Christmas Wishes

This year I began a new weekend diversion on my author Facebook page.  Each Friday night or Saturday morning I post a “Fantasy for the Weekend.”  For instance last weekend here’s what I asked:

In honor of holiday eating: A very smart nutritionist has discovered a way to make any food healthy without changing the flavor, texture or appeal. She’s asked you to choose three foods to “fix,” so that now you can eat them any time without worry. What three foods will you choose?

Twenty-six people responded and by the end of those fantasies, my mouth was watering. Don’t YOU wish that vast quantities of chocolate were actually good for you?

There’s value in fantasy. I like to think that if we know what we want, we’ll strive toward it or some attainable version. Knowing what we value is the first step toward resetting goals. And even if that’s impossible–like converting pounds of butter into something healthy–playing “let’s pretend” for a little while is always a welcome diversion.

You are always welcome to join our Fantasy for the Weekend by adding your own comments. “Like” my page while you’re there if you haven’t already and join the fun.

Today I thought I would ask some of the women in One Mountain Away, the first book of my Goddesses Anonymous series, what one gift they would most like to find under their Christmas tree. I”ll let them speak for themselves.

  • Charlotte Hale, the major character, has made some serious mistakes in the way she’s chosen to live. Here’s what I think she would say:  For Christmas I would like to know that I have, in some small way, made up for the problems I’ve caused others and set their lives on a better path.

I think lots of us wish we could change things we’ve done, and following Charlotte’s example, I’m thinking about mistakes I’ve made and I’m hoping that in 2013 I can find ways to change them into something more positive. I have one idea I hope to pursue, and I’ll tell you more about that when I’ve accomplished it.  How about you? Is there something you wish you hadn’t done that you can change this coming year? Is it a goal?

  • Taylor Martin, Charlotte’s daughter, wants good health for her daughter Maddie, who has epilepsy, but almost as much as that, she wants to feel confident that she’s on the right path to providing it.

So many people live with pain or chronic disease, and I think unless we’ve been there, we can’t understand the extent that it affects every day of their lives. Taylor’s friends and family may not be able to change Maddie’s prognosis, but they’ve given both Maddie and Taylor the gift of time and understanding so that Taylor has the confidence to pursue treatment for her daughter. Sometimes just being there is the most helpful thing we do, which is something the next character in the book might tell you if you asked her.

  • Analiese Wagner, Charlotte’s minister, has a difficult job, made more difficult when she has to minister to a woman she’s never really liked. I think under her own Christmas tree Analiese wants to find more patience and forebearance .

We’ve all had difficult people in our lives. Do you need the gift of patience to deal with them? Can you love them anyway? It can be hard. It can be rewarding. Analiese finds both are true with Charlotte.

  • Harmony Stoddard, who is homeless when Charlotte first meets her, wants the wisdom and time to make the best decision for her unborn child and for herself.  She’s young enough that complicated decisions haven’t yet been a big part of her life. She’s not sure where to turn.

Charlotte realizes that most of her life she’s given advice, not love. With Harmony she experiences just the opposite. She gives Harmony time to come to her own  conclusions about what is best for everyone, while offering friendship and a roof over her head. Under my own Christmas tree I would like the gift of faith. The faith that others will grow and change without my forcing them on my own chosen path. Faith that kindness and support are the best gifts we can give each other.

So what gift will you ask for? Not a Santa gift, but a gift you find within yourself, a gift within reach if you delve deeply enough. Please share your thoughts by commenting if you feel comfortable.

2 Comments

  1. Debbie Haupt on December 14, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    Emilie, you know I read so many books a year that it’s almost impossible to remember all the plots, characters and endings. One Mountain Away was not hard to remember, in fact it’s impossible to forget. The rich characters the picturesque landscape and the wonderful story too.
    Thanks for sharing your characters Christmas wishes
    Here’s hoping you and yours have the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years, you are a gift to all of us.
    xoxo
    deb

    • Emilie Richards on December 14, 2012 at 3:15 pm

      Thank you, Deb. My best to you and your loved ones.

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