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The Christmas Tradition of Decorating Cookies

December 29, 2012 / Katie L. Carroll

Fortunately there was no licking of the ladies or men this year at the annual Christmas cookie decorating extravaganza. Looking back at that old post from 2008, I realize I’ve been making cookies with my twin-not-twin sister’s kids for many years, since the lady-licking nephew was two and a half years old (the same age The Boy will be next year at Christmastime).

Well, now that I’m feeling old (are traditions supposed to make you feel old?), here’s the cookies from this year’s efforts.

My sister’s cookies…she’s such a show-off with her crazy good cookie decorating skills!

My younger nephew’s cookies…I’m guessing that sleigh covered in all that white frosting was one sweet cookie!

My niece’s cookies…the big snowman (saved to leave out for Santa on Christmas Eve) and the angel are my favorites.

My older nephew’s cookies…love the eyes on the gingerbread man!

And here are mine!

What holiday traditions did you partake in this year?

Katora’s Winter Solstice

December 20, 2012 / Katie L. Carroll

I’m guest posting today at Lorrie Unites-Struiff’s blog with an original Elixir short story. Find out how Katora, Kylene, and Bhar celebrate the Winter Solstice.

Don’t forget, today is the last day to buy Elixir Bound for $1.99. I’d love for you to support my publisher’s website and buy it from the MuseItUp bookstore, but you can also get it on Amazon. (So that means it’s also the last day of my shameless self-promotion…for now!)

I’m off to do some last minute shopping with (and for!) The Boy. Let’s see, tonight I need to address those Christmas cards and finish decorating the tree. This weekend is the annual Christmas cookies decorating party with my niece, nephews, my twin-not-twin sister, and my mom. Pictures next week! And I’ll have some more thoughtful posts coming in the New Year.

In the meantime, peace and love this holiday season!

Elixir Bound Sale

December 18, 2012 / Katie L. Carroll

Just in time for Christmas, Elixir Bound is only $1.99 on Amazon. If you don’t have a Kindle, don’t fret, Elixir Bound will be $1.99 on Thursday, December 20th at the MuseItUp Bookstore (where you can buy it for your Kindle, Nook, computer, or other device). UPDATE: Elixir Bound is on sale one day early–as in right now–at the MuseItUp bookstore if you want to buy it. No shipping or wrapping required!

In case you haven’t heard what Elixir Bound is all about, here’s a short blurb:

Katora Kase is next in line to take over as guardian to a secret and powerful healing Elixir. Now she must journey into the wilds of Faway Forest to find the ingredient that gives the Elixir its potency. Even though she has her sister and brother, an old family friend, and the handsome son of a mapmaker as companions, she feels alone.

For it is her decision alone whether or not to bind herself to the Elixir to serve and protect it until it chooses a new guardian. The forest hosts many dangers, including wicked beings who will stop at nothing to gain power, but the biggest danger Katora may face is whether or not to open up her heart to love.

Check out Lorrie Unites-Struiff’s blog on Thursday for an original short story about how Katora, Bhar, and Kylene celebrate the Winter Solstice.

Reading to the Youngest Children

December 16, 2012 / Katie L. Carroll

I’m guest posting today over at 5 Minutes For Books with tips on how to instill the love of reading to the youngest of children. I’m, of course, drawing from my own experience as a mother to The Boy.

Plus, want to know how Katora and company celebrate the Winter Solstice? Then check out Lorrie Struiff’s blog on Thursday for an original Elixir Bound related short story.

I’ll leave you with a pretty picture (because I think we could all use a little prettiness today) from a walk The Boy and I took a few months ago.

It Is Time

December 14, 2012 / Katie L. Carroll

As the reports about the school shooting in Newtown, CT grow more and more bleak, some may think it’s insensitive of me to blog about this so soon or at all. But as a writer, a mother, and a human being, I’m turning to this platform to try and work through my feelings.

I don’t think it even needs to be said that first and foremost my thoughts are with the families and communities directly affected by this tragedy. My own community, a mere 25 miles from the school where this terrible thing happened, will certainly be dealing with the emotions of this for a long time.

I have to wonder when we will live in a world where I don’t have to worry about going to the mall or the movie theaters or sending my son to school in a few years. The Columbine massacre happened when I was a junior in high school, and all these years later, we as society are still having to face a world where children die in horrific numbers while in school.

When is the time to have a serious conversation about gun control? I understand crazy people will do crazy things, no matter if they have a gun or not. Terrible things happen in this world and there is no way to prevent every tragedy. But there is a way to prevent so many deaths. Fewer guns, especially the powerful automatic weapons, will mean fewer deaths in situations like these.

It seems like such a simple concept, but there are still people who don’t want to talk about it. Who don’t think it’s an issue. I, right here, am saying it’s problem and something needs to be done about it. No, I don’t have the right solution to offer here and now. I just hope we can finally open up an honest dialogue about gun control. This is an issue that can’t wait.