Christmas – Page 2

December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas from the Taylors!

December 23, 2011

Christmas Favorites / A Child’s Christmas in Wales

December 22, 2011

Snowball Soap (with a Hidden Surprise)

December 19, 2011

Mug of Wisdom #28 / C. S. Lewis

Hello! My name is Shannon Taylor and I’m a mom of four, originally from Minnesota and now living in Maryland. I "published" my first newsletter when I was nine, and since then, I’ve written and edited for magazines, websites, and textbooks. I started this blog when my kids were small to reflect on life, share ideas, and preserve memories. Now that my children are grown, I continue to use this space to document meaningful moments and practical ideas.

If you're in the mood for a bit of Christmas cheer, you might enjoy THE ADVENT BOX, available wherever books are sold. You can click on the cover below to learn more.

Happy Valentine’s Day! I approach holiday greetings with more caution than I used to because I know these occasions can be painful for people who’ve lost someone. Which is pretty much everyone, especially when you get to be my age.

This day might not be the same as it was, but I hope you still have a valentine, whether it’s a romantic partner or a friend or a much-loved pet. Or yourself. We make good valentines because we know our favorite chocolate and what books we want.

I’ll always hang the Hearts on a String for any kid who’s home on Valentine’s Day, except not this year because the puppy would tear them to bits.

What a great Valentine’s message. 😅 Well. I do hope you have some treats today and you know I’m thinking of you fondly. ❤️

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Happy Valentine’s Day! I approach holiday greetings with more caution than I used to because I know these occasions can be painful for people who’ve lost someone. Which is pretty much everyone, especially when you get to be my age.

This day might not be the same as it was, but I hope you still have a valentine, whether it’s a romantic partner or a friend or a much-loved pet. Or yourself. We make good valentines because we know our favorite chocolate and what books we want.

I’ll always hang the Hearts on a String for any kid who’s home on Valentine’s Day, except not this year because the puppy would tear them to bits.

What a great Valentine’s message. 😅 Well. I do hope you have some treats today and you know I’m thinking of you fondly. ❤️

During the writers’ retreat in Savannah, I had lunch with my friend and her daughter and her friend at the @littleduckdiner. Great food and vibe. If you order a “fun” drink, it comes with a little rubber duck. I asked the girls for a famous writer from Savannah. Without hesitation, H said, “Flannery O’Connor.” So here she is, my tiny little muse, Flannery, sitting atop my storyboard for THE ROWING CLUB, ready to inspire. Maybe she’ll quack loudly if I try to leave my desk before I get my words in… 😂

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During the writers’ retreat in Savannah, I had lunch with my friend and her daughter and her friend at the @littleduckdiner. Great food and vibe. If you order a “fun” drink, it comes with a little rubber duck. I asked the girls for a famous writer from Savannah. Without hesitation, H said, “Flannery O’Connor.” So here she is, my tiny little muse, Flannery, sitting atop my storyboard for THE ROWING CLUB, ready to inspire. Maybe she’ll quack loudly if I try to leave my desk before I get my words in… 😂

I spent the past week getting to know the beautiful city of Savannah during a Novel Escapes writers’ retreat hosted by Lisa Connors in conjunction with the Savannah Book Festival. From beloved authors Mary Kay Andrews and Nancy Naigle generously sharing their wisdom and experience to beautiful architecture and delicious dining, it was a week filled with inspiration.

Have you been to Savannah? It’s definitely worth a trip! We stayed on Jones Street, right in the heart of the historic district. Highlights included watching horse-drawn carriage tours and meeting the neighbor’s 12-week-old mini dachshund, Emmett. So adorable!

I loved the cats at E Shaver Booksellers and the lush camellia bushes that filled the squares. And so many fountains! Our friends in Savannah, Alexandra and Jason, recommended the Telfair Museum gift shop, the Paris Market, and the lobby of the JW Marriott on the river. It’s jaw-dropping!

Our group enjoyed the bubble dome at Zunzi’s, which had a fun South African-inspired menu, and an evening soaking in the river view at Top Deck. Alexandra recommended Auspicious Bakery, which was amazing, as well as the Little Duck Diner (more on that in a future post!).

I’d love to bring my family to visit Savannah. Do you have any other recommendations for fun things to do there?

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I spent the past week getting to know the beautiful city of Savannah during a Novel Escapes writers’ retreat hosted by Lisa Connors in conjunction with the Savannah Book Festival. From beloved authors Mary Kay Andrews and Nancy Naigle generously sharing their wisdom and experience to beautiful architecture and delicious dining, it was a week filled with inspiration.

Have you been to Savannah? It’s definitely worth a trip! We stayed on Jones Street, right in the heart of the historic district. Highlights included watching horse-drawn carriage tours and meeting the neighbor’s 12-week-old mini dachshund, Emmett. So adorable!

I loved the cats at E Shaver Booksellers and the lush camellia bushes that filled the squares. And so many fountains! Our friends in Savannah, Alexandra and Jason, recommended the Telfair Museum gift shop, the Paris Market, and the lobby of the JW Marriott on the river. It’s jaw-dropping!

Our group enjoyed the bubble dome at Zunzi’s, which had a fun South African-inspired menu, and an evening soaking in the river view at Top Deck. Alexandra recommended Auspicious Bakery, which was amazing, as well as the Little Duck Diner (more on that in a future post!).

I’d love to bring my family to visit Savannah. Do you have any other recommendations for fun things to do there?

Happy Year of the Snake! Wishing you a year full of wisdom, fresh starts, and exciting opportunities. Just like a snake sheds its skin, may you let go of what no longer serves you and step into a year of growth, confidence, and success. May your instincts guide you toward happiness, good fortune, and plenty of joy. 恭喜发财 (Gōng xǐ fā cái) – Here’s to a smart and prosperous year ahead!

(Alexandra and friends at the National Zoo, summer 2023)

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Happy Year of the Snake! Wishing you a year full of wisdom, fresh starts, and exciting opportunities. Just like a snake sheds its skin, may you let go of what no longer serves you and step into a year of growth, confidence, and success. May your instincts guide you toward happiness, good fortune, and plenty of joy. 恭喜发财 (Gōng xǐ fā cái) – Here’s to a smart and prosperous year ahead!

(Alexandra and friends at the National Zoo, summer 2023)

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Merry Christmas from the Taylors!

Homemade Gingerbread Playdoh

Christmas Favorites / A Child’s Christmas in Wales

Scherenschnitte Angels

Snowball Soap (with a Hidden Surprise)

Staples and Scrooge

Mug of Wisdom #28 / C. S. Lewis