Gayle M Irwin

As I write this, autumn is in full swing and the Caribbean, in particular, Jamica, has been hit by a massive hurricane. There’s loss of life and property. There is chaos, and there is uncertainty. And though we don’t usually think about autumn as being chaotic, in many ways, the season is just that – bears earnestly search for food before hibernating; migrating birds and butterflies attempt to “get out of Dodge” before winter’s fury; and the changes in plants, trees, and leaves produces their own chaos as they prepare for dormancy and change color.

Amid chaos and uncertainty, however, weave elements of hope. Jamaicans hope for restoration of utilities and reconstruction of buildings. Bears look forward to their long winter’s naps and the return of spring. Birds and butterflies bask in the warmth of southern climates and await their return north to mate and nest, produce caterpillars and sip nectar. Flowers, like bears, ‘hibernate’ until spring. How exciting it is to see crocuses, tulips, daffodils, and others poke their sleepy heads above ground, and for many if not most of those fragile flowers, the tasks of reawakening and rising must be a struggle. Yet hope prevails, and we are blessed with delightful colors and fragrances in early spring.

Meanwhile, autumn has taken root, and winter lies on the horizon.

November brings Thanksgiving in the United States. Although much negativity has abounded recently, between the government shutdown, people’s job losses, financial struggles, high grocery prices, and more, I believe looking for and remembering blessings – friends, family, pets, cars that run, water coming from the tap, good health, children and grandchildren, laughter, prayers offered by caring people in our lives – can lift our moods and keep stress at bay.

I’m going through a season of challenges, in particular, regarding my elderly parents. I know of many others traveling a difficult road. Cancer, prodigal children, loss of a spouse or close friend, are just a few of those. For my situation, I’m thankful my parents live close and I’m also thankful to have a somewhat flexible schedule in order to help them more readily. I’m also thankful my health stays good enough to be of help to them in various ways, such as grocery shopping and driving them to medical appointments, even staying overnight with them when needed.

My husband and I recently celebrated our 25^th wedding anniversary and prior to that special day, we visited Arizona to spend time in unique areas like Monument Valley and Hovenweep National Monument. We visited friends as well, people I’ve known for many decades. We enjoyed beautiful weather and safe travels, all for which I’m also grateful.

I recently released a new book. Yuletide in Yellowstone is the story of a woman who has retired from the National Park Service and meets some of her former colleagues at Yellowstone National Park for a reunion. During her stay at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, she reconnects with a man she first met 40 years previous. The main female character, Samantha, is grateful for her lengthy career and her friends … and eventually she experiences gratitude for reconnecting with Michael, the man she first met when she was only 19 years old. This is a second chance, later-in-life holiday romance incorporating new starts in life, gratitude, and friendship. The e-book is on sale this month for just .99 cents. Paperback format is also available.

Find out more and purchase the story via this link:
https://books2read.com/u/3RZ7aj
 

I’ve been an author for 17 years, and I am grateful for the journey. Next year, I will embark upon a new avenue of my writer’s life: crafting cozy mystery stories. My hope is to continue entertaining readers with sweet stories that incorporate animals into the tale. Will this adventure be chaotic? Maybe. I have a lot of learning to do, but I will remain hope-filled and hopeful.

We never know what challenges lie ahead, but I believe if we hold onto gratitude and hope, we can persevere. Therefore, I encourage you to hold on, and hold onto hope and thanksgiving this season … and always.