Often, this time of year, I write a blog about my year in review, but I think I'm going to pass this time. I've never been so eager to see a year leave through the back door as I have for 2020, and I know I'm not alone.
Personally, I lost a longtime, very dear friend to cancer. I know there's been tremendous loss, and my heart goes out to everyone who is grieving right now. You are not alone. There is a time for grief, but we are never without hope.
Because of Covid, our family, like many families, couldn't be together this holiday seasons. The rules in our area state that a single person could have one other person spend Christmas with them, so Norm and I decided I would go to my daughter who presently lives five hours away. (I say presently because she is soon moving back to Kelowna where Norm and I live – yay!) It's the first time in 33 years that we as a couple have spent the holidays apart. Norm spent Christmas with two of our sons. Strange times we live in.
Spending so much more time at home, (and I'm a bonafide homebody already!) has given me more time for contemplation and reflection. Hitting my mid fifties (okay, a little beyond) has also contributed to my reflections on “How then shall we live?”
I've concluded that life is too short and too precious to waste it by being anxious or busy. I'm determined to spend more time outdoors and with my family in 2021. Though I love my work, and of course, there will be more books (!), balance in life is so important. Finding peace in turbulent times is necessary for our mental health and I hope in this year you can find your way to Peace.
Memorable for its simplicity. Tasia, my daughter, spoiled me with a pair of classy sunglasses and a wonderful, super soft scarf. I stayed for several days to help her clean and pack to move.
In book news: 4 maybe 5 Ginger Gold books are coming your way this year along with 3 Rosa Reed. I'm currently working on Ginger Gold 15, Murder at Royal Albert Hall where I delve into the mystery of Ambrosia's past. I think you'll really like this one! It's releasing the end of March. But you won't have to wait that long for a new Lee Strauss release. Murder at the Races, the 6th Rosa Reed is coming this February!
Do you have any goals or plans for 2021? Let me know in the comments.
I found the Ginger Gold series and I have enjoyed them so much.
Dear Lee, first my condolences on the loss of your friend. I hope the New Year brings much hope and much needed family time. I love your books! Thank you for writing them, I look forward to when you release new books. I just got the newest Ginger gold and I have up too book 5 in the Rosa Reed series! Have a great year!
Having finally retired at 73, I was grateful that it came in time to not have to deal with the whole distance learning nightmare. The past year, then, brought its own brand of peace. I love getting in more reading time but am also cleaning out decades worth of collected “stuff.” Peace will come with a task well-finished.
Stay well.
Hi Lee,love your Ginger Gold books, keep up the good work. Regards David.
I love your positive outlook, we also have had an ambivalent mix of hurt and blessing, but feel blessed that our children and grandchildren are all healthy, as we were not able to be together as a family, we did had a beautiful grandson come into the world on the 30th of December. We hope to get there to see him within a few months, thank goodness fo Face Time 🙂
I have thoroughly enjoyed the Ginger Gold series and now am listening to them on Audible. I also love the diary entries along with following Haley and Rose. Your Clockwise series was a fun read and am looking forward to reading playing with Matches.
Thank you for all your hard work that goes into our reading enjoyment, Kathleen
Congratulation on your new grandson!
I LOVE your books and have slowed down reading them to savor the experience pf each. I actually am assisting my husband with his third book, 2nd one on Amazon. He normally wrotes non-fiction but due to my love of uour books, I talked him into wroting a detective novel. It is doing pretty well for self-publishing but he really isn’t into fiction . I have had more than one ask gor a second but it most likely will not happen. With thst said, I so admire your quest to continue your series. I really do love them!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying my books! And kudos to your husband. Writing a book is no small thing.
Lee, you look so comfy cozy! I can’t believe how many books you have coming our way and of course besides being excited, I can’t wait!!!!! Thank you so much!
It turned out to be a special night. Thanks so much for all your support, Merry!
