Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 02-14-11

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

Browsing through the 1949 cookbook that had been sitting on my shelf for the past 20 years, felt like an Antique Road Show experience. Have you seen the show? Folks bring in items, "things" from their homes they think might be valuable and an expert takes a look and gives them an appraisal. Sometimes the expert confirms the garage sale "thing" was worth the $5.00 they paid for it, but other times the "thing" ends up being "cha-ching!"--a valuable collector's item that would sell for $15,000 at auction.

The first question the Road Show expert always asks:

"Suzanne, tell me what you know about this cookbook."

"This cookbook, Our Favorite Recipes belonged to my Grandma Hale. (I know, because Grandma put her mark on everything she owned. 'Lillian Hale' was printed with permanent marker on the bottom of Tupperware, dishes, underwear, books, vases, even the living room sofa read 'Lillian Hale' underneath, just in case the neighbor's forgot...'Hmm, let's see, we borrowed this sofa from someone, but we can't remember who it belongs to.') This cookbook has been sitting on my shelf for years, but I'd never even looked at it until two weeks ago."

(The Road Show appraiser replies:) "Well, I did some checking into this cookbook Suzanne and there's an interesting story behind it. As you can see, the copyright is 1949 and it was compiled and published by The Ladies of St. John's Guild in West Bend, Wisconsin. After World War II, the congregation decided to build a new church. The church ladies wanted to install a 'real' kitchen (hot water, counters, cabinets, appliances) but knew they'd have to find a way to raise the money to pay for it. They were excellent cooks and had established a reputation in the community, so they decided to put together a cookbook as a fundraiser. June Spielman, the only remaining member of the original group of six, says she was asked to be on the committee because she knew how to type, but in the end that wasn't important. Because each of the 353 recipes was handwritten by volunteers, using an ink dipped pen. Pages were proofread (including looking for ink smudges), and if any mistakes were found, the entire page had to be redone.

The original plan was to publish 300 cookbooks, but the husband of a committee member persuaded the ladies to order 3,000 copies, and he offered to put up the money, interest free. The cookbook received so much publicity, the 3,000 cookbooks sold in only three months. Revisions have been made, but most of the recipes in today's book are the originals. Now in its 53rd year, 149,500 copies have been sold.

Suzanne, the cookbook your grandmother left you is from the 2nd printing and she got a real deal. Grandma paid $2.00 for her book; today's revised hardcover sells for $16.95. If you sold your spiral bound, second-printing copy at auction today, it would probably bring $25.00. Cha-ching!"

But of course I'd never sell my copy. I've seen a lot of cookbooks over the years, and this one has become my favorite. What a labor of love and talent. Pencil shaded drawings of scenes from West Bend on each title page, and a cute hand drawn cartoon accompanies almost every recipe. The gingerbread men smiling on the page with Mrs. C.H. Zimbrick's gingerbread recipe, inspired my grandson and I to bake. Hmm, were those cookies good. Just like the ones Grandma Hale used to make, and so was the Peanut Cake recipe. I think this cookbook must have been one of my grandmother's favorites, too.

Enter-to-win a new edition of the cookbook, goto:  http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/contest-021411.html And you'll also find a link to see samples from the cookbook, drawings and more of the story behind it.

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

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

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

 

Dear Reader Column 02-11-11

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

Today is the last day to take part in the Pajama Party and enter the giveaway. Have fun reading what other book club readers have sent in, see photos, and enter today. Prize winners will be announced next week in the daily email. Prizes include: a leather-bound colorful set of 12 monthly journals, slippers, pajamas, books to read when you're in your pajamas, sleeping masks, pillows, blankets, hot water bottles, lullabies on CD and even some copies of my book, Muffins and Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if disorderly) Life. Goto: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/pj1.html

Thanks for sharing your PJ stories, there are 26 pages. I hope you had fun, I sure did!

