Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas

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Last Friday I found a thick brown envelope with a return address from Simon and Schuster waiting for me on my doorstep. I wasn't expecting a book to review from S&S and couldn't imagine what was inside the envelope, so I tore it open right away to find out.

The envelope held a soft cover copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas. I flipped open to the Table of Contents and, sure enough, I found my true story "Unexpected Joy" listed on page 195 in Chapter 6 (A Few Good Elves).

This new book is a reissue of a hardcover which was published in 2010 with limited distribution.

I love the nostalgic-looking, muted colors on the updated cover. The youngsters peek out from the stairs, dressed in their pajmas and slippers, gazing in awe at the presents beneath the Christmas tree.

The endorsement on the back cover is priceless: "Chicken Soup for the Soul has done it again, with an extra-large collection of joyful Christmas stories!" Santa Claus!

 According to the Chicken Soup for the Soul website, the publication date for The Gift of Christmas is October 9.

Expect the Unexpected

I had planned to write a totally upbeat post for today, but as I type this, our neighborhood tornado siren just started blaring, thunder has started to boom, and it's impossible to ignore the storm headed our way.

The TV weather forecaster is warning folks west and south of us to seek shelter immediately. Nasty stuff threatens.

Tornado watches and warnings are nothing new to those of us living in "tornado alley," but usually thunderstorms and tornadoes are springtime events, or sometimes in the fall. I don't remember having a tornado so late in the year.

Snow and ice storms, yes, but a tornado on the last day December? Guess anything is possible.

At least with tornadoes, we have warnings, but with life that's not always the case.

As I reflect on 2010, I had hoped to focus on the good things and not the bad, but today's weather is a reminder that no matter how much I want only good in my life, sometimes bad stuff like rejection, sickness, accidents--and tornados--pop up unexpected and unwelcome.

A few years ago when my life seemed to be filled with nasty stuff, I read five words that helped sustain me through dark times - "Look back, but don't stare."

Having survived several tornados and weathered many storms, this much I know: The nasty stuff will pass and the sun will shine again.

So, as thunder rumbles and the new year approaches, I'm being prepared but remaining positive. I'm going to look back, but not stare.

I'm looking ahead with a hopeful heart to welcome the unexpected, especially those moments of joy and grace that give purpose to my life.

Momentary Confusion and Unexpected Joy

After momentary confusion, unexpected joy is what I felt this morning while drinking a cup of tea and reading e-mails. As I scrolled through my messages, I found one from yesterday afternoon.

Editor D'ette Corona from Chicken Soup for the Soul wrote to congratulate me that my story "Unexpected Joy" has been selected . . . .

Oh, wow! That's great news!

. . . to appear in their proprietary Christmas manuscript.


Wait, what? Proprietary Christmas manuscript?

I kept reading.

"Proprietary" means the book will not be widely available, but only at specific merchants during the Christmas season. Okay, that sounds good.

In this case the merchants are Wal-Mart and Barnes and Noble. Woo hoo! That sounds fantastic!

At Wal-Mart, the book will be called Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Gift of Christmas.

At Barnes & Noble, it will be called Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tales of Christmas.

Both books will be special gift editions -- hardcover, with pretty endpapers and a red ribbon place holder. Sounds lovely!

I will receive my payment and complimentary copies of each book in October or November. Cha-ching!

The editors are not sure of the exact release dates yet. That's okay. I can wait.

Once the release date is announced and cover is available I will post it here.

I am so excited!

I am also very greatful to the members of Coffee and Critique for their suggestions and comments on my manuscript-- especially Alice who helped with last-minute suggestions the night of the deadline.

Thanks guys and gals, you are the best!