If you had the power to change one law, what would it be and why?
Term limits are needed for congress and the senate. Most elected officials stay in their positions too long, keeping the status quo and not offering new ideas to move the country forward that benefits everyone.
anitasbooknook.com. http://ameliaislandbookfestival.org
Hello Everyone! The new year is underway, and we’re already into February! At the end of the month, I will be at the Amelia Island Book Festival, showcasing my books to thousands of readers across the country. In the meantime, I would like to take a moment to share the history behind this wonderful book festival.
The Inception of the Amelia Island Book Festival
In 2001, Don Parker and his wife passionately established the Amelia Island Book Festival, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a love for reading and writing. Since its inception, the festival has drawn thousands of enthusiastic attendees throughout the country each year. The Parkers’ inspiring mission is to captivate both young people and adults, igniting their passion for literature. amazon.com/author/anitadixonthomas
The festival board curates an impressive lineup of New York Times bestselling authors alongside talented independent authors and publishers, providing them with a platform to showcase and sell their books to an eager audience. Select local schools play an integral role in choosing the authors, who then receive personalized invitations via email to participate. This unique collaboration enriches the festival experience.
Attendees can look forward to engaging workshops led by renowned bestselling authors, elevating the festival into an extraordinary celebration of literature and creativity. Join me in this vibrant community of readers and writers, and discover the transformative power of storytelling! http://ameliaislandbookfestival.org. anitasbooknook.com
This past summer, I had the opportunity to work as a clinical social worker at Tuba City Regional Hospital, located on the Navajo Nation Reservation in Tuba City, Arizona. During my time there, I learned a great deal about Navajo culture, customs, and values. I also became aware of a pressing issue in the community—the search for missing women. On my second day of work, I participated in a community march addressing this very topic. https://anitasbooknook.com
The community’s commitment to this critical issue inspired me to begin writing the first draft of And the Crows Saw Everything—a haunting mystery rooted in grief, silence, and the pursuit of truth. I hope to shed light on the plight of missing women in Indigenous communities so that others can become aware of this overlooked tragedy.amazon.com/author/anitadixonthomas
The story focuses on a Navajo teacher named Talia Manygoats, who disappears after raising concerns at a boarding school. Her twin sister, Victoria, a criminal investigator, becomes deeply involved in a devastating search that leads to a charred house in the desert—and a truth darker than anyone could have imagined.
Justice feels distant. The crows saw everything. amazon.com/author/anitadixonthomas
LONDON
To celebrate our anniversary, my husband and I set out for London, the vibrant capital of England and the United Kingdom, in October. London’s imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower, London Bridge, and the historic Westminster Abbey—site of countless royal coronations—set the scene for our adventure. As we touched down at Heathrow International Airport, excitement and anticipation buzzed between us. We hailed an Uber to take us to The Royal Horse Guard Hotel, our home for the trip. Once inside, we needed to find the “lift” to reach the 4th floor, but after wandering for 30 minutes with no sign in sight, our patience wore thin. At last, we approached a customer service desk, where a young woman with long brown hair and sparkling blue, almond-shaped eyes greeted us with a warm smile. “Can I assist you?” she asked in a melodic English accent. http://amazon.com/author/anitadixonthomas
“I’m having trouble finding the lift,” I informed her. “We need to go to the 4th floor to get an Uber.”
She smiled and pointed past me. “It’s over there.”
I turned around and saw the elevator. “Do you mean the elevator?” I blushed.
“Yes! The lift will take you to the 4th floor.”
My husband and I looked at each other and laughed. How were we supposed to know the “lift” was the elevator?
As our Uber whisked us through the city, we gazed out the window in awe at the constant flurry of activity. Passing Buckingham Palace, we marveled at the grandeur and bustle that reminded us of New York City, with its lively crowds, endless restaurants, and vibrant shopping streets. The Royal Horse Guards Hotel, just two blocks from the palace, greeted us with a gracious welcome from the concierge staff. After settling into our elegant room, we enjoyed our first meal at Pasta Brown, a charming Italian restaurant just three blocks from Covent Garden Shopping Piazza. Savoring delicious food and wine, we immersed ourselves in the city’s energy, later strolling through the bustling piazza and exploring its eclectic shops.
The very next day, on our anniversary, we enjoyed a riverboat cruise on the Thames River and ate lunch. The panoramic view of this beautiful city was quite breathtaking. As the week progressed, we visited Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and other tourist sites. Then one morning, we took a train to Paris.
