24 Days of Christmas Giveaways!

Today I've traveled over to Kate Evangelista's blog to talk about all things Christmas! Well, maybe not all things, but you know what I mean ;-)

Kate is a fellow Crescent Moon Press author, who's been celebrating the Holiday Season all month with a series of guests and a ton of prizes and giveaways. If you haven't been over to her blog to check it out yet... you're missing out on some great books and prizes! GO! NOW!

Come visit me over there today at www.kateevangelista.com and be sure to leave a comment! I'm talking about my most memorable Christmas - and invite you to share a Christmas memory or two. There are 24 of us authors participating, and each of us is giving away some great stuff.

I'm giving away a paperback copy of my first novel, UNFOLDING THE SHADOWS, because it JUST CAME OUT IN PAPERBACK IN NOVEMBER! *yea*

Enter to Win your copy today!

Time for Some Holiday Baking!

While I love baking cookies any time of year, the holidays are my FAVORITE time to break out the rolling pin, the colored sugars, the M&Ms... oh, who am I kidding about the M&Ms? Those are good all year 'round!

But seriously, I love baking Christmas cookies, and am so thankful that my daughter loves to be right by my side baking up a storm! (and that she is weird and doesn't like eating M&Ms, so more for me!)

She even helped me out with an article about Creative Cookies for the Holiday Issue of CapeWomenOnline magazine, you know, that place I'm supposed to be working today but am too busy baking cookies (I wish!)

Anyway, check out her story and our recipes for old-fashioned Stained Glass Cookies and Peanut Butter Blossoms - yes, the ones with the whole Hershey Kiss sitting on the top! You can find the recipes in the Creative Women section of CapeWomenOnline magazine, along with photos.

Melissa Ann Goodwin comes to Cape Cod!

Melissa Goodwin will be on Cape Cod - in Yarmouth - tomorrow night to sign copies of her wonderful childrens book, The Christmas Village.

Here are the details:

Friday, November 30, from 6 to 8pm

at

One Centre Street Inn

1 Center Street,Yarmouth Port MA 02675 

508-362-9951

If you're a fan of Melissa's blog, stop over there to give her a shout out! If you're going to be on Cape Cod for one of the wonderful Christmas Strolls going on this weekend, stop by the Inn and say hi in person! Center Street is right off 6A in Yarmouth Port, easy to get to.

She's a wonderful and warm person, and I've had fun getting to know her as we've gone back and forth online about her visits to Cape Cod, among her various travels over the past year. Melissa also wrote a wonderful article for the Holiday Issue of CapeWomenOnline magazine - check it out in our Literary Women section.

And Don't Forget to send her some love ;-) 

About THE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE:

When 12-year-old Jamie Reynolds comes to his grandparents' Vermont home for Christmas, he just wants things to go back to the way they were before his dad disappeared. Time and again he is drawn to Grandma's miniature Christmas village, where he imagines that life is perfect.

Late one night, his fantasy of escaping into it becomes very real indeed.

Jamie discovers that the village is called Canterbury, where the year is 1932. He becomes fast friends with Kelly and Christopher Pennysworth, and is taken in by Ida, who runs the local boarding house. But he also makes a dangerous enemy of the mysterious and menacing Jim Gordon, whose return to town is nothing but trouble.

As Jamie desperately races against time to find his way back home, he is suddenly faced with a terrifying choice: to go ahead with his plan to leave, or to stay and help his friends, at the risk of never going home again.

The Christmas Village on Amazon

The Christmas Village on Smashwords

The Christmas Village on Facebook

The Holiday Issue is On Its Way!

The holidays are right around the corner - are you ready?

The Holiday Issue of CapeWomenOnline is coming soon, full of
fun stories,
event listings,
 and ideas to keep your holiday spirits high!

Keep an eye out for the new issue!

Hurricane Sandy on her way to Cape Cod!

urricane Sandy on her way...

These were taken this morning about 2 hours before the mid-day high tide. I'll try to get back up at high tide to take more photos. You can see that the waves are already surging well over the jetty. 

 

As of this moment, we still have power, although I've heard there are outages around the Cape. Some gas stations sold out of gas yesterday as people stocked up and/or left Cape Cod. Schools all over the Cape were cancelled for today, and some of the schools (like Nauset High School) are being used as
emergency evacuation points.

Stay safe!

Frankenstorm headed toward Cape Cod?

