November-December posting

First of all, I apologize for not sending an early November newsletter. My head wasn't in the proper space, and I needed time to process my emotions following the election results.

I'm reminded by many that hope often springs from the most unexpected places. Amidst the noise and turmoil of the political landscape, countless individuals are working tirelessly to make a difference. Communities are coming together, finding strength in unity and compassion. People are engaging in meaningful conversations, bridging divides, and fostering understanding. Grassroots movements are gaining momentum, driven by a shared vision of a better future. Young voices are rising, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the forefront. While the road ahead may be uncertain, the resilience and determination of people everywhere remind us of our shared humanity.

Change is often slow and arduous, and every small step forward, every act of courage, and every moment of empathy contributes to a brighter tomorrow. Let's hold onto that hope, nurture it, and let it guide us through the turbulent times. We can build a future that reflects our highest ideals and aspirations. The power to create positive change lies within each of us, which is genuinely hopeful.

There will be many challenges in the coming years. Policies will impact marginalized communities --people of color, Latinos, Indigenous and low-income groups, LGBTQ (especially the trans community), and women. It is becoming more difficult for these communities to advocate for their health and safety. Acts of kindness and solidarity are more important than ever. Let's unite to support and uplift each other, ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and valued and their rights protected.

The holiday season shines as a beacon of hope. Families gather, sharing love and warmth that transcends any hardship. The spirit of giving flourishes. It reminds us of the kindness and generosity that unite us. It's a time when old grudges are forgiven, and new beginnings are embraced. The laughter of children, the scent of pine, and the glow of candles bring a comforting sense of peace. This season whispers of possibilities, brighter days ahead, and the enduring belief that love and hope can light even the darkest winter nights.

I wish you all a serene and joyous holiday season and new year. May the days be filled with laughter and love. Take time to experience the magic of a holiday performance in your community. Select name tags from the giving trees around town and donate to families in need. Volunteer your time at a food bank or other charities. Embrace the spirit of the season by spreading kindness and warmth wherever you go. Let's make these next few months especially special -- not just for ourselves but for others, too.

Cheers!

Judy

News from the author of Calico Lane

Enjoy a production of LEON, my holiday play as produced by Readers Theater Unlimited 2023 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz7Pv1VBXGI

or The Lost Lake Low Life Theater in 2022

https://youtu.be/0PDw3JgXpoE

On the horizon:

Coming in 2025: an expanded edition of Calico Lane (check out the contest on my website

www.judykiehart.com/calico-lane-the-book

to win a free copy of this new release). The cover is under design now, and the book will include photographs! Have you wondered what Auntie Heley and Uncle Washo looked like? Do you want to see a photo of what the Calico Lane youngsters called the 'castle'? How about a photo of me as a carhop in the 1960s? Get ready for the re-release of Calico Lane, which will be coming early in 2025.

Also, my new book is on track for release during the summer of 2025. You won't want to miss Mixed Shorts, a collection of short stories, free verse, and one-act plays.

I'm taking some time off! Watch for the next newsletter in February 2025.

In the meantime, catch up on the posts from prior months here: www.judykiehart.com/postings

On the Horizon

September was a super busy month, and I'm excited to say something fun is on the horizon. I am launching a new version of Calico Lane. That's right, a new version with a new cover...the text won't change, but photographs will be featured inside this version.

The original cover is dear to my heart because it is the entrance to the Calico Lane neighborhood. Critics have told me the cover only has meaning to those who are connected to Jermyn. The greater percentage of sales have been in that area of the country. I'm sure I'll box up a dozen of the first version books to keep on hand 'just in case.'

Through the new cover design process, I'm learning much about how each item on the cover is its own layer. Selecting from the diverse range of styles, elements, fonts, colors, and understanding the 'golden ratio of design' are but a few of the many challenges. It's been fun. I'm not planning to come out of retirement to design book covers, I'm just working for a marketable cover that will pop!

