THINGS TO BE THANKFUL FOR.....AND AN UPCOMING RELEASE!.... by Gail L. Jenner

With Thanksgiving approaching, we are all aware of the importance of giving thanks -- for many things in our lives!

And.....as I sit here in our old farmhouse, with bay windows that overlook the ranch--with fall in the air and rain dripping from the eaves--I smile and think on the wonderful things in my life.

I love this time of year. I've spent a long summer on the ranch when life is sooooooo busy and almost overwhelming, but satisfying, too, and now the time to calm down and take a few breaths means a little pause in our harried lives.


Fall is a time of reflection, and it's truly a time of "birth" for us: Calves are being born and to see them (hundreds of them) flitting with their tails high, in pairs or bunches, while "moms" graze in contented grace ALWAYS affects me.

And of course, with the trees in color and the gorgeous mountains now being topped with snow, our valley is like living inside a postcard.

For other things, too, I reflect on how grateful I am....

For faith, eternally. It has become the cornerstone of my life...and helps me to look out at the world with hope... 

For health, of course. And that--for a writer--is quite significant. When I'm feeling down or "lack-lustre," it is very hard to settle into that old chair and focus on a blank page. It's hard to contemplate upcoming deadlines, or even get creative.

For family, absolutely. Although my husband rarely reads anything I write, I am always grateful for those ("relatively few, albeit") nights he says, "Let's not worry about dinner....I know you're busy." Or, "Let me cook!"  For a farmer/rancher, who comes in famished, that is saying A LOT, and I'm thankful. I know a lot of ranching hubbies would not understand the heady reality of not being able to move until that important idea has been written down--or that final revision is complete.

His confidence in me has become tremendously powerful in my life.

My kids, too, have figured out that my absence is sometimes necessary. Even though none are at home, but have homes and families themselves, they know there are days when "Nonna" is out of touch or out of reach. Even the older grandkids (we have eight now, ranging from 15 to 20 months) know Nonna has to work, often behind closed doors. All help protect that writing time -- even though I cherish my days as babysitter or playmate.

HOWEVER, this weekend, I will be traveling two hours to see our oldest grandson in his final JV football game...



Can't miss that!

And, of course, for friends...so many of them have become my cheerleaders! First to purchase or spread the word about new releases. First to celebrate even the smallest events.

Today, along with everything else in my life, I am also deeply grateful for this NEW release from Prairie Rose: COMING, November 10th:

A Cowboy under the Mistletoe,  a new CHRISTMAS ANTHOLOGY 

 
Check it out: pre-orders can be made already at amazon.com for kindle and ebooks. Print copies will be available soon.

Truly... for Prairie Rose and all of the writers who work for this dynamic enterprise, there is such a wonderful sense of gratitude. As writers, we know the power of the spoken or shared victory, the encouragement and value of having opportunities to write and be published.

We know how demanding the publishing world is and how difficult it is to get our stories published or "out there" for the public. SO....Cheryl and Livia, Kathleen, et al .... your continued support means so much. I want to THANK YOU for the devotion you have provided and for the faith YOU have put into your writers!

So, as the morning sun is bursting through my windows, I smile and sigh and think -- okay, it's time to get back to work... and I wish all a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

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Gail L. Jenner is grateful for being able to work with Prairie Rose Publishing, and her collection of stories published by PRP has grown since "joining the gang" in Dec. 2013 with the re-release of her WILLA Award-winning Across the Sweet Grass Hills.

"Prettiest Little Horse Thief"  and "July's Bride" are two of her other favorites.....and then there are the boxed sets and anthologies!  For more about Gail, check out: www.gailjenner.com or http://www.amazon.com/Gail-Fiorini-Jenner/e/B005GHR47O

AND...be sure and check out the upcoming anthology, A Cowboy Under the Mistletoe! Available for pre-order NOW!