Blended families come with conflicting loyalties and at Christmas time nearly everyone has somewhere else they feel they ought to be. Throw partners into the equation and it gets even more complicated. Since Tom and I aren’t especially hung up about Christmas we’re happy to let our children go with the strongest flow, but I have to say it was a great delight to have the girls and their partners staying with us this year. When such moments are few and far between they become very precious.
My stepsons weren’t far from our thoughts either, not least because we had the very happy news on Christmas Day that my elder stepson and his girlfriend had become engaged. Congratulations Dan and Gill, here’s wishing you every happiness together.
Tom and I end a year that has seen the fruition of many years work, both of us crossing important thresholds within weeks of each other. I’m really looking forwards to seeing Turning the Tide published next year and it’s been so satisfying, after all this time, to become a full member of the Romantic Novelists Association. In the meantime I have another OU deadline fast approaching so today’s post will be brief for that reason!
Whilst I have been fortunate to have a happy ending to my year, another family didn’t but they still managed to give the promise of a new life to Jessica Wales. Sometimes there’s hope in the darkest places.
Painting is 'West Coast Surf' by Tom Tomos
Comments
I am not a great one for resolutions but agree it would be marvellous to meet in 2010. xx
Kate xx
Congratulations to your stepson and well done to you and Tom for ending the year/decade with such positive news and great achievements.x
Happy new year. xoxo
I like this. Because with married children, there can be problems and hurt feelings with who goes where when at the holidays. Better to go with the flow, stay happy and enjoy the times together while they last!
Like Elizabethm I think a meet up is a splendid idea.
Best wishes.x
Hey if you lot are arranging a meet up dont forget me ....I'm coming!
xxPat
Congratulations again on the sale of TTT. I'm looking forward to seeing it in the, um, flesh!
Gosh, we might actually get to meet!
Best wishes with your running, too, and hoping that those crazy barking dogs stay well away from you. xo
I just have this vision of a posse of romantic novelists, tears in their eyes, returning to the ruins of Manderley and drinking Pimms on the croquet lawn.
Sorry, just blethering as usual. Bloody well done you, all the same!
What a great year you've had and what a lot you've got ahead! Will you be looking for one of those big hats and pink frilly dresses to go with the Pims suggested by Fennie?
Jeanne x
I can't wait to keep following your story...
Happy 2010 and thanks for your continued support over at mine.
Jjx
Elizabeth, I think we all share that feeling of being delighted when we've 'been there' with fellow bloggers - I'm thrilled to see the lovely photo of your new grandchild. Now that is exciting!
Kate, a giant thanks to you for all your support. I do hope you're right about the next decade!
Debs, yes we had the quiet year last year. Thanks for your congratulations and all the best to you for your next novel and for 2010.
LBD, what a star you've been. Thank you for being there and here's to some fab North Nodes in 2010 (is that right?!)
Karen, I do think it's better to let everyone do their own thing - and yes, it's lovely (and important) to make the most of the good times when they're there.
FP, I know you are, thank you. Congratulations on the impressive journalism in 2009, here's wishin you continued success with that and with fiction in 2010.
Mountainear, thank you, you're very kind. Let's sort something out when for the Spring ( I think Aber would be very bracing at the moment!).
Mags,... we could get quite used to Champagne O'Clock!!!
SBS, I wouldn't expect you and yours NOT to raise the roof; it always sounds as if you're living life to the full over there. Yo know that I wish you all the very best (and few less worries) for 2010. Cx
LBD... and profiteroles!
Tam, thank you m'dear. Many congratulations on all your success in 2009 and everything to come in 2010.
Pat, Happy New Year to you too X.
Liane, thank you very much from both of us. Happy New Year and continuing success to you too!
Frances, I do appreciate the good wishes for the bad dogs to stay away from me... I certainly don't want to turn the other cheek! Will email you with news.
Fennie, well the clothes fairies still haven't been so this romantic novelists is still clumping around in her jeans I'm afraid, although I like your thinking. Thanks for the good wishes and support and here's wishing you all good things in 2010 too.
Pondside, that is an excellent idea! I will put in a request to the Clothes Fairies. Yes, just let the children get on with it as far as poss. Much better for them. Here's wishing all the very best for 2010 to you and the Great Dane.
Jeanne, thank you so much. Happy New Year to you and yours too.
JJ, it's always a pleasure and fascinating reading to see what you're up to. Good luck with the novel in 2010.
What better way to start the new decade than to have your latest baby go out into the world. Go TTT!