Looking out at the calm ocean, it's hard to believe that a giant storm is on its way, barreling toward the East Coast as I type. The local media has nicknamed it "Frankenstorm" as it's about to screw up everyone's Halloween plans.

That's a new thing - the weather service has decided to start officially naming storms so it's easier to hash tag them. But that system hasn't gone into effect yet, so we're still getting the fun, made-up names, like last year's "Snowtober" storm. And now, Frankenstorm. Go ahead, say it. It's fun to say.


I guess I haven't lived through a "real" coastal storm yet. I've been lucky in my years on the Cape. The insurance company keeps telling us that when they raise the rates in preparation for The Big One. I remain skeptical of just how bad a storm could be around here. I mean, it's not Haiti. It's Cape Cod.

And then I look at my sister's experience last year in Killington, another upscale resort community. Her house made it through unscathed, but her road was washed away. As were many of her friends homes, cars and possessions. And the Woodstock Inn (where she works) took forever to recover from the flooding and the mud damage. The state of Vermont is still in the process of recovering, more than a year later.

So maybe I will move the patio furniture, and bring the pumpkins inside. And keep my fingers crossed that the storm goes out to sea instead of crashing on my shore.

Although it does have a cool name.

Send Us Your Holiday Stories!

In the last week the weather outside our offices has turned decidedly chilly - Fall is definitely here. And you know what that means.... The Holidays are approaching faster than you think!

We're busy putting together the Holiday Issue of CapeWomenOnline magazine - and althought the official deadline has already gone by, we are still searching for a few good stories!

Check out our submission guidelines HERE - and email your stories to Katie or Nicola @ CapeWomenOnline.com today!

See You Tonight at ABWA!

Date: October 9 - TODAY!
Time: 5:30-8:00 pm 

Location: NEW DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Cod (former Radisson) at 287 Iyannough Road, Hyannis on Route 28
REGISTRATION IS COMPLETE. HOPE YOU GOT YOUR NAME IN LAST WEEK!!!
 

Nicola Burnell, Publisher, and Katie O'Sullivan, Editor of CapeWomenOnline, will be the guest speakers!

This is a fabulous opportunity to network with members of our local chapter, who meet monthly to bring together business women of all ages and stages of their careers. This diverse group of women works hard to provide opportunities to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.

Our presentation will contain a brief overview of our expanding online and offline community, and will invite YOU to ask us questions about anything relating to the magazine. This is your chance to talk directly with us, to share your ideas and learn how you can become involved in our dynamic community of exceptional women.

Networking begins at 5:30pm. The meeting starts at 6:00pm and will adjourn at 8:15pm.

We look forward to seeing you there!  DON'T FORGET TO BRING QUESTIONS!

Independence House 5K on October 13th

 

REGISTER TODAY!

CapeWomenOnline and ABWA

  Join Us at the October Meeting of the ABWA! 

Date: October 9, 2012
Time: 5:30-8:00 pm 

Cost: $27 (includes dinner)
Members $22
Location: NEW DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Cod (former Radisson) at 287 Iyannough Road, Hyannis on Route 28

 

Nicola Burnell, Publisher, and Katie O'Sullivan, Editor of CapeWomenOnline, will be the guest speakers at the October 9, 2012 meeting of American Business Women's Association (ABWA) - Cape Cod Chapter.  

This is a fabulous opportunity to network with members of our local chapter, who meet monthly to bring together business women of all ages and stages of their careers. This diverse group of women works hard to provide opportunities to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.

Our presentation will contain a brief overview of our expanding online and offline community, and will invite YOU to ask us questions about anything relating to the magazine. This is your chance to talk directly with us, to share your ideas and learn how you can become involved in our dynamic community of exceptional women.

Networking begins at 5:30pm. The meeting starts at 6:00pm and will adjourn at 8:15pm.

We look forward to seeing you there! 

  

 Please reserve by Friday, October 5th, 2012

  Email: reserve@abwacapecod.org or register here! 

 

www.CapeWomenOnline.com

The Write Way - a new column debuts!

In the current Fall Issue of CapeWomenOnline magazine, I debut my new writing column, entitled "The Write Way." (My publisher named it, so don't give me grief.)

I'm the editor of the magazine, and I do freelance editing on the side, and the publisher thought it might make for an interesting regular feature. I remain skeptical, because really, the only people who appreciate editors are authors who are in the midst of the editing process. Well, once the authors are done cursing and moaning, then they are appreciative. Usually.

