It's cold here. Darkness settles. Rain lashes the windows. Against my cheeks, it stings like ice. The wind. Oh, the wind. Goodbye gentle fall. Hello gray winter. Not that I'm complaining. This is the best time of year to write. No golden sun drawing me into the woods. No warm evenings calling me out to walk under the stars. No light wind beckoning me to spend my entire day sailing over blue water and chasing herons. Here I am, wrapped in fleece sweaters and fuzzy socks. Here, hunkered down in front of a fire with a mug of hot tea and an exciting new book idea. Winter is the best time of year for writing first drafts. And for contemplation. Both call for quiet rooms and space to breathe. As such, I'm taking an extended time out from this blog. If you come looking between now and the new year, you won't find me here. Though, you might, on occasion, find me squawking on Twitter (@valeriegeary). So until we meet again, I wish you a happy, warm, and wonderful holiday season full of love and family and beautiful things.