Category Archives: books

From Lipstick to the Rabbi.

February 13, 2023books, researchbooks, politics, voting, writingSusan Marie Molloy

Writing is rarely accomplished in a vacuum. Within the writing process, in fact, there is research, notes to jot down, paragraphs to edit, thoughts to mull over and to discuss, books to read and ruminate over, and further research to conduct before getting down to brass tacks. And specific research oftentimes leads to different forks in the research road.

For awhile now, I have been in the process of writing a certain book. It’s a story that’s been floating in my head and as scribbled notes for years in a notebook. And therein comes the research that took me down a different fork in the road.

My book needed some information on women’s makeup, fashion, and grooming habits in the 1930s. I knew a little bit about that – I’m a big fan of fashion and culture from the first six decades of the twentieth century – yet I needed specifics: product names, colors, types, where to buy the beauty products, et cetera. An Internet search led me to the November 7, 1934, archived issue of the Chicago Daily Tribune. It had advertisements and a plethora of useful information.

I turned to the front page where the headlines screamed all the news of the mid-term election in which the Democrats won a supermajority, and as I scanned the bottom of the page, there was the following story of the voting rabbi in New York City:

I was curious why Rabbi Wolf was the only voter in the precinct. Did the election officials know there would be only one voter, or did it just turn out that way? Who was Rabbi Wolf? What kind of poems were in the book he carried to the polls?

Off I went down the magical yellow brick road to more discovery. More digging led me to a 1936 Milwaukee Journal article, “Tinted Toes Help Girls Get Higher Quality Husbands,” from which I culled this excerpt:

The Marriage Brokers’ Association . . . reported Friday that tinted toe and fingernails are getting girls more and better husbands. . . . “Every year there is more business,” announced Rabbi Nathan Wolf . . . For example, the girls say ‘Do men like painted nails?’ I say ‘Listen, they want to marry a lady, a pretty one. So make yourself beautiful. Ruby, rose – they look nice. Color your nails if you want to. Even your toenails. It will be a surprise for him.’…The association believes a girl should be beautiful, young in comparison to the man’s age, well-educated and have a dowry of some kind . . .

The rabbi seems to have had an open ‘round-the-clock temple, too, as I discovered:

He was apparently a bit creative when it came to raising a minyan: In a 1936 issue of the Jewish Floridian: “Midtown New York is being treated to the sight of a sandwich man advertising Yiskor and Kaddish services at the Temple and Centre of Times Square. . . . The rabbi of the Temple is Dr. Nathan Wolf . . .” This is the Garment District in the 1930s, an area crammed full of Jewish immigrants working in garment manufacture. There were quite a lot of shuls in the area servicing the workers; Rabbi Wolf’s “Always Open” temple was quite attractive to shift workers and so on who were trying to cram a bit of communal Judaism into their lives. Best guess is that his shul, like many others of the area, declined as the area ceased to be full of Jewish immigrants.

Moreover, I discovered that in 1939, Rabbi Wolf published an encyclopedia of Jewish festivals and holidays.

And now, to return to the mid-term elections in November 1934. The Chicago Tribune’s article was further expanded by this New York Times article:

As you see, the New York Times article reads a bit differently than that of the Chicago Daily Tribune article. The city’s cost is, it reads, considerably less. Moreover, the precinct number moves from the 49^th to the 42^nd. We see the addition of 100 spectators, two policemen, and four election officials. And we discover this is an annual event, and why he is the sole voter.

It’s difficult to discern which of the two newspaper stories are correct, and how much is embellished based on missing information and conflicting data. That is, what is true, and what is not?

It sounds a lot like today’s news, doesn’t it?

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Darkest Before the Awakening?

February 9, 2023books, comportment, current events, essay, etiquette, grooming, opinion, relationships, respectattitude, beauty, books, devil, disrespect, etiquette, good vs evil, hate, hatred, language, lies, movies, perversion, respect, respectfulness, self-loathing, sotu, speech, the end times, the great awakening, vulgarSusan Marie Molloy

A few nights ago, I watched a performance straight out of Washington, DC that brought me to think once again about how much the world has changed.

