A Lit Candle & My Hair: July is Almost Over

July 26, 2026July 26, 2026 Larada Horner-MillerLeave a comment

White candle stick in hand on a white background

July is almost over, and a lit candle played an important part in this book and influenced its title. I’ve enjoyed featuring my book, Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir during this summer month. I hope your heart has been warmed with my story of cutting down our Christmas tree on our family ranch.

To end the month, here’s a humorous piece with a lit candle for your reading pleasure!

My Hair on Fire

Anticipation filled my heart.
We had practiced our Christmas pageant
     several times,
Rehearsed and rehearsed.
I felt it was a winner.
I was young—maybe five or six.
I had a minor part, but it loomed large in my
     heart.
I was an angel, one of several.

Yet I felt special!
I loved my white gown (cut from a sheet),
my wings (cut from white paper)
and halo (a golden contraption that hovered
     over my head),
and my candle I carried (in my hands, no
     holder).
Teacher promised we would light it that night
But not during our practice.

Our teacher warned us each rehearsal:
the candles will be lit,
allow enough space between you and the angel
ahead of you!

When the big night came for our Christmas
     pageant, I dressed.
Mom curled my shoulder-length strawberry
     blonde hair.
It hung down to my shoulders in soft curls.
Before donning my halo, she sprayed an aura of
     her hair spray
which surprised me! She had never done that
     before!

Mom and Dad took me and my brother to our
     little country church.
I waved goodbye to them
and joined the others downstairs.
Excitement filled the air.
The teacher had Mary and Joseph lead the
     processional.
Next, the three shepherds fell in behind the holy
     couple.
The group of angels lined up after them—my
     turn!

The teacher passed out the candles, unlit.
It was time.

I stepped in line with a schoolmate behind me.
Soon the teacher came by and lit our candles,
whispering her warnings once again!

She had placed a paper shield around the
     candle
to protect our hands from the dripping wax!
Oh, there was so much to watch with a lit
     candle!

Up the stairs we went,
and the pageant proceeded as normal.

Then, for some reason, the angel group crowded
     together
instead of spacing out like our teacher suggested.
It was our time and the angel bunching
continued.
Suddenly someone screamed, “Your hair is on
     fire!”

Quickly my teacher rushed over with a rolled
     paper
and whacked me on the head,
putting out the fire.

This haphazard event left me with singed hair,
and the burnt smell lingered.
Yes, it was a memorable Christmas,
and the pageant went on!

Our teachers served refreshments
Afterwards downstairs.
No one mentioned my hair
Or the fire!

Larada Horner-Miller, Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir, (Horner Publishing Company, 2023), 25-27.

Finally, how about a candle!

A lit candle in a church Christmas program could have been a disaster! Heartwarming—humorous! Yes, during this month of July, I have shared with you that Hair on Fire celebrates my Christmases and all the emotions that came with it.

Hopefully, when you read the book, you have laughed, shed a tear and finished it, satisfied that I have sparked a memory or two or your own that has laid hidden.

Larada Horner-Miller - candle — A lit candle and my hair!

CHRISTMAS IN JULY SALE: Buy the paperback of my book, Hair on Fire: Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir for $9.50 until the end of July!

My Newest Books

Time Measured Out!: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry, Book #2 e-book

ISBN – 9798989688654

$3.99 for limited time

Is My Truth Universal?: A Woman’s Poetic Odyssey e-book

ISBN – 979-8989688623

ALWAYS FREE

Was It a Dream?: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry, Book #1 – e-book

ISBN – 979-8989688630

$3.99

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir e-book

ISBN – 978-0996614498

$3.99

Buy My Audio Books:

This Tumbleweed Landed

Let Me Tell You a Story

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Memoir Audiobook

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir audiobook cover

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My Newest Books

Time Measured Out!: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry, Book #2 e-book

ISBN – 9798989688654

$3.99 for limited time

Is My Truth Universal?: A Woman’s Poetic Odyssey e-book

ISBN – 979-8989688623

ALWAYS FREE

Was It a Dream?: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry, Book #1 – e-book

ISBN – 979-8989688630

$3.99

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir e-book

ISBN – 978-0996614498

$3.99

Buy My Audio Books:

This Tumbleweed Landed

Let Me Tell You a Story

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Memoir Audiobook

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Books · Christmas · family · Memories · Mom · My Thoughts

Holiday Magic: A Mid-Summer Touch of Christmas

July 12, 2026July 12, 2026 Larada Horner-MillerLeave a comment

Do you need some holiday magic right now? While the July heat has us all reaching for extra ice in our tea, my thoughts have been drifting toward a different kind of warmth—the kind that comes from a crackling fireplace, the scent of fresh pine, and the chaotic joy of a family gathered together.