From my Muffins and Mayhem Mailbag:

"Suzanne...I've had your book for a while now...but I haven't read it all the way through yet. Did you know that remark is a compliment? My favorite books in the past 10 years were Jan Karon's Mitford books. When life was hard, I needed a special place to go sometimes...and that was Mitford. So I limited myself to only a chapter a sitting. After visiting with my Mitford friends for awhile, life wasn't so difficult...when it was. So that's why I haven't read your book all the way through. I can sit with you and enter your world, and then life isn't so difficult...when it is."--Cheryl Edwards

"Dear Suzanne, I read your book a few months ago and loved it..oh the memories you brought back of my childhood years...(I'm a boomer from 1947). I have to compliment you on the recipes, the Waikiki Chicken and Dolly Madison Muffins are 5 plus star recipes, and did I mention the Pumpkin bread...oh Lordy, to die for! I'm prayin' you have another book in the works with lots more recipes, because you're magic in the kitchen."--Pauline Turk

If you've purchased a copy of my memoir, Muffins and Mayhem for yourself or a friend (thank you very kindly), be sure to email and ask for a personalized, autographed, book plate. Read more about the book, create your own Cookbook of Memories, see videos and request a signed bookplate at: www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

* Enter this month's Chocolate Chip Cookie giveaway and see photos of last month's winners. Goto: http://tinyurl.com/4qzulpc

Have a wonderful weekend.

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

Stay warm,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover new books, "meet" the authors and enter to win: Goto: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

 

Dear Reader Column 02-10-11

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

Valentine chocolates, roses, cards that say, "I Love You!" The day for lovers is almost here. But the keepsakes dear to my heart are the simple, handwritten notes like the one I discovered the other day, tucked away in my dresser drawer.

"Hi Suzanne, Thanks for picking up the house, feeding the cats, changing the sheets, emptying the wastebaskets, washing the clothes, dressing up so nice, and a few other things you did this morning."

No special occasion when I found that note one morning, a few years ago. Just my husband's poetic way of saying, "I love you." Discovering his love note; such perfect timing. Rereading it has inspired me to make my own homemade Valentine card this year, and to bake my husband's favorite--chocolate chip cookies.

Since I'll be in the kitchen, it's the perfect time to bake for you, too. Enter this month's Chocolate Chip Cookie giveaway and see photos of last month's winners. Goto: http://tinyurl.com/4qzulpc

* Meet this week's authors, at AuthorBuzz, the link is right after this column.

* * Join in the Online Pajama Party! * * Goto: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/pj1.html

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

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

AUTHORBUZZ: Discover five new books and enter to win a gift basket of Amish yummies and books, books, books from these fine authors:

Deborah McKinlay/THE VIEW FROM HERE

Laurie Alice Eakes/LADY IN THE MIST

Sally Ryder Brady/A BOX OF DARKNESS: THE STORY OF A MARRIAGE

Amelia Grey/FALL IN LOVE LIKE A ROMANCE WRITER

Kimberly Stuart/OPERATION BONNET

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

 

Dear Reader Column 02-09-11

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

My kindergarten teacher wrote a note to my parents on my report card, "Susan responds well to praise." (Susan is my given name.) It probably sounds a bit childish, but I still respond well to praise, even at the age of 56. Tell me I've done a good job and my face lights up, just like it did when I was in kindergarten. And that's exactly how I felt the other day as I was leaving the seamstress' shop. Like a kid waving her report card, and announcing to the world, "I got an A!" Maybe even an A plus!

I love to wear cotton semi-pleated skirts, but they're not in fashion, so it's practically impossible to find them in stores. But a few weeks ago it dawned on me that the few cotton skirts I do find hanging on the rack, somebody had to make them. Granted a corporation, somewhere, was responsible for getting the skirts into the store. But the skirt started out as a piece of material, a pattern was cut, and someone sat at a sewing machine and put the skirt together. Imagine that! Obviously I knew all of this, but for some reason I'd never really thought about it, and thinking the process through made me realize that I could be the person sewing the skirt. I could make my own skirts.

Patterns hadn't changed much since I first learned to sew in Home Economics class in high school, but unfortunately the pattern I chose gave you options, which would have been fun, if this hadn't been the first time I'd sewn a skirt. But after some interpretive guidance from a friend, I finished sewing my first skirt--well almost. The zipper, lining and hemming, I decided to leave for a professional. So I went to see a seamstress.

"So, this is my first skirt and I need someone to put in the zipper, line it and then hem it. Would you do that for me?"

