Thursday, December 9, 2010

Christmas downunder



I’m like a big kid at Christmas. It’s my favourite season of the year.

I often wish it could be Christmas all year round. I love the carols, holly, tinsel, TV specials and Christmas trees all decked out in their finest decorations, and of course, the presents. But most of all I love the love people share.

We still have turkey and plum pudding downunder, although a succulent leg of lamb is often included, and plenty of summer fruits. Strawberries and cherries are in season now. And while a big, hot meal doesn’t taste quite the same in the heat of midday, (I‘m an ex-pat Pom and still miss snow even after 30 years) sharing a meal with family or good friends is the best part of the day.

I especially enjoy going to lunch with my friend Jennifer and her family, whose son, Andrew, is head chef on various big boats. I don’t mean cruise liners, I mean the big boys toys. I’m talking the likes of Oracle (Larry Ellison’s toy) and above. And yes, I’ve already got Andrew earmarked for some juicy story ideas about the rich and famous. Watch this space. When Andrew’s on leave, he takes over the kitchen and wonderful meals come out on Christmas day. And no, not all chefs swear.

And while Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere means snowmen in top hats, snowball fights and red noses, here in the Southern Hemisphere it means hunks strutting their stuff on summer beaches, swimming and sunburned noses. And while you are snuggled around the fire roasting chestnuts, we are sprawled on the beach lapping up the last of the long hours of daylight. I’ll leave it to you to choose which you prefer.

And in keeping with a “good old” New Zealand summer, The Wild Rose Press came up with a wonderful cover capturing that special feeling, for my latest release, Yesterday’s Dreams, available in January. The colours say it all.

Happy Christmas, everyone. Keep well and keep safe.

Jean

8 comments:

Dawn Marie Hamilron said...

Beautiful cover, Jean. Good luck with the release!

J L said...

Make sure to share the stories about the rich & famous (especially any about Larry: I work at Oracle and would love to hear 'em!)

L.A. Lopez said...

I think I like your Christmas better then mine....It's just plan wet in Cali.

Mona Risk said...

Jean, what a lovely post. I wish I could visit the Down-Under at Chriatmas time. Your book cover is simply yummy. Please make sure you remind us when Yesterday's Dream comes out.

Josie said...

Happy Christmas to you, too, Jean. Christmas down-under sounds wonderful. And, please share your recipe for plum pudding.

Jill James said...

Lovely cover, Jean. Your Christmas Downunder sounds awesome.

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

What a beautiful picture your words paint, Jean. I have a penpal of 22 years who lives in NZ and she has been trying to coax us over for years.

We live in the snow covered Sierra Mountain Range in California. Yes, it has been cold already but it does make it feel like Christmas.

Best of luck with your new book. :)

Clarissa Southwick said...

What a beautiful cover, Jean. I love the colors. New Zealand Christmas sounds delightful. I'd love to try it at least once. Great post.