A Year’s Worth of Little Good Things

As the year begins to slow down and we edge closer to Christmas, I have found myself thinking less about what was accomplished and more about what quietly mattered — the small moments, the kindnesses that did not make headlines but made days a little better.

A few evenings ago, Little Red Bear asked if he might stop by the Writing Pages for a few minutes to share some of the things that stayed with him this year. Not the grand events, but the everyday goodness he noticed along the way. I was glad to say yes — and this is his note.

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Meet Clara Thimblewick — A Holiday Note from Little Red Bear Land

From the Winter Desk of Clara Thimblewick

INTRODUCTION —

As we make our way through this busy December stretch, I thought it might be nice to pause for just a moment and share a quiet word from someone new in our Honey Hill world — someone many of you first met a few days ago in “The Lantern in Clara Thimblewick’s Window.”

Clara Thimblewick will soon be stepping into an important role in our community. Beginning in January, she will serve as the Editor of The Hearth & Holler Gazette, guiding our weekly wanderings through Honey Hill, Hopper’s Holler, Round Corners, and beyond with a steady hand and a thoughtful eye.

After spending much of her life working in newspapers back East, Clara has returned to Missouri to take up this new post and, in her words, “to resume a more measured life than present-day city rhythms permit.”

As a small seasonal greeting — and an early chance to become acquainted — Clara wished to offer a brief message to readers here on The Writing Pages. I am delighted to share her note with you today.

A Holiday Note from Clara Thimblewick —

It is my hope that this message finds you in a moment of quiet, however small such moments may be in December. The soft light of winter has a way of inviting reflection, even in the midst of the season’s many demands, and I am grateful for the opportunity to address you for the first time.

Although my name may be unfamiliar to you at present, please allow me to offer a brief introduction. I was raised in Missouri during childhood, later sent East for my schooling, and remained there for many years while building a career in the newspapers. I have now returned home to serve as Editor of The Hearth & Holler Gazette, a responsibility I accept with both humility and resolve. It is my intention to honor the stories of this community with clarity, fairness, and respect.

There is much work ahead as we prepare the Gazette for its January debut. New ventures often bring with them a quiet sense of anticipation, and I feel it very keenly. In time, I hope to become a familiar presence in your weekly reading — not by insistence, but by steady and conscientious service.

For now, I simply wish to extend to you my warmest regard during this winter season. May the quieter hours be gentle company to you and may the small lights along your path — a lamp in a window, a friendly word, a simple kindness — bring you a measure of comfort as the year draws to its close.

With sincere respect,
Clara Thimblewick 
Editor, “The Hearth & Holler Gazette” 

 

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS —

I hope Clara’s note brought a touch of calm to your day. She will be joining us more regularly once the Gazette begins its weekly visits in January, and I am looking forward to the steady presence she will bring to our little corner of Honey Hill Country.

Thank you for reading and settin’ a spell with us today.

— Jim (and Red!)

If you would enjoy a weekly visit to Little Red Bear’s Honey Hill Country, you are already in the right place. A simple subscription to The Writing Pages is all that is required. Beginning in January, the Hearth & Holler Gazette will arrive automatically each week, bringing a small slice of Honey Hill Country to your doorstep.

 

P.S. from Little Red Bear — “Clara is too polite to say it, but I am not — you ought to sign up for the Gazette. Good things are on the way, and I would hate for you to miss out.”

A Cozy Basket of Free Christmas Stories & Features for You

Heartwarming Holiday Tales, Seasonal Features, and Festive Reads to Enjoy This December

The Christmas season has arrived again — lights twinkling in windows, cookie tins appearing on counters, and December settling over everything like a soft quilt. And after easing my way back into writing the other day, it felt like the right moment to open the doors wide and share something a little cheerful, a little familiar, and maybe even a little fun.

So today, I’ve gathered together a warm basketful of past Christmas and Holiday Features from the Writing Pages — stories, poems, memories, and old-time favorites all in one easy place. Think of it as a “help yourself” buffet of seasonal comfort. No need to dress up. Pajamas are fully acceptable.

Little Red Bear wandered in while I was putting this together, just to see what all the fuss was about. When he realized I was collecting Christmas pieces for folks to enjoy, he gave me a gentle poke and said, “Now, don’t go forgettin’ my Happy Christmas Left/Right Gift Exchange Game. Folks always seem to have a good time with that one.”

He’s right — it’s one of the most popular little treasures we’ve ever shared, so it’s tucked safely into the basket for you. Just be ready for a bit of silliness… and maybe a few giggles as the game bounces left and right and back again.

So pour a cup of something warm, find a comfy chair, and settle in. Whether you’re looking for a smile, a bit of nostalgia, or something to share with little ones, I hope this collection adds a touch of brightness to your day.

And if a stray cookie or two goes missing while you’re reading… well, Red has been known to wander.