They say it’s never too early to start celebrating, so today I’m bringing a little “Christmas in July” to my blog. I’m featuring my memoir, Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir. This book is a collection of my favorite festive memories—from the spiritual beauty of the season to those hilarious, “only-in-our-family” moments that make the holidays so unforgettable.

Whether you’re a long-time reader or new to my stories, I hope this snippet brings a smile to your face and a bit of holiday spirit to your summer day.

Featured Chapter:

Chapter Eleven

CUTTING DOWN OUR CHRISTMAS TREE

Cutting Down a Christmas Tree - Holiday Magic

We never bought a Christmas tree when I was growing up. Why would we? Growing up in southeastern Colorado, we could choose a tree on our family ranch to become our star Christmas tree every year —free for the selection and lots of fun.

Mom and I would start looking for the year’s Christmas tree in October, during hunting season, as we walked the canyons, measuring trees in our minds.

“There’s the perfect one.” Mom pointed to a small three-foot piñon pine tree that she wanted to put up on the coffee table. She went on and on about the virtues of a small tree. Dad, Bub, my brother, and I moaned and groaned. Oh, not this again, but we knew her—she always wanted a small tree, and we didn’t.

Driving a little farther near the canyon, I spotted a regal six-foot piñon pine tree and exclaimed, “Here it is! Let’s mark this one. This is it, for sure—our Christmas tree for this year.”

Dad and Bub nodded their heads in agreement. We continued our lighthearted banter back and forth about small trees versus big trees. Then we would continue our task of hunting for deer to have venison for the winter. This routine repeated itself throughout the months of October and November and into the beginning of December if Dad or Bub didn’t get a deer. With the three of us outnumbering her, Mom often lost the tree size debate.

Chapter Eleven Continues with More Holiday Magic

One year, though, we three “big Christmas tree lovers” overdid ourselves.

It was early December, and the time had come to cut down our tree. For some reason, Mom didn’t go—too busy baking our fudge, divinity, and other Christmas goodies. Without her there, the three of us could choose a big tree that year with no fuss. We scouted out the ones I had mentally marked throughout the fall, but Dad and Bub spied one they wanted that wasn’t on the list. The saw came out, and they cut it down as a team, laughing about how Mom would react.

Yes, it looked fabulous out on the ranch against the deep blue sky and the snow drifts surrounding it. We admired our tree and laughed about Mom’s possible response. What added to the joy of our selection—it was our first year in our new home with much higher ceilings, so the taller the tree, the better.

As we drove home, we prepared for Mom’s comments, rehearsing our answers to her probing questions. We drove up to the front of our house and backed the pickup into the driveway so it would be easier to get the tree out. Already Dad and Bub had lamented about the sticky sap on their hands.

My part of the plan was to distract Mom while the guys brought the tree up. I hurried up the walk to get to Mom before she could see what we brought. She stuck her head out the door, quizzing me about the size. Kidding her, I replied, “It’s your size.” Her laugh told me she didn’t believe it.

Can You Believe it? More Holiday Magic!

Normally Dad could carry our tree by himself, but it took both Dad and Bub to carry this one up the sidewalk and lay it on the front porch. As I stood measuring the tree in my mind, the tree seemed to go on forever.

Dad retrieved his hacksaw from the pickup and cut the bottom of the stump off evenly, a usual practice to fit it in the tree stand. The savory pine sap aroma filled the air. Still on its side, he easily slid it into the stand, tightened the bolts, and they stood it up. In our excitement to find the best tree, and thinking our ceiling higher than it was, we made a major mistake!

