Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 12-15-06

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

I baked two dozen chocolate chip cookies for Ms. Hall's 5th grade Math Class. Not only did her 23 students learn long division this week, they also learned how to "dunk" Suzanne's famous homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Ms. Hall (Crystal) reads at the book club, and she was one of the winners of November's Chocolate Chip Give Away:

"Suzanne, I am an elementary math teacher in need of some cookies for my students. I told my students about my book club and the competition and they thought entering sounded like a yummy opportunity (and it's getting them out of a little class time while we formulate a response).

We have entered the dreaded world of LONG DIVISION! Who doesn't need cookies after dividing dozens of division problems? But we have done the math...24 cookies divided by 23 students plus 1 teacher equals 1 cookie per person which equals a very yummy day of division.

Plus, if I don't win these cookies I promised my students I would make some myself. After several cooking misadventures already, my students are not exactly eager for MY cooking. Regardless, you have a wonderful column. I enjoy it each day and anticipate the next week's selection. You are a joy!"

Sincerely, Crystal Hall AKA Ms. H. (to my students)

(Suzanne responds:)

Math was always a major challenge for me. Divide this into that, carry the two, borrow from the zero--that's really a 10. How could I "not" bake for these kids?

To see a photo of Ms. Hall and her 23 long division experts, go to:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/chips.html

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

Happy Holidays,

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

Dear Reader Column 12-14-06

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

She inspires me and doesn't even know it. Every day when I walk by her house I look and see what she's been up to. It's not a competitive sort of thing--comparing her flower garden to mine. No, not at all. Instead, it's motivating. What a creative woman (or man...I don't know which, because I've never seen the gardener in action). But looking at her flower garden always inspires me to go home and make things beautiful in my own.

Gardening in Florida is year round and sometimes the plant cycle is a bit confusing. If I'm worried that some of my penta are looking a little ragged and I can't figure out what the problem is, it's comforting to see that the leaves are browning on some of her plants, too. Looking at her garden reminds me that it's just that time of year. It's simply the cycle of flowers. And before the end of the week, my gardening friend and I have both cut back the dangling penta, so in a month they'll look as good as new again.

It's funny how we do seem to be on the same gardening cycle. I'll get the urge to trim and thin out my plants and the next day, when I walk by her house, lo and behold, she must have been cutting back some plants too, because her clippings are sitting out at the curb.

I'm sure we'd hit it off because our gardens could easily be transplanted into each other's yards. Isn't it strange? She's my gardening friend, such an inspiration to me, but we've never met, so she doesn't even know it.

Maybe it's time to meet the gardener. So tomorrow, instead of just walking by...knock, knock. "I love your flower garden. Who's the gardener?"

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

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

AUTHORBUZZ: Just in time for the holidays, presents for readers--signed free books from these terrific authors: Stan Pottinger, The Boss; Kate Zuckerman, The Sweet Life; Michele Turk, Blood, Sweat and Tears: An Oral History of the American Red Cross; and Dora Levy Mossanen, Harem. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 12-13-06

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

It's the same old thing every year. I vow that I'm not going to get carried away with holiday "have-to's," but eventually I talk myself into them. Literally.

The other day when I was making my mental list, it started out like this:

I have to send Christmas cards.

I have to bake holiday cookies.

I have to buy my granddaughter Christmas and birthday presents.

I have to figure out the menu for Christmas dinner.

And the list went on and on, and when it finally ended, I let out a big sigh. I was tired and felt overwhelmed, but I hadn't even done anything except think about the things I wanted to do.

And that's the difference. I "want" to do these things, so why am I telling myself I "have" to do these things? When I write, I try to carefully choose my words and lately I've been thinking I should edit myself a little bit more when I'm saying words out loud, too.

The truth is I do enjoy writing notes to friends in their Christmas cards, and it's even fun to pick out the stamps. Last year I chose the Muppets, they made me smile. Making Christmas cookies, planning my holiday dinner--I love to cook. It's really a pleasure.

And buying my granddaughter's birthday presents, I picked out all the things I loved when I was her age. Nothing fancy or expensive, but I think she'll like them, too. A jewelry box with a ballet dancer that turns along with the music when you open up the lid, a necklace, pajamas, a diary with a lock (she has a little brother), and some art materials. There were 12 items when I finished and I wrapped each one--including the art pens--individually, but all in the same pink checkered paper. Then I put a different handmade ribbon on each of them. I even wove two different colored ribbons all over one of the wrapped packages. I had as much fun decorating them as I think she'll have opening them.

And you know what? I'm glad that I "have to" do it all again next year, because I want to.

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 12-12-07

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

"Chapter One: Bottom of the Bucket."

Who wouldn't want to read on? I always root for the underdog and author Stephanie Doyon definitely won me over right away in the first chapter of her debut novel The Greatest Man In Cedar Hole. Stephanie's a "cheerleader" for the book club and she reads along with us every day.