The seamstress picked up my skirt and gave it a good once-over. "This is your first skirt? You sewed this? Who taught you to sew?"

"My home economics teacher, when I was 15 years old. But it's been a while, I'm 56."

No reply, but under her breath she was mumbling about the things people have started, and then bring in for her to finish, they're usually a mess, so she says no. "But this," (she was holding up my skirt again and even showing it to the customer behind me) "you did a very, very, good job. Yes, I'll put the zippers in and hem the skirt for you. This is very, very good!"

I was beaming, looking back at my husband who'd heard every word, and in case anyone missed it, even as I was walking out the door, the teacher kept repeating, "This is a very, very, good skirt." I couldn't have asked for a better report card.

* When the seamstress finishes my very, very, good skirt, I'll take a photo and share it with you.

* * Join in the Online Pajama Party! * * Goto: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/pj1.html

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 02-08-11

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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 still smiling from reading Liz's email, because we both have the same problem. Yes Liz, I agree, "What's the big deal?" I should simply mind my manners, be gracious and move over. And most of the time, that's what I end up doing. But I admit that sometimes instead of enjoying the walk, just like you, I'm sizing up the people heading towards me and making plans. But now instead of wasting time thinking about such silly sidewalk strategies, I'll remember your email.

"Dear Suzanne, I read your column everyday. You always make me smile. Occasionally I laugh out loud. And often I am touched deeply by your words.

This was the case recently when you shared a letter from a reader who had discovered her true purpose in life: to change the toilet paper rolls. Unfortunately, I have always been the kind of person prone to anger at life's seeming injustices. I guess you could say I have a chip on my shoulder. For example, when my husband and I walk our German Shepherd around the local park, I feel that I am continually forced off the paved path by oncoming dog walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, and moms with strollers who take up the entire asphalt while chatting animatedly to each other or into their cell phones. As I have explained to my husband more times than he might care to count, I would be happy to give up half the path if oncoming traffic would do the same. But no, as each oblivious group approaches I once again drag myself and my ninety pound shepherd into the grass, fuming all the way.

It wasn't until today [reading the toilet paper column] that I finally made the connection. It dawned on me that THIS may be MY special purpose! Perhaps I was born to cede the way for others, to make space, to facilitate their smooth passage through the park. Not so very different from supplying toilet paper to the needy, it is a humble yet noble raison d'etre. Thanks for helping me to see the light!"--Sincerely, Liz

*If you missed the original toilet paper column, goto: http://tinyurl.com/5ru56q5

*Don't miss the Online Pajama Party! The sleepover continues until February 12th. Join the fun, read what other folks have sent in, see photos (readers in their pjs) and enter the big giveaway, goto: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/pj1.html

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 02-07-11

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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've decided to go back to school, but I'm not signing up for any formal classes. Instead, first thing when I get out of bed, after my morning cup of coffee, (because I can't think before that) I announce to who ever is listening out there in the vast universe, "I'm ready; I'll be listening and looking. What is my lesson today?"

I believe there are folks out in the world, who have a message for me (not the supernatural kind), but rather, that each of us has information to share with others. It's my job to listen to folks who have an important message for me, and it's also my job to "listen" to my heart and deliver information to others when I'm prompted.

Learning something new about my life, it's not always about the big stuff. It could be as simple as tips for growing roses. For weeks it had been driving me crazy because my roses were slowly dying and I couldn't figure out what the problem was. Then low and behold, while I'm waiting in the grocery store check-out line, two women behind me are talking about their rose bushes. Thankfully the line is moving slowly, so I listen-in and then I ask, and that's when I discover the answer I've been looking for. Or how about the evening, a few years ago, when I attended a concert and I was so overcome with the talent I saw on stage, that it brought me to tears. The experience inspired me to go and do something outstanding. It was the nudge I needed to finally take a chance and write the book I'd been thinking about for years.

What is my lesson today and who has the answers I'm looking for? This kind of thinking may sound like a bunch of hooey, but looking at other folks as messengers to help me through life, listening and looking for a new lesson every day--it makes life exciting. And I think I tend to be less judgmental, too, because even gnarly people may be passing on a message I need to hear.