I'm excited about Calico Lane's new version and hope to launch it early in 2025. So here's a contest for you: Use the contact form on my website to tell me what you envision for a new cover. Your guess should include the main color and at least ONE element that is scheduled to appear on the new cover (ie a car would be an element) The first person to guess most accurately will receive a signed copy of the new book. That's exciting!

The second escapade on the horizon is my second book---now with BETA readers. You'll have to wait for more information as we approach the launch date sometime in June 2025. One BETA reader did say this about the book, "Each story has its own life...there is enough diversity with smooth transitions."

Along with the excitement of a new book, is another contest. The contest: Spread the word about my writing and encourage your friends to sign up to receive my monthly posts. When your friend completes the Contact Form, be sure they write your name in the message area. The person who signs up the most new readers by the end of 2024 will be considered the winner and will receive a signed copy of my second book.

Be ready for some new adventures in storytelling!

Keep watching my Facebook site or my website.

And, thank you for your continued support.

Cheers!

Judy

The Money Bowl

How much attention do you give to the coins in your pockets? For years, my wife and I have emptied our pockets at the end of the day and tossed coins into a wooden gourd that rests near the front door.

We do this because somewhere along the line, we heard that keeping such a bowl was good luck and would bring money into the house. However, we didn't bother to research the details. Year after year, we tossed loose change into the wooden gourd, and at least once a year, we'd roll the coins and bring home some bills that we earmarked for vacation spending treats.

Now, decades later, I did some research about this particular superstition, and from what I could find online, except for the wood gourd, we've been doing it wrong. According to superstition, the container – a money bowl – should hold objects that indicate wealth, like jewelry, crystals, gold or shiny objects, and glass beads. Proper feng shui suggests placing the money bowl in the furthest left corner of the house. Adding a mixture of rice and spices that can be purchased online as a 'money bowl starter kit' is also recommended. Instructions for casting a money bowl spell are also available online. Our habit of tossing pocket change into a wooden gourd is questionable as to its significance in bringing money into the house. But is it?

Since retirement, we've been using credit cards for practically all purchases – to earn points applicable to entertainment, dinner out, or travel. And because of that, the gourd has been on the not-too-full side, and we haven't rolled coins in some time.

But now, here comes the story: Not too long ago, I needed to purchase three lower-priced items (each at a different store), so I headed out with a twenty-dollar bill in my pocket.

The first purchase was eight dollars and change, the second was seven dollars and change, and the third was a dollar and change. When I returned home, I emptied what I expected to be four quarters, a couple of dimes and nickles, and a few pennies from my pocket.

Except three quarters weren't twenty-five cent pieces – they were Susan B. Anthony dollar coins!

I do not know which merchant made the error since I didn't take receipts for these minimal cash purchases. If the merchant started the day with these coins counted as quarters, the error most likely wouldn't have made the register unbalanced at the end of the day. I didn't feel obligated to retrace my steps. Still to myself, I smiled and thought SCORE!

When sharing this story with a friend, she told me she recently broke open a roll of quarters to find that more than half were Susan B. Anthonies. Now, that's a SCORE!

I went back to my computer and googled the Susan B. Anthony dollar. To my surprise, some Anthonies are worth a LOT MORE than a dollar. In 1979, some Anthonies arrived in circulation with flaws, like the date extending too far to the rim, making them worth much more than their face value. I learned that off-center errors occur when a coin is struck off-center. The punched die is not in the coin's center but closer to the edge. The greater the off-center strike, the scarcer and more valuable the coin becomes. I pulled out my magnifying glass and studied the Anthonies in my possession. It is sad to report that none of the 1979 coins were flawed, and none with the P for Philadelphia mint—all are Ds---Denver mint and are worth no more than one dollar.

The next time you receive a handful of coins, look closely! And it might be a good idea to keep your coin dealer's phone number handy.

Cheers!

Judy