As an antidote to being a miserable cow, I’m going to count my blessings today. No, all right I wasn’t, but I had to make a dismal litany of some of my health problems this week.
I have a lot be grateful for. Some of my American friends did a Gratitude Countdown to Thanksgiving which I missed so I’m going to catch up all in a go.
For a start off, you can still get an e-copy of Shaman’s Drum today for 99p. Final day of the sale and a chance for people to pick up my, and other brilliant Crooked Cat books at a knock-down price.
I started this year off my feet. Following an operation on my foot I was unable to walk and thought this would go on for six weeks. It ended up taking six months but that wasn’t so bad and made me very grateful for Badger, the Old Feller, who took good care of me.
I’ve had two fantastic trips to the UK to visit friends and family. I can’t begin to tell you how uplifting those times are. A boost to the spirit.
The Old Feller and I have been away on a couple of short holidays in the caravan, one of which had a disastrous start but from which came a new novella, Four Go Mad In Catalonia.
If I have to think about how grateful I am, I only have to look at the comments on my note (see link above). So many kind and loving friends who have bolstered me up, listened to me moan and made me laugh.
I really am very blessed so I’m passing on a share – Yule Blessings to all and here is a copy of the Yule Card I designed this year.
May the returning sun bring warmth, joy and light into your life and a bountiful harvest in the year to come. Blessed be.
The Bingergread Cottage 
You are a very special friend and have a kind heart as well as gentle, caring and wise soul.
May the year ahead see your health improve, your heart filled with love and your soul filled with light.
With friends like you around, I can’t help but have a good year, Di.
Lovely piece of blog Ailsa, really uplifting and I much prefer a Yule card with a smiling green man. Just as well it is only a head and shoulders shot, as he was a fertility God!
I peeked! He was, too!
We are grateful to have you as a friend, and inspiration. Thanks for the card and all your support. And love the Holly King.
Thank you. I’m not an inspiration to anyone except other clowns! 😀
Ailsa, you are doing beautifully on the gratitude thingy, but you need to learn to accept compliments! Instead of arguing with them, you could just say, “Thank you for noticing!” It works a treat all around. A kind friend demonstrated that for me many years ago. 😉
Ummmmm – thank you, Jesa. OK – thanks everyone who pays me compliments even if they make my ears go red and my toes curl. (I appreciate them really LOL)
And a Merry Christmas to you too, Ailsa from the heart of my bottom…sorry, that should read from the bottom of my heart – I’ve been in France too long- I’m started to think just like them…in reverse!
Merci ma chère – et toi aussi!