Remember how I said I was going to buckle down, get back into work mode, and start answering all your emails that were/are literally piling up in my inbox???

Okay, sorry about that. But I am getting closer to doing that!!

And also, remember how I felt reluctant to turn on the Christmas lights all over the house anymore because of the lurking January electric bill?? I said, "Fuck it; it's Christmas!!" and back on they went. The bill always gets paid so we'll just deal with it when we deal with it. How does that sound, gang???

On a related note... My much-younger housemate is not a true "F" word user. To be fair, not many folks are as big a fan/user of the "F" word as I am. Early in the season, I had the occasion to respond to something else annoying (it was along the lines of "huge electric bills") with the resigned comment, "Fuck it, it's Christmas." And this so startled the young, tender ears of my housemate that it has now become our motto around here!!! Fuck it; it's Christmas. Yay!!!!

It's all about surrendering, gang....

This Saturday, even though it's a holiday weekend, I will resume my "reading" day -- any manuscripts, short stories, etc., that need my attention, will be read on Saturdays. If you've been waiting for some sort of a response from me about a manuscript of some kind, your patience has been greatly appreciated around here.

Also, keep in mind that my primary email address has changed. I am still receiving emails at the old address but it will soon be closed. My new address is:

marilynjayelewis@yahoo.com

Please start writing to me there as soon as possible. (This way, I can blame my tortoise-like slow replies on the "confusion" of having too many email addresses right now!! ha ha ha.) (Yes, I know -- some of you are too smart to fall for that and are just waiting for a reply to your emails already!! And, sadly, my tardy response has nothing whatsoever to do with my drinking too much ale! I have only had time for two pints of ale this whole holiday season. No wait; make that three...)

Okay, that said, gang, I'm outta here!! Gotta get some actual work done before the next holiday weekend gets underway!! (I don't know about you, but I'm thinking "champagne"!!! What can I say? I have a joyous heart this year, gang. There is so much to celebrate.) All right, thanks for visiting!! Make it a super terrificThursday wherever you are!! See ya!

[What Thursdays look like around here. Perhaps this is why your emails don't get answered???]