I held the screen door open, but already I realized we were in trouble. Bub and Dad wrestled to get the tree through the door. They tried to carry it upright in the stand, but it wouldn’t fit, so they laid it out lengthwise and finally shoved it through. Thank God it was freshly cut or pine needles would have scattered everywhere!

Mom watched this show with amusement but was wise enough not to say anything. Dad and Bub set the stand on the floor by the front window, which Mom had cleared to showcase our tree to the passing traffic, and raised the tree.

All four of us gasped at the same time—the tree reached the ceiling and curled down at least a foot! What were we to do now?

What An Ending to This Holiday Magic!

Mom finally chimed in, “Don’t forget to leave room for the star on top.”

Dad took control. “That’s easily fixed.” He and Bub wrestled the tree out the door again. Once it was on the porch, Dad cut a foot and a half off the stump of the tree, and a few lower branches, and brought the shortened tree in and set it up. Dad’s precision cut allowed just enough room for our traditional angel on top.

We stood back and admired our beautiful six-foot-plus piñon pine tree. Already its aromatic fragrance filled the room. Our decorations were stacked in boxes nearby, so now the fun of decorating began.

After our sigh of relief and chuckles, Mom took one last look at our tree before decorating and said, “Next year I’m for sure going with you three so we can get a smaller tree.”

We all laughed, happy with our selection.

From Where Did the Idea of Christmas in July Come?

In 2024, I wrote in my blog about where this advertising idea of Christmas in July came from and shared another chapter of this book:

Hot Weather & Sweating: Christmas in July?

Your Holiday Magic

Do you cut down your own tree now? Did you do it as a child? Any favorite memories? What holiday magic did you enjoy?

Larada Horner-Miller - holiday magic — I believe in holiday magic all year long!

More Holiday Magic! Sale on Paperback: Buy your copy of Hair on Fire – Special Christmas in July Offer!

Don’t let the summer heat keep you from the holiday spirit. For a limited time starting July 13, you can grab your copy of Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming and Humorous Christmas Memoir for just $9.50 (normally $15.00)!

Whether you’re looking for a laugh or a touch of seasonal magic to brighten your July, this is the perfect time to add this collection of memories to your shelf, holiday magic ahead of time.

Click here to buy your copy of Hair on Fire for only $9.50!

My Newest Books

Time Measured Out!: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry, Book #2 e-book

ISBN – 9798989688654

$3.99 for limited time

Is My Truth Universal?: A Woman’s Poetic Odyssey e-book

ISBN – 979-8989688623

ALWAYS FREE

Was It a Dream?: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry, Book #1 – e-book

ISBN – 979-8989688630

$3.99

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir e-book

ISBN – 978-0996614498

$3.99

Buy My Audio Books:

This Tumbleweed Landed

Let Me Tell You a Story

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Memoir Audiobook

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Christmas · family · Memoirs · Memories · Mom · My Thoughts

Another Celebration of Mom: Pictures Galore!

May 24, 2026May 24, 2026 Larada Horner-MillerLeave a comment

Mom at the Branson-Trinchera Reunion - Cover of Volume 2 of My Cookbook series - galore — Mom at the Branson-Trinchera Reunion – Cover of Volume 2 of My Cookbook series

I want to celebrate Mom again as we get near the end of May with pictures galore. During the month of May this year, I have so enjoyed sharing my mom with you. I just went through thousands of pictures on my computer. My heart swelled up with nostalgia—I gulped back some tears for sure. All treasures for sure.

2010 – Summer

On the 4^th of July, my brother, Mom and I went to Cuchara, Colorado for a night or two. It became a family tradition. We shopped during the day. Then we danced at night. Our favorite place there was the Dog Bar. Yes, people brought their dogs there out on the patio.

Mom, Larada & Harold in Cuchara, Colorado for the 4th of July

2010 – Summer

Before Dad died, he started a tradition of buying Mom and I a dress alike. See the dress below. After he died, I kept the tradition alive. You can see in these pictures we had matching sweaters.