"Suzanne, thanks so much for all the work you're doing to bring books and readers together. I hope you'll enjoy this book as much as I enjoy your book club. I'm sending 10 signed copies for readers. Best wishes,"--Stephanie Doyon

Stephanie is a wonderful storyteller and she captures all of the "good stuff" in everyday, ordinary, people. If you're still shopping, her book would make a wonderful gift and there's a Reading Group Discussion Guide in the back, and an interview with the author, too. I have ten signed copies for readers, no need to do anything special, just drop me a line and I'll do a random drawing.

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

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

P.S. When you're sending out your holiday cards, please include a note and link to the book clubs. Thanks so much.

Dear Reader Column 12-11-06

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Last night I had to get up in the middle of the night to write down some notes for a column. It was a refreshing sleep interruption, because for the past week the writing part of my brain has been missing.

Those little entertaining pieces of nonsense that normally skedaddle through my head--I was so ill last week that they all dried up and disappeared. But this morning I could tell that something was different. I knew I was getting better because when I looked over at the water glass sitting next to my bed, I was contemplating writing a humorous column about it. But two days ago, all I could think about was that someone might ask me to get out of bed and wash the glass and I didn't have the energy to do it.

It's so good to be on the mend and it was quite nice to be missed, too.

"Suzanne, there are 2 people who are not allowed to get sick: One is my doctor (who is currently out sick) and YOU. I hope you are better by the time you're reading this!"--Dorie

Thank you very kindly for all of your get well emails and cards.

Now, let's see, what's so amusing about that water glass? Well, first let me describe it to you. It's a tall, white, opaque holiday glass and the smiling pig on the front of it is wearing a purple tutu and a headband with a gold star that sticks straight up into the air. The pig has a little curly tail and she's quite a good dancer too--did I tell you her name was Alley? I know, because when I was stuck in bed last week with a 102 degree fever, Alley told me all about herself. She's from Albuquerque and used to be a waitress, before she got this water glass gig...on second thought maybe there isn't anything funny about a water glass with a dancing pig on it unless you have a 102 degree fever.

If you'd like to meet Alley, go to:

http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/pig1.html

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to be back!

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

AUTHORBUZZ: Just in time for the holidays, presents for readers--signed free books from these terrific authors: Stan Pottinger, The Boss; Kate Zuckerman, The Sweet Life; Michele Turk, Blood, Sweat and Tears: An Oral History of the American Red Cross; and Dora Levy Mossanen, Harem. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 12-08-06

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Suzanne is under the weather today, so she is running one of her favorite columns.

Dear Reader,

Three weeks ago my husband bought a new microwave--one that has an attitude. Or maybe it just doesn't like short blonde women who like to read. I don't know. I really don't care anymore. I just want to find a way to call a truce. Is it too much to expect that when I hit the start button the microwave would actually turn on?

It works fine for my husband. When he pushes the start button, the microwave does its thing. When I push it and push it and push it...I can push that start button 25 times in a row, and still, nothing happens. I had a hard time convincing my husband the microwave refused to cooperate. But after a few demonstrations, he's now a believer.

When no one was around the other day, I had a heart-to-heart with the new microwave. Understanding is the first step, you know.

"Did you have a troubled childhood? Maybe you came from a big family and got stuck with hand-me-down-second-hand-parts?"

"Do you have low self-esteem? Parents didn't give you enough attention?"

"The box you came in had been retaped, did someone return you and now you feel rejected?"

"I'm listening. But do you think we could wrap this session up in 30 minutes? I'd really like to warm up my coffee."

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

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

P.S. I have a delightful book for you this holiday season, Poetry Speaks to Children. Read some poems, listen to some poems, see me jumping into a box of jelly doughnuts and enter the book giveaway. Whew! What a list, but you'll have a lot of fun. Go to:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/poetry1.html

READ THE CLASSICS: The Age of Innocence, by Edith Wharton, and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/path_go.cfm?x=815&site=24

Dear Reader Column 12-07-06

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Suzanne is under the weather today, so she is running one of her favorite columns.

Dear Reader,

Life is ups and downs and treading water in-between...

...and that's ok, because when I was a young girl at Girl Scout Camp I was never the best swimmer, but I was really good at treading water.

It was unfortunate that I never realized, until I was older, what an important life skill I had learned. I was always dreaming of being the best swimmer. Treading water seemed so boring, after all they didn't hand out prizes for it.

But knowing how to stay calm and tread water has served me well. It's true, treading water isn't too exciting and sometimes it feels like I'm not making any progress, but I know from past experiences that I really am.

Treading water in life is staying alive until help arrives, or until I find the answer to that problem that's been driving me crazy. Or sometimes it's the more difficult task of just waiting for something to happen. Waiting for things to change.

And sometimes, when I'm in one of those troublesome situations in life, I can still hear my instructor's words, "You're really not in any danger, Suzanne. Just relax, breathe slowly and tread water. You're just taking a break and then you can swim to safety."

