Wednesday, December 27, 2017

For you from Jungle Red: Almost a Poem!


HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: Happy weird week between Christmas and New Years!

I'm doing my holiday cards today. No comment.

And (as always, with my apologizes to Clement Moore and Dr.Seuss) here's a holiday gift poem from your grateful Jungle Reds. And another gift below! 

TOASTING JULIA AT BOUCHERCON!  Next year, we will all be together.

'Twas two days after Christmas
And all through this site
Not a blogger was working
Not even to write.


Our books were all saved on our cloud files with care
In hopes that bestseller lists soon would be there.
Our new novels were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of royalties danced in our heads.

The Jungle Red sisters, (four east and four west)
Had just settled our brains for a well-deserved rest.

But while closing our eyes, what sweet dreams did appear?
All the Jungle Red news that had changed us last year.

There was glory of course, (may her sales still increase)
Farleigh Field sold a billion—applause to our Rhys!

Key West took a hit, though, alas and alack
But with Lucy at keyboard, we know they’ll be back.

Hallie always will rock it, and as we should know:
Her creepy new doll book –won Best Au-di-o!
And Hank’s still applauding, it brought her great cheer
When her book was dubbed a best of the year!


Debs’ Gemma and James wow in book—sev’nteen?
Our Julia’s writing—superfabulous keen!


Plus what to our widening eyes did appear
Two perfect new Reds!
Jenn and Ingrid are here!
  
 But what makes us the happiest—keeps every day new?
We knew in a moment—it’s our blogging crew!

You listen, you chatter, you join in the game
We cheer you, we love you, we call you by name!

Thanks, DebRo! Thanks Edith! Thanks beloved Joan E!
Both Karens, and Lesa, and darling Pat D.

Hail Ramona, and Susan, Gigi and Mare
We hope Jim and Amanda will always be there

Here’s to Reine, and Danielle, and to Mary (there’s two)
To Grace, Mark and Judi—good tidings to you!

Same for Karen (in O), and Gram Cootie as well,
And dear Mary Garrett--the stories she’ll tell!

To Flora, and Marianne, and Keenan (whoo hoo!)
To Coralee, Biblio—we always thank you!

Kaye Barley, we love you, and love to Don, too.
(We know that this year’s been a big one for you!)

Our guest bloggers were stellar:
Fairstein and James
Strawser, Gard'ner and Brennan…hard to list all their names!

To Delia, and Kristopher (king of the list!)
To Kathy B. Reel--consider you're kissed.

Hail to Kait, and to Margaret—hail Ann, of course, too 
Hail “Anonymous” also--love hearing from you!

And all hail dear Ross, we now raise a sweet toast
You brought us all happiness—we all miss you. The most.

We had memories, recipes, tales of our youth
We’ve had jokes, and disasters, and telling the truth.
To the top of the lists! To the top of them all!
We’re revising, and writing, and sharing our call!

As dry words before our reviser’s pen fly
When they meet with cliché, and we fix them (we try):

We’re almost at New Years, and our thoughts go to you
May you write perfect books, may your wishes come true!

May you waste not a word, may you write fresh and new
And fill all your stories with mysteries and clues

And remember: on days that things don’t turn out right
And you wonder if this was a fraud and a fright

You have sisters on line—there are eight of us here!
And each one is wishing you all-the-year cheer.

And we all say—we love you! ‘Fore you click from our site--
Happy Holidays to All

—and long may you Write!

HANK: Here's an alternate ending:
And we all say--we love you! Good new year, indeed!
Much joy to you all--and long may you read!

And to that end: a selection of Jungle Red books to one lucky commenter! Happy holiday week, everyone!

128 comments:

  1. What a great recap of the year . . . your poem’s amazing and lovely and wonderful, dear ladies . . . just like every one of you.
    Happy holidays . . . wishing you all the best of everything in the coming year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joan, one of the things I can count on in life is seeing and enjoying your comments first on the blog. It's a comfort.

      Delete
  2. Awww, that poem is a great tribute to both the lovely Reds, and to the blogging crew!
    Happy holidays to all, and I will continue to enjoy being with you via the written page, on-line (and occasionally) in person!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! Hope your foot is better, dear Grace!

      Delete
    2. I reached a milestone, Hank. It's been 6 weeks and that's when the broken bones are supposed to have mended. I can do more stairs at home (with crutches) and put some weight on the leg for the first time. I would love to go outside more but now it's this darn polar vortex (-30C/F windchills) and icy sidewalks that are keeping me indoors this week. Hoping that January 2018 will bring a thaw and more progress.

