2017 will go down as a real bummer. I’m sorry. It‘s true. A devastating loss, followed by a spinal fusion, then, Irma, that nasty hurricane. It happened back to back. Bitter. Bleak. Goodbye and good riddance, 2017. Come on in 2018!
Even so, Scrooge can take a hike. I refuse to let him bring me down. I’m choosing to be happy, counting all my blessings, not getting bummed out by the bearings of badness.
After all, I am the limoncello queen. I turn lemons into luscious liquid and drink the happiness. 
Even with this truth, and my lovely lemons, Christmas season is tough with my beloved mother gone. Every day I must remind myself how lucky I was to enjoy her beautiful life for so many years. What a gift! But, as many know, first holidays are difficult for those who’ve lost a loved one. And I’m so sorry to those of you living this ‘first’ holiday. I feel your pain.
On the humorous side (you know I’m going to find it) we will be having the Christmas family dinner at our house. (26 people, half of them crazy, with bingo, and a bouncy house). I’m fixing beef tenderloin- with a twist. You see, this year, I won’t be anxious and waiting for mama’s remark. That infamous, unfiltered comment, ”Ewww Prissy, why’d you fix dead cow?!” I never thought I would miss hearing her words with every bite I chew. God Bless her sweet vegetarian self.
Here’s some more humor for you. Well, it’s funny to me, anyway. My youngest daughter, Sara Britton, said to me a few weeks ago, “Mom, you need grief therapy.” I was crying way too much for my baby girl.
When their daddy was dying, even afterwards, I wouldn’t cry in front of my daughters. I’m not saying it was a good thing, or even the right thing. But I was afraid it would be more difficult for them. So, I concealed my fears and tears around them. I made plenty of puddles–under hanging clothes–inside my dark closet. That place was a perfect crying space.
Since my mother died, I cry anywhere, anytime, on anyone. I don’t care. My daughters are only familiar with the happy me. It’s taken them off guard. Hence, I need crying therapy, say they!
So, recently, I was to speak at an event in Tallahassee called Dove Story. It’s a fundraiser for Lee’s Place, a grief and counseling center. I tell a story-any story-to a crowd of 200 attendees, a sold-out event. It was a few days before the event and my girls and I were meeting for lunch.
Beforehand, that morning, I had a meeting with the directors at Lee’s Place. The meeting ran late and my phone was turned off. They kept calling and getting my voicemail.
“Where is she, why doesn’t she answer?” Garrett asked Sara Britton. Sara Britton asked Garrett. Both asking, wondering, worrying. They do this.
“I’ll track her. ” Garrett said. (And she claims the tracking app is for her children) Hardly. She be tracking me.
“Lee’s Place, that’s where she is”. She announces. “Thank God, she’s getting that therapy.” Sara Britton squealed.
Umm…no, helicopter daughters. Ain’t nobody got no time for no therapy. 
Now, about my husband. A man who hates the spotlight. He should have thought about that before he married a girl with a blog. The same girl who shared his private emails in her memoir. Let’s talk about him.
He’s an artistic skater. You know, the kind that spins around in circles and doesn’t fall. They skate backwards more than forward. Heck, I can hardly walk forward some days. All that skating– not to mention the reckless, wild, bachelor life he lived–finally took a toll on him. After umpteen opinions, a spinal surgery recommendation. Or, rather, fusion of L4 and L5.
I seldom take real medicine (I’m homeopathic), or the flu shots (no way), X-rays (nope, radiation). Here they were, suggesting a plate, rod and screws. It gave new meaning to the term getting screwed.
We found the neurosurgeon he wanted, after much research. He was a pioneer with the X-lift procedure. I won’t bore you. But my husband would if I let him. By the time he finished telling you about it you could do it yourself.
The surgery happened at the worst possible time. Who knew? Irma, that’s who. She started moving towards Jacksonville (where we were) as he lay on the fusing table. Everything went downhill from there. Irma’s tail is a tale to tell.
The picture of Dale is 30 hours after his five-hour surgery. But, 24 of those 30 hours, he was flat on his back. He had a dura puncture during surgery.
Four hours after I took this photo the earth shifted. We were fleeing. His drains and catheter pulled out thirty minutes before we slammed our car doors. The hospital evacuated and so did the Hyatt Hotel where I was staying. His predicted four-day stay was nay. We were booted out (too soon). We headed back towards Tallahassee as fast as my sporty car would go: 20-miles-per-hour. I kid you not. That dang interstate was a noodle nest, the highway from Hell on the road to Hell. We didn’t know until it was too late.
What should have been a 2.5-hour trip took 7.5-hours. That poor man was holding his barf bag the entire trip.Two words flooded my brain: blood clot.
