has painted our kitchen, dinning room, master bedroom. Which means I've had to redo trim and put up new light fixtures? Now we've moved to the outside. So as you can see that's why I need to find her a support group. Actually it's been fun and our house and yard are starting to have that 'Designed to Sell' look."--Mike

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

 

Dear Reader Column 07-02-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Skunk Beans, Siesta Key Hats, Money Mazes, if you've never entered one of my weekly giveaways, you should. Someone always wins and it might as well be you. Ruth was one of the winners in last week's Money Maze giveaway and since she lives in Sarasota, just like me, I'm delivering her prize in person.

My Skunk Bean recipe is on the back of our new Book Club Calling Card. Help spread the word about your book club. Enter today's drawing for a leather calling card holder filled with cards that promote the book clubs. Hand them out to your family and friends. Thanks for spreading the word. I sure do appreciate it. To enter today's drawing (I have 5 calling card holders for readers) and to see the lucky Siesta Key Hat winner from Tuesday's column, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/hats063009.html

From my Email Bag:

"Dear Suzanne, I made your Skunk Bean recipe yesterday for a church dinner and they went over big. I only had a little to bring back home with me, but what I brought home was enough for my son and me, and we both loved them. So different from your ordinary baked beans. Love it! By the way I made a double batch."--Always a Reader, Loretta Blimline

*You'll find the Skunk Bean recipe at:
http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/users/susandemo/mweb/path1-23.html

"Dear Suzanne, I have printed the Weekend Crossword Puzzle and plan to enter. I very seldom win anything but I really, really like that Money Maze. It would be perfect to send my grandson for his 20th birthday on July 8. Of course with a little gift inside! I also live in Sarasota, so I would truly appreciate knowing where you purchased it. My walking is limited and this would eliminate going to umpteen toy stores before I would find it. I have been a fan of your column for several years and can honestly say you give me more chuckles and smiles than a lot of people. Thank you."--Ruth Farello

(Response from Suzanne:)

Ruth, I'll personally be knocking on your door soon, with your winning Money Maze!

"Thanks for the fabulous Siesta Key hat as well for the books you introduce us to, and the inspiring and funny daily column--it's my favorite part of the morning!! Hugs from your devoted reader."--Sabine

*Be sure to enter today's drawing, go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/hats063009.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: Nate Kenyon, The Bone Factory; Emilie Richards, Happiness Key; Carla Neggers, The Mist; Hank Phillippi Ryan, Prime Time; and Gaelen Foley, My Wicked Marquess. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

Dear Reader Column 06-22-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Mary, a reader at the book club, sent me a "just because" email a few days ago and I think I've read it six times already. Sounds kind of silly as I'm writing this down, I mean how much puffing up does a person need? But I had an emotionally rough go of it the other day, and reading Mary's email reminded me that I'm not such a bad person. So I lightened up on myself.

I've created a computer file for emails like Mary's. Emails that are so sweetly and generously written they felt like a Hallmark card the first time I read them, so I save them for a rainy day. Birthday, anniversary, congratulation cards, I'm very thankful friends remember me, but it's the cards and notes that people have sent to me "just because" that I never forget. Thank you Mary.

From my Email Bag:

"Hi, Suzanne, Nothing specific today, just a general happy feeling of gratitude that I wanted to share. Your musings are such a delightful addition to my mornings. Really. Between your ability to laugh at yourself and recognize the human condition we all share, your kindness to animals, your cookie (and pie!)--baking abilities, your generosity and openness with your readers...well, I'm just so grateful to have you to 'tune-in to' every weekday morning. You brighten up my world, Suzanne and you improve my perspective, too. What a gift. Thank you. XOXO,"--Mary

I have "just because" giveaways for readers today. Aprons, books, journals, cookie droppers, (like the one I use when I make chocolate chip cookies) enter today's fun "Just Because Giveaway" go to: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/contest062209.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Gratefully,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: George Rabasa, The Wonder Singer; Joanna Hershon, The German Bride; Pamela Samuels Young, Murder on the Down Low; Steffan Postaer, The Happy Soul Industry; and Sabrina Jeffries, Wed Him Before You Bed Him, Book 6. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 06-18-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I'm the girl who'd rather be a server at a fancy party, than one of the guests.

