Tis the season to not only count our blessings, but to reach out to those in need. Right now fellow author Sandi Rog is a friend in need of help. On the same day Sandi’s first book released, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma.

For the last year, Sandi has endured chemo, radiation, and a bone marrow transplant, with the hope of destroying this aggressive cancer. And then, just a few weeks before the release of her second book, new tumors were discovered near her spine that show the cancer has not succumbed the way we had all hoped. A treatment that offers much hope is within reach, but the resources to have it are not.

So the writing community is stepping up to help a sister out by auctioning off various signed books, products, and services (such as an edit with a favorite author). If you would like to check out the goods, stop by the blog for Sandi and look around. And say a prayer for Sandi and her family. She needs God to move her mountain in a big way.

Happy Thanksgiving to you.

Months ago I asked for help in naming my new 3-legged cat and so many have you had great suggestions. That’s him above, taking a nap on my shoulder while I grade papers. (It was really boring work.)  He’s a big boy now and things aren’t going so hot for Thomas Sullivan Magnum, PI.

Poor Sully’s been to the vet almost every week, and despite the x-rays and blood work, they can’t find out why his remaining front leg isn’t working. It’s been pretty sad to watch.

So say a little prayer for my little Sully, that we’ll get some answers. We go back to the vet today, and they might be consulting with some folks in Oklahoma for us.

And say a prayer for me. Between the 400 vet trips and the 6 claw-shredded dining room chairs, I could’ve purchased four Coach bags and a Labradoodle.  Not to mention, at this point a happy ending is a pretty faint option, so…well, you know me and animals. It’s not going to be pretty.

Should’ve gotten a goldfish. . .

Okay, so I’m a fan of all things snow. I’ve already started my snow watch here, consulted some farmers, popped open some persimmons, and am anxiously awaiting an on-air shoutout (BY NAME) from my favorite weather guy on the first snow fall, thanks to my friend Snow Loving Holly. (Seriously, guys, this is going to happen. Can someone loan me their inhaler for the event?)

So keeping with the theme, I am anxiously awaiting the two Snow White movies. I had zero faith in either of them, but now I’m intrigued.

There is the serious one, which stars Bella Swan and Charlize Theron. At least I think it’s about Snow White. Judging from a few scenes, it looks like K-Stew is channeling Joan of Arc.

So that one is called Snow White and the Huntsman and Thor.

Then there’s the one starring Julia Roberts, Phil Collins’ daughter, and Lily Collins’ eyebrows. This one is either called Mirror, Mirror or Julia Roberts’ Disappearing Accent. I forget which.

I had no idea that was going to be a comedy. That changes everything. And I had no idea Nathan Lane was going to be in it. That’s a ticket-buy for me.
Another instant buy is anything with Stanley Tucci in it. So now I have to see Hunger Games. Because I always support the Tooch.

Other movies I’m excited to see are The War Horse.  (Though I think we know that can’t end well. I’ll probably be on anti-depressants before the credits roll.) And of course, Hugo.
What about you? What movies are on your list this winter?

Just because it gets dark at 3pm and it’s raining a lot and you might’ve had an earthquake even though you live in Arkansas (or Texas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma), and it’s chilly, and it’s dreary, doesn’t mean you need to get down! If you are smile-challenged lately, here is some assistance.

This story from Melissa McCarthy (Sookie from Gilmore Girls) on Ellen cracked me up.

This father-daughter wedding dance. 3:45 is the best. Daddy got some moves.

This Halloween photo. Lesson: never marry a man with the same name as your mother?

My class was asked what their last meal would be if they were on death row for tardies. Here is what one student had to say: (Student clears his throat.) “Caviar, octopus, coffee of all kinds, steak, grits, shark, cake, chocolate, shrimp, rolls, apple cider, fruit, loaded mash potatoes, rotisserie chicken, ham—like a whole ham. Like a pig with that apple in its mouth. Sweet potatoes, apple pie, rice, lo mein, Little Caesars, guava, mango, cumquat, starfruit, big ol’ jug of Pom, I’ve never had that, it’s so expensive, sushi, wasabi, cookies, cornbread, ice cream, chilli, Sweet Tarts, Pepsi, peanut butter, and alllll kinds of sammiches.”

THIS photo of Nicki Minaj…and someone else. Devil Wears Prada, anyone?

THIS happy ending.

THIS Funny or Die video.

This SHOCKING headline of unparalleled journalist value.

The fact that you can find video of at least three young women with Downs who recently won Homecoming Queen in our fine country. Like this girl.

Him. Still.

May we all have a good week.
One in which we smile.
At least once.

I have a bad habit.
About four times a week I go to Sonic…and buy a large water.
Just ice. Just water.
It’s kind of ridiculous. But it also makes me happy. Sonic has the best ice in the world.

And sometimes when I ponder my drink-buying habit, I get to feeling guilty. Dave Ramsey would say something like, “Those purchases add up over a year.” But when I do the math, multiplying the purchases times 54 cents, it’s kind of hard to get too worked up.When I start putting it on a Visa to get by, then I’ll reconsider.

And then I think how irresponsible it is to the environment. Those large styrofoam cups will be around when my nephew’s nephew’s nephew is in his nineties.
But then I think about how in the grand scheme of things, I’m not too awful. I mean, when’s the last time I accidentally dumped a super tanker of oil in the ocean and killed thousands of animals and various species? It’s been a really long time. So maybe a few ridiculously large (but never large enough…) cups aren’t so bad.

AND THEN I think…maybe the saddest thing here is that my favorite reward…is ice water.
Maybe that’s the real tragedy here.

What’s a habit you need to break?