Once I pulled inside my garage he couldn’t walk. It took two people to carry him inside. The following weeks were bad. Not to mention my entire family (eleven bodies) had to take refuge inside our home. Irma. They boarded with us because we have a whole house generator. Maybe I shouldn’t be broadcasting that. Oh well-come on!
Thank goodness for friends who are great doctors. Each one of them made house calls (like my daddy always did). They kept me calm, and less crazy. Even better, they cared for my patient. A two-fold blessing.
Today, he is much better, mending, almost well. I see skating in the horizon. And nothing makes me happier than seeing him happy. Along with everyone else I know.
NOW, to some news and other noteworthy stuff…
Did you know old-fashioned hairpins are worth their weight in gold? I sure didn’t. When I went through my mother’s personal treasures, I found a stack of her hairpins. I laughed at the absurd, antiquated things. Yet, I couldn’t discard. I scooped them right on up and brought them home. I’m way too sentimental for my own good. Says the girl with letters from old boyfriends decades old. The letters and the old boyfriends. Note to self…throw them out.
Anyway, back to those pins. A few months later – when I was being a cry baby -I pulled out the hairpins. I started separating long strands of hair, twisting each piece around my finger. I clipped one, then another, soon, my head full. I didn’t know what I was doing. But, no matter, Alexa was playing Sam Smith in the background and he kept me company.
I left the clips in and went about my business, planning to wash my hair later in the day. That is, when I was all done feeling sorry for myself.
Later came. I was ready to shower and started pulling them from my hair. I couldn’t believe it. Perfect curls started falling. Soft. Flowing. I looked like I’d walked out of a hair-salon. It was a gift, by chance. A bestowal. Chance gifts are the best kind of gifts, don’t you think? 
Here’s another bestowal! Even better!
Flamingo, Florida’s only statewide feature magazine, offered me a prize… my own column. They’ve named it Panhandling. My writing inside the pages of their beautiful magazine. They cover people, travel, outdoor pursuits, food, conservation, culture and style. I’m thrilled, honored and humbled to join their team. My recent essay available here: http://www.flamingomag.com/2017/12/07/panhandling-prissy-elrod-about-mama/
By the way, I love the column’s name- for two reasons. I live in the panhandle of Florida. And, I peddle books, coloring books, and share my stories on stage. But, the column name is way cooler than I am.
And Flocktails, a new event, just happened at Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where I spoke. My new column,and little ‘ole me, both introduced to all the invitees. Ruth Chris catered the event and served wonderful, yummy food. Flocktails is a great concept we will be bringing to Tallahassee. Stay tuned. Click to see the Flocktails’ pictures http://www.flamingomag.com/2017/12/15/party-pics_flocktail/
Here I am panhandling signing Far Outside the Ordinary books. I look more important than I am. Thank-you for that, Flamingo team!
Now, Shhhh!!
Here you go! (Coming summer, 2018) My butterfly theme continues in the sequel.
I was told to keep the cover secret until the book is released. But pooh to that… I never listen. Just follow my heart. And work backwards. My landscape is put in even before my house is finished. (Cover done before the book)
Truth: I am who I am and can’t be who I’m not.
Thank-you Katie Campbell, my talented graphic designer. The butterflie’s gorgeous wing wraps around the spine of the back cover. I love it. It looks like a piece of art.
Children & Joy
I think children are the most beautiful creatures on our planet? They are happiness vitamins, nourishing our starved hearts and souls. These poodles and mutts (my names for them) are filled with innocence, goodness and wit, a constant reminder of God’s magic, grace, and love. I’m humbled, mindful, and grateful for His blessings… more than ever this holiday season.
In closing, thank you so much for supporting me, and encouraging me to write. Your believing in me makes me believe in myself. As I tapped this blog today, I realized writing is my therapy. So, I guess that makesYOU my counselor. Let’s tell my girls.
May your holiday season be filled with love, happiness and good health.
Love, hugs and happy 2018!
Prissy
Prissy,
Thanks for brightening my day with your tales and wonderful woes. You make even the worst situations seem funny.
So so so sorry about your mama. Ugh. Praying God’s comfort on you.
Say hello to Dale. Miss you both.
Love
Robyn
Thank you so much, Robyn! And I’m so proud of YOU…I follow your great success. And you are sooooo deserving. Merry, merry Christmas!
You are a breath of fresh air Prissy!!! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Love you!
Vicki
Thank you so much, sweet friend. Merry Christmas to you and your wondeful famly, too. XO
Hi Prissy,
We met a couple of years ago when you came to our Camellia Garden Club of St. Augustine’s meeting and luncheon to talk about your book. That was also the year you spoke at the Flagler College’s “Power of the Purse” event. I was so happy to open my email today and see a blog from you!! So sorry for such a terrible year for you and your family…but true to form…you survived in style! SO looking forward to your new book! Merry Christmas, and don’t forget to look up at the sky Christmas Eve to see all the stars, which are really hugs being sent to you from your mom.