The classroom is all around me. I'm ready; pencils sharpened, a notebook filled with blank ruled paper, and I'm sitting up straight and listening. What is my lesson today?

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

* * Join in the Online Pajama Party! * * Goto: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/pj1.html

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 02-04-11

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

SURPRISE! Inside every cupcake is a tasty surprise. Scrumptious, out-of-this-world, great tasting; they're my favorite cupcakes, but I lost the recipe. For the past three years I've been experimenting, trying to duplicate the cupcakes I remembered from my childhood, but every attempt was a disaster. I had to toss the cupcakes; they were just too horrible to eat. But last week I finally discovered the right mix.

Warm up with a tasty little surprise. You'll find the recipe, along with accompanying photos of how my cupcakes turned out, at my Recipe Blog. Goto: http://tinyurl.com/4rsrnxr

* * Join in the Online Pajama Party! * * Goto: http://www.emailbookclub.com/photo/pj1.html

Have a wonderful weekend.

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

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

KIDSBUZZ: Email an author, sign up for their giveaway, and learn about great books for kids and teens about the power of poetry, time travel and real girls, and a grim fairy tale from Kathleen T. Pelley, RAJ THE BOOKSTORE TIGER; Lisa T. Bergren, WATERFALL; and Sarwat Chadda, DARK GODDESS. For a chance to win free books and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

 

Dear Reader Column 02-03-11

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

This evening I'm having a pajama dinner party. The menu: linguine with mushrooms and broccoli, grilled flank steak, tossed salad with dried cherries, popovers, deviled eggs, Tin Roof Ice Cream pie, peanut cake and gingerbread men (baked and decorated by my grandsons, Paul and James). Serious eating calls for comfy, loose fitting, clothes and that's why I've invited folks to come in their pjs. You'd think people would be happy to show up in their "eating clothes" at least that's how I refer to my pjs when I want to do some serious eating. The women on my guest list thought the idea of wearing pjs to a dinner party sounded like fun (and I'm sure like me, it's an excuse to buy new pajamas). Men, on the other hand, are a tougher sell. It may end up being a "girl's only pj dinner party." But my table's set, and the nice thing about a pj dinner party is that when I got up this morning, I was already dressed for dinner.

See me in my pj dinner party clothes, read what other book club readers have sent in for our Online Pajama Party, or find yours (they're all posted, including photos). Join in the fun and when you do, you'll be entered in the PJ Party Giveaway. Prizes include a leather bound set of journals and copies of my book, Muffins and Mayhem. Goto: http://tinyurl.com/6gavvnr

* A listing of AUTHORBUZZ authors is right after my column today *

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

Stay warm,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

AUTHORBUZZ: Don't miss out on the chance to win soaps, perfumes, an Italian journal and signed books from these great authors:

Darynda Jones FIRST GRAVE ON THE RIGHT

C. W. Gortner THE TUDOR SECRET

Kate Pearce BLOOD OF THE ROSE

Lisa T. Bergren WATERFALL

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

 

 

Dear Reader Column 02-02-11

Now on sale . . .Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

Memories and adorable photos of book club readers, who've joined in the Online Pajama Party, are waiting for you to enjoy. Goto: http://tinyurl.com/6gavvnr

Look for your pj memory; you'll find the latest entries on the first few pages. Join in the fun, and the PJ free giveaways, goto: http://tinyurl.com/6gavvnr

From my Email PJ Bag: (You'll find a photo of Vanessa's memory at: http://tinyurl.com/6gavvnr )

"Suzanne, every year at Christmas, my family gets to open one gift on Christmas Eve. We call it our "Open First" gift. It took me several years to finally realize that all of my open firsts were pajamas. But you get to wear your new pjs on Christmas Eve. My bedroom opened into our living room, and my parents took my picture as I emerged from my room, sleepy eyed, but wide with wonder at all of my loot from Santa. Dad passed away 6 years ago and Christmas has been difficult, but Mom and I continue this pj tradition. This year was my first Christmas as a married woman and Mom took our annual Christmas morning picture with me and my husband. It's hard to believe that there are 32 pictures of Christmas mornings at Mom's house, but they're there. It's a wonderful tradition that I hope to carry on with my children someday. Thank you for allowing me to share, and it's so good to read with a friend like you!"--Vanessa Hayes