Mom in Our Sweater - galore — Mom in Our Sweater

Mom & Larada in Our Look Alike Sweaters - galore — Mom in Our Sweater

2011 – Summer

Another trip to Cuchara, Colorado for the 4th of July. We had so much fun up there with people dancing and enjoying the mountains of Colorado. Usually we spent a couple nights in the hotel there. We shopped and danced—the Horners love to dance! And they always had a live band in the evening.

My brother, Mom & Larada at the Dog Bar in Cuchara, Colorado - galore — My brother, Mom & Larada at the Dog Bar in Cuchara, Colorado

2011 – Christmas

Mom, Aunt Willie & Larada - galore — Mom, Aunt Willie & Larada

Lin, Mom and I so enjoyed Christmas in Colorado at her house with her sister, Aunt Willie. One year, the electricity went off on Christmas Eve. I had given Lin and Aunt Willa Advent gifts—a tradition Mom started for me in 1988. The gifts I gave them were children’s Christmas activity booklets. Lin entertained us with them. Having the electricity off ended up being a bonus because we did silly stuff and laughed and laughed.

Lin, Larada, Aunt Joan & Mom - galore — Lin, Larada, Aunt Joan & Mom

Often we celebrated Christmas Eve with my Aunt Joan, but this picture is during the day, so apparently that year we had too much snow on Christmas Eve, so we went to see her on December 26.

I so cherished the relationship Mom had with her sister. After Uncle Hughie and Aunt Willie retired, they moved from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Folsom, New Mexico, just 25 miles from where Mom and Dad lived.

After both of their husbands died, they became a major support for each other.

Mom Kissing Aunt Willie - galore — Mom Kissing Aunt Willie

So Let’s End For Now

As I looked at all the pictures of Mom, I realized this part of her life rotated around her family. In reality, her whole life rotated around her family. I love that!

Is it too much to write about my mom the whole month of May? Share pictures galore of her? Of us? After next week, it will be five posts about Mom. I’ve never done this before in the thirteen years I’ve written this blog. Something in my heart wanted to do this. I hope you understand.

Let me know your thoughts about it!

Mom & My First Outfits Alike for Christmas - Thanks to Dad! - galore — Our First Outfits Alike for Christmas – Thanks to Dad!

A Time to Grow Up: A Daughter's Grief Memoir information - Another

I honored my mom and dad with this book, A Time to Grow Up: A Daughter’s Grief Memoir.

My Newest Books

Time Measured Out!: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry, Book #2 e-book

ISBN – 9798989688654

$3.99 for limited time

Is My Truth Universal?: A Woman’s Poetic Odyssey e-book

ISBN – 979-8989688623

ALWAYS FREE

Was It a Dream?: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry, Book #1 – e-book

ISBN – 979-8989688630

$3.99

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir e-book

ISBN – 978-0996614498

$3.99

Buy My Audio Books:

This Tumbleweed Landed

Let Me Tell You a Story

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Memoir Audiobook

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family · Grief · Memories · Mom · My Thoughts

Another Mother’s Day Without Mom!

May 10, 2026May 10, 2026 Larada Horner-MillerLeave a comment

Mom and Larada - Without Mom — Mom and Larada

I woke this morning feeling an absence, a loss—Mother’s Day without Mom once again! She died in 2013, thirteen years ago. Shouldn’t I be over her death? I guess not! Even last night, I felt this sorrow oozing over me, but I didn’t understand why. Today, I do!

So I Tried, Without Mom!

I haven’t found a “home church” here yet. So, I had planned to go to the English mass at the Catholic church downtown Boquete at 9:00 AM. My alarm went off at 7:30 AM, startling me! I woke tired and feeling that loss.

Because I haven’t gone there yet and the parking is a problem, I succumbed to wimping out once again. Instead, Lin and I went to our favorite breakfast spot here, Olga’s, for a delicious meal. Olga greeted me in her usual manner with a hug and a kiss, but made a big deal about my new outlandish hair color—brilliant mauvey red! Oh, she hugged me like Mom used to and rave about my hair like my mom would have. I needed that so!

This Afternoon, Without Mom!

When we returned home after a quick stop at the grocery store, I went to church online to my home church, Hope in the Desert Episcopal Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Fr. Steve mentioned Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers and anyone who nurtured children. Oh, what a balm to my heart!