There was, once upon a time, a world where people created beauty, and everyone saw that beauty around them, to be celebrated and enjoyed by everyone who appreciated such things. This beauty came in the form of decorated buildings, attractive fashion, respectful language, comprehensible music, well-made everyday items, and the like.

Yet lately, the world is quite the opposite. To see beauty, one must search as an archeologist on a dig.

Earlier this week, the Grammys presented a show that featured a quite plump man dressed as a devil in red, bellowing, “Unholy! Unholy!” Around him danced more red devils. Up around him flew pyrotechnics.

Last fall, Jokey the Prez read a gravely malicious speech in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, complete with red lighting on either side of him and he himself shadowed in near total darkness. His State of the Union Speech this week was steeped in lie after lie, and his twisted, creepy smiles had a luciferian charm about them.

Out in the world, I rarely see people that present themselves well. I barely see anyone with combed hair, or dressed in anything other than workout clothes or ripped up clothes.

I hear vulgar language everywhere. I hear it in passing in public. People I meet feel free to pepper in expletives with nary a second thought. Sadly, that kind of tasteless language is also prevalent in print.

This isn’t to say that there was nothing ugly about the world before these currently strange times. Yes, it was there, but the beauty, light, and respect were more prevalent then than today.

I now observe something about people that is really disconcerting: It appears that people want to be intentionally ugly – slovenly, repulsive, and foul – and thereby to blend in with the intentionally ugly world, to become one with the ugliness enveloped in the darkness of hate, self-loathing, and nihility is to become nothing themselves.

In the current fad of eschewing Our Creator, so many, many people are attempting to take on the role of God. They fall into idol worship: They medically and surgically change their sex; they attempt to control climate; they embrace abortion. They go on to celebrate sexual perversions, and they break up the family unit even further. They call names, lie to your face, and spew hatred, and if you don’t go along with them, there’s something wrong with you.

They laugh in the face of God.

I read that people believe that we are now in the End Times. Perhaps we are. And perhaps we are on our way to the next Great Awakening.

We can only hope and have faith.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Carrots, Mothballs, and a Crazy Afghan.

February 6, 2023at home, books, current events, essay, home economicsbidenflation, current events, inflation, shopping, stores, supply chain, supply issuesSusan Marie Molloy

At this point, 2023 is 1/12^th finished. January went by at a snail’s pace for me, even though there were so many tasks accomplished:

January saw me write four new short stories – “The Jeweled Slippers,” “The Grand Duke and His Valet,” “Cave Justice,” and “Three Scottish Pearls.” All are now available on Amazon Kindle for your reading pleasure, as found HERE.

Best Friend and I noticed that our local grocery store hasn’t had fresh carrots in stock for about two weeks now. In fact, many items are missing from the shelves: oyster crackers, canned tomatoes, many Oriental cooking ingredients, and contact lens solution is out (I took the last bottle, and finding it there was a surprise).

Also, when Best Friend and I stopped by a department store earlier this week, we noticed the unmistakable strong odor of mothballs in the clothing department. We speculated that the inventory was sitting on the supply ship for months, hence the mothball odor. It was a turn off, and we soon left the store and headed to another to continue our shopping.

For the past four months, I have been busy crocheting a crazy quilt afghan with the leftover yarn I have. I am getting close to finishing it, and since I still have a lot of yarn remaining, I’ll most likely make another afghan, but in a different pattern. The afghans will come in handy for the chilly, yet ideally short, winter months here at The Oasis at Four Queen Palms.

I am toying with the idea of writing a short home economics book with the idea of smart money saving hints and tips for our time. I have it formulated in jotted down notes and outlined in my thoughts. If this idea comes to fruition, I may have it ready by late spring this year. Stay tuned.

And during January, I read two books by Alice Duer Miller, “The Happiest Time of Their Lives” and “Ladies Must Live.” Both were written at the turn of the century and were enjoyable to read. I sprinkled in a current magazine, “Taste of Home,” for good measure.

Now, the calendar turned to February – a month of a Saint Valentine’s Day celebration, preparations for Lent, and a bit of yard work and planting planning. Although this is a short month, it will be packed with activities, which I will be happy to share with you here.