"Good morning Suzanne, my parents bought all five of us pajamas for Christmas every year, it was the one gift we opened on Christmas Eve. It's one of the family traditions I've kept with our kids. Our 'kids' are now 26 and 29, the budget was a little tight this year, and I thought this was one place I could cut back. So I mentioned to my 29 year-old daughter that PJs was one thing we would just have to do without this year (yes, I've kept it up even as they became adults and they STILL love it!). My daughter responded, 'That's one tradition I'm going to keep when I have my family!' I realized her disappointment, so not only did I buy pjs for my kids but, also for my daughter-in-law, granddaughter and my daughter's boyfriend! Everyone loved them and enjoyed the relaxed state of affairs of jamas on Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning! I guess it's a keeper!

My husband and I sleep in the buff (No, I won't be sending any pictures! Ha!) so he has no pajamas. However, I have learned recently the value and comfort of using pajamas for "house clothes" as they used to call them. In fact, I have a "pajama party" with you almost every morning while I drink my tea and read my mail!"--Sandi

Have fun at the Online Pajama Party. "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours"--see me in my Pjs at: http://tinyurl.com/6gavvnr and please send in your pj story and photo. Deadline for PJ Giveaways, February 12th.

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

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

KIDSBUZZ: Email an author, sign up for their giveaway, and learn about great books for kids and teens about the power of poetry, time travel and real girls, and a grim fairy tale from Kathleen T. Pelley, RAJ THE BOOKSTORE TIGER; Lisa T. Bergren, WATERFALL; and Sarwat Chadda, DARK GODDESS. For a chance to win free books and more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz

 

 

 

Dear Reader Column 02-01-11

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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,

My husband and I were out for a late night walk downtown and when we turned the corner, an orange, purple, green, and yellow light show, up in the trees, caught us by surprise. It was a beautiful site in the park. The city where we live does an outstanding job of providing unexpected, artistic expressions. So the following day when I was walking by the same park, and I saw a man from the city repairing one of the string of lights, I thought I'd take the opportunity to pass on a compliment. "Who sponsored this light show, the city?" No immediate response. Instead, the man had that "afraid-to-answer" look on his face. He was practically sweating. I could see the wheels turning in his mind trying to figure out a correct response--depending on whether or not I agreed with the idea of a light show in the park.

I could relate, so I quickly jumped in and put him out of his misery. "I love the lights, no complaints here, so you don't have to construct the 'right' response for me. I simply wanted to pass on a thank you. The light show looked gorgeous last night. Keep up the good work." Obviously very relieved, the man took a deep breath and after that we had a normal, relaxed, conversation.

'What a shame the poor guy feels the need to edit his response,' I thought to myself as I was walking away. But then I realized he's not the only one. Move over, Mr. Repairman. 'I think--I think that sometimes I don't even know what I really think anymore.' Or maybe a truer statement is that many times I'm leery about saying how I really feel about something, until I test the temperature of the room. But what's up with that? When did I decide that my opinion, whether I liked something or not, needed to be edited or even avoided, otherwise it might appear I'm a rude, uncaring, person. Or, "one-of-those" people. Maybe sometimes I don't speak up when I should--because geez--I might think differently than someone else and they would be offended. But when did my own opinion, shared in a nice way, become irrelevant?

I'm not a fan of bumper stickers (unless they're on someone else's car and I'm waiting at a long stop light then reading them is fun.) My favorite is, "Just Be Nice" and I agree. Just be nice and the world would be a better place. But maybe I've become too nice? Too nice is watered down and stands for nothing. I need to share my thoughts. If I don't speak up when I should (like when someone reported my bubble machine to the police as a driving hazard), or share my opinion that even though times are tough, I think the light show in the park is a good idea, pretty soon I'll forget what I think. So there you have it!

Whew, that felt good!

(P. S. I hope I didn't offend anyone.)

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

Warmest regards,
Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
www.MuffinsandMayhem.com

* Join the fun...You're Invited to the Online Pajama Party! *

If you haven't visited the PJ Party, you're missing some great stories and photos from book club readers. Goto: http://tinyurl.com/6gavvnr