#thankfulthursdays #3

 Despite the tragic events in Beirut and Paris last week, and the Russian plane explosion earlier, I’m determined to claim what I’m thankful for.

That no more people were killed than were. Had the terrorists gotten into the stadium, I expect the loss of life would have greatly increased.

That these barbaric incidents may compel governments to work together to defeat ISIS. How dreadful that these people have committed crimes in the name of Islam. Not unlike the atrocities performed by Christians over the centuries, think the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, or in more recent times, the Ku Klux Klan. I would never presume to speak for God, which is what all these people do.

Forgive me if I stepped on toes, but despite advice to authors never to talk about religion or politics, evil flourishes when good people are silent. I won’t make this a habit, but this is too important an issue to be silent.

On a similar topic, let me point you to a Sisters of Suspense blog by Pat Amsden. http://sistersofsuspense.com/2015/11/16/what-would-you-do-2/

To lighter subjects:

That Charley came to live with us a year ago in October. 

 He’s our little white with black mask, deaf, Jack Russell/Chihuahua rescue. I do believe he rescued us rather than the other way around. Because of Charley, I walk around the block 4 times a day. (Not in the heat of summer when I sometimes have to cut back to 2 times.) I’m much healthier than before he came. Bob usually gets around once or twice with us. Charley cuddles in the bed with us, loves the fireplace (the way Simon did), and is a great protector, despite not hearing. His tail wags when he greets Bob after work are amazing and joyful.

That my massage therapist, Mary Jane Ashton,  is so accomplished and has such a beautiful soul.

That Judi Perrotti  is a gal with a wonderful sense of humor and an artist with my hair. We held one of my book signings in her salon. And if I can get this fourth book edited and to the formatters in a timely fashion, we’ll have the next one there.

That I stumbled on to Jo-Ann Carson’s blog several years ago, and we developed a friendship, which led to a trip to San Antonio to meet this Canadian in person.  As a result of her ingenuity and a lot of hard work on the part of 17 other talented women, the Sisters of Suspense blog was born. I’m am so grateful to be a part of this gifted group of writers.

That SNIPPETS OF SUSPENSE is out for FREE.

Kobo:

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-ca/ebook/snippets-of-suspense

Barnes & Nobel

Snippets of Suspense (Sisters of Suspense Anthology, #1)

This is an anthology with the first chapters of ten very different romantic suspense books from 10 of our 18 Sisters of Suspense authors. We hope you’ll discover a new favorite. Here’s the link to our site so you can sign up for the newsletter and be entered in the November Giveaway.

http://sistersofsuspense.com/

That next Thursday is the US Thanksgiving. It’s my favorite holiday. I think you in Canada have already celebrated. We’ll be traveling for the first time, and I won’t have a post that day. I’ll write about our Thanksgiving experiences on December 3, because I’m pretty sure I’m not through with this #thankfulthursdays thread regardless of the calendar. 🙂

So what other things are you thankful for during these tough, yet hopeful times? Have a wonderful holiday and be safe. Love to hear from you.