Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Welcome Guest Author--Diana Cosby


A Gift of Thanks this Holiday Season

Gifts come in many shapes and sizes, but I believe the most precious ones are those delivered from the heart. It's so easy to get caught up in the mayhem of life, particularly during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but every day there are people amidst the chaos who help you, who take time out of their busy lives to make a difference in yours. This year, why not return that gift?

This holiday season, as wrapped gifts exchange hands, I ask you to pause, reflect on those
who've truly made a difference in your life, and if possible find a special way to say thank you. This can be a simple gesture--something like a greeting card, a bouquet of flowers, or a heartfelt poem. Maybe you could bake someone their favorite cookies. Or present them a coupon book filled with everyday chores, which they can tear out and give you to do on those trying days when they really need a helping hand. The absolute best gift you can offer another person is one given from the heart. And when special-delivered, without any strings attached, it touches their own.

This Christmas I'm making gift baskets filled with my favorite homemade things, such as macademia-butterscotch chip cookies, shortbread, double chocolate-orange-pecan biscottii, Vermont maple syrup, orange-lemon-maple syrup marmalade and more. With each one, I'm sharing a part of myself with the other person.

My gift to you is one of my favorite recipes, Peppermint Ice-Cream Pie!

Peppermint Pie
Oreo pie shell
1/2 gallon peppermint ice cream
cool whip
chocolate fudge ice cream topping
small candy canes crushed (three crushed per pie)

Place 1 quart of softened peppermint ice cream (1/2 tub) into Oreo pie shell and smooth out flat. Place 1/2 inch or slightly thicker layer of cool whip. Pour on a layer of chocolate fudge ice cream topping. Sprinkle top of fudge with crushed candy canes. Put plastic top on and freeze.
*I usually make this a couple of days in advance and leave it on a flat shelf in the freezer.

**This takes less than 5 minutes to make. Amazingly, each of the ingredients balance the other out. It's wonderful. And I'm not even a peppermint lover :)

I sincerely wish everyone health, friendship and happiness this holiday season, a time with the best gift of all is the gift of yourself--that one-of-a-kind present that can make a difference in the life of another.

What ideas can you think of? Remember--the more original and inventive, the more fun! I can't wait to hear your ideas! I'm giving away one signed copy of His Captive to a commenter today! And the third book in the MacGruder brother series, "His Conquest," is out now!

40 comments:

Laurie G said...

We are usually in Florida for the month of December. Over the years I've gotten to know several of the widowers. These men always appreciate a plateful of homemade Christmas cookies and bars.

Diana Cosby said...

Laurie said...
We are usually in Florida for the month of December. Over the years I've gotten to know several of the widowers. These men always appreciate a plateful of homemade Christmas cookies and bars.

~:) Laurie, that is so sweet. I have confidence your generosity brings them back memories of their childhood during the holidays. I hope your holidays are filled with the warmth of friendship as laughter.
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, AGC(AW), USN Ret.
www.dianacosby.com

krisgils33 said...

I don't have alot of time to do too much, but one of the things I do that is very important to me is sending care packages and cards to the deployed soldiers. I have two "adopted" soldiers in Afghanistan and I do extra cards at Christmas for random soldiers. There are many worthwhile organizatiions out there that are constantly collecting donations to send care packages. It's a small way to let them know we appreciate their sacrifices.

Diana Cosby said...

krisgils33 said...
I don't have a lot of time to do too much, but one of the things I do that is very important to me is sending care packages and cards to the deployed soldiers. I have two "adopted" soldiers in Afghanistan and I do extra cards at Christmas for random soldiers. There are many worthwhile organizations out there that are constantly collecting donations to send care packages. It's a small way to let them know we appreciate their sacrifices.

~That is such a fabulous cause as gesture. As a retired Navy chief with a son in the Marines who will soon deploy to Afghanistan, I can tell you from experience that your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated and sincerely touches each person who receives your kind gesture. And I assure you, normally care packages are shared, so you make many more men and women who serve smile. My sincere thanks to you for thinking of our troops. I wish you as yours a holiday season filled with friendship and laughter!

Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Caroline Clemmons said...

Diana, Whenever I think of you it's not just your excellent writing, but your compassionate nature toward others. I think you give more than anyone I know. I remember the time you prepared Thanksgiving dinner for the firemen near you in VA, and your dedication to Habitat for Humanity, and know those are only a few of you good works. Thank you for being such a kind and generous friend!

Virginia C said...

Hi, Diana! Happy Holidays & Best Wishes for much continued success!

This past year has been one of the worst times of my life. Truly, truly awful! Filled with the harsh realities that can reaffirm real friends and dislodge fair weather friends. It's hard to put into words how much I appreciate those who have stuck by me through it all. I love to make goodie bags and gift baskets for special people. I usually collect things all through the year and then put them together in some type of special presentation. This year, I have decided to make a little memory box for each person and fill it with momentos from the time that we actually first met. My best friend and I met over thirty years ago in high school, so her box will be a 70's surprise : )

Diana Cosby said...

Caroline Clemmons said...
Diana, Whenever I think of you it's not just your excellent writing, but your compassionate nature toward others. I think you give more than anyone I know. I remember the time you prepared Thanksgiving dinner for the firemen near you in VA, and your dedication to Habitat for Humanity, and know those are only a few of you good works. Thank you for being such a kind and generous friend!

~Caroline, I'm blessed to have you as my friend and inspiration, you're one of the many blessings in my life. You are as giving indeed my friend, and with each blessing you give you will find them returned to you twofold. I hope your holidays are filled with friendship and laughter. You are truly deserving of both!
Love you!

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Diana Cosby said...

Virginia C said...
Hi, Diana! Happy Holidays & Best Wishes for much continued success!

~*Hugs* Thank you so much for taking time to stop by, Virginia, a the kind wishes. My sincere same to you.

This past year has been one of the worst times of my life. Truly, truly awful! Filled with the harsh realities that can reaffirm real friends and dislodge fair weather friends. It's hard to put into words how much I appreciate those who have stuck by me through it all.

~I totally understand. Life's challenges offer us clarity of friends, those who truly matter in our life.

I love to make goodie bags and gift baskets for special people. I usually collect things all through the year and then put them together in some type of special presentation. This year, I have decided to make a little memory box for each person and fill it with mementos from the time that we actually first met. My best friend and I met over thirty years ago in high school, so her box will be a 70's surprise : )

~Wow, what a fabulous as special heart-felt gift. I know your best friend as others who receive your thoughtful gifts will feel blessed to have you as their friend. May your holidays be filled with friendship as laughter! *Hugs*
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Adrienne Giordano said...

Hi Diana. The thing I look forward to every year is "adopting" a family from our Church during the holidays. It's all done anonymously, but we buy a family in need gift cards for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and also for gifts on Christmas. I never know who the family is, but each Christmas morning as I watch my son go through his gifts, I know we were able to make a difference for another child somewhere. That's just about the best gift of all!

Cindy Gerard said...

Welcome to the Convertible, Diana and I love your blog topic.
We always get a couple names from the tree our bank sets up and buy gifts for those children who aren't quit as fortunate. And like someone else mentioned, the troops are high on our priority list - our packages went out to Afghanistan yesterday!
I spare them all my lack luster baking skills, however :o)

Kathleen Eagle said...

Welcome, Diana!
What a lovely idea. I just received this kind of gift from my daughter for my birthday. She painted our kitchen and dining room. She's very good at it--meticulous in fact--and the wall prep was a particularly challenging project because we'd stripped the wallpaper and the residue was still there. It took her a solid weekend. and it looks gorgeous!

Kathleen Eagle said...

One thing I did last year for my brother, sister, cousin and my kids was to make one of those Snapfish photo books focusing on my parents and grandparents. Some of the pictures go back to late 19th, early 20th century. I've since come into more pictures, and I want to do this again at some point. The revised reissue. Those memory books make wonderful gifts.