In my first column ("Commas Save Lives") I talk about the importance of editors, proper punctuation, and why you shouldn't rely only on your computer's spell check program. And I ask for questions from readers - what is something you'd like to know about editing? Or punctuation? Or word usage?

I'd also love to hear from other editors - what are some of the biggest mistakes you've had to catch and correct? I've read that editors of romance novels frequently have to make sure that there aren't too many hands in a scene ("he hugged her tightly to his chest to comfort her, while caressing her cheek and dialing 9-1-1 on his cell phone.."...?), or double checking that body parts can move the ways in which the writer describes, without the character being a cast member from Cirque de Soleil...

Over the weekend I got into quite the email discussion with a friend over "past" versus "passed" - mistakes like these annoy readers and make them focus on the words instead of the story, as it did with my friend. As a reader I run across things like this all the time, as well as minor copy edit mistakes (words that push together without a space between, unclear dialogue tags, run-on dialogue without paragraph breaks...)

Do editing mistakes bother the average reader as much as they bug me? As a writer, what's the worst mistake that an editor saved you from making? Please weigh in - and if you have an editing question, you can leave it here in the comments, or send me an email at:

Katie @ CapeWomenOnline.com 

(just take out the spaces, obviously.)

And thanks for your help!

What are You Reading?

In the Fall Issue of CapeWomenOnline, reviewer Pat Bertschy tells us about MEMORY PALACE, and why she thinks this memoir one of the most compelling books she's read this year.

Check out her column, The Armchair Critic, in the current issue of CWO or by clicking this link:
http://www.capewomenonline.com/2012_Issues/Fall_2012/Fall2012_Articles/ArmchairCritic_Fall2012.html

Do you have suggestions for Pat's TBR list? Write to us at the magazine and let us know! Pat's always looking for her next good read!

Cranberry Fest! Crafts and Cran Jam!

The annual Cranberry Festival is going on in Harwich this weekend! Music in the Hollow and crafts in Brooks Park - a perfect recipe for a fun weekend! It's one of our CWO recommended festivals for fall - and we were there having fun!

Although CapeWomenOnline magazine didn't have an official booth or anything, Katie and Nicola enjoyed the music and talking with the various craftspeople on Saturday afternoon - and Nicola got some great story ideas for the Holiday Issue.

If you're looking for something fun to do Sunday, the craft fair opens at ten, the parade starts at noon, and the music begins soon after that. Enjoy a fun, free, classic Cape Cod fair! And check out our other CWO recommended festivals for fall in the Fall 2012 Issue of CapeWomenOnline magazine!

Have you seen the Fall issue of CapeWomenOnline?

If your summer was crazy (whose wasn't?), you're probably ready to slow down, simmer cinnamon on the stove, (try saying THAT fast!) and bring your focus inward. We hope you take a few minutes to check out the fabulous stories Cape Women have shared in this new issue. We are delighted to announce that we have launched two new columns, by Maggie French and Katie O'Sullivan, designed to educate and inspire you. Keep reading...  

Life Coach Maggie French debuts her new column, Living Whole, with a discussion on finding balance in life, and a response to a reader's query about how to make time for ME. 

Our Literary Women section has some very useful advice for writers; Katie O'Sullivan shares her editorial wisdom in her new column, The Write Way, and Nicole Bouchard discusses how to develop your writing career in Part Two of The Ripple Effect. 

If you're not ready to head indoors just yet, why not join your neighbors at one of the many Fall Festivals, or read Jackie O'Hara's article about why she created an outdoor Zen Garden.

Our Living the Dream story features Tracey Crowell, who is Embracing the Magic of the Masjah Studio while also working with Sarah Ciampa to create the Masjah Center.  

Treat yourself to the subtle humor of Katharine Dalton, who introduces us to the wonderful women of the Chatham Council on Aging. 

 

  

 Check out the new titles by local authors on our CWO Bookshelf. 

. 

   

It's no secret that this magazine is a community effort - with every issue we are reminded of just how creative and supportive our contributors are. So we'd like to thank YOU, for all your hard work, and let you know that we truly appreciate you! We also appreciate our advertisers, and everyone who takes a minute to forward this link on to friends who may not know about our magazine. By spreading the word you share the wealth of community and inspiration that IS CapeWomenOnline magazine. 

