CELEBRATING EPIPHANY

 RHYS BOWEN:  Since today is going to be such a stressful one for many of us in the US (and if you don't know why I'm not going to tell you). I thought I'd focus on calmer and more meaningful subjects.

Today, January 6, is the Feast of the Epiphany in the Christian tradition. It is the day when the three kings/wise men/magi came to visit the baby Jesus, having followed a star to the stable where he was born. It is symbolic of all the nations coming to realize the importance of this birth.  It is a big feast in all branches of the Christian religion, celebrated more in other countries than in the US.

We were once in Mexico City for Christmas and on January 6 the streets were full of men going around in threes, wearing three kings masks--great big masks, handing out candies to children. 

We have a French friend who always makes a gateau du roi (a king cake) in which there is a tiny plastic baby baked inside. In other cultures its's an almond, a little less gruesome than potentially swallowing a baby. Whoever has it in their slice is blessed for the coming year.

In England the evening before Epiphany is Twelfth Night, the official last night of the Christmas festivities. In days of yore there would have been feasting for all twelve days (remembering that the diets were pretty plain for the rest of the year so that things like raisins, sugar, and especially goose or turkey were absolute luxuries, enjoyed once a year). 

And a small side note of interest. The Partridge in the pear tree in the old song of the Twelve Days of Christmas is a miss-heard translation. The French word for partridge, is une perdriche. . So the song really says A partridge (une perdriche). which I suppose sounds like a pear tree??

Epiphany is the day when the Christmas decorations are supposed to come down. I remember being in Germany once as a girl and on Twelfth Night they let the candles on the tree burn right down until they died one by one and the room was in darkness. So symbolic.

Mine are usually put away before this as we head out to Arizona the first week in January. This year mine are staying up until January 20.  I wonder why? Actually I've been enjoying the twinkling lights around my living room on gloomy evenings. I may even leave them up until Valentine's Day and then hang hearts on the tree.

I really feel that we lack heritage and tradition so much in the US. Our Christmas is all about presents and Santa Claus. We don't have the lovely tradition of Guadalupe. We don't have luminarias for most of the country. Or Saint Lucia with her crown of candles. We don't have men in masks handing out candy today. This is what I love about Europe and why I am drawn back so frequently. I love being in a place whose roots go back to medieval times and whose traditional celebrations are an essential part of life. 

So do you have any traditions for this day in your cultural heritage? And I don't know if you can read the words on my irreverent drawing...

DIFFERENT THIS YEAR

 RHYS BOWEN:  Every New Year’s Day I have a ritual: I have a pretty notebook with pictures of English cottages in it. I began it in 2000 and every year since I have written an overview of the year just past and my plans, hopes and dreams for the year to come.  And each year I assess those plans to see which ones came to fruition and which didn’t. It is the first thing I do after my morning tea on New Year’s Day.

I took out the notebook on Friday morning and thumbed through the pages. Some years more successful than others. Some so busy that I wonder how I survived. Some plans that worked, some that didn’t. But each year full of travel, conventions, family milestones. 

Then I read my plans for 2020:  Back to Arizona for the spring. Launch of Above the Bay of Angels (my Queen Victoria novel). Left Coast Crime in San Diego (also hoping to watch my granddaughter compete in waterpolo tournament against Cal and UCLA).  Then Cruise in the Caribbean in April. Meghan’s graduation in June then off to Europe. Meet up with friends in the Cotswolds, maybe take the ferry to Jersey, a week in Normandy and of course time in Cornwall with the family. Book tour in August for the new Georgie novel. Write next big stand-alone, The Venice Sketchbook, and then next Georgie.

I stared at that page and felt that I might cry any moment. A whole year of my life that didn’t happen. Of course I’m grateful that my family is still alive and healthy. I’m grateful that I have two homes in beautiful surroundings in which to hunker down and take walks in nature. And of course I’m grateful I had plenty of time to finish both my novels. But life on hold for a whole year!