Here’s to optimistic thoughts and good actions on our part. The world is becoming darker, and we surely need more light and optimism.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Cool Nights, Warm Hearts.

February 2, 2023at home, books, essay, festivity, gardening, holidays, relationships, spring, winteressay, festivity, fireplace, gardening, holidays, neighborhood, neighbors, relationships, romance, saint valentine, spring, st valentine, tea, valentine, valentine's day, winter, yardworkSusan Marie Molloy

Winter here at The Oasis at Four Queen Palms has been chilly longer than I remember. Usually, the cold weather lasts about a month – a period of time where jeans and a warm jacket or heavy sweater are part of the fashion. Not so this year, yet I did manage to wear shorts yesterday. So, it might finally be warming up.

We were working in our yard yesterday with the usual late winter clean up. The sun was shining brightly, and in the trees, birds were singing happily. It was quiet otherwise, except for Turban, a neighbor living nearby with The Wild One. She was yakking on her phone, but not wearing her trademark turban. Earlier that morning, The Wild One went somewhere on his motorcycle – vroom! vroom! vroom! They are a story for another essay. Maybe.

I noticed that some of our more tender plants died from the heavy frosts in December. I cut back many of them to about two or three inches because I could see they are still viable. Over the next few days, I will be researching replacement plants and making a list for a trip to the nursery. I have some ideas, but I need to research to make sure my ideas will work in the specific bare spots. The azaleas have buds, and one already popped open her red blooms.

The evenings now are warmer, but still cool. A snuggle next to the burning fireplace is a warm experience – add a cup of hot tea and a good old book, and there’s a night to enjoy!

Saint Valentine’s Day is only a few weeks away. I am planning something, but I am not sure of the “what” yet, except that it will be tailored to us. Oh, that reminds me: it’s time to address and send out a few Valentines to those I and/or we care about. I usually add a short note to update the recipients on what we’ve been up to since the Holidays. It’s a nice gesture to keep in touch with people and it goes both ways with the more caring and interested people.

I remember when I was in grade school, one of the art projects we did was to cover a shoe box with festive – and hopefully Valentine-y themed – wrapping paper. Mom or Dad would cut a small slit in the top, and these decorative shoe boxes were ready for the Valentine’s Day card exchange in the classroom. It was so much fun to see who gave us a card, and they were so much prettier than today’s cards. They usually were a single piece, covered in silver glitter, and with a fun sentiment so appropriate for youngsters. They came in a box of twenty or so, complete with white envelopes.

Though the evenings might be cool here at The Oasis at Four Queen Palms, warm hearts still prevail.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Gimee!

January 23, 2023books, gratitude, Uncategorizedgiving back, jealousy, stealing, virtue signal, virtue signaling, virtue signallingSusan Marie Molloy

There is a phrase, a motto, a saying – call it what you will – that really comes across to me as silly and insipid.

“Give back to your community.”

That mantra has been around for a couple decades, at least, and from the first time I heard it (probably on Oprah!), I found it a truly nonsensical saying.

People have praised the rich and famous, and subsequently cheered when the rich and famous donate their money, property, and the like to organizations in their hometown, their adopted new town, to who- or what-have-you.

“Ah, look how good he is! He gave back to the community.”

And from there, we – the average citizen – have been incessantly encouraged to do the same.

“Give back to your community!”

The idea is that if you make it big in the world in a legitimate way, you are “supposed” to give your well-earned earnings to society.

What?

Let’s say I am an entertainer, and you paid to see me perform my craft. Is that not already giving something to you? Why would you want more of what I legitimately earned? Why should you or anyone, for that matter, push me to relinquish my hard-earned wealth? I have a craft you enjoy, you paid me to dance or sing or act, and now we are even. You paid me, and I performed for you.

Done.

It’s quid pro quo. Something for something.

Let’s also say I raised a family during the years. That was my responsibility – to raise a family and maintain that family so that no one would be a burden on society.

Yet I am still told to “give back.” We want your wealth.