If you would like to submit articles, artwork or photographs, please follow this link to our Submission Guidelines.   

 

We hope you enjoy the new issue of CapeWomenOnline.

Have a very festive Fall. 

Nicola Burnell, Publisher
Katie O'Sullivan, Editor
Jane Schaller, Web Princess 

Fall 2012 Issue of CapeWomenOnline Magazine Available Now!

The new Fall 2012 issue of CapeWomenOnline magazine is available NOW online - check it out! So many great stories and articles to read - visit www.CapeWomenOnline.com to see for yourself!

CWO CLASS PRESENTATION TODAY!

Walk into positive life changes this Fall!

 

Join us for a FREE Fall Classes & Events Presentation

at Masjah Studio  

181 Rte 137, East Harwich, MA 

Saturday, September 8 from 2-5pm  

Nicola Burnell, publisher of CapeWomenOnline magazine, will present her Fall Series of block-busting, life altering workshops and classes that are designed to help you discover your inspired, authentic Self.  

 

    

Nicola has been teaching creativity, writing and personal growth classes for over fifteen years on Cape Cod. This informal event gives you the opportunity to discuss her dynamic programs and meet some of her students. From artists, to writers, to women going through major life transitions, you will be inspired by their stories and how these programs have helped them move through fear and into action and empowerment. Attending this event will give you a good sense of what to expect in each class and help you decide which program is the best fit for you. 

Programs to be discussed include:

Discover the Artist's Way           

"The Artist's Way class was a lifeline for me...it helped me relocate my core, the unique qualities that make me "me"...During the course, I gradually regained my strength and vision. The Artist's Way reset my compass and helped me get back in touch with my hopes and dreams." Allison Argo 

"When I started the Artist's Way I was looking for clarity and direction, trying to answer the question 'what now, what's next?'...We ended the program by displaying our work in an art show at the Guyer Barn. It was a feeling of joy and accomplishment, individually and collectively. Our creative fires were lit and our journey had just begun. Naturally, I couldn't end there. It seemed to follow that I then take Nickey's "What's Your Story?" class." Johanne K

What's Your Story? If you don't like it then let's re-write it!               

"Nicola provided us with possibilities. In her class she empowered us, encouraged us to stretch beyond our old confinements. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Dianne McD 

 

"I am two weeks away from completing this program. Last week I realized my total energy had shifted. At some point, I let go of the fear, self-doubt and cloudy view that had blocked my path. I now feel empowered, centered and confident." JK 

 

Stop Talking About Writing A Book ~ Just Write It!        

            

"This writing class is such fun - all that laughter! Thank you, Nicola, for your comments. You called my piece 'inspiring.' I think you and this group are inspiring....Joining this group may just be one of the best decisions I've ever made." Katharine D

"Nickey works so hard to bring out the best in us as writers. Equally important, she does this in a non-threatening, constructive manner. Classes are a safe haven, filled with much humor, in which to hatch our creative talents. I always look forward to our classes and I can't recommend them enough to anyone who has a desire to write."
Paul F

Every Life is a Story Waiting to be Told             

Mapping Your Future

 

What's the buzz about the Cape Women in the Community Events? Come and learn about these FUN events that honor our culture, our history and our friendships.

Space is limited!

 

Please RSVP by emailing Nicola@CapeWomenOnline.com or call 774 212 2270

Bringing the "Office" Outdoors

It's the long Labor Day weekend, and the weather on Cape Cod is gorgeous. Couldn't be nicer - clear skies, temperatures in the 70's... perfect days for yard saling or beach walking or just about anything except working on the computer to put together the new issue of CapeWomenOnline....

...except if the "office" is portable. Yes, this is an actual photo of the publisher's temporary Labor Day Weekend office, set up in her garden. Because even with the Fall issue looming on the horizon, who can pass up a chance to enjoy such a wonderful weekend?

Hope everyone is taking advantage of these wonderful days...

New Fall Classes offered by CWO!

Are you ready to walk into positive life changes this Fall?

Join us for a FREE Fall Classes & Events Presentation at Masjah Studio

181 Rte 137, East Harwich, MA
Saturday, September 8 from 2-5pm

Nicola Burnell, publisher of CapeWomenOnline magazine, will present her Fall Series of block-busting, life altering workshops and classes that are designed to help you discover your inspired, authentic Self.

This is an informal event where you will have the opportunity to discuss Nicola's dynamic programs and meet some of the students who have taken them. From artists, to writers, to women going through major life transitions, come and be inspired by their stories and how these programs have helped them move through their fears, into action and empowerment.

Info about the presentation can be found HERE.

For more information on what classes are being offered, check out the CWO classes pages of the magazine at www.CapeWomenOnline.com

Department of Meditation: Do you meditate?

Have you checked out CapeWomenOnline's newest "advice" column?

 
It's titled "The Department of Meditation" and each issue brings words of wisdom on carving out time for yourself to stop and center yourself.

Columnist Constance Wilkinson, LMHC, MFA is a licensed psychotherapist who uses a mindfulness-based, solution-focused approach to help reduce symptoms of dysregulation, as well as to develop clients' personal goals and strategies to achieve them. She is trained in EMDR, clinical hypnosis, EFT, and expressive arts.

And she has a truly sardonic voice to her writing.

She's not preachy or over-the-top flowy in her language, but rather down-to-earth and practical. "You say you don't have time to meditate? Everyone has 5 minutes. Here's how to find it."

 If you haven't read it because you don't have time in your schedule to even think about meditation, think again. And check out her column.

Totally worth the 5 minutes.

Finding Wisdom in Unexpected Places

Sometimes you find a quote that speaks to you, and you say, "That's it! That's just how I feel and that's exactly how I would say it, too!" 

I came across this great post over the weekend over at the BOOK RIOT blog, entitled:

Sixteen Things Calvin and Hobbes Said Better Than Anyone Else

It was a brilliant piece of writing and, umm, diligent research, and reminded me of why I LOVE Calvin and Hobbes so so much... it also reminded me that I can go back and read them over and over, and keep finding new pearls of wisdom.

I'd forgotten this classic bit of dialogue:

Calvin: They say the world is a stage. But obviously the play is unrehearsed and everybody is ad-libbing his lines.

Hobbes: Maybe that’s why it’s hard to tell if we’re living in a tragedy or a farce.

Calvin: We need more special effects and dance numbers.

My life needs more special effects and dance numbers for sure.

But my all-time favorite Calvin and Hobbes quote I made into a painting years ago. It now hangs on my son's wall, reminding him to live each day to its fullest.

 I many need to do a companion painting now, with my new favorite Calvin quote. More special effects and dance numbers for everyone!

What's your favorite quote this summer?

Summer Reading

Looking for a good beach book?

CapeWomenOnline recommends THE BEST WORST YEAR, by Candace Hammond. It's currently available on Amazon for your Kindle for $3.99. The back-of-book blurb reads:

When we meet journalist Cassie Keaton, it’s the off-season on Cape Cod, when life is supposed to be quiet. But as “The Best Worst Year” begins, Cassie is attempting to not-so-gracefully navigate the gauntlet of losing her job, dealing with her newly remarried ex-husband, coping with bad boyfriends and waking up to a desolately empty nest as her children venture off into the world. Out of the wreckage of her life, Cassie learns to salvage meaning from every struggle. She discovers that, sometimes, our worst moments are just a prelude to our best.

Candace wrote and article about writing this book for the Summer Issue of CWO - read it online now at
http://www.capewomenonline.com/2012_Issues/Summer_2012/Summer2012Articles/NovelChange.html

What books are in your beach bag this summer?

Two fishing tales from Provincetown

I know that this is Carnival week down in Provincetown, but Cape Women know that there's more to P-town than parties and drag queens (although they're fun, too.)

Like many Cape Cod towns, Provincetown is a fishing village. Over the years, it has also become an important art colony, and a haven for writers and playwrights of all persuasions.

But it's roots are in the ocean.

In the Summer issue of CWO, we feature two book reviews of new books about Ptown's fishing history, reviewed by Yvonne deSousa.

Seraphine, by Julianne Papetsas, is a fictional story of a Portuguese fisherman born on a crossing of the Atlantic, who lives by, works on, and raises his family with the sea. The protagonist spends his entire life on the tiny spit of land that separates the harbor and Cape Cod Bay from the ocean.

Nautical Twilight, by J. J. Dutra, is the non-fiction story of her own fishing family.

Read the reviews here: http://www.capewomenonline.com/2012_Issues/Summer_2012/Summer2012Articles/TwoFishingTales.html

And remember that there's more to P-town than carnival parades and drag-queen karaoke. Although, we'll be looking for you along the parade route tomorrow afternoon ;-)

Summer Poetry in CWO

We love poetry.

In each issue of CapeWomenOnline magazine, we try to bring you poetry for the season. Our Web Princess tries to put together interesting visuals with the poems - or sometimes, the poet will send us images to go with their words and we work with both to create a beautiful page.

Diane McDonough sent the photo of the blue heron to accompany her poem "Near the Sandwich Boardwalk," as the poem itself tells the story of trying to capture the elusive bird on film.

Mimi Haig sent the image that is the backdrop for her poem, "Blessed Mermaid of the Dark Sea."

Saltwind Poet Jadene Felina Stevens didn't send a photo to accompany her poem, but I have lillies in my own garden and love to try to capture the essence of flowers in photos, like the photo above (which isn't a lilly, but still lovely.)

Have you read these poems yet? If not - check them out here:


http://www.capewomenonline.com/2012_Issues/Summer_2012/Summer2012Articles/BlessedMermaid.html

http://www.capewomenonline.com/2012_Issues/Summer_2012/Summer2012Articles/SummerPoetry.html

Do you have a poem you'd like to submit to the magazine? Send it in - we're always looking for fresh voices!

Have you read our Letter to the Editor?

 
With each issue, we receive more and more letters, Facebook posts and email, praising the magazine in general as well as individual writers and articles.

We post as many as will fit onto our LETTERS page.

Here's an example from the most recent issue:

Dear CWO,
It warms my heart to see your online success, for the last 5 years you are connecting women with ideas, information, articles and classes in the community. You are a strong part of creating community on the Cape.
I had written articles for your magazine when it was made of paper (can you imagine!) and now to be able to contribute an article online feels like such a beautiful technological leap! Thank you for all you do!!
oxo Diane Kovanda
www.kindyoga.com

Thank you, Diane! And if you feel the way she does, let us know. We'll publish your letter and a link to your website, too.

Are You Going to the Mermaid's Ball?

Do you have your ticket yet?



The Mermaid's Ball is the signature fundraiser for the National Marine Life Center (NMLC) of Bourne. There's a wonderful article by Devon Ellington all about NMLC and this upcoming event in the current Summer issue of CapeWomenOnline magazine.

The event takes place August 25th from 6-10:30 p.m. at the Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee. Tickets are $125 and limited - so if you're going, order tickets SOON online by visiting the website here.

And get ready for an undersea extravaganza that's simply out of this world!

Great Summer Exhibits at the Harwich Historical Society

Have you been over to the Brooks Academy Museum this summer?

It's home to both the Harwich Farmers' Market every Thursday afternoon and the Harwich Historical Society, which has some great exhibits this summer - including one celebrating 100 years of Girl Scouting in America.

The Historical Society's exhibit focuses on the history of Girl Scouts in Harwich, and Gail Nickerson wrote a great article about the Girl Scout exhibit for the Summer issue of CapeWomenOnline.

The museum is open from 1-4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and late on Thursdays during the Harwich Farmers' Markets to add a double-shot of community goodness to your summer!

Check them both out this week! Support your local farmers and celebrate your local Scouts!

Final Week of the Citizen's Bank Summer Concert Series!

This is the final week of concerts in the Citizen's Bank Summer Series - have you checked them out yet this summer?

 

Read the whole story in the Summer issue of CapeWomenOnline to see who's playing where this week. I know we're headed to Chatham for Tripping Lilly on Wednesday!

Winter 2012 Issue of CapeWomenOnline

The Winter 2012 Issue of CapeWomenOnline magazine is now online and available for your reading pleasure. Take a few minutes to check it out, and read some of the stories and articles about the women who call Cape Cod their home.

As the publisher's letter says, Winter on the Cape is our slow season, and a perfect time to take a few moments to take stock of your life. What makes you happy? What direction do you want to take in the coming year?

Meet a few women who have already decided how to make themselves happy, whether it's a woman starting her own "pick up" business or an artist buying an RV so she can always have a spot on the Cape to call her own. Despite the turmoil going on around us in the world, it's a great time to reassess what you want out of life, and decide to go for it.

Good advice for us all.

Many thanks to all our wonderful contributors, and our great readers. If you haven't checked out the magazine before now, what are you waiting for? If you like what you read and want to be a contributor - or just want to tell us that you like what we're doing - send me an email at Katie @ CapeWomenOnline . com (but take out the spaces before you hit send.)