Great idea, but ...

Genius idea: I'll buy one Hawaiian Starbucks mug every month this coming year, leave them unopened and when we move I will have a nice commemorative assortment. 

Less genius reality: there are only two or three Hawaiian motifs

Thank you

My next book will include the following dedication:    “Thank you, McDonald's Corporation, for providing me, simultaneously, with an office (albeit a really noisy one) and a safe, fully enclosed playground for the kid (with food options and bathrooms!).”

Christmas music

This atheist with pagan-Buddhist leanings loves Christmas music. 

As a writer I love lyrics. Christmas carols/hymns are replete with symbolism: light conquers darkness, the resurrection of hope in the birth of a child, the sacrifice of innocence through a violent death. The angst, the drama, and the tragedy of it all speak to me. 

I love Christmas music for its mighty emotional punch. I get goosebumps every time I hear my favorite song …
“… and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!”