#Winter Newsletter

Friendships. This word resonated strongly with me during the month of December while reflecting on this year. However, I'd toss the word aside many times since I had no idea what it meant. Yes, I have lots of friends—some who I’ve known most of my life. Yet the more I fought against the “friendship” theme for my winter newsletter, the more the universe kept reminding me to take a hard look at my relationships with friends—new, old, and those who are walking another path. And to write about it!

I have lost a couple dear friends this year to horrible diseases. This I cannot change. It’s called life. I will carry their wisdom and friendship until it’s time for me to depart this world. And then there are others who simply are traveling in another direction, and I’m waving goodbye, once again.

Years ago, my heart would ache when I'd lose a friend—either from distance, moving (we’d lose contact and/or addresses would get lost), or our jobs and children made it difficult to stay connected.

But a wise, older friend once shared this with me:

“There are times in your life when your friend is meant to walk the same path with you for only a brief time. You have much to share and learn from each other. But when you come to the fork in the road, it’s time for you to part. They have a new journey ahead and cannot continue with you.”

This was an illumination moment for me. Her message is one I’ve tucked away in those special boxes marked, Valuable Wisdom.

Since becoming a published author, I have treasured all the friends I’ve met along the way. Though some have taken another path, they’ll always have a special place in my heart.

May this winter bring you peace, beauty, and the love of friendships.

Love,

Mary

My sincere thanks to everyone who purchased and/or left a review for Wishes Under a Highland Star! Another successful book launch, my friends! I'm forever grateful for your continued support of my stories! If you haven't had a chance to read the story, consider picking up the digital or print copy, HERE!

Destiny of a Warrior, Book 4 in the Legends of the Fenian Warriors is now available in audio! If you're an audiobook fan, please consider picking up your copy today!

Available here from

AMAZON | AUDIBLE

In addition, the audio for Trial of a Warrior was a finalist in N.N. Light's Book Awards. Though I didn't win, I was extremely honored.

This definitely was a year of coming to a halt with my writing. After battling Covid late spring and into summer, I had difficulty sitting in the comfort of my writing cave. The stories were there, but this awful disease left me exhausted. I'm slowly returning to my writing and keeping everything crossed to get Steinar's story (Book 3 of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland series) to my editor soon. In addition, I'm writing a Christmas novella for my publisher. It's part of their "Christmas in the Castle" series. Really hoping to complete this story for a 2023 holiday release. Yet there are no guarantees. If anything, I've learned that though my heart is writing these stories within my mind, my body rebels and needs rest.

Look for more updates in the spring newsletter.

Winter Contest ~ $15 Amazon gift card.

Share your favorite winter beverage with me!

Send your response to moirarose415@yahoo.com by Friday, March 17th, with "Winter Contest" in the subject line.

PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT POST A COMMENT BELOW. THEY WILL NOT COUNT.

Autumn Contest Winner of a $10 Amazon gift card and $10 Starbucks gift card!

Congratulations, Linda Poindexter!

Please send me an email to moirarose415@yahoo.com

Thanks to everyone who shared their opinion of the new format for the newsletter!

SPICY ROSEMARY ROASTED CASHEWS

2 cups raw unsalted cashews

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves. (In a pinch, I’ve used dried rosemary)

1 teaspoon dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon sea salt (or kosher)

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, depending on your taste)

1/2 tablespoon butter, melted

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

On a baking sheet, arrange cashews in single layer. Roast 8-10 minutes or until nuts are toasted and heated through.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together rosemary, brown sugar, salt, and cayenne until combined. Stir in melted butter.

Add hot cashews to bowl with rosemary mixture and toss until nuts are well coated. Serve warm.

(Recipe can be doubled if you’re having more guests)