PARIS
The train ride to Paris was three and a half hours, arriving there at eleven thirty in the morning. The last time we visited the city was 4 years ago. We took pictures of the Eiffel Tower, but did not go up. This time, we planned to go up the Eiffel Tower. After checking into our hotel, we caught an Uber to the Champ de Mars District, where the Eiffel Tower is located. Famished, we stopped and ate lunch at a local restaurant and then headed to the Eiffel Tower.
This iconic structure is a wrought-iron lattice tower 1,083 ft tall. It was named after the engineer, Gustave Eiffel, whose construction company designed and built the tower in the late 1800s. The locals called it La dame de fer (French for “Iron Lady”). The Eiffel Tower has elevator access (the French say “elevator”, not “lift”) with three levels for visitors. The first two levels have restaurants. We decided to purchase tickets for the second level at 35 euros each, and the ride up was quite bumpy. http://amazon.com/author/anitadixonthomas
Once we ascended to the second level of the Eiffel Tower, I was taken aback by the height, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me as I refused to look down. I expressed my desire to return to solid ground as soon as possible. My husband chuckled, and together we maneuvered through the bustling crowd, capturing stunning photographs of Paris along the way. When we finally descended, I felt an immense sense of relief. The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering the enchanting Eiffel Tower District, where we marveled at the captivating architecture that surrounded us.
The following day, we hailed an Uber to the iconic Notre Dame District. There, we stumbled upon a charming restaurant called La Dame de Paris, conveniently located just a short stroll from the Notre Dame Cathedral. Known for its delectable croissants, France did not disappoint. We each indulged in a warm, flaky croissant paired with a rich coffee latte, and every heavenly bite melted in our mouths.
After our delightful breakfast, we eagerly made our way to the cathedral. Although entry is free, the line was daunting, and with a train to catch in the early afternoon, we had to forgo our visit. Instead, we meandered along the Seine River, exploring quaint shops and embracing the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Before we knew it, it was time to return to the train station and journey back to the hustle and bustle of London. http://anitasbooknook.com
Our trip to London and Paris was a truly enriching experience, and we look forward to returning soon. However, our next adventure awaits in the beautiful landscapes of Portugal, which we have planned for June of next year. Until then, I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving, and thank you for sharing in our journey! http://anitasbooknook.com
My Mother’s Story
“Leaving Henry” is set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of rural Tennessee in the 1930s, where the sun-drenched fields whisper tales of hardship and resilience. Ella Ridley, a spirited African-American girl, perceives from a tender age that the oppressive South stifles her dreams and aspirations. With every flicker of hope, Ella envisions a world beyond the dusty roads and faded dreams that surround her. Though she grapples with the harsh realities of poverty and countless setbacks, her indomitable spirit remains unshaken, propelling her toward a future where she can truly be free! This is my mother’s story. She spent the first 13 years of her life focused on leaving the South in search of a better life. Now at 98 years old, my mother is thrilled to share her story! Buy on Amazon.com by clicking on the link below.
Happy New Year Everyone! I hope your holiday season was great! Here is an excerpt from my latest novel, Leaving Henry. The year is 1932 and Little Ella celebrates her New Year’s at church. Enjoy!
New Year’s Morn
The next week, a beautiful overnight snowfall brought in the New anitasbooknook.com
Year. I stood on the porch in my Sunday best with Old Dick, waiting
to attend the annual church revival. I looked forward to the gospel
singing and visiting with Susie Pie. With ice and snow making the
road slick, I knew our journey to the church would be difficult, but I
still hoped to make it to church on time. I squinted from the glare of
the snow, waiting for Pappy to bring Midnight and the wagon around.
When he finally parked in front of the cabin, he twisted in his seat,
and his eyes flickered with annoyance.
“Red-Headed Gray-Eyed Cat! Whatcha waiting for? Get in!”
I climbed into the wagon, and Old Dick hopped in after me and
sat beside Pappy.
“Where are the others?” he asked.
“They’re still inside, getting ready.”
Pappy rolled his eyes, exhaling a harsh breath. “Women! They take
entirely too long.”
A minute or two later, Momma, bundled up in her brown coat,
hat, and scarf, ran down the steps with Lucian in her arms. Clarence,
Escelle, and Irene followed her, and they all climbed into the wagon.
“Are we ready?” Pappy twisted around, his eyes darting from one
person to the next.
“Yes, sir!”
“Good, then let’s go. We don’t want to be late.” Pappy whipped the
reins, and Midnight turned around and trotted down the road. He
struggled to navigate the icy road, and the wagon slid this way and
that. The bumpy ride made us collide with each other as we held onto
the edge of our seats.