Currently, I live in a golf course community. I discovered over the weekend that a golf fundraising event is being planned to raise money to build a memorial to veterans. (Military veterans, I guess.)

The missive went out to residents thusly:

Won’t you be a part of our community fundraising event by sponsoring a golf hole? A single hole cost for a sign that is 18” X 24” is only $50.00 each. (The sign is yours to keep after the event). Better yet why not sponsor the whole front nine or the whole back nine for only $250.00. That’s nine signs at nine different holes. Each sign will have names and/or business information about your sponsorship. All checks are to be made payable to XXX Golf Course. Given that, I am led to believe that this exercise in virtue signaling is more of the so-called legacy that some people in this neighborhood want to leave. It’s almost akin to a do-over or something along those lines. Pay money, get a sign, put it on your lawn, brag about your “caring.”

I find this whole “giving back to your community” a despicable exercise in virtue signaling. Forcing or pushing someone to give what they earned is jealousy and pushing guilt on people who worked hard for their wealth.

Humbleness is a virtue. If you are going to do some good, why boast and brag about it?

Just do good, and let the recipients thank you privately.

That alone should be your reward.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Our Own Prisons.

January 19, 2023books, gratitude, thanksgivinga positive life, appreciation, gossip, gratitude, happiness, rumors, thanksgivingSusan Marie Molloy

Some of us – perhaps many of us – go along in life, rolling along, taking what comes and moving right along. Conversely, there are those of us who roll along in our lives, in a prison of our own creation, marinating in the past for no other reason than it is comfortably there.

It is a sad state of mind; I was in that horrid position once upon a time. I would go over and over with the perceived wrongs people might have done to me, reliving the past to no purpose than to be a victim of circumstances.

How silly. And what a waste of priceless time and energy. So very unconstructive, in fact.

I once knew someone who unfailingly brought up to his two brothers the lousy childhood family life they had. It never failed; his stories were always brought up in great detail. Yet, what made his habit interesting was how it affected his brothers. One brother went along and marinated in the negativity with him, the two joyfully vocally knocking down their father and grandfather in so many ways. Now, when this person brought up their lousy childhood to his other brother, that brother would invariably answer, “I don’t remember any of that.”

And that is a short response that says so very much. I cannot imagine that brother not remembering the trauma of their childhood, yet his answer was brilliant. By him making that succinct statement, he perfectly said, “That’s in the past; it isn’t happening now; there is no point in basking in the garbage; isn’t there something better to take about?”

His response is my point that we sometimes thankfully release ourselves from our prisons and further refuse to go down that path again and again.

I see too many people ruminate and marinate in the negative aspects (or imagined negative aspects) of their past and present lives. On and on they go, rolling in the cart of negativity, bringing up things that happened decades ago, things that are not a factor today, things that are feeding perceived victimization, so popular in today’s culture and society.

And for what purpose and to what end? Only they can explain that; it could be attention-grabbing (what I call the Look at Me! Syndrome), it could be to boost themselves up in the eyes of their peers or customers, or to feel sorry for themselves to explain their station in life. Who knows?

What I do know is that it is not fun to be around such people. They are exhausting. They are unconstructive. They are sadly stuck in their own world where they would rather have company in the mire and muck than to free themselves to live an unencumbered life. Of course, there are people who are happy in their own misery, and that is a topic for another time.

As for me, I personally try to live an unfettered life – free from others’ woes and free from my own. There is nothing to be gained by grinding on and on about negativity that is long gone, or even currently happening. Air it out, and be done, I say!

“Be thankful for what you have” is a time-worn cliché, but there is a lot of truth in those words. I add this, too: Please don’t presume others want to hear your pessimistic stories. It is exhausting and unconstructive.

So . . . will you allow negativity to cage you and keep you in the negative cart to roll through life chained to the blackness of pessimism, or will you free yourself and others in the process to bask in the sunshine of unburdened happiness?

I wish you happiness and freedom.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

Words Matter – Hack and Steal.

January 16, 2023books, etiquette, relationshipsetiquette, respect, respectfulness, wordsSusan Marie Molloy

The other day, my thoughts went along the lines of new definitions and those word “fads” so prevalent today. A “word fad” is current slang used mindlessly without an understanding of its definition, and one that will mostly likely will be replaced when a new fad arises.