Diana Cosby said...

Adrienne Giordano said...
Hi Diana. The thing I look forward to every year is "adopting" a family from our Church during the holidays. It's all done anonymously, but we buy a family in need gift cards for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals and also for gifts on Christmas. I never know who the family is, but each Christmas morning as I watch my son go through his gifts, I know we were able to make a difference for another child somewhere. That's just about the best gift of all!

~Adrienne, that is so fabulous, and so true. Your gift has given a family to savor the blessings of the day, belief that there are good people out there and allow them to take a deep breath to push forward with hope. I firmly believe that giving of self is the greatest gift. Thank you for sharing your moving story. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season filled with laughter!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Diana Cosby said...

Cindy Gerard said...
Welcome to the Convertible, Diana and I love your blog topic.

~:) Hi Cindy, it's my sincere pleasure to be here. Making a positive difference in others lives is one of my life goals, so the blog topic is very personal to me.

We always get a couple names from the tree our bank sets up and buy gifts for those children who aren't quit as fortunate.

~That's fabulous and I believe it's important to help others who are struggling. As my kids grew up, I'd have each of them pick out a star and buy a gift before Christmas, because I believe it's important to teach children that it's not the receiving that's important, but the giving back.

And like someone else mentioned, the troops are high on our priority list - our packages went out to Afghanistan yesterday!

~As a retired Navy Chief with a son in the Marines, let me extend my sincere thanks for your supporting our troops. I assure you, you packages as support means the world to our troops.

I spare them all my lack luster baking skills, however :o)

~:) But you had fun and touched another person's life. It doesn't get any better than that. Take care and I wish you and yours a holiday season filled with laughter!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Diana Cosby said...

Kathleen Eagle said...
Welcome, Diana!
What a lovely idea. I just received this kind of gift from my daughter for my birthday. She painted our kitchen and dining room. She's very good at it--meticulous in fact--and the wall prep was a particularly challenging project because we'd stripped the wallpaper and the residue was still there. It took her a solid weekend. and it looks gorgeous!

~How fabulous! :) Sounds like you have an amazing daughter, no surprise as she has a pretty incredible mom. Along with being a fan of your fabulous stories, I was blessed to have heard your keynote speech when you spoke for an RWA chapter in Virginia several years back. Your words of hope and of daring to try still resonate with me today. Thank you for being you. I hope your holidays are filled with friendship and laughter.
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Diana Cosby said...

Kathleen Eagle said...
One thing I did last year for my brother, sister, cousin and my kids was to make one of those Snapfish photo books focusing on my parents and grandparents. Some of the pictures go back to late 19th, early 20th century. I've since come into more pictures, and I want to do this again at some point. The revised reissue. Those memory books make wonderful gifts.

~What a fabulous idea. Love it! They do make wonderful gifts. Thank you for sharing and have a wonderful day!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Nancy said...

Hi Diana and Top Down Gang!

Lovely post, Diana - as always! I used to make a lot of craft gifts - needlepoint coasters and bookmarks, crocheted scarves, wreaths. A few years ago I made ornaments by pouring acrylic paint in clear ornaments of various sizes and shapes, then swirling and shaking them.

Since we moved to FL, I have a lot less storage space, so I don't do as much crafting. Last year I gave rosemary plants, rosemary representing rememberance. That can mean whatever the recipient wishes. :)

No need to enter me in the drawing. I have all your books save the new one, and that's on my list! Blessings at this time of year and always!

Light,
Nancy Haddock
www.nancyhaddock.com

Diana Cosby said...

Nancy said...
Hi Diana and Top Down Gang!

~Hey ALWAYS fabulous to see you! *Hugs*

Lovely post, Diana - as always! I used to make a lot of craft gifts - needlepoint coasters and bookmarks, crocheted scarves, wreaths. A few years ago I made ornaments by pouring acrylic paint in clear ornaments of various sizes and shapes, then swirling and shaking them.

