Personal Corner
Like my protagonist, Garrett Bettencourt, in my Christmas novella, Robert and I spent Christmas in Northern Michigan. Thankfully, we arrived before the snowstorm and left after it blew over. Similar to a chapter in Christmas at Sonshine Barn, we went snowshoeing. Unfortunately, I didn’t bring warm enough gloves, so Robert let me wear his. He wore a less insulated pair, and after twenty minutes, his hands got too cold. We returned home and didn’t trek Garrett’s journey through the rolling hills and thick woods. But it was apt because in the novella, Garrett had a mishap himself.
Our winter wonderland became a winter blizzard. It grew violent on Christmas Eve, shutting down the city. The police advised everyone to stay off the roads. Most, if not all the churches, canceled their candlelight service. Bummer! This is one of my favorite services of the year.
Huge snow drifts in my parent’s yard
Despite the adverse conditions, we ventured outside. Robert, my nephew, and I made snow angels, had a snowball fight (more of a toss as the snow was too airy to make compact snowballs), and scooped out a snow fort.
Robert trying to make a gigantic snowball
We had scheduled to go tubing Christmas Eve, but the resort was closed that morning. Their staff weren’t able to make it to work, so we rescheduled for the 26th.
Growing up, we’d go sledding down steep hills, but had to walk uphill, dragging our sleds behind us. Great exercise but we wore ourselves out after multiple climbs. I’d always look forward to returning home to drink hot chocolate with frothy whipped cream.
At the resort, however, they had an “escalator” that took us uphill. So, we skipped the cardio exertion and enjoyed tubing.
Taking a selfie on the “escalator”
My experience was slightly marred when the employee asked if I’d like to spin. Of course, I said yes. But he spun the tube around so many times, by the time I got down the hill, I was dizzy. I waited ten to fifteen seconds until the sky stopped “swirling,” and I could stand without falling. For the rest of the experience and a few hours afterwards, I was nauseous.
It was worth it especially to see the joy on my husband’s face. (He’s from Oklahoma, so opportunities to play in the snow are a rare treat).
Hubby has a huge smile of joy
As we left town on Tuesday, Robert snapped a few pics of the city’s courthouse and ice tree since they’re featured in the novella. The ice tree wasn’t as tall as usual because Gaylord hasn’t received as much snowfall or cooler temps.
The tree is constructed of metal scaffolding with an underground pipe and underground water hose. Water continuously flows and as it freezes, it forms the beautiful sculpture. When it’s really frigid, the tree towers above the courthouse and spreads wide like a Redwood. Boy, that’s something to behold! This tree has been a Gaylord tradition for over fifty years.
Ice tree in front of the courthouse
Vote for a Character’s Surname!
Jordan is a minor character in Christmas at Sonshine Barn but a major one in Love at the Mayo, Book I of the Mayo Love series. I need your help on coming up with his surname. I originally assigned “Burr” but I kept forgetting it.
Burr comes from the Old English word burre. Shakespeare used it to refer to a person who “clings like a burr” and is “difficult to shake off.” This describes Jordan, but I’d prefer a more memorable surname.
Who is Jordan?
- A narcissistic senior financial advisor.
- A workaholic, analytical, and ambitious.
- Ex-boyfriend of my main protagonist in Love at the Mayo.
I’ll select the surname based on popularity and suitability. (If you offer your own surname, I’ll consider that as a candidate.)
Winner of December’s Giveaway:
Jessica Freeman! Congrats on winning the Bookshop.org gift card!
Image of Jordan courtesy Photo by Serhiy Hipskyy on Unsplash
Featured Image Image by Jerzy Górecki from Pixabay