      Delete
  3. Oh, what fun it is to write
    A New Year's poem tonight.

    Thanks for the great books and the great blog, ladies! And Happy Holidays to you all.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amazing! What a wonderful wrap up to the year. Thanks for the joy the Reds and commenters brought to 2017 and looking forward to more in 2018!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, isn't it an amazing community? I am in awe every day.

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. And to you, too--we are sending many healing thoughts to your sister...

      Delete
    2. Thank you, dear Hank. She took a great turn for the better yesterday, so all those healing thoughts and prayers are weorking!

      Delete
  6. That was terrific! Thank you and the best of the new year to you all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was hard to rhyme "Judi"--so I had to put you in the middle of a line!

      Delete
  7. I love seeing this every year. Thanks, Merry Christmas and here's to a great 2018!

    Mary/Liz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, once I had the template, it is such fun to change it every year! Sort of an evolving tradition. xoxo

      Delete
  8. Hank, that was frabjous! I can't remember when I first came here, but it is now my virtual home. I have much respect for all of you, women of power and prestige, beautiful women who brighten our lives with your books and your stories and your existence.

    Thank you dear Reds, for being in my life.

    Happy New Year xox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, thank you! It is a bout forty below zero here (feels like it, at least,) and this is perfectly heartwarming!

      Delete
  9. What a great poem. It tells the story of the past year with love and tenderness. I don' know where I would be without my Jungle Reds "fix". You all are amazing!! Wishing you the happiest of New Years! HUGS!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What fun to read your poem this morning! Thank you for the holiday gift and for inviting us all to join your ongoing Reds conversation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So great to see you, Triss! Can you believe how COLD it is??

      Delete
  11. Aw, thank you! I take a quick glance at this blog before starting work each morning and return to it on my lunch break. Don't know where I'd be without you!

    DebRo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, so wonderful...you were here from moment one! xoo

      Delete
  12. Do you always have an alternate ending? 😉 Love the poem.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is the only author's blog I follow--it's usually my morning fix, too--a great mix of authors whose books I eagerly consume--pop-ins of other favorites--love when the Todds visit or William Kent Krueger--and too many new authors (to me) to mention--I'm never short of reading ideas. But the reason I come back day after day is that it is obvious how warm-hearted and generous you all are--how hard you all work at your craft/art--how much you care about your readers. To the Reds and to the community here--thank you for sharing! May your New
    Year be filled with peace and joy and wonderment!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, we have a lot of wonderful guests..and it's a treat for us, too. And for the TBR piles, right?

      Delete
  14. Thanks to you ladies for being there! You help me begin my day. Loved the poem! What a great recap of a year! Looking forward to the best for everyone in the coming year!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm doing my cards today, too. Single digit temps and a coating of snow outside. 2017 was a tumultuous year. Thanks for the comfort and joy on the blog.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I am so relieved! We'll get his done together...xoxoox

      Delete
    2. We're doing our cards today, too, Hank! We couldn't even manage to get digital cards out before Christmas! (And besides, I got a great photo of the grandbaby on Christmas morning.)

      Delete
  16. Oh what fun that poem is! Clever Reds to pull it all together. Thank you for that and for this blog. Such a lovely online community to be part of. I am a grateful reader and an appreciative fan of the 8 Reds. (And, with the windchill factored in, it really is close to minus 40 Celsius here today; ridiculous!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow--that IS ridiculous! I went to the postoffice..and wore about ten layers. yeesh!

      Delete
  17. What a fun post to read this morning. Thank you all for the hours of reading enjoyment your books have brought me. Dmskrug3 at hotmail(.)com

    ReplyDelete
  18. You're brilliant Hank--you capture the life and love from this group perfectly! xoxo to you all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. xoxoxo Cannot wait to read the new book!

      Delete
    2. Lucy, you described perfectly what Hank did in the amazing poem!

      Delete
  19. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  20. My favorite poem, every time, Hank!

    Blowing kisses to all the Reds, near and far. Love this community, so much.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Such a clever poem! Thank you all for the many hours of reading pleasure. Today's weather is perfect for curling up with a good book.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love you ladies! I've only met Julia in person sister Mainer) but I feel you're all friends. I don't post much but you are a big part of my reading life. All hail the Reds! (Awesome poem!)

    ReplyDelete
  23. You give us each day a wonderful read, filled with news and new books and tips we should heed.
    Thanks to the Reds for your books and your quips -- we listen to all that comes from your lipsticked (three syllables) lips.
    Not only do you write the books we love, but you brighten up each day of the year with friendship and love!

