Monday, February
8, marks the official beginning of the Lunar New Year: Gung Hay Fat Choy!
One of the
nicest things about celebrating Chinese New Year is the sense of getting a holiday
do-over. This past Christmas and New Year’s caught me flat-footed and
unprepared. And January 2016 has seemed particularly January-ish, bringing more
than its share of bad news and untimely passings. So it’s nice to have
something to look forward to with hope—and crossed fingers that things will be
better from this point on.
Last year, there
was considerable confusion over which zodiac animal was being recognized, owing
to multiple interpretations of the Chinese character. Was it the Year of the
Sheep? The Year of the Goat? The Year of the Deer (which I must admit has a
certain ring to it)? Apparently, it could have been any hooved, grass-eating,
cervine animal being honored.
This year, there
is no such doubt. Welcome in the Year of the Monkey!
Designed by Freepik
And not just any Monkey:
the Fire Monkey, especially known for
its energy, activity, and aggression! The Fire Monkey can be reckless,
headstrong, and impatient, but if its energy is channeled properly and in a
positive direction, it can also be a force for creativity and
productivity.
Sounds like an
auspicious omen for a writer, or anyone else who makes a living by their
creativity! So bring on the Year of the Monkey, along with lion dances, dragon
dances, firecrackers, lanterns, gongs, tangerines (the lions are partial to
those), noodle dishes (for longevity), and of course, those red envelopes bringing
good fortune and usually a bit of extra wherewithal…
In lieu of those
red envelopes, I’m giving away two digital copies of Devices & Desires, Book One of my new historical series, The
Lyons Pride! A description and excerpt can be found here and here. Comment by midnight PST,
Monday, 2/8—with a contact email address, please--for a chance to win!
Happy Year of
the Monkey!
PAMELA SHERWOOD
TWITTER
ETA: Glenda and Suzi have won the ebook giveaway of Devices & Desires! Please email me at pamela@pamelasherwood.com to let me know your preferred digital platform. Thank you for participating!
ETA: Glenda and Suzi have won the ebook giveaway of Devices & Desires! Please email me at pamela@pamelasherwood.com to let me know your preferred digital platform. Thank you for participating!
Great giveaway! Happy Chinese New Year!
ReplyDeleteGung Hay Fat Choy, Shana!
ReplyDeletenice cover
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Thanks, bn100! The cover artist is very talented.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Pamela! I'm looking forward to your new series - thanks for the previews!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Glenda! Happy Year of the Monkey!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! Thanks for the chance to win from a lucky Rooster!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Suzi! My sister was also born in a Rooster Year!
ReplyDelete