So now I’m thinking of everyone else and all their plans and dreams that didn’t happen. My granddaughter Meghan didn’t get a prom, nor the elaborate promposal that goes with it these days. She didn’t get to ride in a limo and feel like a princess. And she didn’t get a graduation, apart from driving through the school campus and having her diploma handed to her. No senior trip to Disneyland. No senior pranks or senior cut day. No graduation parties. And her first semester of college turned into a nightmare when the football players brought Covid into her dorm (the athletes building) and one by one everyone got it, including Meghan. So her first month of college was spent in quarantine, then in isolation feeling sick.

These were small disappointments in the big scheme of things. I’m thinking of the weddings that were postponed, the grandparents who haven’t been allowed to see their new grandchild, the parents struggling to home school their children, the jobs lost, the businesses closed down. And the families mourning the loss of a beloved mother, father, uncle. But now it’s a new year. 2021 and I’m going to be optimistic about the future. 

My son tells me that we are entering the Age of Aquarius. Seven planets lined up in Aquarius in February. 

The Age Of Aquarius

 

This will be felt heavily in February 2021, during which a whopping seven planets

( the sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, plus asteroid Pallas)

will all be clustered together in the sign of Aquarius,

 creating what's known as a stellium in astrology.

 

The New Moon in Aquarius on February 11, 2021 is not a total solar eclipse like it was on February 4, 1962, but it does take place within a large stellium in Aquarius,

 

This intense influx of Aquarius' fixed air sign energy in February will shift our focus to humanitarian issues, technological advancements, and unconventional innovations.

 

And these themes will guide the framework of our society throughout all of 2021 and the years ahead.The last time that happened it signaled the birth of the Renaissance in 1600. I am told it means the end of the age of patriarchy and the start of the age of the divine feminine. An age of spirituality, tranquility, invention, creation. Sounds good to me. We can throw all those old white guys out of Congress for a start!

Okay, divine feminines, are we ready to assume our rightful place?

FIVE GOOD THINGS DURING THE TIME OF COVID

 RHYS BOWEN: I realize I am hosting what could be a really stressful week: the Georgia election tomorrow, and the ratification (or not) of the Electoral College votes on Wednesday. These are enough to turn anyone to drink!  So I’m going to make sure all my posts are sweet, calm and harmless.

At least we are in a new year. We made it through 2020 without being attacked by Murder Hornets or being struck by a passing meteorite. It is now behind us. We can look forward to a time beyond Covid, a time of vaccines and future hugs, travel and dining out again.  

But I am trying hard to be positive this week so I’ve been thinking what good things might have happened during the pandemic. Here is my list of FIVE GOOD THINGS THAT HAPPENED DURING COVID. I know other people have become experts in sourdough bread, have reorganized their closets, purged their clothing wardrobes. I have not.

But I have discovered the joys of working in bed. How sinful is that? My son made me this brilliant lap desk for Christmas. In fact he made one for every member of the family. I can’t really write propped up on pillows but I can go through my email and social media.

Second good thing: My hips were getting sore from sitting and writing so I found a seat cushion that is like part of an exercise ball. It’s wonderful because you can’t sit in one position, you have to continually readjust yourself. This brings me to the bigger category: you can find anything you need on Amazon.  I craved Wheatabix cereal that can no longer be found in the US. Lo and behold I can get it from Amazon, delivered the next day. Brilliant!

Third Good thing: We walk twice a day. We are lucky to live in an area of great natural beauty so I’m able to observe winter bird migrations and most recently a nightly murmuration of starlings. The fresh air, the sun shining on water and the glorious birds are enough to lift any spirit.

The fourth good thing is Zoom. Whoever invented it should get a medal or a knighthood! My family chats every Sunday evening. My Jungle Red Sisters and I Zoom regularly, so do other groups I belong to. I’ve listened to Zoom lectures, I’ve done Zoom bookstore presentations, I’ve even Zoomed with my choir. On Christmas Eve the family played charades on Zoom. So special.