Hugs and blessings…..Maureen Zygmont
I remember you, Maureen! Such a fun time and so many beautiful women. Thank you for reaching out and your kind review. You are the very soul I talk about. The exact person who keeps me writing. Thank you for that and happy holiday to you and your family! XO
Looking mg forward to seeing you in Tallahassee in 2018.
We are, too. See you on the other side of ‘happy’! Merry Christmas:-)
I am ALWAYS blown away with the honesty, humor and creativity your words bestow the reader!! I feel very honored to know you and your sweetheart Dale!! I love your family and the memories I share with your girls!!!
WE LOVE you, Barb. We go so far back–I can’t even remember. Thank-you so much for your kind words. You keep me writing…I mean that…truly.
Thank you so much and have a very merry Christmas! XOXOXO
Always love reading your blogs. Can’t wait to read your new book. Merry Christmas
to You, Dale and the family.
Love,
Betty
Thanks, Betty. Working on that sucker every day! I have something for you…look for it. Merry Christmas to you and Paul. XO
I just sent a reply and it has disappeared. I love reading about you and your family and Sylvia. No one can appreciated her sayings unless you knew her. We had some good times in the old days. I am so happy Dale is doing better because he is such a neat guy.
We miss her so much, Joan. You would know, of course. Thank-you & Dale is better. Thank goodness…my heart was worn out.
Merry Christmas! And hugs to Susie. XO
Yeah Prissy, you got the right idea, make 2018 a great year! And tell that old man of yours to get ready for the 70s.
He ‘better’ stay young to keep up with me. Hoep you and Judy are good. Say hello!
Can’t wait for the new book! Awesome cover and doubly awesome author! Proud of you girls friend!😘
Love you, Judy. Missed you tonight and have your liquid pleasure. Look for it:-)
Merry Christmas, kind friend!
Can’t wait for your new book! Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas Prissy! Hope the hay times will get you through the sad ones 😘
Thanks, Barabara. Happy always trumps sad. Thank you and Merry, merry Christmas!
Prissy, another friend just finished your book. She is an avid reader and has read tons of books (her words). She said your book was the best book she has EVER read. Thinks you’re a GREAT writer. Of course we all agree.
My best to Dale! Love you both.
Leler…music to my heart! Thank you for sharing. Hugs and love! And Merry, merry Christmas!
You know I love you!!! ❤️ Every time I read something new from you, I realize more and more the reason I do! Merry Christmas to you and your precious family!!
I love you, too! And where are you? I have something for your sweet-selves. Is that evena a word?
Prissy I so love your writings… I am looking forward to you meeting our 68′ group for lunch very soon. I know that we are all looking forward to a great 2018 year… Hope to see you at our 50th reunion in May.
Blessings sweet friend,
Elaine Jones Denmark
Thank you so much Elaine. I really want to make one of those fabulous lunches….and bring my girls some limoncello to for toasting.
Have a Merry Christmas. Hugs and thanks again. XO
Thanks, friend. My complacent self needed that! Consider me motivated and my cards will get done tomorrow.
I want the poem. Get busy!! XOXOX Hugs
I just ADORE you🎄❤️🇺🇸🐾🐾
Thank you soooooo much, LuLu. I’m blushing and love being adored. YOU made my day.
I thought of My poodle, Puddles…she adored me most. Merry, Merry Christmas! XOXOX
Prissy, you have the gift!! Thanks for sharing your joy.
Thank you so much, Carla! Merry Christmas XO
Oh Prissy, I wondered where you have been. Wish I had known you were in the N.E. Fl. area, would have loved to have heard you speak. Where can I go to find a schedule of where you will be next? I loved this blog, hope your hubby is completely healed by now and even though your humorous writing hid the horror you and he went through leaving Irma behind, it was enlightening.
Hi Joan, Thank you so much. I’m trying to lighten the speaking events to finish my book. I have keynote in June -but it’s in Tallahassee.
Next time I’m headed your way, I will let you know. Thank you so much and you have a Merry Christmas!
“I” could have told you the effect of those hair clips … your mother’s generation and mine used them AND slept with them in all night” :>
one grammar correction: “cooler than I am” ….
keep up the blog and I look forward to your new book!
Ha-ha! Only ONE correction. I feel proud. Thanks, Jo Ann. Those curlers are fabulous. They were way smarter than us. Merry Christmas!