Then we watched an episode of our new favorite series, “Ghost Whisperer” with Jennifer Love Hewitt and David Conrad. I relate to this show so much because I do believe there are ghosts out there—and I would love to talk to my mom once more.

Life, Without Mom!

Last Sunday we lost a member of our Hot August Nights committee. Lin and I called his wife to see how he was doing and found out he had died a couple hours before we called. Loss once again and tears.

I also watched the video of my dear friend, Rose Ward’s funeral service, last Sunday, crying and missing her so. I swore I saw Mom in the crowd at Rose’s service. I even showed Lin, but then I realized it wasn’t her. I’m sure she was there in spirit though.

Tom & Rose Ward with Mom - Without Mom — Tom & Rose Ward with Mom

That’s life without Mom—so much loss and it all circles back to her and my loss.

My Book About Losing Mom!

So, this month I’m featuring, A Time to Grow Up: A Daughter’s Grief Memoir. You might wonder why I would do that because of the sadness and heartbreak in this book during the month to celebrate Mother’s Day. Yes, there is sadness and heartbreak, but I value the process I went through to grow through the loss to the healing. Yes, I still miss Mom, but this book healed me in a different way. It allowed me to look deeply at the individual moments we had in those last three months.

I hope the same for you.

A Poem or Two from A Time to Grow Up: A Daughter’s Grief Memoir

No Words Now

May 11, 2013

Mom died March 23, 2013
     No words
     No poems
     until May 2.

Lost in the pain
     drowning
     suffocating
     Words frozen
     gone
     void

All I had was pain!
     Loud
     screeching
     screaming pain.

Normally, poetry is my respite
     My sanctuary
     I visit to
     understand this world

Nothing there!
     Only the deep, dark hole
     The consuming loss
     The utter defeat

Missing Mom
     and
     trying to live!

Have you lost your mom? Did you ever feel like this—the feelings, not necessarily the loss of words but the loss of someone special in your life? At this point, the words had just come and were overflowing with all my pent-up feelings.

Time to Cry Each Day

August 25, 2016

Is there an appropriate time to cry?
     An appropriate way to mourn?

I didn't know how.

At first, the tears would come unannounced
     in a flurry,
     and I was gone.
     Sobs!

I never knew when or where.
     They consumed my day,
     flooding me with emotion.

I dreaded the next outburst.
     I couldn't control the tears.

A grief counselor's suggestion:
     "Appoint a time every morning
     to cry,"
     so I did.

I did my morning writing and reading
     with my cat, Jesse.
     Then I cried
     and cried
     and cried.

Does that sound fake?
     manufactured?
     manipulated?

I don't know,
     but it worked for me!

At first the tears came whenever,
     a trigger
     a memory,
     and I cried.

After a while,
     knowing I had that special time
     alone with Jesse
     every morning
     relieved me the rest of the day.

I might get choked up,
     but I would say to myself,
     "Save it for the morning."
     I did,
     And it worked!

Grief? Yes, I had grieved my dad’s death, but I had turned my attention to Mom. Now she was gone, so what was I supposed to do now? The suggestion from the therapist helped me—maybe it will help you!

Live One World at a Time

August 25, 2016

In recovery,
     we say, "One Day at a Time."

In my life after Mom's death,
     I say, "One World at a Time."

My feet walk this earth,
     planted firmly on sandstone and among chollas
     in the scenic Southwest.

My heart yearns for another world,
     that heavenly place
     that houses so many dear ones.

I am here;
     they are there.

Sometimes I feel their pull
     to that other place,
     a spiritual calling
     attached to my heart.

I resist.

I focus on today
     this world.

My full, rich life here,
     and the resistance quiets.

My job today
     and as long as I am here,
     is one world at a time!

So healing happened for me. Mom died and I moved on, carrying her with me. On the bright side, her death gave me a deep awareness of my being “here” and the pull of “there.” Before her, I never felt that.

Finally,

Have you lost your mom? Your dad? A loved one? Do you have a pull to another world? Let me know and let’s talk about it!

LIMITED TIME, SPECIAL PRICE: My E-book of Time to Grow Up: A Daug hter’s Grief Memoir at Amazon for $.99. Sale ends Wednesday, May 13.

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