I'm the girl whose New Year's Resolution 20 years ago was to make a good friend. (No violins for me. I knew folks, but I didn't have one of those really close friends I'd heard so much about, so I decided to get me one.)

I'm not a social butterfly, actually a little bit of a recluse, which is probably one of the reasons I'm a writer.

There's my list, and the reason I'm sharing it with you is to qualify why I seem to be a late bloomer in all of this online, social networking business.

Yes, I'm on Facebook, have posted on YouTube, have a page at MySpace and last week I even started Twittering. But the truth is I haven't quite caught on to the social networking wave yet because finding the time is a problem.

"How 'do' people find the time?" That's my question for you today. After I do my work, brush my teeth, load the washer, feed the cats, bake some cookies, pull weeds in the garden, read a book, watch the 'Mentalist,' spend time with my husband and grandchildren--the list goes on and on--there's barely enough time to shave my legs.

So do me a favor and share your social networking secrets with me. You'll find me at:

http://twitter.com/SuzanneBeecher

http://www.facebook.com/DearReader.com.SuzanneBeecher

http://www.myspace.com/dear_reader

But email is still my first choice, so feel free to continue to hit the reply key and you'll always find me that way, too.

If you're a social butterfly, please post this link to the book clubs and help spread the word. I sure would appreciate it.

http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/users/734/mweb/path25-3.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Win free copies of books you'll read and never forget from these terrific authors: Fran Cannon Slayton, When the Whistle Blows; Lev Raphael, My Germany; Susan May Warren, Nothing but Trouble; Mindy Friddle, Secret Keepers; and Judy Rodgers and Gayatri Naraine, Something Beyond Greatness. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 06-11-09

Join my email book club. Over 350,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Just when I thought the party was over (way over, since my birthday was two weeks ago) one last gift was delivered to my door. A festive box filled with white cheddar and caramel popcorn, almonds, chocolate, cookies, and taffy, wrapped in bright striped paper, with a note on the outside of the box, "Happy Belated Birthday! Best wishes, Doreen."

It was the absolute best assortment of treats I've ever received, no kidding. Even my husband commented on the goodies as he was helping himself to the caramel corn--it's his favorite.

One last hurrah two weeks later, I'm sold on the idea of having at least one friend who never sends my card or gift on time. And that's exactly what I wrote in my thank you note to Doreen, (hoping she'd take the hint and volunteer). But in her reply, Doreen told me she's been the Queen of Belated Birthday Gifts for years. It all happened quite by accident. Here's her story:

"I'd always try and pick the perfect gift for my nieces and nephews when they were younger. It started out easy because when they were little anything was a hit, and I saw them a great deal, so I knew their personalities. But as they got older and I saw them less, finding the perfect gift was a lot of pressure. How could I please my niece who at three got drums from me that she loved, (my sister didn't but that's another story) or my oldest nephew, who when he turned 21, received an embarrassing photo album with pictures I'd snapped over the years. My procrastination got even worse when I had to start mailing gifts instead of bringing them in person. The birthday circled on my calendar would come and go and I'd still be searching for the perfect gift."

But now Doreen's tardiness has become a tradition and family members, especially her nephew Kyle, would be disappointed if her gifts actually arrived on time. "Now I know my birthday is officially over because I received your gift."

Personally, I've always felt bad standing in front of the Belated Birthday card section, looking for that special card to make amends. But not anymore. Isn't it amazing how Doreen took something that's usually a negative, feel bad about yourself thing, and turned it into an idea that just might leave folks clamoring to become the designated Belated Birthday Gift Sender.

If you're reading this Doreen don't forget me next year--but make it at least three weeks late next time. You know how I love to keep the party going.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.DearReader.com

AUTHORBUZZ: New authors, old favorites--all wonderful books you can win: Tom Sullivan, Alive Day; T.L. Hines, Faces in the Fire; Ninni Holmqvist, The Unit; Jeanette Windle, Veiled Freedom; and Jeanne Adams, Dark and Deadly. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader