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| image - Cathie Dunn |
On Welcome Wednesday, I'm saying hello again to Cathie Dunn, a fellow Crooked Cat author who, coincidentally, is also a fellow Wild Rose Press author.
It's been a while since Cathie popped in to share something, and I'm completely delighted with her topic.
You see, I had a feeling that Cathie just loves this time of year...
Thank you for hosting me today, Nancy! It’s wonderful to be here during my
favourite season. Now, what could I chat about?
Christmas? :-)
Fact is, I love Christmas! Ever since I was a little, this
has been my special season. Carol-singing, waiting patiently outside the living
room for my grandparents to decorate the tree, candle-light – and (preferably)
snow! It’s the atmosphere these things create in combination.
Then, there are the Christmas markets. I grew up in Germany with
its historical Christmas markets which often take place on a weekend or run for
a whole month. It usually starts around or just before the 1st Advent Sunday,
signalling the run-up to Christmas. Being a writer of historical adventure, of
course, I’m sure you’re as interested as I am to discover how it all started.
It was, in fact, in the Middle Ages in German speaking areas of central Europe. So, later (of course, after you’re done here),
read up about the history of Christmas markets here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_market
(I plan to do exactly that, Cathie. It's a fascinating history)
(I plan to do exactly that, Cathie. It's a fascinating history)
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| image - Cathie Dunn |
I love the atmosphere of those markets. My home town of Heidelberg has two large
markets, both in the old town area, but markets in smaller villages and towns
can have more character, and appear more authentic. A warm glow welcomes you.
Stalls sell decorations and crafts, needlework and Christmas cookies. And
you’ll find an array of tempting foods (such as Schupfnudeln) and drinks
(mulled wine or beers). Add a sprinkling of snow, and the conditions are
perfect!
(Cathie- You know I'm a big fan of Heidelberg in all seasons! Though I've been when there was snow it wasn't at Christmas time. However, I did visit Dusseldorf before Christmas, snow and all, and that was very prettily decked out.)
Oh, snow! I just love the stuff. I remember a trip to the
Black Forest area in Germany
last February – the snow was piled high on the side of the roads. Certainly
higher than my hubby is tall. We went for walks in the perfect winter
landscape. We’re heading back there next February. Can’t wait! It might even
inspire a story – but not necessarily a fairy tale!
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(Cathie - That is definitely a lot of lovely cold and crisp snow!)
So far, our autumn has been chilly (but not freezing) in
November, and now it’s milder in December. Too warm! ~tsk~ We had a long, dry
summer, so I’m totally ready for snow now. Come on!
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| image - Cathie Dunn |
On Saturday, just in time for 2nd Advent, we decorated our
(fake) tree, with the appreciated help of our cats, Tiger and Toby. Christmas
carols in the background, cookies and wine helped keep our strength up.
Yet, Christmas is also a time for reflection, for thoughts
of others alone, and of loved ones we lost. Remembering them is as much part of
Christmas as the food, the tree and the decorations.
And with that, I raise my cup of mulled wine and wish you
Merry Christmas and Happy Yule!
About Cathie:
Cathie Dunn writes romantic suspense &
adventure set in Scotland, England and Normandy. A hobby historian, her focus is on
medieval and Jacobite eras.
She has two historical novels published: Highland
Arms, a romantic Scottish adventure, and Dark Deceit, the first in The Anarchy
Trilogy. Cathie also self-published Silent Deception, a romantic spooky novella
set in Victorian Cornwall. All her books are available on Amazon.
Cathie lives in Scotland
with her husband and two cats and currently works on a contemporary romantic
suspense set in Idaho,
US, and a historical Scottish romance. Perhaps a novella set in the snowy Black Forest follows soon...
Cathie Dunn links:
Website: http://www.cathiedunn.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cathie.dunn1
Twitter: http://twitter.com/cathiedunn
Buy links:
Dark Deceit is a romantic historical novel.
On his return from battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester and spy for the Empress Matilda, assists a dying knight caught in an ambush. Promising to look after the welfare of the knight’s only daughter, Geoffrey stays at her manor, investigating the murder. Keen to join the Empress on her progress through England, he is torn between his oath and his duty.
Left
to defend her manor following her father’s death, Alleyne de Bellac
reluctantly accepts Geoffrey’s support. As she doesn’t trust the
taciturn stranger, she asks Will d’Arques, an old friend, for help. But
loyalties change. Her life in danger and her inheritance at stake,
Alleyne must decide which man to trust.On his return from battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester and spy for the Empress Matilda, assists a dying knight caught in an ambush. Promising to look after the welfare of the knight’s only daughter, Geoffrey stays at her manor, investigating the murder. Keen to join the Empress on her progress through England, he is torn between his oath and his duty.
Discover England and Normandy divided by a brutal civil war, where vows are broken as allegiances waver.
Thank you so much for popping in again, Cathie, and best wishes for the coming festive season.
Slainthe!
I feel all Christmassy just reading this post--happy sigh!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I made you feel a wee bit Christmassy, Cait! :-) Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThanks so much for having me here today, Nancy.
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted you're with me about the beauty of the season. Traditional Christmas markets in any old town centre look much cosier with a sprinkling of snow. ;-)
Looking out on a grey, slightly windy day I feel it would be lovely to see the sparkling white light of your photos, Cathie! Thank you for visiting!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, is that Bennachie on your blog header photo?
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