November 20th, 2016

Welcome back.  Thank you for joining me again.  I hope you took the time to download your free gift.  It is a little something special these authors and I wanted to give you for your friendship and following.
 
This week, I’m interviewing author Iona Morrison from Colorado.  She is a lovely lady who is always thinking of others before herself.  I have thoroughly enjoyed our friendship.  Her presence is so calming.
Please help me welcome Iona Morrison.

Alexia:  Hello Iona, thanks for stopping by.  Folks, she is one very busy lady.  On top of her novels that she is producing at lightning speed, she is moving and trying to prepare for the holidays.  I don’t know how she manages it all.
Iona, I am thrilled you had a moment to stop by; I appreciate you so much.
 
Iona:  Thank you for having me, Alexia. I enjoy your company as well.

Alexia:  I promised our audience that we would find out what some famous authors are doing for the holidays.  What special plans do you have this year?
 
Iona:  Special to me is anything that includes spending time with family. Our sons are grown and two of them are married and raising families of their own. There are wonderful memories to recall and to make whenever we all get together. Our house will be filled with laughter and I love it.

Alexia:  Awe, you have a beautiful family, Iona.  Love and laughter makes for a healthy recipe. 
We decorate for our children and families more than for ourselves but do you have a certain style you like to work with? Do you favor old fashion decorations verses modern ones?
 
Iona:  I favor some of the old decorations, like the star on my tree we purchased the first year we were married. It has a few nicks and crinkles a lot like us, but I couldn’t part with it. We have tried, but it still adorns the top of our tree after many, many years. I don’t mind the new and modern decorations either. A vase filled with colorful Christmas beads is my table centerpiece verses a more traditional one. Like my taste in décor have changed from everything country to a more minimal design so has my decorating. I now go for the less is more approach.

Alexia:  I would love to just go all out and cover my home with so many things, but I don’t like having to pack it away.  I, too, prefer the less is more. 
So, what was one of your most favorite Christmases as a child?
 
Iona:  There isn’t a favorite childhood Christmas memory as much as I loved the time spent at my grandmother’s on Christmas Eve. They ran a boarding house and always had some of the most interesting people to share the holidays with. One of the more famous boarders they had staying there was one of the men who were in the iconic photo of the flag being raised at Iwo Jima. I don’t remember his name now, but my father told us he was an American Hero. I was so impressed. Also, my grandpa was the cook and he made an unbelievable peanut butter cake. I loved it.

---

Alexia:  Oh, what a wonderful time that must have been.  I’m a huge fan of our military.  Just being in their presence is indescribable; there is so much strength and courage that fills the air.  They are our true hero’s and I’m so grateful for each and every one of them. 
I only have one child left at home now and I’m thinking I am not going to spend as much time decorating.  I’ll just put out whatever she needs for her to enjoy the holidays.
What’s it like decorating around your house?  Do you have family over, string up miles of lights and finish off with some treats and hot chocolate? 
 
Iona:  My husband and I do all the decorating now that the kids are grown. We are more laid back about it, but I enjoy seeing it all when we are done.
 
Alexia:  Nice.  If you could go back to your childhood, what Christmas treat did your Mom make for you that you would most enjoy baking for your family today?
 
Iona:  I used to love my mother’s cookies. One of my favorite was the easiest to make. They’re a no bake butterscotch or chocolate Haystacks. They were made from Chow Mein Noodles and butterscotch or chocolate chips. Melt the chips, toss the noodles, and spoon out on wax paper to set. Sometimes she added peanuts or miniature marshmallows.

Alexia:  Oh, my mother made those.  We didn’t have them with the extras, though.  I will have to try your version.
All we do to prepare for the holidays sends out a message to our families and friends.  What is your message?

Iona:  I have been blessed to know love all of my life. First from my parents, and now from the wonderful man I’ve been married to for many years. Love has built optimism and hope in my heart which has seen me through the hard times and challenged me to pay it forward to others.
 
Alexia:  Love is the greatest message no matter what God one serves.  And, Iona, you are well seasoned in sending out that message of love. 
If I were visiting your home for the holidays, what should I expect to see, taste, and do?
 
Iona:  I believe if you were to visit my house this holiday season you would see the message in action that I have chosen to live by everyday which is: Relationships are everything, people matter, everyone is important and kindness should be shown to all.

Alexia:  Beautifully said, Iona. Love is everything.  I would definitely share in that love and some of those haystacks.
 
Well, Iona, I could set with you all day but I should let you get back to work.  I really appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to stop by.
 
What do you think folks, should we let her go?  Isn’t she awesome?  I told you she is a beautiful lady.
 
Iona:  Alexia, thanks again for having me; I’ve enjoyed our visit.  You and your family have a very merry Christmas. 
 
Alexia:  You, too, Iona.

In case you missed it, click here to download your free gift.  It’s our way of saying thanks for all the likes and follows and your general support.  There is no need to sign up for anything;  it’s truly a free gift.  You make a huge difference in the success of independent authors.  We appreciate you.
 
This wraps up my holiday interviews.  But please join me again next week.  I’ll be showcasing some work of two other authors who were not able to visit this year due to previous engagements.
 
Look forward to seeing you then.  Take Care – Happy Holidays.