And the fifth good thing?  We can now go into a bank, wearing a mask and not get arrested. (Just kidding. The fifth good thing is that John and I haven't killed each other but actually enjoy our time together and manage to laugh daily.)

So let’s hear it from you: What are your silver linings in this time of dark clouds?

JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: Rhys, I’m laughing at going into a bank and not getting arrested. I glimpsed myself the other day, masked (of course!) wearing sunglasses against the bright winter sunshine and a heavy knit cap against the cold. I looked like the Unabomber!

First good thing: I read a LOT more this year. After the first few months, when I couldn't concentrate on anything except horrible news stories, I found refuge in novels and nonfiction. Blurb requests plummeted (probably as a result of publishers holding back books til next year) and so I had very little I had to read. I’ve rediscovered the soothing joy of reading away the evening in the company of my daughter, which leads me to

The second good thing: Having the Maine Millennial live with me. She brought a cat, a dog, and her delightful personality when she moved back in, and she’s helped to keep me sane as we inch toward the one-year mark of the shut down.

The third good thing: realizing how much of my wardrobe I actually wear day-to-day, versus how much is taking up space for social occasions. I’ve been thinning things out, and the winnowing will continue.

The fourth good thing, and like unto the third: 100% casual wear, baby. I haven’t worn anything except sneakers, boots, slippers or flip-flops in a year. I like it. 

Finally, the fifth good thing: appreciating the simple blessings we don’t often count. I was so grateful to have all my kids home for Christmas. We were all healthy, all employed, all earning enough to provide food and shelter and extras like presents and some small donations. I don’t usually think like that, and I hope I can hold on to that point of view in what will become the After Time.

LUCY BURDETTE: First good thing: Lottie puppy! Oh yes, she’s in a terribly annoying pesky chewing everything stage, but she makes us laugh and laugh.

Second, I agree with Zoom, so grateful to have been able to stay in close touch with our kids and grandkids and siblings and extended family and friends, including my beloved Reds!

Third good thing, yoga classes with my favorite two teachers online. In ordinary times, I wouldn’t be able to keep up with them while in Florida, but now I can do the classes from anywhere. And I swear I owe half of my sanity to Ali and Jo.

Fourth good thing, I’m so, so grateful to have a life partner whose company I enjoy, almost always. And the people I stay in touch with I’ve stayed in close touch with because nobody’s going anywhere!

Fifth good thing, I’ve let my gray hair grow out and after that first truly ugly couple of months, I’ve grown to love it. I will never go back to coloring every four or five weeks, but I wouldn’t have done this if I wasn’t afraid to go to the hair salon. I’d love to get some sparkly silver streaks put in to celebrate getting vaccinated though!

And ps Rhys, I almost always write in bed--it’s the best!

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Julia, I'm so glad you've had the Maine Millennial for company this year!

Which brings me to the first good thing, sharing a house with my hubby, who makes me laugh every day. We have not been tempted to strangle each other--at least not yet!

Second good thing, the dogs and the cats. They are endlessly entertaining (at least to us) and endlessly generous with their affection. We've especially enjoyed watching Lucy, the neighborhood formerly-outside cat, integrate herself into the household. The dogs are her slaves!

Third good thing, books books books. I'll admit to doing a lot of rereading these last few months, but that has been such a comfort. And when crime novels have seemed a bit too close to reality, I've discovered a slew of British romantic comedies. Just the ticket.

Fourth good thing, my inner slob to the forefront. I LOVE living in yoga pants and t-shirts/hoodies, and I'm dreading the day I have to get back into "real" clothes. And like Lucy, I've let my hair color grow out, which I'd never have done if not forced. I've discovered I don't mind the gray at the temples nearly as much as I thought I would, and while I'll probably go back to some highlights, no more all-over hair color for me.

