I’m taking a moment to interrupt my Christmas event and express my deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Connecticut a few hours ago. 18 precious children, between the ages of 5 and 10, and 8 school personnel died in this tragic mass-shooting, and my heart is broken.

As many of you know, I spent several years working in an elementary school teaching children how to read and write. As I read about the shooting, I thought of my sweet students with so much life left to live. My mom works in a school, and my younger sister is in college to be a preschool teacher. This is a very personal story for me and my family, and I only can only express my deepest sympathies to the victims, families, students, and teachers. I know nothing can be said or done to alleviate the pain they are going through, but I certainly hope that peace will fall over all affected.

To all my readers from the USA, happy 4th! I really love the 4th of July because of what it represents: our freedom. I’m free to worship the way I want, read what I want, and voice my opinions. I live in an awesome country.

I’m going to a Beach Boys concert tonight, followed by a spectacular fireworks display, which I can’t wait for. I’m also going to have a delish dinner from one of the best local Mexican grills. It’s going to be a wonderful day, and I hope yours will be too. Be safe in all your activities, and eat lots of food! Oh, and don’t burn your state down. We’ve been hit by a lot of fires over here in the West lately, so please be careful!(

So, what are you doing today? :)

I Elf’d myself!

Merry Christmas, guys! Or, Christmas Eve, I guess. Thanks so much to all of my readers, fellow blogger friends, and author friends! My blog is still a baby, at barely a month old, but I have already met so many amazing people! The book blogging community truly is one of the best networks out there. Thanks so much to all of you for welcoming me and being so supportive!

This is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the snow, the lights, the yummy treats baking in the oven, the music, the special holiday movies, and the BOOKS! I love reading a good Christmas book. I hope you’ve enjoyed my month of Christmas reads. Sadly, I did not have as much time to read as I had hoped. My kidney stone took out 10 days of the month. I can’t possibly read under those conditions! BUT, I was blessed to be well in time for Christmas. Tomorrow will be a busy day filled with family, food, and the spirit of giving, so I’m posting my merry Christmas today! I’ll post later about the bookish presents I receive, but I wanted to stop in and see what you’re up to! What do you hope Santa brings? What are you giving to your loved ones? If you’re here, and it’s now Christmas Day, what did you get? To set the mood, here’s a bunch of fun bookish Christmas trees that I absolutely love. Enjoy the day, everyone, and best wishes for the coming year. :)