~Neat, how fun. :)

Since we moved to FL, I have a lot less storage space, so I don't do as much crafting. Last year I gave rosemary plants, rosemary representing remembrance. That can mean whatever the recipient wishes. :)

~I LOVE that idea. Wow. Rosemary is such a fabulous smelling herb, yummy in foods, and I love it's spiny architecture.

No need to enter me in the drawing. I have all your books save the new one, and that's on my list!

~*Hugs* My sincere thanks. Hey, we're even, I have all of your FABULOUS books as well! ^5

Blessings at this time of year and always!

~My sincere wish that your holiday season is filled with blessings as well. Your friendship is the greatest gift.
Love you! *Hugs*

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Jeanmarie Hamilton said...

Diana,
I'm loving your post and all the gift ideas from everyone. This year I'm putting together a pile of things for the local charity, Candle Lighters. They're a group who support children with serious health problems.

Your newest book is on its way to me, can't wait, so don't put me on your list today. :-)
Love the photo of your book signing!
*Hugs*

Unknown said...

Thanks for joining us Diana. Terrific ideas. I'm always looking for gifts that are eco friendly, personal, and unique. And there is nothing more eco friendly than DOING something rather than buying something. Doing something almost always gives you the opportunity to spend time with that other person, too. So thanks for the suggestions.

Diana Cosby said...

Jeanmarie Hamilton said...
Diana,
I'm loving your post and all the gift ideas from everyone. This year I'm putting together a pile of things for the local charity, Candle Lighters. They're a group who support children with serious health problems.

Your newest book is on its way to me, can't wait, so don't put me on your list today. :-)
Love the photo of your book signing!
*Hugs*

Diana Cosby said...

Jeanmarie Hamilton said...
Diana,
I'm loving your post and all the gift ideas from everyone.

~Hi Jeanmarie, always fabulous to see you my friend! *Hugs* I agree, some really special ideas!

This year I'm putting together a pile of things for the local charity, Candle Lighters. They're a group who support children with serious health problems.

~That's fabulous!

Your newest book is on its way to me, can't wait, so don't put me on your list today. :-)

~My sincere thanks for ordering His Conquest! *Hugs* I enjoy reading your stories! Um . . . I believe you owe me an e with a certain detail. Ahem. *G*

Love the photo of your book signing!

~Yeah, a photo of me. A big brave step. LOL Have a fabulous day as holiday season. I'm blessed to call you friend! *Hugs*
Love you!

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Diana Cosby said...

lois greiman said...
Thanks for joining us Diana.

~Hi Lois, my sincere thanks for having me on Riding With The Top Down!

Terrific ideas. I'm always looking for gifts that are eco friendly, personal, and unique. And there is nothing more eco friendly than DOING something rather than buying something. Doing something almost always gives you the opportunity to spend time with that other person, too. So thanks for the suggestions.

~So true. When it's personal, from the heart, a special bond is formed. :) Take care and I hope your holidays are filled with love and laughter!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Michele Hauf said...

Welcome, Diana! That pie recipe sounds decadent! But not quit as decadent as that cover. Abs. Num.

Diana Cosby said...

Michele Hauf said...
Welcome, Diana!

~Hi Michele, thank you so much, it's a pleasure to be here!

That pie recipe sounds decadent!

~:) I'm not a huge peppermint person, but holy cow, this is delicious!

But not quit as decadent as that cover. Abs. Num.

~*G* Oh yeah, wow, I am thrilled with the cover for His Conquest. Totally hot, and from a glance, you know it's a Scottish medieval read! Take care and I hope you have a fabulous holiday season filled with friendship and laughter!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

LSUReader said...

I really like your ideas. I’ve given coupon books and baked goodies before. I’ll expand on an idea I’m borrowing from a friend. She developed a simple, homemade cookbook of family favorite recipes—typed on the computer, printed herself, put into 3-ring binders. How about using that as a focus of family baskets, then adding ingredients of favorite recipes? You can personalize the gifts by spotlighting different recipes.

