Gay's January 2026 Newsletter . . .

Makeup Magic, Missing Mutts, & Miracle Makers

Makeup Magic

I’ve always believed in guardian angels, which is why I chose this picture for this month’s newsletter.

Seventy years ago, my brothers and I came close to losing our lives at the hands of our mother. Had there not been a divine intervention and good Samaritans removing us from that bungalow house in Mound, Minnesota, I wouldn’t be writing this newsletter. Fast forward seventy years later. Once again, good people have come to my rescue.

Although I’ve shared a bit in my newsletters about my husband’s struggle with leukemia, (AML) I’d be remiss not to give credit to individuals have run interference for me and make our lives more palatable.

Several months ago, I walked into our Dillard’s store here in Fairview. I was in a hurry for two reasons: (1) I had been isolating because of Jim’s illness and needed to get in and out of the store quickly; (2) I desperately needed Lancome makeup and hadn’t had much luck ordering what I needed online.

When several women at the makeup counter approached me, no doubt hoping to do a makeover and sell me more products, I spoke candidly. “I don’t really have time for a makeover right now.” I paused, not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings. And then I continued. “I’ve got a lot going on right now in my life. This isn’t really a good time.” I then shared with the women the makeup I needed.

One of the women quickly began gathering the items I requested. But the other woman stared at me intently, a tender expression on her face. She raced over to a drawer and pulled out an item that I suspect was reserved for ladies who purchased a lot of product. After she gave me that freebee—a very generous one at that—she pulled another drawer open and handed me a lovely bright orange cosmetic bag; the kind you use for traveling. Her words were kind: “Dear, you look like someone who could use some free gifts. I’ve been saving them, but I think you would like to have them. Here you go.” She placed the gifts in a bag and handed them to me, a tender expression on her face. I was deeply touched by her kindness. Sometimes you just know when something occurs that you will never forget. This was one of those times. It’s amazing how profoundly a simple gesture at the right moment in time can lift your spirits. Mine were lifted that day. I walked out of Dillards with a sense of gratitude.

Missing Mutts

Another miracle that is actually in the making is taking place in my neighborhood, on what we call ‘the horse streets.’ I live on Man O War Lane; the other four streets are named after Kentucky Derby horses, as well. Nearly two weeks ago, a dog got loose from the folks near us who were caring for him. The dog’s owner lived quite a distance from our town of Fairview. As I took a long walk several days ago, I spotted this dog, having no idea anyone was looking for him. The first thing I noticed was how terribly skittish this dog was. I was nearly finished with my walk when a neighbor from down the street stopped me and explained that this particular dog had been missing for a long time and the owners were desperate to find Blue. That was his name.

We haven’t been able to unite Blue with his owner, but this dog is showing up on all the horse streets. Neighbors are setting non-harmful traps, placing water bowls in their driveways, and Linda Green, bless her soul, takes her car out every single night to try and find Blue. He’s been spotted by several neighbors who are in constant contact with Blue’s owner. Blue’s owner, although he lives a good distance from us, comes to our neighborhood twice a day to try and get Blue back. This dog may be elusive, but that isn’t stopping folks on the horse streets from trying to reunite Blue with his owner.

This story hasn’t ended yet, and frankly, our hearts will be broken to bits if something terrible happens to Blue. But isn’t it a true reflection on the goodness of people—strangers to Blue’s owner—that our entire neighborhood is looking for a dog whose owner most of us have never met? Again—guardian angels at work in Fairview, Texas.

Miracle Makers

At the Kiser Ranch, we are hoping that January 2026 will be a month of miracles for Jim, my sweet, kind, amazing husband of fifty-two years. If everything falls in line, he will receive a bone marrow transplant that has the potential to improve Jim’s quality of life significantly. I could write an entire book, sharing the many setbacks we’ve endured. Through it all, Jim has been a courageous warrior. So, allow me to share another group of angels who have done their best to improve Jim’s quality of life. Here is a picture of the nurses on the 8^th floor of Medical City—Dallas. They are the quiet angels; the ones working behind the scenes; who don’t always get the recognition they deserve.

A shoutout to some other angels who have kept Jim and I afloat during these difficult times: Reverend Wendy McConney who frequently checks in with us to see how things are going; Kay Driscoll, my NJ friend from forty years ago who always offers encouragement and recently sent us a wonderful care package; Holly Barr, my friend of two dozen years who bakes continuously, ‘fattening Jim up’ as she puts in; to Marianne Hunt who is always checking up on us to make sure we are both doing okay; to Noni Wheelis who brings me wine and other goodies to lift my spirits; Pam Frazzitto who, despite her own health issues, always manages to lift my spirits; to the members of my Agape Sunday school class at Creekwood UMC who set up zoom meetings so that I can meet with them in Sunday school; to my ‘Chicks of ‘66’ Osseo High School Class friends who always send cards and best wishes (Sandie Ordahl, Marjory Wood, Jane Ritter, and Caren Staples); and to all you angels out there who continuously pray for healing. You’re the best!

I wish you all a wonderful New Year! May 2026 bring good things to all of us and may we all take an extra minute or so to thank all the angels in our lives who make all the difference in the world!

Thanks to those who posted reviews for Killer in the Choir, my first cozy mystery. Although I’ve sold quite a few copies of Rhythm of Revenge and Arson in the Alto Section, I would love some reviews on those two books. Love and best wishes to you all!

    Gay Ann