Lee Strauss-I am so glad that I somehow found your Lady Gold series!!! And then the Rosa Reed spin-off series!!! My young adult daughter is reading your books, also! It is fun to talk “ books” with her as we live in opposite ends of California. I do understand your holiday dilemmas. I did not see my daughter for the first time Ever! But, keeping our focus looking foreword.I have your upcoming releases on my “list” with Amazon!! So glad to hear that you will keep writing and aim for balance-personal happiness is critical, as well as earning a living!!!
It does my heart so good to hear you’re enjoying my books with your daughter!
Cute picture. I love the Ginger Gold mysteries. My sister gave me one for Christmas, which is the third one I have read. They are wonderful, and I really like the characters. Everyone I know had a very different Christmas this year. Writing from Shelbyville, KY, 30 minutes outside Louisville.
I’m glad you’re enjoying the Ginger Gold mystery series. So cool that you got one for Christmas!
I could not read your last journal post because it had all those choices to download to read it and none of them worked for me. It was easier the old way when I could click on the journal and it would go right into it. I love your Ginger Gold books and am looking forward to the next one.
Lets hope and pray that 2021 is a better year for us all. Last year is one to never repeat hopefully. Christine.
I’m happy to hear you’re enjoying the Ginger books. I’m sorry you’ve had trouble accessing the journal. I’ve let my assistant know, but you could email him at admin@leestraussbooks if you’re still having trouble. His name is Joel.
Hi Christine,
My apologies for the inconvenience. I’m in the process of working with my IT personnel to create a better system for the Journal. Thank you for your patience as I work towards a solution.
Looking forward to all your books. I love reading them. Ditto on your thoughts for 2021. The only important thing in life are family, friends and personal peace.
Lucille is my mother’s name. 🙂 I’m so happy to hear you’re enjoying my books.
Hey, I just pre-ordered both books and very much look forward to the others you’re working on. As for my plans, once I’ve had the vaccine regime, and travel is again ‘safe’, I plan three trips in my home country of Canada, and one next winter, for 2.5 months, to Portugal! I’m single and 70, so have had to self isolate for much of this past year. I am SO looking forward to once again being able to gather with family and friends, to go to restaurants and movies and live theatre! I shouldn’t complain when others have lost so much but it really will be good to simply be able to socialize again with those I love.
You have many of the same dreams I have post vaccine – gathering with loved ones, travel and adventure! I’ve never been to Portugal, but I hear it’s amazing.
Hi it’s nice to meet you. I’m so glad there are more wonderful books to come so I can’t wait to review them for you.
I live in New Zealand so I guess we are pretty lucky where I live compared to other parts of the world. We got to spend Christmas in Auckland with my friend of over 30 years so that was really cool.
This year I plan on picking up on my daily exercise and as you spend more time outside as the beach is just down the road and it’s summer here so it quite hot. Also a move to Auckland is in the planning stages. I also have started to get my home business up and going it is a sewing and knit/crochet clothing plus other items business and of cause to read mire of yoyr books.
I hope you have a great year and its been nice talking to you
Happy New Year
Judi
You’re life sounds fabulous. I’ve never been to New Zealand but it’s on my bucket list.
Lee, I love your books & always look forward to new releases. Please keep them coming, especially Ginger Gold books. Wish you and your family a healthy new year.
Thank you. I have more Ginger books planned for this year than I released in previous years. Stay tuned!
My goal for 2021 is to simplify. I will try to declutter, organize, break a couple of bad habits. I will finish at least some , 1 maybe, UFOs(unfinished objects)! And I hope to get more connected to what remains of my family.
Great goals! We down-sized a couple of years ago and I’ve made it my mantra to minimalize as much as possible ever since.
I plan, God willing, to read more of your books! And other authors’ also!
♥️✝️✡️♥️
You can never go wrong by reading!
Lee,
I am so sorry to hear about your friend. This has been a messed up year for the world!! Family time has taken a terrible toll. Not to lessen loss, but I have read the new Ginger Gold in one sitting, and am looking forward to more. It helps get through the days. My best to you and your family and thank you for the light you give us all in our lives.
Tammy
Thank you, Tammy. She was an amazing person and I miss her. I’m so happy to hear that Ginger has helped to make your days better!