    Fun to see Rhys mentioned in the NY Times Book Review on Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOVE this! And I laughed out loud at lip-stick-ed. xoxoxooo

      Delete
  24. You’re much better at poems than I am.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Love the poem!!! and love reading the posts of all of you great writers

    ReplyDelete
  26. Rhys, a BILLION! Mind- blowing

    ReplyDelete
  27. I enjoy your wonderful posts, your captivating novels and your interesting and creative and beautiful thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, thank you! SO lovely to hear this..and to hear from you!

      Delete
  28. Aw. what a great poem. Thank you so much to the Jungle Reds for the wonderful books and awesome blog, as well as sage writing advice sprinkled in here and there, and thanks to the fellow bloggers and the Reds for making this such a fantastic online community. I love stopping in every morning!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Pulitzer level, right??? And yes, we love being here, too.... thank you!

      Delete
  29. The poem gave me joy and happiness. Thank you for your fascinating books, great posts and this blog which I visit daily.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Traveler--so great of you! It is such fun to imagine you out there, reading every day. Thank you. SO lovely. xooxo

      Delete
  30. Traveler--so great of you! It is such fun to imagine you out there, reading every day. Thank you. SO lovely. xooxo

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hank, your poem is fabulous!! What a great recap of the year, and a start to the new one.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Wonderful poem! What fun!! Thank you all so much -- Reds and fellow bloggers alike -- for making this such a joyful, useful, uplifting, essential place to visit every day.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oh, and great photo, too, Hank, and memory of our time in Toronto. Only sorry we were missing Julia!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Fun poem. And thanks for the shout out!

    ReplyDelete
  35. You gals are so fun; I love the poem! I'm fairly new to your blog but I'm trying to visit more often as you always make me smile. (And never fear, I will long be reading--mysteries, romances, classics, general lit, YA . . . bring 'em on!) Happy new year to all the Jungle Reds!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, great, Amy! We're planning lots more for 2018--love to hear what you all look forward to!

      Delete
  36. I love the poem! All of you are so wonderful and it's so much fun to read this blog. It's the only one I go to (almost every day). I don't always comment, but I almost always read what you beautiful ladies are up to.

    The only one I've met in person is Rhys (book tour appearance at Tattered Cover in Denver, CO), but it feels like I know you all from your blog posts and your terrific books. Best wishes for a happy and prosperous New Year.

    Julia, I'm still praying for you and your children. You will never stop missing Ross, but it will become less painful after a while. God be with you, sweet lady!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Beverly, we know you are here! And so delighted to hear from you... Thank you so much for everything.

      Delete
  37. Fabulous poem !
    This blog enlightens my days and meeting some of the Reds and commenters at Bouchercon was the highlight of my year.
    Happy Holidays !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, seeing each other in person is so funny--it already seems as if we know each other, right?

      Delete
  38. Thanks for the wonderful poem. And Christmas lasts until January 6 so you're not late with your Christmas cards, Hank

    ReplyDelete
  39. That was a wonderful poem and a great recap of the year. I read the blog daily and look forward to all of the interesting posts. It is a great way to start the day! Thank you all for the hours of reading enjoyment that you have provided. Happy holidays and wishing you all a wonderful 2018!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kelly! SO great to hear that..thank you! And to you, too..xoxo

      Delete
  40. Remember--up until the 25th it is Advent. From the 25th through Epiphany (6 Jan) it is Christmas. So, cards going out now are quite timely.
    Libby Dodd

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, wonderful, thank you! I will think of you as i am addressing today..crossing fingers for the UPS delivery guy...xoxo

      Delete
  41. I have been away from Jungle Reds a bit during the holidays, missing on commenting, but reading the blog still. I come back today to see a most marvelous poem that touched my heart and reminded me once again why this blog is the first place I go to on my computer each day. A great recap of the year and, as always, a loving personal reach-out to us all. The authors and commenters here are a second home to me, and there really is no place like home. Love to you all and an amazing new year!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hurray--and happy 2018! Cannot wait to see what is in store. And in story! xoxo

      Delete
  42. I loved the poem! Now I've been immortalized! Unless something is going on or we're traveling I read the Reds every day. I've enjoyed getting to know you ladies and gentlemen, writers and readers alike. I've been introduced to so many wonderful guests on this blog too. Thank you all.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hank, how clever you are! You never cease to amaze and are a credit to the Hoosier state. (At least I think you were born in Indiana:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I moved to Indiana when I was five--and lived there until college. So that counts as Hoosier, right? and oh, I owe you an email. so behind! xoo

      Delete
  44. I love the poem! And being immortalized! I have enjoyed getting to know the ladies and gentlemen who post on the Reds blog. And all the wonderful guests who have dropped by. Please keep up the good work! Now I will try to post this again. Something in the ether ate my first one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, the blogger-elf sometimes gets feisty. Thank you for persisting! xoxoo

      Delete
  45. This is fabulous, Hank!

