Holiday Inspiration by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

Mary and I have been online chums for many years, so it’s always a pleasure when she hosts me at her blog. Considering this is the holiday season, I wanted to share how holidays inspire my writing.

Holiday gatherings were a big event in my childhood home. Long tables heaving with food. The air filled with scents of extraordinary spices. Multiple generations squeezed into one tiny home. The adults snoozing in front of the television after dinner. We all have our special holiday memories.

Christmas is my favorite holiday. I’ve long said that I am the biggest kid in the house this time of year. Decorations, trees, nativities, music, parties and cookie swaps…I want it all!


It surprised none of my friends that two out of my three books are set around Christmas. Whether it be a young shepherd (Little Shepherd) stepping out in faith to experience the miracle of Christmas or a boy helping a new friend (A Christmas Kindness), I pray my books capture the hope and joy of the season. They were also a great way to teach my kids about the spirit of Christmas.

Other holidays have also inspired my writing. My latest book, Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving, is about a girl’s quick thinking when the dog steals the turkey off the table. Our children’s librarian said she was on the lookout for a different kind of Thanksgiving story, so I locked away my warm and fuzzy story brain and came up with this zany idea that includes a set of fighting twins, a frazzled mom, and a turkey-stealing dog, Mac & Cheese for Thanksgiving.

I’ll also be submitting to publishers another Thanksgiving story. It is about a turkey who tries to fool the farmer to avoid becoming Thanksgiving dinner. In my little box of stories is also one about a not so scary ghost and a little girl who tries to avoid accepting the valentine a classmate wants to give her. I haven’t plotted out the Easter story I want to write, but you should be warned it’s coming. Maybe I’ll cover all the major holidays and brand myself as the holiday children’s author. 

Inspiration comes from many different places. What inspires you most?

Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of Little Shepherd, A Christmas Kindness, Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving. A blogger and book reviewer, she lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married.


Cheryl's Website and Children's Book Blog 



Social Media Links:

Twitter:
Facebook:
Goodreads:

A Special Place For Rescue Angels

(Left to Right) Sisters, Madison, Taylor,

and their friend, Madison (and pups)

Tuesday was the day I met an amazingly kind woman and some pretty special kids.

First, let me get this negative statement out of the way. Some cruel, heartless sub-human dumped several newborn puppies in a yard. I have no words for anyone who would do this. There are better options, people!

Now, for the good news. Thanks to Four Paws Resort/God's Creatures Rescue, "angel," Christine and the special girls at the top, two of these puppies might make it, and possibly get adopted. Christine and her family have already rescued and adopted another dog, but still felt compelled to give these, less-than-week-old puppies a fighting chance.

The two older girls, Taylor and Madison could've been playing or swimming on this 90 degree day, but instead they chose to help feed these two innocent pups, with Taylor's younger brother and sister offering comfort and support, and mom, Christine supervising the process.

Their eyes aren't even open, but I learned yesterday from Christine that they were both doing well. (Very Big Grin!)

I've heard nothing but good about Darlene at God's Creatures Rescue, and I plan to give a donation in memory of Chance, a Golden rescue (click on link to read his rescue story) who blessed friend, Cynthia's home for almost ten years.

So, if you see an animal in trouble, please help. Christine has lots to do, but has chosen to give back in such a special way, just like Darlene at God's Creatures Rescue. To volunteer, call 678-463-9131.

I firmly believe that there is a special place in Heaven for people who rescue animals.

Four Paws Resort/God's Creatures Rescue

Adopt A Golden
Golden Retriever Rescue

Pay It Forward

I know this is an old phrase from a 2000 movie, but people are repeating it more and more in this tough economy.

I recently saw a story on NBC nightly news about an Atlanta man, who is around age 70, using his retirement money to drive cancer patients to therapy. He drives about 1,000 miles a week and pays for the gas himself, to honor his wife who died several years ago from the disease. He's planning to quit soon, though...when he celebrates his 100th birthday!

On the same newscast, Brian Williams told of a woman on a Maryland toll road. She pulled up to the booth and, to her shock, was told that the car in front of her had paid her toll. She had her $2.00 in hand, so she said, "Take this for the car behind me." She moved up far enough to see the woman behind her hand money to the attendant and motion that it was for the car behind her! There's no idea how far this stretched, but let's hope it reached someone who truly needed it.

On a local note, I got my hair cut yesterday. Much to my hairdresser's delight, I have turned the complete cutting and styling over to her. Yes, I know that my years of experience, cutting and thinning my hair without one day of Beauty/Hairdresser School, is truly amazing, but I got tired of the pressure. As a result of this revelation that maybe she knows more about cutting and styling than I do, my hair now looks current and pretty darn good! (go figure)

But, back to my point about paying it forward. My hair salon Free Spirit Salon and Spa, in Villa Rica, GA, has been offering half-price haircuts to anyone who's unemployed. Lori, my stylist said that it just made sense considering that no one wants to walk around needing a haircut let alone go job hunting! I pointed out that the salon also might get new customers by spreading good will. She seemed to dismiss this by saying, "We just want to help."

We all need to help in this economic downturn, so, Pay It Forward today!

Mary Cunningham Books