A show of hands please: how many of you have already begun counting down to the holidays? A little shopping here, some special baking there, and lots of planning for all of the festivities that lie ahead. We’re overwhelmed just thinking about it, and it’s only October! 

We have had a phenomenal year. As most of you know, we recently released our third and latest novel, The Pendulum’s Truth, a story steeped in the belief that everything happens for a reason. It’s been a crazy year for us, as well. Even while our noses were to the grindstone writing and working on the book, our real lives jealously vied for our constant attention, disrupting and interrupting our best laid plans on a seemingly daily basis. Before we knew it, we were living in a perpetual state of chaos that quickly became our new normal. 

Until one day, in the midst of all the racket, something happened that stopped us in our tracks. On that day, Vikki was dive-bombed in her kitchen by a mysterious, unseen creature. She went to investigate and upon closer inspection discovered a 2-inch green missile with legs, resting calmly on the floor. Now, never in the 20 years Vikki has lived in her home has she ever seen anything like it, and she knew beyond a doubt that the Praying Mantis that had all but slapped her on the side of her head, was a sign. 

Research told her that, “Usually the Praying Mantis makes an appearance when we’ve flooded our lives with so much business, activity, or chaos that we can no longer hear the still small voice within us. Taking a step back is in order to quiet the external din we’ve created. She will always come to us when we need peace, quiet, and calm in our lives.”

So, the moral of the story is this:  Wrapped in lights and ribbons and bows, the real beauty of the holidays is how they bring us together, unite us in celebration, and join us through sharing with others. If you let the frenzy of the festive season distract you, it’s an easy sight to miss. Don’t give in to the mayhem. Remember the Praying Mantis. Find your inner calm, and enjoy.