Christmas is just around the corner, and if you are anything like me you may not have enough money for Christmas presents. (I guess that's part of being a struggling artist.) So what do I do? I give a gift from the heart and use my craft to create the perfect gift.

It has become a Christmas tradition. I write a special story for my niece every year. This year it will be in the vein of the Encyclopedia Brown mysteries I loved as a kid. When I think about it I may have a possible series on my hands.

If you write stories - particularly stories as Christmas presents for kids - you encourage reading, and a love of reading leads to a love of writing. In so doing you may be responsible for influencing the next generation of great writers.
 

Random acts of kindness can make a big difference. One kindness inspires others in people's hearts and actions. But I'm rambling.

These past couple of months have been particularly trying - especially in the area of finances, As the day for my account renewal approached I was stressed because I couldn't afford it this month. To add to the stress I haven't been able to get online in a few days. What would happen to my account when it expired? Would I lose everything I have worked on? Would I have to start all over again?

My account was to expire at noon tomorrow, so you can imagine how relieved and elated I was when I logged on today and discovered somebody had given me a generous gift that saved my account. And in doing that they have inspired me to reach out to help others with similar acts of kindness.