    Thank you so much to the other Reds and the Reds' community for being so welcoming. Hard to believe a year's gone by!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    2. Aw, thanks. :-) And yeah, it seems like we've all been Reds forever. Love that. xoox

      Delete
  46. Is she amazing, or what?!? Hank, I love this so much.
    Hallie, who's now read "Twas the Nigh at least 12 times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw. And you are a rock star! The baby children will remember it always. oxooo

      Delete
  47. Hank and to Everyone-Wishing everyone on Jungle Red Writers blog and writers everywhere some extra magic inspiration energy, from the writer fairy of all Christmas pasts who flies around and gathers inspirational energy to sprinkle in our minds as we all manifest our futures...words build worlds. Let's go out there and build some new ones. Happy New Year everyone! (Ms.) 'Rickie' Banning in Hawaii

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, thank you! I NEED that sprinkle right now-- send that writer fairy right over! xooo

      Delete
  48. thanks for the poem. This blog is the golden thread that runs through my week. I don't always post, but I always read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aw, now that is the sweetest prettiest thing to say! xxoooo

      Delete
  49. Such fun! This is definitely one of my favorite places to visit. Thanks to all. Hope everyone is having a wonderful third day of Christmas. But as my granddaughter said, What are you going to do with all those birds?

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thanks for the poem and the blog and your books. You all talk about books and food, my favorite things!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Dear Jungle Reds...
    Long may you write...
    Your wonderful books
    Keep me up too late each night!

    Love each of your books
    Wherever they're set...
    Good mysteries will always
    Be my go to bet.

    Thank you all for entertaining your humble readers. May you each have a very happy, healthy New Year filled with wonderful ideas that you share.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheryl, brilliant! We can write next year's together! YAY!

      Delete
  52. Love, love, love the poem!!! Always so happy to find new books and authors to spend time with! Happy 2018 to all!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thanks for writing so well, so I can read . . . <3
    HANK: Here's an alternate ending:
    And we all say--we love you! Good new year, indeed!
    Much joy to you all--and long may you read!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Happy Third Day of Christmas
    On the first day of Christmas, my love and I did see an itty-bitty, hungry Chickadee! <3
    12 neighbors strolling
    11 frogs a’leaping
    10 raccoons prowling
    9 bunnies grazing
    8 geese a’flying
    7 foxes hunting
    6 squirrels a’playing
    5 red Cardinals,
    4 plucky Sparrows,
    3 tiny mice,
    2 swooping owls,
    and an itty-bitty, hungry Chickadee!
    — Mel and Mary’s collaborative effort — Merry Christmas

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SO fabulous! Thank you. (And prescient, too. Come back Saturday!) And ,aw, this is lovely. I love the itty bitty hungry chickadee. Off to make sure we have bird food! (And send this to use next year so we can make it part of our holiday celebration!

      Delete
  55. Thank you all for a wonderful way to start my day. Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  56. What a fun post! I don't often comment, but I try to keep up with all the entries. Happy holidays! And here's to much writing success in the new year :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  58. This is an ideal year to celebrate the works of women writers, as well as this wonderfully supportive group. Long live — and write and read!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. HANK here: Yes, indeed! And aw...thank you so much, Cindy!

      Delete
  59. AND THE WINNER chosen at random IS: Amy Paul!

    With an extra prize to Cheryl! (Because I couldn't resist.)

    YAY! So send me your addresses at h ryan at whdh dot com and your gifts will be on the way!

    And happy new year!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I just discovered your blog today, hip hip hooray. Loved your poem.

    ReplyDelete
  61. How fun! My early new year's resolution is to read more and start reading all the wonderful authors I've neglected over the past few years. And to find new ones!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Thank you all for your books. Each one I read provides me with a chance to escape reality for a wee bit each day. That is especially appreciated during the semester when I need a little break from teaching social theory. Foucault is intellectually engaging but not really fun. You all are wonderful. Have a happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Love your annual poem! Thank you!

    ReplyDelete