After the difficult ride, Pappy parked in front of the Methodist
church. Many churchgoers were carefully navigating the icy walkway
to the entrance. We climbed out of the wagon and joined them, taking
our time despite the cold. Once we safely reached the steps, Pappy
and Old Dick left.
The New Year Celebration @ Church
“Joy to the World” could be heard in the hallway as we walked in. amazon.com/author/anitadixonthomas
We entered the sanctuary as the organist swayed on a round red padded
stool. Her floppy orange hat hid part of her face, and her shrill
singing was so loud I was afraid it would wake the dead in the church
cemetery. Men and women meandered down the aisle, taking seats
in the pews. As my family waited to sit, I saw Susie Pie, her mother,
and Wildcat Fruit looking decent in a dark brown suit. I reached
around Escelle and tugged Momma’s coat sleeve.
“Can I sit by Susie Pie, Momma? Please?” I pointed. “She’s up there.”
Momma took a deep breath but didn’t answer me. Instead, she
ushered my brothers to their seats and gestured for me and my sisters
to follow suit.
“Momma,” I whispered, “Can I sit by Susie Pie?”
“No, you’re sitting with us.”
“But I haven’t seen Susie Pie since school let out,” I whined.
Momma gritted her teeth. “Go! But if I see you clowning, I’m
coming to get you.”
“Yes, mam!” I grinned, taking off down the aisle. Susie Pie’s sienna
eyes lit up when she saw me. She bolted out of her seat and hugged
me, mashing the side of my face with hers.
“I’m so happy to see you, Little Ella! It’s been boring not having
you around.”
“I’m happy to see you, too.” I hugged her back and sat beside her.
I unbuttoned my coat and leaned forward to check out Wildcat. He
held Missus Pebbles’ hand and had a giant cowboy hat on his lap. “Hi,
Missus Pebbles. Hi, Mister Fruit,” I whispered.
Missus Pebbles tilted her head forward, smiling. “How are you,
Little Ella? Did you have a nice Christmas?”
“Yes, mam.” I grinned. “Santa brought me a baby doll.”
“Well, that’s nice,” she replied.
Little Ella’s Holy Ghost New Year Dance anitasbooknook.com
The organist belted out the gospel song “At the Cross,” and the
choir marched and bopped in the aisle on the way to the pulpit.
They swayed back and forth, clapping their hands and harmonizing
with the music. The congregation shot out of their seats, singing,
and I noticed a broad-shouldered woman in a white hat and black
dress gyrating her big hips to the music two rows from me. She gazed
at the ceiling with her hands clasped tight, screaming, “Thank you,
Jesus!”
Susie Pie and I held hands, swaying and singing to the music. The
congregation stomped their feet, and shouts came from all corners. I
dropped Susie Pie’s hand, shook off my coat, and started dancing. I
whirled into the aisle with my arms flailing above my head, joyfully
singing at the top of my lungs. The clapping grew louder and louder,
and I gyrated my hips like the woman I’d seen earlier. Like her, I
twirled in smooth movement, swung my arms gracefully, and
shouted, weeping joyfully. The white Jesus statue on the wall behind
the pulpit seemed to stare at me with disdain. I felt intense shame for
a moment, but it didn’t stop me. I danced and gyrated harder, with
one hand on my hip, stomping my feet and yelling, “Halleluiah!”
Then, someone grabbed me and swung me around with such
force I felt my arm might come out of its socket. Nose to nose, I stared
into Momma’s raging light brown eyes. Without a word, she picked
me up, hurried to her seat, and plopped my fanny hard at the end of
the pew. She sat beside me with that angry, stern look, glaring at me,
daring me to move. I silently stayed put.
The choir finished singing, and Reverend Otis appeared at the podium
in his black robe with gold trim. He prayed passionately, and
weeping, moaning, and occasional shouts were heard around the
church. One woman screamed, “Thank you, Jesus, thank you!” She
shot out of her seat, and her hat toppled onto the floor. Her whole
body jerked, and she ran up and down the aisle, hollering, “Thank
you, Jesus! Hallelujah! Thank you!”
Two lady ushers dressed in black, one carrying a hand fan, rushed
over to her. One hugged the woman’s waist while the other fanned
her face. Soon, the prayer concluded, and Reverend Otis gestured to
the choir and congregation to sit. The ushers finally convinced the
lady to return to her seat. She softly moaned and shook her head, with
tears streaming down her cheeks. Like me, I knew the Holy Spirit had
touched her.
As Reverend Otis preached, my eyes met Susie Pie’s. I grinned,
and she smiled and turned back around in her seat. Somehow, I knew
she admired my bold dancing, something I didn’t believe she had the
nerve to do.