Diana Cosby said...

LSUReader said...
I really like your ideas. I’ve given coupon books and baked goodies before.

~The coupon books are one of my favorites. Having someone do the little daily chores can make a huge difference to that person.

I’ll expand on an idea I’m borrowing from a friend. She developed a simple, homemade cookbook of family favorite recipes—typed on the computer, printed herself, put into 3-ring binders. How about using that as a focus of family baskets, then adding ingredients of favorite recipes? You can personalize the gifts by spotlighting different recipes.

~What a neat idea! And, you could personalize it further by adding photographs or keepsakes from a shared moment. Love it! Thank you so much for sharing. :) I hope you have a fabulous holiday season filled with friendship and laughter!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

KylieBrant said...

Welcome, Diana :) Just got a couple moments free (deep breath) to pop in and thank you for appearing in the 'vert! Love the pie recipe...it might be coming out at Christmas this year!

Diana Cosby said...

KylieBrant said...
Welcome, Diana :) Just got a couple moments free (deep breath) to pop in and thank you for appearing in the 'vert!

~Hey, Kylie, thank you SO much for inviting me to Riding With The Top Down! :) It's been a blast today, love, love, love hearing all of the amazing personal gift ideas.

Love the pie recipe...it might be coming out at Christmas this year!

~:) So you know, a 1/2 gallon makes two pies. You can make them both in < 5 minutes. Plus, they store well in the freezer. Take care and I hope you have a fabulous holiday season filled with friendship and laughter!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

catslady said...

My husband and I volunteer at our American Legion. Some of the things we do is help with holiday parties, some for the children and some for the adults. It's always open because there are so many that sadly have no where else to go. We also send many shipments to the soldiers overseas (goodies, books etc.) And there are also the veterans hospitals that need volunteers too.

Diana Cosby said...

catslady said...
My husband and I volunteer at our American Legion. Some of the things we do is help with holiday parties, some for the children and some for the adults. It's always open because there are so many that sadly have no where else to go.

~That's a tremendous gift to those who would otherwise have no where to go or anyone to share the holiday with.

We also send many shipments to the soldiers overseas (goodies, books etc.) And there are also the veterans hospitals that need volunteers too.

~I assure you, your each generous act is sincerely appreciated. Thank you for making a positive difference in so many lives. God bless you both, and I wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with laughter!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Helen Brenna said...

Hi Diana. Chiming in late here, but thanks for coming today and congrats on the new release!

I'm not a peppermint lover either, but that pie sounds nummy.

I love your Christmas gift basket idea. When the kids were little, I made tons of treats and filled up tins for their teachers and bus drivers.

These days, my sorrily taxed creativity is being spared soley for my story ideas. My mind is blank as we head into the holiday season.

Oh oh!

Diana Cosby said...

Helen Brenna said...
Hi Diana. Chiming in late here, but thanks for coming today and congrats on the new release!

~Hi Helen, it's my sincere pleasure to be here. Thank you so much, it's an exciting as amazing time with the release of the third book in the MacGruder series. It's humbling to share that His Conquest has been on Amazon's top bestselling list since it came out, and today it was #5. Wow, I'm truly blown away. To have so many people believe in me, wow.

I'm not a peppermint lover either, but that pie sounds nummy.

~You know, I'm not a big peppermint person either, but this combination is just amazing! And, to give you an option, I'll post a Butterfinger Ice-Cream Pie recipe and you can also swap out the Butterfinger Ice-Cream for Snickers Ice-Cream. :)

I love your Christmas gift basket idea. When the kids were little, I made tons of treats and filled up tins for their teachers and bus drivers.

~:) Don't you love those memories? And, they do mean a lot to those who receive them.

These days, my sorrily taxed creativity is being spared solely for my story ideas. My mind is blank as we head into the holiday season. Oh oh!