This made me smile, cry and laugh so you accomplished your goal. You make people feel something. You be doing good my friend. Never did we imagine a life like what we got, some good, some bad, some extraordinary, some not so good, but never ordinary! Much love to you and yours. See you after the first of the year, hopefully. xoxoxo
Thank you sweet friend! Love you and can’t wait to unite. Merry Christmas…give your mama a hug for me. XO
Prissy you are such an amazing writer. I love that your life is shared with us. You are truly a beautiful soul.
Barbara, thank you so much. Merry Christmas!
Prissy I love your writings- I too have experienced loss – my dad in September of 2009 and my husband in September of 2010- that was a year I can’t even describe – and my mom this year-and I also have so many blessings in my children and grandchildren who make the world a wonderful place – I don’t have your gift of expression but your words and humor are music to my ears – keep sharing!!!!! Peggy McKeel
Thank you so much, Peggy! Bless your heart-I’m so sorry. Yes, indeed, children are God’s light. And those we’ve lost are now flying in their own brightness. Merry, merry Christmas to you. XO
Prissy, I am so awed by your talent of drawing your readers in to whatever it is you are writing about. You are an amazing woman. Your love and compassion are evident. So sorry you lost your mother this year. Coming from someone who lost her mom as a young child, you are truly blessed. Blessed for all the years you had with your mom, and with a wonderful husband, family and friends. Glad Dale is on the mend. Sending you and Dale hugs and best wishes for a happy healthy 2018.
Thank you so much Deena. You are too, too kind. We miss you and Barry but know you are loving it there. I so appreciate your bestowing compliments. Love and Compassion are sparking jewels. I’m glad you see them on me. And blessed I am, even through this loss…I know how lucky I am to have had my mother for so long. XOXO
Prissy it is always a treat to read your posts, what a talent. I am glad that this year is passing and hope the next one is better. We are fortunate to be relative good health (lord pass the biscuits!!!.) Of course Deborah and I and others of course, have a BAD Birthday coming up, but I am grateful that so many of my friends are still here and Vertical!!. Have a Merry Christmas.
Thanks so much, Shirley!! I’m sorry I’m just now reading your sweet comment. I’m tardy. Nothing new:-) Happy Birthday for this big one. And how right you are….grateful for the vertical. Love that one…
Hugs!
Prissy, you remind me to not just feel life’s emotions but to fully experience all that life throws our way, so when we are happy be fully happy, when we are in love be fully in love, and yes when we are sad it’s ok to be fully sad. I was sitting on my dock while I was reading, no while I was experiencing your blog and reminded not to skim the surface of finding the joy but truly experiencing every moment. as I looked down in the lake and thought about my 2017, I could relate. Yep I am ready for 2018 too. My Dad passed away in October. But what gave me pause as I gazed in the water, and thought of your powerful story, life is like deciding if you want to go swimming don’t just stick your big toe in to test the waters, jump in and get fully wet, don’t just feel the water, experience the water, taste it, smell it, make waves and a big splash, fully samerge in life, experience it. Make it all grand because we are sooo blessed. Thank you my friend for sharing your experiences with me, xoxo
Happy 2018
Cricket…you are a wonderful writer girlfriend. You are so sweet. Thank you for making me feel so special. There really is strength in vulnerability and we are so blessed, even when we are consumed with pain. I’m so sorry about your daddy. Ugh! I remember losing mine- he was my hero. Then Boone, friends, my mother. It’s the circle of life. I remind myself to breathe deeper, smile bigger and love broader every single day. Hugs!
Reading your blog made me laugh about the curlers/clips. I saved my mothers and have them available for my granddaughters to use when we play beauty parlor/spa. 😀 I would love to hear you speak and look forward to your new book.
My heart will be forever touched by your kindness during Parker’s illness. You were an angel. 😇
Sending my sympathy in the loss of your precious mother.
Hugs…..Nancy Dell
Thank you so much, Nancy Dell. I’m sorry I’m just responding to your comment. I love my curlers and hope they last on and on and on. Thank you for your card and lovely Christmas letter, too. What a beautiful family!!
One day I may be speaking in your neck of the woods and will let you know. Take care and many thanks, and hugs.
Prissy, I have “helicopter” daughters too … they mean well, bless their hearts! It has been fun getting to know your sweet one! Yes, 2017 was the worst year of my life as well. Good riddance! This is excellent. How can we get the magazine? BooksAMillion does not carry it. Also, would love to know more about the event.
Hey Pat! I’m late in checking my blog comments. I’m late checking a lot of things:-) Bless their hearts…daughters. Flamingo is sold at Fresh Market, Publix, Whole foods, Target, The independent bookstores, Hearth and Soul, Winn-Dixie. They sell out quick so if you can’t find…check at Hearth and Soul. Thanks and hope to see you soon, Pat.