Greetings!

It’s the month of thanks.   It’s also the time to start Christmas shopping on Black Friday.  You can really tell a lot about a person from how they shop on that day.  Take a look at my story, “Black Friday,”  and check out my alter ego!

November is also a time to start thinking about colder weather.  Maryann Nunnally took a look back about fashion and love in her column, “Laughing in the Golden Years, November Coats.”

Dan Mask gives us different perspectives in his poems–from a closed mouth song to surfing, he has a way of describing life that seems rather distant, but familiar at the same time.  Read his poems, “Where I Come to Surf,” and “Net,” and you’ll see what I mean.

Katie Steve wrote a haunting piece called, “Look Up Child,” that made me think of what is going on in our world today.

And, just as sad as “Look Up Child,” Dan Neizmik gives us, “They Were Soldiers,” a sobering reminder of our Veterans and their sacrifices.

And, finally, Lisa Mote has an interesting idea about “Trash Baskets.”  The more I read it, the more I agreed with her.

We have VCAP news and what’s happening at the Leland Cultural Arts Center.

Sophie Holland, one of our teen writers offers up two stories that are worlds apart but, as always, very entertaining.   Check out “Liver and Fava Beans,” and “Little Leaf.”   And, Lennon Gray, a new writer, who is 11 years old keeps us spellbound with stories and themes far beyond her years.  Go to “Why Is The Sky Crying Fire?” And, “A Dying Hero.”

This year has gone quickly by–some of it has been good, some not so good.  But we are here and we are sharing.

May you and your family have a blessed Thanksgiving holiday season.

Jan