Fifth good thing, appreciating the little things, every day. I've really loved the slowing down and not rushing from one activity to another, savoring walks and meals and evenings in front of the fire.

JENN McKINLAY: This is my own personal annus horribilis, so I don’t know that I can actually come up with five things because everything is shrouded in grief and the stages that accompany it but I will try.

One: Yoga pants. I’ve never worn yoga pants before. They’re so comfy! And now I own five pairs. I fear there is no going back.

Two: With all of our lives on hold, my family of four has spent the past nine months in tight quarters and we discovered we really like each other. I mean I suspected that we liked each other before, but it turns out that we really enjoy each other’s company. 

Three: Home improvement has been happening all over the house. Those pesky chores we could never seem to manage, we finally had the time to get it done. Then the bathroom flooded, because 2020...but I digress.

I think I’m tapped out now. So long 2020! Not gonna miss you.

HALLIE EPHRON: The best things that happened for me during COVID were getting closer to and appreciating my:

1. Husband

2. Daughters

3. Grandkids

4. Sisters

5. Neighbors

6. Friends

...My cup runneth over.

(Rhys: that is six, but Hallie is allowed to have her cup running over!)

HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: I’ve thought about this so much. It feels strange to talk about it, when things are so awful, and every day is more insane and terrifying. But yeah. I agree. And in no particular order.

One: Not rushing. The constant pressure of potentially being physically late for something was such a part of my life. Traffic, and expectations, and deadlines, and driving driving flying driving and  appointments and appearances, and weather, and airplane delays and ….all that. I could never just--sit there. (So yeah, careful what you wish for.) I’m working harder than ever, somehow, don’t get me wrong, which is so weird. But it’s all from right here in our house.

Two: Leggings and hoodies. WIth t-shirts and blazers and necklaces for Zooms. Seriously, I think the clothes in my closet are sobbing as I walk by and ignore them. I truly wonder if I’ll ever go back to those--I see my elegant heels, SO pretty, and I really enjoyed them. But yikes. I wonder what will happen to fashion. But for right now, it’s amazing to ratchet down. You cannot believe what I wear some days--I look in the mirror and laugh. And love it.

Three: Lunch with my husband. Jonathan has hit this out of the ballpark. He makes lunch every day, and then comes into my office, and says “lunch is ready.” Can you believe that? And we have lunch together.  I mean--that is GREAT.  I make dinner every night, and happily, and he is so enthusiastic. But wow, lunch is a joy.

Four: A new frugality. And gratitude. I am careful with paper towels, toilet paper, paper in general. Food--I use everything, every bit of everything, and think about how I used to be a little careless about that. Never ever ever will I take food for granted again. And a corollary to that--the people who grow the food, and make the food, and stock the food,and drive the food, and deliver the food.  It makes me cry with gratitude.  We are SO lucky.  

Five: Okay, yeah, Zoom. We started The Back Room, and I do First Chapter Fun, and so many interviews and events and classes, and honestly, it’s great. I’m sure we wouldn’t have expanded our worlds so much without this, and I hope that we keep it on the other side. It’ll be interesting to see what happens, and I hope we find out soon.

RHYS: Dear sisters, these are all so wise and so true. Appreciating the little things, the daily gifts, and someone to share this with. All priceless. And Hank--I agree with you so much about the lack of pressure and rushing. No delayed flights, slow traffic, noisy hotel rooms...bliss!

So how about our dear Jungle Red clan? What are your five blessings?

Red hot deals and news: Lucy Burdette's ebook THE KEY LIME CRIME is on sale for a limited time for $2.99. DEATH ON THE MENU and A DEADLY FEAST are on sale for $1.99.  

Hank Phillippi Ryan's THE FIRST TO LIE is now in gorgeous trade paperback!  https://hankphillippiryan.com/books/the-first-to-lie/