Becoming A Child of God In The New Year
The sermon ended, and Reverend Otis invited the congregation
to the altar to receive Jesus or to be prayed for. The organist
softly played “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.”
I wanted to go, so I looked at Momma, and her angry expression
had disappeared. Encouraged, I reached up and tapped her on the
shoulder. She leaned closer, her light brown eyes staring at me.
“Can I go up?” I whispered. “I want to be saved.”
She reached over my brothers and tapped Escelle on her knee.
“Go with Little Ella. She wants to go to the altar.”
Escelle stared at me with huge eyes, then hurried off the pew. I
stepped around the boys and Momma and joined Escelle in the aisle.
We held hands at the altar, and I waited for Reverend Otis to pray
over me. Someone grabbed my other hand, and Susie Pie stood beside
me. Smiling, I squeezed her hand and happily welcomed God’s
grace and the New Year.
Thank you for reading! Order on amazon.com
“Life is better with a good book and a cup of brew!”___Unknown.
I love to ride my bicycle or walk, especially during the fall/winter time with the fresh, chilly breeze blowing on my face. In the spring/summer, I take a class in water aerobics to cool off during the hot summer days in Atlanta. Check out and purchase my latest novel, Leaving Henry on Amazon by clicking on the link below.
Little’s Ella’s Christmas
https://amazon.com/author/anitadixonthomas
Happy Holidays Everyone! Christmas is upon us and everyone is busy with chiristmas shopping. A good book as a gift to a friend or loved one who likes to read is a great gift this holiday season! I recommend my latest novel, Leaving Henry. It’s available on Amazon by clicking on the link above.
In the meantime , I would like to share an excerpt from Leaving Henry about Little Ella’s Christmas morning in the 1930s.
Christmas morning was filled with excitement, laughter, and anticipation.
Everyone gathered around the Christmas tree except for
Pappy, who was in the smokehouse grilling the last bit of the meat.
Momma and I were already dressed because we had to cook breakfast
for the Harrises later that morning.
With a full day ahead, opening gifts was the priority, and our
grandparents had already arrived to celebrate with us. Grandmother
Clem, dressed in her green flowery smock, sat in Momma’s rocking chair.
Card Board Christmas Gift
“Let’s get this show on the road,” she said, chewing on snuff.
“We have to wait for Pappy,” Escelle reminded her.
Grandfather raised an eyebrow. “What’s he burning out there?”
“That coon he killed yesterday,” Grandmother Clem answered
with a straight face.
My heart sank. The delectable pork aroma I had smelled was a raccoon
grilling in the smokehouse. With misty eyes, I laid my head on
my bent knees, and Momma rushed over and kneeled in front of me.
“Baby, what’s the matter?” She lifted my chin.
“Pappy cooked that raccoon. I can’t eat that!” I cried.
Momma rubbed my cheek with her thumb. It felt like rough paper.
“You don’t have to. You can eat Grandmother’s baked ham
instead.”
“Okay,” I sniffled. I wiped my eyes, looking at the Christmas tree.
It was beautiful, splendidly decorated with homemade paper ornaments
and gifts underneath. I wondered if I got new shoes, a baby
doll, or both.
Grandmother Ella strolled to the sofa, smoothed the back of her
dress, and sat.
“Chillum, come over here. I need to tell you a story.”
We gathered around her. I sat on her left side, and Irene sat on her
right. Clarence and Lucian sat on the floor cross-legged while Escelle
propped herself on the arm of the sofa.
“Christmas is not all about getting gifts from Santa. There’s a reason
we celebrate Christmas.” She searched our faces. “Does anyone
want to tell me why we celebrate this day?”
“It’s Jesus’ birthday,” Escelle replied.
“That’s right, “Grandmother smiled. “So, let me tell you Jesus’s
story.”
The Christmas Story.
The First Christmas
Grandmother held us spellbound with a vivid description of Jesus’s
birth. She told us about the three kings who brought gifts to celebrate
his arrival and the shepherds who saw the bright shining star in the
sky.
“Grandmother, why does Santa bring us presents if it’s Jesus’s
birthday?” I asked.
Grandmother gently squeezed my shoulder. “Well, Little Ella,
that is a good question. Santa Claus is based on the life of Saint Nicholas,
a Christian man who gave generously to children in need. He
was a man who believed in Jesus’ commandment to love thy neighbor
as thyself. We should try to live like Jesus and do the same.”
“Will Jesus be mad if we keep our presents?” Lucian asked.
Everyone cracked up laughing. “I don’t think so, son,” Grandmother
said.
The front door opened, and Pappy strolled in with a big iron pot.
