Being a writer, I pay attention to comments, snippets of conversations, and uncensored chatter. I wouldn’t call it eavesdropping exactly, but when I am working in coffee shops and libraries, I occasionally overhear interesting remarks. Many discussions pertain to work and follow a predictable pattern. A trained ear will seek the gems that ignite reflection and understanding. A recent orator at an adjoining table, pulled me from my writing, as she whined, recounting how bored she was as if it was a circumstance to avoid.

I am never bored. Activities, responsibilities, deadlines, and never-ending thoughts fill my days. Contrary to most who wish to dodge periods of idleness at any cost, I pursue it. Buried in a state people regard as undesirable, I find a silence where time expands, and clarity pushes chaos and confusion from my mind. Sitting without doing the world doesn’t perceive activity or productivity. I don’t consider it boring. It is the portal to my creativity and the stimulus for inspiration. This is where my muse lives and speaks to me.

This week I am setting goals for 2020. I have discovered this lull between Christmas and New Year celebrations is a great time to pursue boredom, discover my path, and devise a plan to achieve my fondest desires.

Do you shun boredom?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Holiday fare is one of the most anticipated aspects of Christmas. It is also detrimental to my waistline. So, I adopt a mandate of restrained indulgence. There are dishes I prepare at no other time of the year, and I don’t want to miss a single delectable mouthful. The wise take stake of the offerings, they prioritize their favorites and calculate appropriate portion size. It is important to estimate which selections won’t make it to leftover status. My group is notorious for bypassing my beloved Brussels sprouts. That means I am free to help myself to the more popular items before the family devours them.

Taking an extended walk is a great tactic for burning calories. The fresh air is invigorating, and it lifts the food-coma hangover from my body. The weather is warmer than normal for December. Bundling in layers and wrapping a scarf across my face to defend against bitter cold is unnecessary. Today, with the temperature hovering at 60F, I only need a light jacket draped over the t-shirt I am wearing.

My meandering takes me further from home than I realized. Blue skies smile and the quest for what lies around the next corner, or past the horizon’s edge beacons. But I must turn back, leaving untold discoveries for another adventure. They promise to wait for my return.

How will you spend your Boxing Day?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Frohe Weihnachten

God Jul

聖誕快樂

メリークリスマス

Feliz Navidad

Buon Natale

Joyeux Noël

Vrolijk kerstfeest

Giáng Sinh vui vẻ

Veselé Vánoce

Feliz Natal

성탄을 축하드려요

Wesołych Świąt

С рождеством!

Hyvää joulua

Merry Christmas

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

My family loves cookies, and I love baking. I may have missed my calling. In an alternate timeline, I run a popular bakery and confection shop with daily lines that stretch out the door and around the block. Top on my holiday list are Springerle, Pfeffernüsse, Linzer Tarts, and Lebkuchen made with homemade candied citrus peel. There are the perennial favorites, and overall crowd-pleasers like chewy Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, soft Ginger cookies, traditional spicy Gingerbread Men, and the versatile Sugar cookie decorated with Royal Icing.

Chocolate Crinkle cookies get dressed up and transform into Red Velvet Crinkles. Hazelnut Biscotti dipped in dark chocolate are a must with Christmas brunch coffee. On the adults-only table, are special laced treats. Do you want a Chocolate Rum Ball or a Bourbon-Spiked Eggnog cookie? Or perhaps you prefer a Kahlua Creme Brule cookie?

Grandma’s Icebox cookies are a household tradition along with Grandpa’s famous Date bars. The little ones enjoy Candy cane cookies sprinkled with peppermint, or the gooey raspberry and almond Shortbread Thumbprints. Uncle Arthur picks the Buckeye Balls, while Aunt Sue lays claim to every Coconut Macaroon she can find. Dad will deny he has a favorite, but the Chocolate-covered cherry cookies seem to disappear when he is near.

As much I adore creating and tasting each batch as they emerge from the oven, my friends and family miss the sweet simplicity of Lemon Butter cookies.

What cookie does your Santa crave?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The great holiday rush of last-minute madness began at 5:01 pm on Friday. With lists and reminders set, along with a tank full of gas, I hit traffic-snarled roads, crowded stores, and attended a whirlwind of gatherings. In the wee hours of the morning, tired, but happy, I collapsed into bed, knowing my reward was near.

The presents are purchased, wrapped, and distributed to their intended recipients. Some lie tucked beneath a brightly twinkling Christmas tree waiting for the big man to arrive. Countless dozens of themed cookies were baked, packaged, and many have already disappeared with approving “yums.” The family dinner is planned. My fridge, freezer, and pantry are stuffed with every ingredient I will need. I review my notes and smile. Today’s agenda calls for pajamas, naps on the couch, and a movie marathon.

The lineup is not surprising. The list contains classics, both new and old, and maybe one or two added, just for fun. We know every word. The stories haven’t changed, but we watch them with nostalgia kissed delight. Friends stop by, the pizza arrives, and holiday stress gives way to holiday cheer. We check movie facts on our phones, bet on the likelihood of a White Christmas, and make plans for the New Year.

