How I met my heroine... In real life!

A few weeks ago, I ran into Home Goods to pick up a 2016 calendar (yeah, I'm one of those) and a package of decorative napkins for my Thanksgiving table. Also, I am in need of new Sunset Patio chair cushions (inexpensive but casually chic).
 
I stepped inside the door and stopped dead still, awestruck by the elaborate dingle dangles and silver swag.
 
My turkey day menu wasn't even finalized and here before me, in a world of grand glitter was – full-on Christmas! I'm sure you've been there. Overwhelmed and unprepared for... Christmas already?
 
I stood there, shuddering, amazed that the store had the nerve to give us such a blast of merchandising. I was transfixed, imagining all those fully decorated trees running after me screaming, "Buy me! Take me home with you!"
 
"Can I help you ma'am?"
I must have babbled something.
"Outdoor cushions? Nope. Wrong season. They're all put away. The other stuff... over there." She waved her hand in a general direction.
"But-but why... all this... Christmas stuff? Already!"  It was a balmy 89 degrees outside.
"Oh honey, this has been up since before Halloween. If it isn't here, you don't want it!"
 
Forget cushions. I started searching for my calendar. Another customer bumped me while reaching for a diary with a psychedelic cover.
"Excuse me. Perfect for my granddaughter. She's 13."
I'm sure my eyes were circling crazily like that cartoon cat. "Can you believe this? Christmas already!"
She shook her head and looked upward with a blissful expression, eyes all aglow. "Yes and I love it! My decorations go up the day after Thanksgiving. Every room shines with a candle in each window. It's a wonderful season! So exciting and beautiful!"
 
In that moment, it occurred to me that here was my heroine in OUR TIME TO LOVE. Gwyn adores the glitter, the rush, the gift giving, the spirit, the everything! And my tragically flawed hero, Neal does not.
 
But she loves him and won't let go. Read to see how Gwyn learns that making a difference in other people's lives is more important than her plan for success. And Neal accepts that some people must sparkle and shine and that's not a bad thing.
 
So, from the twinkly lady who left such an uplifting impression, and from me at Sunset Casa, wishing you… 
 
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Peace,
Mary Tate
 
PS: Don't forget to make a difference to someone. It will leave your spirit shining.

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