Christmas Memories

As I reflect on Christmas past, I think of those spent at my parents home as a young child and later as an adult with children of my own. Mama always had a way of making Christmas special and she worked so hard at having everything just right. This was from having the perfect tree, having it decorated just so, and selecting the perfect gift for each person.

There was always plenty of food to go around and for family to carry home with them. I think everyone agrees with me that Mama's have a way of knowing. My mama was famous for having numerous sweets available.

I know everyone has their own memories of what Christmas was like as a child; there were many not as fortunate as my sister and I were. There are some families with children that had barely any food for the table and no gifts under the tree.

For those having memories like that, Christmas feelings for them are perhaps not as happy as the ones I remember. I do know, however, that whether we come from well-to-do homes or from barely making it by that everyone can equally share the real meaning of Christmas.

It is because of the commercialism of Christmas that we all sometimes forget the real reason for the season...the birth of Christ Jesus. God in flesh came to earth in the form of a wee little baby and grew to be a young man who gave of His life for each of us so we all may be with Him forvermore.

Being Thankful

The cool fall air is upon us and so is November. It is the time of year that our thoughts and hearts turn toward Thanksgiving and family gatherings. This year is no different.

We find there are many things to be thankful for; heading the list is the Holy Trinity: God, the Father; Jesus, the Son; and the Holy Spirit. It is with much gratitude we lift our eyes to the heavens and give praise and honor to all the blessings we receive daily. Without His Love, Mercy, Grace, Forgiveness and so much more, where would we be?

We are thankful for our family and the love and support given by each family member. The discipline and dedication it takes to be writers takes a lot of time away from family time. Therefore, it means a great deal to us, as writers, to have support from family and friends.

Friends are not to be slighted in our list of things to be thankful for; they play an important role in our lives. The long-time friends, new friends, and friends we have yet to make are important to us. Friendship is a something to treasure for a lifetime and more precious than gold...it's priceless.

Being able to paint beautiful pictures with words from the heart that can bring laughter, tears, and melt the heart is a gift from God. It should not be taken lightly or abused. Having the skill to write is a gift from God; how we use it for His Glory is our gift to Him.

As Thanksgiving draws closer, let each of us look into our hearts and see the many blessings we have been given, let us give thanks for each one and show the love of God to all.

Happy Thanksgiving to All from the writing team of JoVa...Joseph and Vada.

INSPIRATION BY PHOTO

Joseph taking photos during his Texas visit in October. (His subject: a dead, twisted tree) He gets inspiration from photos and then writes poetry or prose. His love for nature has played a big role in many of his writings.

~Vada and Joe

OFFICAL EVVY AWARD NOMINEE 2009

JOE AND I RECEIVED THIS EMAIL FROM OUR PUBLISHER REGARDING OUR BOOK RIBBONS AND ROSES. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE ARE VERY EXCITED.

"I have some exciting news for you! Your book is eligible to be officially nominated by Outskirts Press for the 16th Annual EVVY Awards. Since books must have a 2009 copyright date for consideration, this is a limited-time one-time opportunity that cannot be repeated, and time is short, so please read this email in its entirety for important information.

For the fifth year in a row, Outskirts Press is officially nominating only its very best titles of the year to participate in this Independent Publishers Association book awards event. The EVVY Awards recognizes the highest quality of alternatively and self-published books.

Fewer than 5% of the books we publish each year are nominated, so congratulations! Just receiving this email is an honor.

Congratulations, you book represents the very best Outskirts Press
offers."

A WELCOMED TREAT

Halloween night found Joseph and I in Hallettsville, TX at a family-birthday celebration. To our surprise and great delight, we met these two sisters. Read what one sister writes.

"My sister Audrey and I really enjoyed meeting you and Joe this past week end at Irene’s 80th. She and I took turns reading to each other your books. We feel asleep reading and read them on the drive home. What an impression you two left on our hearts. I’m looking forward to reading every page of those precious treasures. Keep up the good work and may God bless you and this wonderful adventure you are on.
Until we meet again.
Denise"

These two girls impregnated our lives and I know they will be an inspiration for us to, not only continue writing, but to write even better than before.

Meeting a Fellow Writer - Oct 17, 2009

During a recent book tour, Joseph met one of our contributors to our book Ribbons and Roses.

Elsie McKey Overstreet was raised in Lavaca County near the Navidad River, the youngest of 8 children. She graduated head of her class in Vocational Nursing from Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, Texas—now retired. She is a mother to one daughter, grandmother to one granddaughter and great-grandmother to two girls and four boys. Her writing comes from a “burning in her heart,” and she has a great love for animals.

Her Red and Green Tissue Paper story about her childhood Christmases will warm your heart. In addition, you will find her Tribute to Edna a must to read. You will see why Joseph and I have decided to donate a portion from sales to the homeless and hurting.

Look for more stories by Elsie in our forthcoming book Rockin Chair Cowboys.

BOOK TOUR IN OCTOBER

During the month of October Joseph A. Zapalac and Vada M. Wolter (writing partners) will be promoting their new book RIBBONS AND ROSES.

In addition to research for future books and taking photographs, Joe and Vada will be doing signings and readings. See schedule below:

OCTOBER 17 - 10 - NOON
EL CAMPO BRANCH LIBRARY
BOOK SIGNING EVENT *


OCTOBER 24 - 11 - 2 PM
FILL YOUR CUP COFFEE SHOP
RICHMOND TX - HWY 90A
BOOK SIGNING EVENT *

OCTOBER 25 - 1-4 PM
EL CAMPO MUSUEM
HWY 71
BOOK SIGNING EVENT*

OCTOBER 31 - 10 AM
FEATURED POET READING
FILL YOUR CUP - RICHMOND, TX

* SET OF REFLECTIONS & RIBBONS AND ROSES....$30 TO FIRST 20 CUSTOMERS!