Dee Armstrong Author News | December 2023
Dear Book-Loving Friend,
Welcome to my December Author News and my writing world. I’m ramping up for 2024. I have some really special book-related surprises coming your way. For example, I’ve added writing a Christmas novella to next year’s schedule.
I’m sprinkling Christmas cheer all month long. You can find quips from Mrs. Clause on my Facebook Page, Dee’s Book-Loving Friends Facebook Group, X (Twitter), and Instagram. Here are examples of the first three posts.
In December,
I’m hoping for a month of peace.
Peace and quiet in my home and heart.
I’m making a promise to myself to set aside a few minutes each day to fill my cup with peace. I’m talking about the kind of peace that is filled with silence. Where you snuggle into your favorite spot, close your eyes, let your mind quiet, take a deep, chest-raising breath—hold the air inside—release it ever so slowly and allow one muscle in your body to melt into another.
Don’t dwell on things you need to do but let go. Allow your mind to rest and your body to relax for a few heartbeats. Then a few more. Allow the air around you to seep into your pores. Allow the quiet to fill your cup for the day.
When my kids were little, the bathroom was my quiet spot. I’d sit on the toilet seat or the floor. I’d quiet myself, block out noise and listen to my breathing. I’d imagine myself in a field filled with sunflowers. The bees buzzing from one petal to another. The wind blowing across my face and lifting the wayward hair around my forehead. The sun’s rays warming my cheeks. Peace filled my soul and allowed me to handle another day with my husband deployed and raising the kids on my own.
When my kids were teenagers, I’d escape the craziness of the house to the car. I’d park behind a local strip of stores located high above I-95. If I parked at the right angle, sky and trees filled my windshield. I’d roll my windows down. I’d turn off the car and turn off my worries. I’d breathe, allowing the wind and the sun and the smell of the trees to flow over me. Sometimes, I’d get a whole five minutes before my phone would ring, but I’d start my car and travel home feeling renewed.
Today, my favorite quiet spot is my front porch at sunrise. The perfect spot. A breeze always finds my porch. The geese fly overhead. The tips of the trees meet clouds and sky. In the winter, a view of the lake sparkles through bare branches. I soak everything in and allow nature’s peace to flow through me.
Some days, I follow up my quiet time with a cup of tea. On good days, I begin my day with writing. Every day, I look forward to a call from my children.
Taking a moment for yourself is important, even if the moment is a couple of minutes sitting on the bathroom floor with your back against the door. In the spirit of Christmas, I’m giving you a special gift—permission to take a few minutes each day for you.
Please take my gift and find a moment for yourself. Find a quiet space to breathe and fill your cup with peace.
Wishing you a peaceful December and a happy holiday season,
Hugs!
❤️ Dee
Dee Armstrong, Romance and Suspense Author
Leaving a fingerprint on your heart.
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