One of those words that is abused is “hack.” There are hair hacks, cooking hacks, security hacks, and you name it. You see it everywhere. Yet, one definition of the word hack is “to gaining unauthorized access.” Another definition is “to cut with heavy blows.”

Therefore, instead of using the word “tips,” for passing along information – hair tips, security tips, cooking tips – we hack, hack, hack. Take unauthorized access. Grab and run. Rip off. Steal.

Another misused phrase I hear quite often is “I’m going to steal that idea!”

Most often when I hear that statement, it is when someone likes another person’s skills, décor, style, recipe, or what-have-you. Whatever happened to complimenting the person on their décor, style, recipe, or whatnot? And – horrors! – what about asking that person if it’s alright to borrow or use what is admired?

No, that would be too courteous. Instead, it’s always steal, take, swipe, hack, or something just as underhanded and despicable.

Yet, it is the way of the world these days.

Thankfulness.

November 24, 2022books, dining, gratitude, holidays, thanksgivingappreciation, baking, cooking, family, friends, gratitude, holidays, menu, thanksgivingSusan Marie Molloy

The day arrived, finally! Today, most of the country is celebrating Thanksgiving, and if you are, I wish you a wonderful and gratitude-filled day.

Best Friend and I already chose a different date to observe our annual day of thanksgiving here at The Oasis of Four Queen Palms. It was a day filled with serenity and balance, good company, excellent wine, and great food. We played old, traditional music (think Sinatra and Bennett) in the background and lit a couple of candles placed snugly in the crystal candle holders. We set the table with our Fiestaware china, in the following colors: Butterscotch, Paprika, Meadow, and Scarlet. These three warm colors and one cool evoked the beauty of the changing of the leaves that is magnificent this time of year. A bouquet of silk autumn leaves in the centerpiece brought it all together.

This year, I veered a bit from our traditional menu fare. Sent away on holiday was the usual fare we have every year and brought in for a premiere showing were several new-to-us foods. But Tom Turkey was still the star of the meal. For reference, I picked up a 15-pound bird for $23.39. that is pretty good, given we will have a lot of leftovers to freeze and bones from which to make turkey soup.

To begin, our first and second courses were a bit quirky; something one wouldn’t think of to serve on Thanksgiving. The cup of Japanese Onion Soup we both had was good, and a suitable choice since it was mostly a light broth. It was simple to make a day ahead. The Apple-Raisin-Walnut Salad with Pumpkin Bread Croutons was crisp and cold, with the fresh Orange-Ginger Dressing being the perfect accompaniment.

The Herb Roasted Tom Turkey was perfectly browned and moist. My Apple-Raisin-Walnut stuffing to go with it turned out moist and crispy, just as we like it. I forgot to buy the raisins, but that did not deter from its mission as a side dish. It still tasted good! Leave it to me to forget to buy the raisins, although my forgetting something is not unheard of.

I prepared the Cranberry Sauce with Red Wine a couple of days in advance, and that was to its advantage, since the flavors melded well. I served this delightful side dish chilled, but I imagine it would taste just as good hot, too.

The Green Bean Gremolata was a new-to-us vegetable recipe. We liked the just-kissed lemony drizzle and the few shavings of Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. For the yellow vegetable, I opted to make Cousin Stanley’s Roasted Squash, just as he made it, roasted to tenderness, and drizzled with a touch of local honey.

For our starch in the potato department, Best Friend had a twice-baked potato, and I opted for one of my own favorites – boiled sweet potatoes. It’s a treat for our dogs, too, sans the butter and pepper!

And what about dessert? This year, instead of my fresh homemade pumpkin pie, I made a small carrot cake, a favorite of Best Friend. I made this just as our own moms did – with fresh grated carrots. Heavenly!

This year’s celebration was successful, and we like the fact that we chose a non-traditional day to observe the annual Thanksgiving Holiday. As I wrote in my previous essay, WELCOME TO THE OASIS, we are not bound to have our annual Thanksgiving on the designated Federal date – every day could and should be one of thankfulness and gratitude.

