Isn't this a wonderful time of year? Sure, we overdo it -- that's a given. But in the end this is one tradition that we seem to love above all others. What could be better for the soul than the smiles of children and the sounds of merriment and the smells of good food all around?

On behalf of the Carrick family, I'd like to take this moment to wish each and every one of you the most wonderful Holiday ever, whatever tradition you and your…

Sometimes the tale knits itself, flowing from beginning into middle, then onward to 'the end', seemingly without effort. Sometimes, though, a beloved plot requires manipulation, either major or minor improvement -- tweaking, so to speak.

Always, though, the story springs from the mind with a life of its own, leading the author through its maze, at times soaring and at times creeping into being, but always moving forward, ever onward.

Such is the joy of the story.

Happy…

Well, it's great to wake up on a Sunday Morning in good old T.O. with the snow on all of the rooftops and something that looks like freezing rain drizzling against our window. Apparently it snowed all night, and cars stuck in banks are lining the streets. But hey, we don't have to go to work today, so who cares? Other than kids' homework and Christmas tree decorating, no real obligations for the day, just a blank page spreading out in front of me.

Guess I'll begin with a little…