~*Smile* I'm sure you'll do amazing! Take care, enjoy each moment, and may your holidays be filled with laughter!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Butterfinger Ice-Cream Pie

.Oreo pie shell
.½ gallon Butterfinger ice cream
.Cool whip
.Chocolate fudge ice cream topping
.Caramel ice cream topping
.One Butterfinger chocolate bar chopped up

Place 1 quart of softened Butterfinger ice cream into Oreo pie shell and smooth out flat. Place ½ inch or slightly more thick layer of cool whip. Drizzle on the chocolate fudge and caramel ice cream toppings. Sprinkle with chopped Butterfinger chocolate bar. Put plastic top on and freeze.

*I usually make this a couple of days in advance and leave it on a flat shelf in the freeze. This takes less than 5 minutes to make, and 1/2 gallon will make two pies. Enjoy!

Diana Cosby said...

My sincere thanks for having me on Riding With The Top Down. It's been an amazing and inspirational day listening to how each of you make a positive difference in others lives. I sincerely appreciate your time, and I wish you all a happy holiday season filled with blessings!

Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

*For the moderators, I will reply to any messages received. :) Thank you!

Mary Forbes said...

Hey, Diana! As always, a wonderful post--and certainly not a surprise coming from you. :) You are one of the most giving people I know. Not only that, you're always upbeat, positive and insightful. You truly see the cup as half full. I can't tell you how thankful I am to call you friend. Thank you for being in my life.

Love & hugs!

cheryl c said...

This truly is a season for giving. People have shared some lovely ideas here.

My family is blessed, so we like to give a needy family Walmart or Target gift cards anonymously to help with their Christmas shopping.

I also think it is important that we try to help others throughout the year, not just during the holidays.

Thanks for your wonderful post.

Diana Cosby said...

Mary Forbes said...
Hey, Diana! As always, a wonderful post--and certainly not a surprise coming from you. :) You are one of the most giving people I know. Not only that, you're always upbeat, positive and insightful. You truly see the cup as half full. I can't tell you how thankful I am to call you friend. Thank you for being in my life.

~Mary, my sincere thanks for stopping by. You're an amazing friend who I'm blessed to have in my life. In addition to making me laugh, you are an amazing writer who takes time out of your busy life to brainstorm with me to make those crazy stories in my head become reality. :) Take care and I wish you tons of blessings this holiday season!
Love & hugs!
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Diana Cosby said...

cheryl c said...
This truly is a season for giving. People have shared some lovely ideas here.

~I agree, I love seeing each one. :)

My family is blessed, so we like to give a needy family Walmart or Target gift cards anonymously to help with their Christmas shopping.

~That is so fabulous and I know inspires many a person to hope as believe in what's possible.

I also think it is important that we try to help others throughout the year, not just during the holidays.

~I agree with you as well. One of my favorite causes is Habitat For Humanity, which I'll be working at this Saturday. With each build, I organize a group of romance writers for one of the build days. We have so much fun, and it's such a worthwhile cause. When you give people a home, you give them the foundation to believe that their dreams can come true.

Thanks for your wonderful post.

~My sincere thanks for your stopping by as your touching others lives with such inspiration. I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season filled with laughter as love,
Sincerely,

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011

Maggie Toussaint said...

I'm so glad you posted the recipe for the pepperermint pie. It sounds great!

Maggie

Diana Cosby said...

Maggie Toussaint said...
I'm so glad you posted the recipe for the peppermint pie. It sounds great!

~Hey Maggie, thank you SO much for stopping by. Always a pleasure to see you, and I know you're crazy busy on a blog tour of your own. ^5 You're such a wonderful writer as inspiration to me, I'm blessed to call you friend. As for the peppermint pie, oh yeah, it totally rocks. Best, a 1/2 gallon makes two pies. One for you, one for those wonderful people who protect us and have to work on the holiday. :) Take care and I'm so proud of you. Wishing you continued success!
Love you!

Diana Cosby, International Best-Selling Author
www.dianacosby.com
His Captive-Alexander MacGruder/ His Woman-Duncan MacGruder/ His Conquest-Seathan MacGruder
His Destiny - Nov 2011