“Merry Christmas, everybody!” his gruff voice boomed. Lucian
hopped up and wrapped his arms around Pappy’s legs.
“Merry Christmas, Pappy!” He gazed up at him. “I want to open
the presents!”
“Move, boy! I’ve got to get this to the stove first.” Lucian hung on
while Pappy waddled to the stove.
“Lucian, go and sit down!” Momma demanded. He ran and sat in
front of the couch.
Pappy put the pot on the stove, which smelled like tobacco smoke.
I cringed when I thought about what was in it.
“Are we ready to open gifts?” Pappy brushed his palms together.
“Yes!” everyone shouted at once.
Grandmother Ella went to the stove. “I’ll get breakfast ready and
open my gift last.”
“You heard her, son.” Grandmother Clem fell back in her chair.
“Let’s get this show on the road.”
Pappy laughed as he shook off his coat, flung it over the kitchen
chair, and strolled to the tree. Lucian wiggled out of Momma’s lap,
and he and Clarence ran to the tree and stood by Pappy, who reached
under the tree and gave each of them a wrapped gift. They dropped
to the floor and tore off the paper.
“Look, I got a red truck!” Lucian happily squealed as he held the
toy up in front of him.
“I got a truck, too!” Clarence beamed. “Mine’s black!”
They both growled as they rolled their trucks along the wood floor.
Pappy reached under the tree and handed gifts to Escelle and Irene.
While they tore into their presents, he strolled to the other side of the
tree and brought out another gift.
“Merry Christmas, Little Ella,” he smiled. “Santa hopes you like it.”
I grinned. “Thank you, Pappy.” I hesitated, waiting to see what my
sisters got first.
“So soft and cuddly,” Escelle smiled, stroking her beautiful huge
blue blanket with kitties all over it.
“Just what I wanted!” Irene giggled joyfully holding a fluffy brown teddy
Bear close to her cheek.
Momma patted my shoulder. “What are you waiting for, Little
Ella? Open your gift.”
My gift was wrapped so beautifully in green paper that I didn’t
want to destroy it. I took my time, carefully unraveling each corner
until all the paper had separated from the cardboard box. I tore the
box open and peeped inside.
“Wow!” I gasped. “Look what Santa brought me!” I took the beauty
out of the box and held it up. The caramel-brown baby doll had expressive
brown eyes and slightly parted ruby-red lips. My fingers
grazed the painted brown hair on her smooth rubber head. She had
stiff arms and legs and a green dress, which I loved.
“This is the best gift ever!”
Momma opened her present, and her face brightened. “What a hat! It’s perfect for Easter.”
She adjusted the floppy blue hat
trimmed in white on her head as she sashayed to the mirror by the
closet. “So snazzy! Very nice!”
“Pappy, open your present!” Escelle urged as Pappy stood holding
his gift under one arm.
“I might as well,” Pappy laughed as he moved to the sofa and sat.
He took his time unwrapping the box, then lifted the lid and took out
a black fedora hat. “Well, isn’t this something!” He stood on his feet,
strolled to the mirror, and adjusted the fedora on his head. He glanced
back at Momma. “You must have saved some serious cabbage for
this.”
“Santa got that for you,” Momma winked, laughing.
“All I got to say, Mae, is these hats will look good with our church
rags.”
Momma laughed, tilting her hat again. “Yes, indeed! Yes, indeed!”
Pappy returned to the tree and handed Grandfather his gift, a pair
of brown suspenders. He smiled and gently pulled on the stretchy
straps. “Very nice! Very nice, indeed.”
Pappy gave Grandmother Clem and Grandmother Ella gifts, and
both tore the wrapping off without hesitation. They each received
pair of wool gloves in their favorite color, purple for Grandmother
Ella and black for Grandmother Clem.
Then Pappy reached under the tree, brought out five paper bags,
and gave one to each child. We tore off the ribbons, ripped open the
bags, and found an orange, a small sack of hard candy, and a few walnuts
still in the shell. Each of us received a new pair of shoes, which
we appreciated. I quickly put mine on and pranced around the house,
smiling, thrilled to have shoes that didn’t hurt my feet. anitasbooknook.com
Christmas Breakfast
Butter and cinnamon scents drew us to the table which was set
with Momma’s best dishes. Grandmother Ella placed a bowl of fried
apples, a basket of piping hot biscuits, and a platter of eggs and bacon
in the middle of the table. We all gathered around the table, Papa said
grace, and we enjoyed our Christmas breakfast together. Anita’s Contact Station
As Always Thank You for Reading! Merry Christmas!
What’s your favorite cartoon?
Do you have a favorite place you have visited? Where is it?
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