Editor's Corner

By Mary E. Adair

What? The end of the Year already? Is everyone amazed how quickly this year has entered the realm of "The Past." This is the last issue of the year but there is another issue to finalize this current volume of Pencil Stubs Online, the 20th one at that.

With the Thanksgiving holiday under our belt ( and a goodly amount of calories has found their way there as well ) we now enter the Yule season. Although our Thanksgiving is primarily observed in the USA, Christmas and the traditions - both familiar and newly being created - will occupy minds and hearts and busy hands for most of the month. Are you ready?

Bud Lemire's poem "Giving Thanks" is both timely and a good reminder, while his "All In A Year" notes how memories are made. "Why Take a Picture Of Me?" was composed by Lemire after he was asked that very question.

Bruce Clifford asks "Does Anyone Care" and expresses his fear of a "Nuclear Winter." Not sure his home in Florida will experience that kind of weather.

John I. Blair's poems for December are: "Hawk Day," "Extravagant Moon Poem," "Death," "November Celebration," "How Many" and "Sometimes." He confides that the cooler autumn weather has been conducive for his poetic muse.

Dayvid Clarkson, in his column "Reflections of the Day," has a few days mentioned which show why he chose that name. Judith Kroll's column "On Trek" focuses on the "Butterfly" and "Butterfly Song."

"Introspective" the column by Thomas F. O'Neill speaks of the season and its meaning to people everywhere. Mattie Lennon uses his column "Irish Eyes" to lighten moods and spread laughter this month.

Rod Cohenour in"Cooking With Rod," brings a timely recipe bearing in mind all those turkey leftovers. "Armchair Genealogy" by Melinda Cohenour shows how historical events can be a vital part in researching family trees. Her subject is Joshua Logan Younger – An American Patriot.

LC Van Savage in her column "Consider This," reminds everyone the importance in our lives of "Firsts." She also has a story "Glory's Glory" this month.

We wish all our readers to celebrate the Holidays that are as meaningful to them as Christmas is to your editor. Both she and her cat Jesse (short for Majestic) hopes everyone will stay warm!