I hope you had a perfectly marvelous Thanksgiving, if you celebrate it today.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

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Preparations – Thanksgiving.

November 17, 2022books, dining, gratitude, holidays, thanksgivingappreciation, baking, cooking, gratitude, holidays, menu, thanksgivingSusan Marie Molloy

Today is a beautiful autumn day here at The Oasis of Four Queen Palms. Early this morning, I walked out to the terrace to take in the crisp air as the dawn splashed pinks and yellows across the eastern sky. My peach-colored hibiscus still has a good crop of blooms, but most of my other flowering plants are spent for the season.

The approaching Holidays means that life gets a little busier for me, and there is so much to do. Most important in my routine is the deep cleaning of the house. It’s also time to pack away the warm weather things and bring out those for fall and winter. The seasonal decorations will need to come out of storage, sorted through, and put up around the house. The writing of Christmas letters and addressing greeting cards is nigh. And then there is the preparation of menus ranging from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day.

Best Friend and I decided that this year, we will observe the annual Thanksgiving celebration on a date not in concert with the Federal holiday. We picked out a day, and it will be ours to savor.

I already chose the colors of our Fiestaware china for that day: Butterscotch, Paprika, Meadow, and Scarlet. These three warm colors and one cool, evoke the beauty of the changing of the leaves that is fabulous this time of year. I plan to arrange a table centerpiece that will include a Fiestaware large disk pitcher in Scarlet, that will hold a bouquet of silk autumn leaves. Of course, lit wax candles in crystal candleholders will also make an appearance.

I believe that eating at home should be a lovely experience, and not only for the Holidays and entertaining otherwise. In fact, all year ‘round, I consistently set a pretty table with delightfully presented meals that one might only enjoy in a good restaurant. My family is important to me, and I show it as best as possible.

And that brings me back to our first celebration of the season.

Best Friend and I picked out the date for our Thanksgiving. With that set, I now have the menu decided upon. Here it is, for your wonderment:

First Course

Japanese Onion Soup

Second Course

Apple Salad with Pumpkin Bread Croutons

Third Course

Roasted Whole Tom Turkey

Apple-Raisin-Walnut Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce with Red Wine, Green Bean Gremolata, Cousin Stanley’s Roasted Squash, Boiled Sweet Potato, Twice Baked Potato, Homemade Fresh Mushroom Gravy

Fourth Course

Homemade Carrot Cake

Beverage

Mogen David wine

As elegant as this feast might be, the most important factor of the upcoming day for us will be the sincere gratitude we have in so many ways.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

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Welcome to The Oasis.

November 14, 2022books, dining, gratitude, holidays, thanksgivingappreciation, baking, books, cooking, elegance, gratitude, halloween, holidays, inflation, menu, palms, queen palms, recession, terrace, thanksgiving, the great depression, writingSusan Marie Molloy

Welcome to my essays on life and elegant living at The Oasis at Four Queen Palms.

Upon awakening this morning, I dressed and headed to the kitchen to pour myself a cup of hot black coffee. Before I dressed and left the bedroom, my best friend hurried me to the window to witness the dawn together, where the sun was in the midst of a fiery red and orange rise above the horizon. It was a glorious morning sight, and pity that I did not have film in my camera to capture it for posterity.

A few oohs! and ahhs! were shared between us, a few words of wonderment expressed, whereupon I dressed and headed to the kitchen to make our coffees. I then went on to the terrace to drink my coffee and ponder my thoughts.

There is something to be said about the hazy, lazy days of summer, but what about life after October?

Indeed, once Halloween is over and the decorations and the masquerade costumes go back in storage here at The Oasis of Four Queen Palms, the pages on the calendar seem to invariably flip faster and faster each day. It never fails. In fact, when the calendar turned to November, I put away the few Halloween decorations I have (a ceramic haunted house my aunt and uncle gave me and a Jack O’Lantern from my other aunt). Then, as I was setting up the ancient paper turkey on my cellarette in the foyer and hung the wreath on the front door, I gave a few thoughts about Thanksgiving.