What is your favorite holiday movie?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Charles Dickens’ novella A Christmas Carol was first published on December 19, 1843. The initial run of 6,000 copies sold out by Christmas Eve. The publisher, Chapman & Hall, issued a second, and then the third edition before the year’s end. They claim the book has never been out of print in the 176 years since its original publication. It has inspired countless adaptations. It never fails to make the most popular Christmas movie lists. An impressive accomplishment for a story of approximately 28,000 words.

Despite the Bah Humbug, scary ghosts, the portrayal of subsistence living, and a curmudgeon of a boss, it is an optimistic tale. It portrays redemption’s forgiveness and love’s strength.  We see generosity’s effects on our fellow humans and the infectious nature of good cheer throughout the year. It is an evergreen reminder that we possess the power to create a positive impact on others. Generations continue to confirm the heartfelt reality of our human condition.

This holiday season, I wish you fond recollections of childhood pleasures. May you create precious new memories with cherished friends and family. During the festivities, take a quiet moment to reflect on times past and present as you imagine a brighter future.

How will you carry the holiday spirit into the New Year?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

There are few tasks as rewarding as choosing the perfect gift. Gifting to special people is our way of expressing admiration, respect, love, or sometimes disdain for the recipient. We invest careful consideration, weighing each selection before we make our decision. The process doesn’t stop there. The wrapping paper must have significance and coordinate with trims, bows, and name tags. We trim the paper with precision, tucking edges, and folding precise corners to create a visual masterpiece. If we succeed in our goal, revealing the treasure inside is as much of an event as the actual gift itself.

There is a great joy in watching a beloved family member unwrap a festive package decked with sparkling decorations. The box’s mysterious contents pique their curiosity. Some take forever dissecting tape and unraveling ribbons. Others can’t stand the suspense, and they rip, tug, and tear until the item lays revealed in their hands. Surprised delight, joyous squeals, and heartfelt gratitude are the payoff for the giver of fabulous items. When we consider the emotion we long to convey, we discover selecting an ideal present is rarely contingent on the monetary value. The best gifts often require investing time rather than spending money.

What gifts are on your wish list this year?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Sometimes the words don’t come. We get tired and find the free flow of ideas and coherent thoughts are blocked. The result is frustrating, and it can grow into a debilitating problem. Joni has the right idea. The best remedy is to disrupt the normal course of business. It’s time for a change. Mix up your schedule, do something different, push writing from your mind.

My answer is allowing my hands the freedom to engage in movements they know well. It allows my brain to rest. Completing household chores, working out, crocheting a scarf, using my sewing machine, hauling firewood, maintaining my car, or sanding a wooden table, lets me fulfill my need to create. Those tasks are physical, and while they work my muscles, my mind wanders.

Rote activities shift my overactive thought process into neutral, it clears a space, leaving a void. The universe despises voids, and they require filling. That is when inspiration strikes, and I am soon back at my keyboard, covering blank pages with lines of text.

What activities help you clear the way for your story?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

On a normal day, I interact with some amazing people. Some of them issue challenges, they make me smile, offer encouragement, lend support, supply guidance, or share a friendly cup of coffee, and laugh at my lame jokes. But we are in the high holiday season when family, extended family and nefarious outlaws conspire to hijack get-togethers, dinners and cocktail parties and create uncomfortable situations or exercise their right to expose their difficult side.

Dealing with challenging and unreasonable individuals can suck the joy from the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ and curdle grandma’s famous banana pudding pie. I have devised a plan that resembles the game of hot potato. Cornered, with no chance of escape, I take a deep breath and listen. The breathing helps me to remain calm and non-committal.

I won’t make the mistake of agreeing to a follow-up lunch or an invitation to their junior’s birthday celebration. I nod and watch for my out. It always comes in unexpected ways. An off-hand comment launches an opening for me to pass my companion to another party goer. Or a cousin tucks her hair behind her ear, and I interpret the gesture as a summons to join her in the kitchen.

Each hurdle I clear inches me closer to the exit. Smiles, hugs, empty promises to meet up soon, and I am out the door, engulfed by the freezing night air and silence. The holiday mix cues and ‘Silent Night’ pours from my car speakers, the balm to my frazzled nerves.

How do you stay positive and happy?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Lately, a topic has been surfacing in my feeds: finding your writing voice. It is not something I had considered. So, I searched for explanations and directions, only to find the best advice disappointing. Comments included the usual lineup of admonitions ranging from ‘just write,’ to ‘read more,’ and my favorite, ‘know your audience.’ While they have merit, they are insufficient in developing and allowing a voice to evolve. Once again, I rely on my own devices to generate an approach to my newest problem.

Here’s what I decided. To develop your unique style, you need to realize who you are. I am a numbers person, who appreciates facts and logic. Concise, pointed writing is important to me. I also enjoy surprising descriptions and singing words that embed themselves in your head like an ear-worm. My daily practice is a joy, and it is not work. Those qualities must seep into my stories.

Sharing your creations to gain feedback is another necessary step. Good critiques can confirm when your message hits the mark or identify where it falls short. When you internalize new information or write a new piece, it gives you knowledge, experience, maturity, and it changes you. As you change, your method of expression evolves. In time, you connect more deeply with the inner you.

Does your writing reflect your values?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer