Twelve Days of Christmas with Bettye Griffin (Day 4)
By APOOO • Dec 15th, 2008 • Category: Twelve Days of Christmas Book Giveaway •
Email This Post
• 
Print This Post
Today APOOO welcomes Author Bettye Griffin and thanks all visitors for stopping by and joining us! And continuing with the Twelve Days of Christmas Theme, today APOOO will giveaway FOUR BOOKS:
Nothing But Trouble by Bettye Griffin
Schae’s Story by Angelia Menchan
One Taste by Allison Hobbs
When a Man Loves a Women by LaConnie Taylor Jones
For information on how to win this book package, CLICK HERE.
After you read Bettye’s interview feature, don’t forget to answer today’s DISCUSSION QUESTION which can be found at the end of Bettye’s interview.
In 140 words or less, describe what Christmas decoration you would be and why?
I’d be the cherished ornament that’s been in the family for over 50 years. Why? Because I’m over 50 myself! LOL and I would love to see a photo of that ornament.
In 140 words or less, describe why Nothing But Trouble would make a wonderful Christmas present?
Because NOTHING BUT TROUBLE is a compelling, engrossing, juicy story with plenty of drama in it, and anyone who enjoys a meaty story will like this book.
If you were one of the 12 days of Christmas items, what would you be and why?
I think day #7, because I was born in July. And aren’t swans beautiful and graceful? I mean, who wouldn’t want to be compared to swans a-swimming?
Share your most memorable childhood Christmas experience.
All our Christmases were wonderful in our house. Nothing really stands out; they were all perfect, thanks to my parents.
What was the best present you received as a child?
I remember being so excited to get a board game of my own, since my siblings were between 5 and 10 years older than me and I couldn’t play Monopoly with them. But I didn’t have to know how to read to play my Candy land game, and my siblings were always willing to play with me. ooo, aah…sounds like your sibliings loved their little sister.
What has been the best present you’ve received as an adult?
Diamonds. They’re a girl’s best friend, right? They sure are!
What’s your favorite Christmas dish?
Eggnog with nutmeg, whipped cream, and rum (or bourbon). It’s not really a dish, but nothing says Christmas better.
What’s your favorite Christmas song?
I have to divide them into categories here. For songs you would sing in church, O Holy Night always gives me goose bumps. Since I’m a jazz lover I also like What Child is This (hard to believe that song dates back to the time of Henry VIII). As far as fun (non-religious) songs, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I never really heard it before this year (I had outgrown cartoons by the time the holiday special started airing, and for some reason I never heard it on the radio in previous years). For pop music, I’ll turn to a cartoon that I watched every year from its debut in 1965 until I was well into my 30s . . . Vince Guaraldi’s Christmastime is Here from A Charlie Brown Christmas. I also like Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, particularly the covers by James Taylor and Ella Fitzgerald (which are very different from one another).
What’s your favorite Christmas movie?
Again, I can’t pick just one. Christmas in Connecticut (1945) with Barbara Stanwyck, Holiday Affair (1949) with Janet Leigh and a fresh-out-of-jail Robert Mitchum, and The Holiday (2006). I love the idea that chubby Jack Black ends up with beautiful Kate Winslet, and Jude Law and Cameron Diaz were hot!
What’s your favorite Christmas book?
Uh . . . I can’t even think of one.
What’s your favorite Christmas drink?
Eggnog. See the earlier question. Although Bailey’s Irish Cream is a close second. I love me some Bailey’s Irish Cream; might have some before I go to bed tonight.
It’s Christmas Eve and we saw you kissing Santa Claus…describe what your ‘ Santa Baby ‘ looks like.
My Santa is 6’2″, has red hair (that he insists is sandy brown) with a tiny bald spot in the back, a mustache and trimmed beard loaded with gray that he says I gave him, light brown eyes . . . and he doesn’t need belly padding. I tell you, it’s true love. After 17 years and mucho pounds he still takes my breath away. Now that’s love.
What’s the best thing about Christmas?
Joy and loved ones.
Complete the phrases…
It doesn’t feel like Christmas unless: there’s a feast and Christmas music playing.
______________ is always on my Christmas list. –Oh, I don’t know. It used to be underwear from my mother, but in recent years I’ve asked for something for the house, practical stuff like flannel sheets. I always tell my husband what to get me (this year it’s a bath tray so I can chill in the whirlpool with a book and a glass of wine and that trusty Ped Egg. (I think Santa is going to bring him the remastered Coppola BluRay version of the Godfather films).
My Christmas traditions include: decorating the tree on Christmas Eve and taking it down the first week of the New Year.
______________________ is one charity that I recommend others donate to during the holidays (and all year-round). –Wherever I’m working, we usually make donations for underprivileged children. I’d love it if every child can have the kind of Christmases I did.
___________________________ has the best Christmas services (and New Year’s ain’t bad either.)
Since we just moved here in the spring, I won’t know about the holiday services at my church for another couple of weeks. I suspect we’ll have a spirited celebration at Coleman AME Zion (and since it’s the only AME church between Zion, Illinois and Milwaukee, it’ll have to do!) Go tell it on the mountain!
And because APOOO is a book club…and we need to talk about books before we leave…please answer the following questions: Excluding books written by you, what five books are you recommending to others as Christmas gifts this year.
Aw-shucks. I think the Braddock mystery continuity series from Kimani was pretty good (okay, so I’ve only read two of the titles, but I’m sure the other two are good, too) as a boxed set. For women like my nephew’s fiancée, who was reading a book called Freak in the Sheets when she was here for a family function in October, I’d give Desperate Hoodwives by Meesha Mink and Denesha Diamond. Okay, that’s a total of five books.
What was the last book you read that:
made you cry? - I’d probably have to go back to Plenty Good Room by Teresa Watson McClain.
made you laugh? – The last Shopaholic book I read before I started getting bored with the character doing the same stupid stuff over and over.
made you use all five senses? - The book I’m reading now, Looking for Peyton Place by Barbara Delinsky.
was in a genre you don’t normally read? – the aforementioned Desperate Hoodwives.
used location as a character? – Again, the book I’m reading now, Looking for Peyton Place by Barbara Delinsky. I can practically picture the New Hampshire town where it’s set.
wish you had written? – Oh, I don’t know.
you couldn’t wait to tell someone else about? - Can’t remember. Did I mention I’m over 50?
Bettye, thanks for sharing with APOOO today. Loved interviewing you and I’m wishing you a joyful holiday season with your loved ones. xoxo
DISCUSSION TOPIC
Day Four, Old Version–Four Calling Birds
TODAY’S DISCUSSION QUESTION: Day Four, Modern Version–When was the last time you reached out and touched someone? Name four loved ones/ family and friends, that you would like to or need to give a call. (My answers–my brother who died on Dec. 15th, 2008; my grandmother who passed on December 17th, 1992; my girlfriend in Vegas, I need to give her a call soon; my girlfriend Nikki in FL, I miss talking to her on a weekly basis.)
Related Posts
APOOO is a book club and an online author and reader community dedicated to advancing African American literature. Our mission is to expose readers of all ages to a good book in any genre; to support African American authors, books, literary events and bookclubs; to provide marketing resources, tools and tips to authors; and, to promote literacy within the African American community.
Email this author | All posts by APOOO
I love the interview process for 12 days of Christmas. Great break from the normal interview.
Sorry that December holds so many sad memories for you.
TODAY’S DISCUSSION QUESTION: Day Four, Modern Version–When was the last time you reached out and touched someone? Name four loved ones/ family and friends, that you would like to or need to give a call.
My Grandma(Maternal) she passed the day I was getting on the train to go see her.
Poppy(paternal grandfather) he always made me feel special. He passed from Lung cancer about 14 years ago.
Daddy he dies suddenly almost 12 years ago and there are alot of unanswered questions that have caused alot of pain to my baby sister.
My brother I called him Saturday to say happy 31st bday, but since his marriage my sisters and I feel like we are shut out. And we were really close growing up.
LaShonda…no matter what continue to reach out to your brother…my s-i-l is a nut case but my brother loved her so I tolerated her as best as I could…I’m glad that I stayed in touch with my brother because as I reminiesce I realize that even tho’s we weren’t as close as we were as kids…we still knew that were a part of each other lives and not estranged. And I felt good knowing that the last conversation I had with my brother was a really GOOD one…in hindsight maybe it’s because it would be our last conversation.
xoxo
Lord knows I don’t like making phone calls. Some how some way I would have to push pass that to get to:
Ava- a person I considered to be my best friend. About a year ago she stopped returning my calls. I know she goes through these periods where she close herself off from the world. But this is the longest she has ever gone without sending me an email or returning my phone call and I guess I lost all hope and stopped calling her.
Mother- I need to call her more often. Especially this week since my grandfather died on Dec. 14, 2006. That was the worse year of her life.
Mother-in-law- She always ask me why don’t I call her, but if I’m not calling my own mother…well you understand.
Sister- she is pregnant. It’s her first baby and she lives in a state with no family. I happen to be the closest relative out of all of us. I got to get pass her wining at 24 almost 25.
Jennifer C.´s last blog post..Rhymes of the Times by Harold Mathew Nash and Charla Angeline Hultmann
Great Interview…
My four calls…
My mom who passed January 24, 2003, to tell how grateful I am for the way she loved me…
My Godmother who passed February 18, 2004 to thank her for treating me special, always..
My friend Yvette, who became my friend almost twenty years ago and who I have not seen in sixteen years, but tomorrow is her birthday…and I plan to call her.
My godsister…
Blessings!
angelia
Angelia´s last blog post..Do YOUR THING!
My four calls would be:
My maternal grandmother who passed in 1984 – to tell her that I am so proud that I am so like her.
My friend Delores as I owe her a call and to invite her down to visit me in NC
My cousin Karen who talks a lot but means well so I can listen with attention
My friend Mel who is usually by Sunday football telephone partner as we have not talked since I moved and need to make sure that he is ok
My Four Calls would be:
My Maternal Grandmother who passed June 2000, I was nine months pregnant and will always keep her dear to my heart – for leading me down the right path (spiritual) I don’t know where I would have been without her tachings.
My Paternal Grandmother – because I have not been spending as much time with her as needed, I really need to make some time in my schedule for her.
My Mother In Law, because she is the sweetest woman in the world and I love her warm spirit. I always get a feeling of relief and my mood is always uplifted after conversing with her.
My girlfriend whom I miss so much, but due to some issues we haven’t been as close as we used to be.
My four calls would be
1. My grandmother whom i was named after and who died 1 year before I was born. My sister and parents always tell me how great and loving she was.
2. My grandfather who died in 1997. I love him and I just want to tell him all that I have accomplished.
3. My best friend in Texas. We talk, but we need to talk more often then we do now
4. my Godmother because I heard she is feeling too well right now
Yas- I feel you with my brother. My sister and I had a long talk about this last night. We were trying to figure out how to change the way things are. His wife sends me joke emails,but never anything of a personal nature. The one time she did it was so full of weird questions about forgiving someone(she had a fight with my sister that had nothing to do with me) that is threw me off. I said well, I forgave my mother in law because I did not want my husband and kids to be effected negatively by all of it that. I said in the end family is family and you have to respect that at the end of the day. I hope she gets the hint. OK that was alot…Back to the 12 days of Christmas!!!!!!!!!
My father who passed away in 2006, I love him and miss him everyday. I wish he was here with us everyday.
My grandmother who I never got to meet, I would have loved to meet her if it was only one time.
My friend Coleen, who I haven’t talked to awhile, I know that we definitely need to catch and talk more often.
My friend Lenore who I haven’t talked to in awhile but I definitely need to catch up with her.
Alright everyone…don’t forget to reach out and make those phone calls today!
xoxo
I’m not trying to win today. I have Laconnie’s book and just won “Once Upon a Project” by Bettye last week, plus I’ve read Nothing But Trouble. But I like answering questions, so here goes:
It doesn’t feel like Christmas unless there are decorations and Christmas music and cookies!
Body butter from The Body Shop is always on my Christmas list. it’s the only time they have a decent sale. I buy it for myself and my mommy. Mango and Avocado Butter, divine and so much better than anything Bath and Body Works has ever sold.
My Christmas traditions include: Decorating the tree while playing Supremes and Temptations Christmas Hits, baking cookies with my kids and talking to my mom in the middle of the night while we both cook. Specifically I need help on recipes.
Toys for Tots is one charity that I recommend others donate to during the holidays.
The Cathedral Second Baptist in Perth Amboy, NJ has the best Christmas services. I’ve been in Atlanta ten years and I still miss them. But my church, New Birth South can do it up, too.
Just popping in to say hello and to express condolences to Yasmin. Did I misinterpret your message incorrectly, or did you suffer the loss of a loved one just yesterday?
And I wanted to tell Rhonda that your book is all packed up and ready to go. I would have mailed it yesterday, but that line at the post office was just awful. I’ll try it again today.
Hey Bettye…you are correct…I lost a brother yesterday…not surprised but still in shock regarding the situation. Thanks for your condolences.
xoxo
Rhonda thanks for stopping by and participating…your support is always appreciated.
xoxo
LOL…hey LaShonda…I think today’s blog question is cathartic for me…so please feel free to openly share your thoughts…as my sistafriend who’s a counselor just told me…’don’t bottle or stuff it…just because it’s the holidays.’
xoxo
Yasmin,
So sorry for your loss, I didn’t see that. I pray God’s peace for you. Big hug, too!
Thanks Rhonda.
Hi Bettye:
Sorry I’m running a day late.
Great interview, Sis!!!
Glad to know there’s another Egg Nog lover out there.
Take good care.
Much love,
LaConnie
Rhonda -
You are correct – The Body Butter is so nice. I also like the Avocado one as it does not have much fragrance so I can use my fragrance of choice for that day.
Beverly
My condolences, Yasmin, on the loss of your brother.
Bettye, I thought I read this one but when I checked my lists for the past three years, I don’t see it, so I’ll have to get it.
Not trying to win today because I just won a book last week but had to support.
PatriciaW´s last blog post..Featured Book: Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas by Sandie Bricker
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your brother Yasmin.
I had to come out and support my friend Bettye. I loved the interview. I thought the questions were great. I really like the 12 Days of Christmas concept. Yasmin, keep up the good work with APOOO.
My answers to the question: I would call my dad (who passed away 1994).
My childhood friend Cherita Weir (we haven’t talked in a while)
An ex-co worker Fran Turner (she treated me like a daughter)
My youngest son’s god-mother (she moved away and we haven’t spoken since.)
Sean D. Young
Yasmin, just wanted to say that I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Patricia, Sean and Tiffany thank you.
xoxo
1. My mother
2. my daughter
3. My friend, Mary, in Manteca
4. Joyce, who I haven’t talked to in years. Want to know what she is up to.
My favorite book of Bettye Griffin is The People Next Door. It had so many layers: family drama and issues, class issues, and the landscape of the Jacksonville, Florida area by the river was a character in itself.
Dera´s last blog post..Sister Souljah, Part II- Did We Get It Yet?
Hey, Sis (LaConnie). It’s snowing here now. Can’t wait to get home and curl up by the fireplace with a creamy one (with whipped cream and bourbon!)
Patricia, I say go ahead and enter the contest. What you won on another site is immaterial!
Sean, my girl! I sent you an email. Email me if you didn’t get it. I might have forgotten the “d.”
Hi, Dera, long time, no hear! Glad you enjoyed THE PEOPLE NEXT DOOR. You’ll be glad to know I just started writing a sequel. Suzanne now has a whole new foil, and history is threatening to repeat itself between her sister Kenya and her stepdaughter, Paige . . . .
Good luck to all who entered!
Diamonds. They’re a girl’s best friend, right?
They always make me happy… LOL. Great interview, ladies.
Gwyneth
Congrats…and today’s winner is Dona!
Yasmin, I would first like to say I send my condolences to you and your family on the lost anf then I wwant to say thanks for the opportunity to be able to win such a wonderful prize during this holiday season. Keep up the good work that you have been doing here at APOOO.
Bettye I can’t wait to get in this book, I am an advid reader and I am looking forward to this read.
Again Thanks APOOO
Bettye, I’m under 50 and I can barely remember anything either! So what’s my excuse??
Carleen´s last blog post..Christmas Book Giveaway