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

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

AUTHORBUZZ: Early Holiday gifts for readers of DearReader.com! WIN signed free books from these terrific authors: Alison Kent, Beyond a Shadow; Lynn Emery, Soulful Strut; Annette Blair, The Scot, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Kathleen Eagle, Ride a Painted Pony; and Tim Downs, Head Game. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

READ THE CLASSICS: The Age of Innocence, by Edith Wharton, and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/path_go.cfm?x=815&site=24

Dear Reader Column 12-06-06

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Suzanne is under the weather today, so she is running one of her favorite columns.

Dear Reader,

My husband and I play hide-and-seek, he hides the licorice from me and I hide the bubble gum from him. He's a better player though, because he's had more practice. His three brothers were nosy and if he didn't hide things, they'd help themselves. I was an only child so there wasn't anyone to hide anything from.

I thought I'd found the perfect hiding place for his giant tub of Dubble Bubble. I zipped it inside a suitcase in my closet. I was even bragging to him that there was absolutely no way he'd ever find that bubble gum. But later when I went into my bedroom, there was a trail of bubble gum wrappers; it started in the hallway and led right up to the edge of the suitcase. Case closed.

Why do we hide candy from each other? Because we're hard up for entertainment at our house...no seriously, my downfall is licorice, my husband's is bubble gum. Hiding it keeps us honest about how often we indulge.

I used to put the bubble gum in my grandmother's old candy dish on the counter, but every time my husband walked by the dish he'd grab a handful. I think the day we started playing hide-and-seek was when my husband discovered he could get 6 pieces of bubble gum in his mouth at one time.

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

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

P.S. I have a delightful book for you this holiday season, Poetry Speaks to Children. Read some poems, listen to some poems, see me jumping into a box of jelly doughnuts and enter the book giveaway. Whew! What a list, but you'll have a lot of fun. Go to:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/poetry1.html

READ THE CLASSICS: The Age of Innocence, by Edith Wharton, and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/path_go.cfm?x=815&site=24

Dear Reader Column 12-05-06

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 people read 5-minutes a day. To see what books I'm featuring this week, go to: http://www.dearreader.com/

Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I know you're busy, especially this time of year and I really appreciate it.

From my Email Bag:

"Hi Suzanne, Your column brought tears to my eyes. I wish so much that I had had someone so wise and understanding when I was younger. I am nearly 60 now and although I have a home of my own, a marriage of over 32 years and counting, I still feel a failure because I never knew what I wanted to be and went after it. I have decided that just being me is okay but has been a hard time getting to that point. I hope that Gracie appreciates your story as much as I did. I don't often read the 'Dear Reader' column, but I am very glad I read this one. Bye for now,"--Esther.

If you missed the letter to Gracie column you'll find it at:

http://dearreader.typepad.com/dear/2006/11/dear_reader_col_18.html

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

Happy Holidays,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com 
http://www.DearReader.com

P.S. I have a delightful book for you this holiday season, Poetry Speaks to Children. Read some poems, listen to some poems, see me jumping into a box of jelly doughnuts and enter the book give away. Whew! What a list, but you'll have a lot of fun. Go to:
http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/poetry1.html

READ THE CLASSICS: The Age of Innocence, by Edith Wharton, and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/path_go.cfm?x=815&site=24

Dear Reader Column 12-04-06

Join my email book club. Over 330,000 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 missing some things lately and the funny thing is until today, I didn't even realize they were lost.

When I was in eighth grade, my mother gave me a ring that had been in our family for a long time. Some girls at that age are old enough to respect a keepsake, but I was not. In fact I'd forgotten all about the ring until after my mother died and I spotted it in her jewelry box. Thank heavens she had the good sense to retrieve the gift she'd passed on to me, but unfortunately now the story behind it is gone.

My Grandpa Hale had a woodworking room in his basement and one year for Christmas he made a just-my-size kitchen cupboard and closet for my doll's clothes. There's a picture hanging on my living room wall of me standing in front of the counter mixing up a batch of pretend cookies--I'm sure they must have been chocolate chip. When I outgrew Grandpa's handcrafted pieces my mother stored them in the basement. "They're something you'll want to keep for your own children to play with," she told me. And Mom was right.

My kids did play house with the kitchen counter and doll closet, but then somewhere along the way I lost track of what those things meant to me. I got so busy with my life that I had no idea what I was losing. Grandpa's pieces are gone now. The love from them is in my heart and I have photos to remind me, but I wish I had the pieces here with me.

I'm missing some things lately and the sad news is, now I realize what I've lost.

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

If you'd like to see one of my favorite photos, go to:

http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/keep.html

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

AUTHORBUZZ: Early Holiday gifts for readers of DearReader.com! WIN signed free books from these terrific authors: Alison Kent, Beyond a Shadow Lynn Emery, Soulful Strut; Annette Blair, The Scot, the Witch, and the Wardrobe; Kathleen Eagle, Ride a Painted Pony; and Tim Downs, Head Game. Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

READ THE CLASSICS: The Age of Innocence, by Edith Wharton, and enter the free Penguin Classic's Drawing. Go to: http://www.supportlibrary.com/nl/path_go.cfm?x=815&site=24