 

 

Christmas Holiday Writing Features & Gallery Summary Page
“Love’s Candle in the Night Poem”
“The General Store Christmas Poem”
“Fireside Questions for Santa Poem”
“Blue House on the Hill” — a Christmas Poem
“What To Do On A Christmas Week Night?” — A Christmas Poem
“Christmas Thru The Window Glass” — A Nostalgic Look Back at Christmases of My Childhood
“Christmases Of My Childhood” by the Award-winning Author Kathleen Creighton
“Christmas — It’s in the Singing Of A Street Corner Choir . . .”  Featuring The Muppets
“Haddon Sundblom, Coca-Cola, and Santa Claus” — About How the Well-known Modern Image of Santa Claus Came To Be
“Christmas Trains and Memories Beneath the Tree”
“That’s What Christmas Is All About, Charlie Brown . . . .”
“Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus . . . . . . And So Much More!”
“Deciphering Old-fashioned Terms In Favorite Christmas Carol Lyrics”
“Susie’s Bear” — a Holiday Season Short Story
“Little Red Bear’s “Christmas & Holiday Season” Coloring Pages for All Ages”
“Pine Holler Christmas” — a short story for the holiday season featuring Little Red Bear and his friends, available on Amazon for Kindle and eReaders

Little Red Bear asked me very politely—well, as politely as a bear hopped up on Christmas excitement can manage—to be sure this favorite made it into the basket. His Happy Christmas Left/Right Gift Exchange Game is one of the most-visited features on the Pages every year, and if you’re looking for a good laugh with family or friends, it’s ready and waiting.

Just a fair warning from seasoned players — little ones have been known to insist on reshuffling the gifts and playing again… and again… and again. Holiday joy comes in many forms, doesn’t it?

“Little Red Bear’s ‘Happy Christmas Left/Right Gift Exchange Game” 

Perfect for Family Gatherings, Classrooms, Holiday Parties, and Christmas Eve Fun — enjoy the laughter, the chaos, and the magic!

Tap Here to Download the FREE “Little Red Bear’s Happy Christmas LEFT/RIGHT Gift Exchange Game” (PDF)

 

 

Little Red Bear asked me to remind you that good stories—much like good cookies—are always better when shared. He even suggested I hide a cookie or two inside this post to make things more interesting, but I told him we’d save that mischief for another day.

Still, if one of these Christmas features brings you a smile, a chuckle, or a warm memory, I hope you’ll pass it along to someone who might enjoy a little seasonal cheer. A simple story shared at just the right moment can be a small kindness — and goodness knows the world can always use more of those, can’t it?

Thank you for making this little corner of the world such a welcoming and friendly place. Your visits, your warmth, and your company here on the Writing Pages mean more to me than I can say.

From both Red and me, warmest wishes for a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and the gentle magic that seems to hover in the air this time of year.

— Jim  (and Red!)

And if you’d like to stop back by on Tuesday, I’ll have another warm December visit waiting for you. A nice way to continue the season together, don’t you think?

x

 

Nearly Finished- the Decorator Has Arrived!

Exterior construction on this new Blog Site is nearly finished after a great effort yesterday! TWO new rooms were added to facilitate better displays. And the view from the top is awesome! Construction equipment and materials are being packed up and removed from the site to make room for visitors soon.

Soon- but not quite yet. Here’s the deal. Little Red Bear and I have been fairly in agreement with our approach to decorating the interior of the blog. I have been trying to achieve a feeling of “Country Comfortable”, while Red has been leaning more towards a “Backwoods Bungalow” thing. Pretty similar, really. I mentioned the work I had put in earlier to come up with just the right “Country Front Yard Rust” color tones for the Blog Title. I really liked it. So did Red, of course.

But after finishing most of the exterior work late yesterday afternoon with only a few odds and ends finishing touches remaining, we invited our interior designer in for his final assessment and blessings. Mmmmm– didn’t go so well. Our interior designer’s name is Monsieur Henri Le Blanc à Plumes, a white peacock. And being a bird, he literally hit the ceiling. What is it with all these hyper-sensitive and over-reacting birds lately? First the ostriches and now Henri!

“Mon Dieu, mes amis! C’est scandaleux! What are you trying to do? Scare people away? “Country Comfortable”? “Backwoods Bungalow”? These are not even recognized design styles. “Country Clash” is more what you have here I think! “Backwoods Beast!” It is an abomination. Classic, Retro, Contemporary, Modern, High Tech, Minimalist, Elegant– these are accepted design styles. You have done none of them.

“Burlap on the windows? You call these “curtains”? These are not window coverings, they are feedsacks! What is this unused column for? It is taking up space. Why have you built if you are not going to use, I ask? Who was your designer– Attila the Swine? We must make use of theme and color. Artfully and skillfully blend them and allow them to rise to the occasion, like a fine soufflé. The interior design must be pleasing to the eyes. This is a design outrage. It is visual assault on the eyes!

“Why is the title already rusted? The title should scream out “newness” and deliver a message. Yours just looks decrepit and old. Rigamortis is already setting in. You want your new Blog Site to be alive! D’accord? Stand back. No–Get out! Leave, and let me do my work. I have so much to do. So much to do. You have left me no time. Why did you not call me sooner? But Henri will make it fabulous. The interior will be drop over dead for. You will love what I do for you, mes amis!

“Wait! Come back, my kitty cats, let me show you. I will take my inspiration from Mother Nature as you have so unsuccessfully tried with your unskilled approach. Rustic– yes. Comfortable– yes. But in a clean and open way, like the lavender fields in Provence. Oh, Provence– my sweet inspiration! Out! Out! I have so much to do to get ready for visitors! You will love what it is I do with the walls and design. Go busy yourself on the outside and leave me to work! Il sera magnifique!”

So Henri is busy at work inside, switching from the Pilcrow theme to Hemingway Rewritten, and providing the finishing decorative touches today. Hopefully the last day before we can open up for visitors. I don’t know if he can get it all finished in one day. Remains to be seen. But really, if you need someone for decorating help, who better than a strutting peacock?