WhiskeyintheJar Romance

I couldn't post all weekend, so you're getting a quick mashed up post :)

Task the Seventh:  The Christmas:

- Grab your camera (or your phone) and set up a Christmas bookstagram style scene with favorite holiday reads, objects or decorations. Possibly also a cat. Post it for everyone to enjoy!

So, I had visions of doing something beautiful like the Task picture but then my lack of talent and dog (seriously, I don't know what his deal was but he wouldn't let me stack the books, he kept nosing them and making it fall!) created the half fail you see. A small book tree with bottom layer of A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught; The Irish Devil by Donna Fletcher; The Mistress of Trevelayn by Jennifer St. Giles; and The Pride of Lions by Marsha Canham, second layer of A Rose in Winter by Kathleen Woodiwiss; The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss; and Simply Irresistible by Rachel Gibson, third layer of Through a Dark Mist by Marsha Canham and Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas, and the "star" Wild Willful Love by Valerie Sherwood. I had to have an epic journey bodice ripper at top :) These books I reread over and over, as you can tell by the spines because for better or worse, their stories speak to me. 

Also, there are no holidays without alcohol, pictured:  Apothic Dark red blend ;)

Task the Ninth:  The Happy New Year:

- If you're feeling brave, post a holiday picture of yourself from your childhood or misspent youth.

This Christmas present photo also ties into,

Task the Eleventh:  The Polar Express:

- Read a classic holiday book from your childhood (to a child if you have one handy) or tell us a story about a childhood Christmas you'd like to share.

As an only child in the 90s, Nintendo was a big friend of mine. After the disappointing weirdo Mario 2 (seriously, throwing vegetables?!?) I was pretty excited for Mario 3 to come out. I was over at a friend's house and they asked me if I wanted to play it, me not knowing it was out yet, and oh what a joy it was. I loved how there were so many secrets to discover, how it was hard but not too hard, and how fun it all it. My family wasn't the richest on the block so buying a $50 game wasn't a given. I really wanted it but didn't expect it. Christmas morning when I was handed the gift, I kind of thought it was a Babysitter's Club book (also would have loved :) so I was over the moon when I saw that raccoon Italian. I can't even guess how many hours I devoted to this game, the thrown controller anger moments, and the probably over-the-top elation when I finally beat it. I will say, this remains one of my top favorite gifts ever.

Hope you all get your favorite gifts this year :)