In my thinking and deep ponderings, the act of thanksgiving should be/could be a daily celebration. Sure, it is nice that we have a national holiday dedicated to it, and most working people have the day off. But does it have to be the fourth Thursday in November?

Maybe not.

Best Friend and I discussed this very idea recently. Why couldn’t we have Thanksgiving on another day that we determine? After all, we are not going to the little shindig that our neighborhood diner is setting up (Their offering of Cheese Whiz on Ritz crackers, pressed turkey with canned cranberries and instant potatoes turns us off – and the cost per person is unreasonable for microwaved mass-produced food). No family nor friends are making the trek to holiday with anyone, either. So, we decided to forego the November 24^th date this year and pick another day to have our own private thanksgiving, with our homemade foods, music of our own choice, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.

Indeed, this will be a different Thanksgiving holiday, one that for the first time in our lives won’t be on the Federal holiday date. It will be on our own terms.

And that brings me around to a question that a friend and fellow author asked me, paraphrased: “Does it take a recession and wild inflation for people to learn to be thankful for what they have?”

Perhaps. Perhaps it does. You see, I published a few short stories about people living during The Depression and learning what is important and what it means to be appreciative. I chose that time in history because I have a great affection for those times. Not that I was alive then, you see, but there is something about the music, the movies, the fashions, and the history that attracts me to no end. I suppose The Depression slapped a little reality into some people, and those heady days before those rough years were thought to never, ever end. Perhaps they thought prosperity and overabundance would remain forever; but who truly knows? Yet hard times did materialize, and sometimes that’s what it takes for people to realize what is truly important. It does not take a depression, recession, or impossible inflation to make a person’s life difficult, either. Circumstances vary.

And now returning to Thanksgiving 2022: Sure, we can make do with a lovely and lavish meal with enough turkey leftovers to make soup from the bones and Turkey Tetrazzini for the week, et al. Yet, the most important feature of whatever day we pick to celebrate, is but one of 364 days of thanksgiving. And that is what we will do on a day we determine to be our day of annual thanksgiving.

With the upcoming Holidays, I put my writing on pause for the next couple of weeks, which could be a good thing. I’ll have time to think about my books and the plots as I make the preparations for the upcoming observances.

I already prepared four batches of cookie dough and froze them, so they’ll be ready for a quick roll, cut, decorate, and bake for both Thanksgiving and Christmas entertainment. (Did you know that cookie dough can be frozen raw for several months before using?) Right now, I am baking my homemade pumpkin bread which will then be made into croutons for salads to be used over the next couple of weeks, including Thanksgiving dinner.

Yet, there are more tasks to accomplish: I need to finish writing out the Thanksgiving dinner menu, decide upon the Holiday décor, finish writing the Christmas letter and review my Christmas card list for this year, and so much more in the realm of secular entertainment and religious observances.

Yet, although the time might be flying, I am getting projects and tasks done. Writing itself isn’t always the mechanics of sitting down and putting pen to paper. It is an involved process, at least for me, that ideas float around my mind and marinate as I formulate plot outlines and conceive witty phrases. It was like that for me in college (for those twenty-plus page dissertations), and at work (for those technical orders and communications) – and it is always this –> take a short break, do something else, and go back to that paper or project. I haven’t had much good quality time to write lately, although I do have a slew of outlines finished. It seems that every time I sit down to work on my books, Mr. Rat Terrier needs something. No matter that Best Friend might be available to meet His Highness’ needs at the moment. Nope. It is I, and I only, who can fulfill Mr. Rat Terrier’s whims, from a doggie snack to being let out in the yard. Thank the heavens above that Miss Doxie and Mademoiselle Petite Chatte require little in the way of attention.

This introductory chapter is the first of my blog, The Oasis at Four Queen Palms. I plan to write an essay each Monday and Thursday within the realms of lifestyle and experiences. Indeed, I have been writing blogs for well over ten years now in different formats and names (and all but one is defunct), but this is the one that will settle specifically on life here at The Oasis of Four Queen Palms.

Well, time to get back to the kitchen. The pumpkin bread should be just about ready to take out of the oven.

As ever,

Lady Susan Marie Molloy

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