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Dear Reader,
Bloggers and book reviewers have been asking a lot of questions lately, when they're promoting my book, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life. Many of their questions are typical, and repeats of other interviews, but these three questions brought back memories, and reaffirmed what's really important in my life.
Q: Where would be your dream vacation?
My dream vacation would be a repeat of the first time my husband and I rented a cabin in the Smoky Mountains. The brochure called it a cabin, but really it was a huge, luxurious home high up on the hill. Looking down into the valley below; circular bales of hay in neat and tidy rows, with a sprinkle of wild flowers--it was picture perfect. The "cabin" had three levels; the backside was completely covered with windows and sliding glass doors. No need for curtains so high up in the mountains; no neighbors. A spacious game room filled the lower level: billiards, ping-pong, a flat screen TV with all of the extras, and a foosball table. The main floor: cathedral ceilings, a fireplace, high tech electronics; TV, stereo, wireless internet, a view to "die-for" through the sliding glass doors that led out to a surround-the-house deck, a full kitchen, three bathrooms, a Jacuzzi tub bathroom looking out over the mountains, and three spacious bedrooms. Even the wildlife was picture-perfect. Every morning wild turkeys would come and sit on the split-wood fence near the kitchen entrance to sun themselves for hours.
When my husband and I first walked into the house, we looked at each other and in unison announced, "Call the travel agent and book this place for the entire week!" We lived in a dreamland for the week, but we've never returned for another visit. How could anything possibly live up to the memories we have of that vacation?
Q. Last meal on earth?
Macaroni and cheese with my grandchildren. I hope I'm giving them the kind of memories my Grandma and Grandpa Hale gave to me.
Q. Words of inspiration/advice for our readers?
Most of my joy comes from the little things in life. I was grateful for a long red light the other day; otherwise I would never have noticed a man pushing a baby carriage. I could see, as he walked in front of my car, there was a little baby girl inside of the carriage. After the man crossed over to the other side of the street, and was safely on the curb, daddy bent over to check on his little bundle of joy. And the smile on his face told me he must have been reassuring his daughter that he loved her, and would always be there to watch over her.
I spend a lot of time working on trying to keep myself feeling grounded. Yet, some days worrying about the future consumes too much of my thoughts. Being privileged to share this father/daughter moment reminded me that if I want to ease my spirit and find peace, instead of worrying about what's down the road, maybe what I'm looking for is right in front of me.
Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
Visit the website for my book, www.MuffinsandMayhem.com
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