An Award Winner: Coronavirus Reflections And More!

August 23, 2026August 23, 2026 Larada Horner-Miller1 Comment

Coronavirus Reflections book cover - awards

Award winner—I have won several awards for my ten books, but Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? won two New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards that thrilled me. For some reason, those two awards outweighed the other multiple awards.

But I wanted to share the others with you!

This Tumbleweed Landed – First Finalist in the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards

In 2016, This Tumbleweed Landed was a finalist in the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards in the Biography (Other) category.

I had submitted it the year before in the poetry category and got sage advice from someone in the know about the awards. The poetry category was highly competitive.

So, the next year (2016) I submitted it the Biography (Other) category. It didn’t win, but I felt so excited to be a finalist. Lin and I dressed up and went to the banquet with the other writers. It felt other-worldly.

When Will Papa Get Home? – Two Finalist Awards

In 2016 and 2017, When Will Papa Get Home? was a finalist in the Historical Fiction category. But once, again it didn’t win the category.

A Time to Grow Up: A Daughter’s Grief Memoir – Five Book Awards

In 2017 & 2018 A Time to Grow Up: A Daughter’s Grief Memoir received five book awards:

2018 New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards “Finalist” in 2 categories: E-book Nonfiction and E-book Cover
2018 Book Excellence Awards “Finalist” in the Memoir category
2018 Independent Press Awards “Distinguished Favorites” in the Memoir category
2017 New Apple Book Awards for Excellence in Independent Publishing ”Official Selection” in the Biography|Autobiography|Memoir category
2017 New Mexico-Arizona book awards “Finalist” in 2 categories: Biography (Other) and E-book Nonfiction

But once again, A Time to Grow Up: A Daughter’s Grief Memoir didn’t win either category in the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards.

Just Another Square Dance Caller: Authorized Biography of Marshall Flippo – Received 3 Awards

In 2021 Just Another Square Dance Caller: Authorized Biography of Marshall Flippo was a Finalist in the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards in two categories: Biography and Nonfiction E-book. It did not win either category.

Also, it received the eLit Silver Award and Book Excellence Award Finalist.

Finally, Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? a winner twice for the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards

Finally, in 2022 & 2023 Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? won the Award for the Body, Mind & Spirit category in 2022. In 2023 it won in the Self-Help category.

Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir Wins Global Book Awards

In 2024, Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir won a Silver Medallion in the Christmas Books category of the Global Book Awards.

It won 1st Place in the Nonfiction Book Cover Contest on AllAuthors.com.

In the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards, it was a Finalist in two categories: Parenting & Family and Philosophy/Religion. It didn’t win either category.

Was It a Dream?: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry – Wins two Global Book Awards

In 2024, Was It a Dream?: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry became a Gold Medalist for the Poetry – Verse category. It received an Honorable Mention in the Reader’s Choice Contest. Then in 2025, it received a Bronze medal in the Global Book Awards in the Poetry – Verse category.

I didn’t enter it in the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards.

A Banner Year for Time Measured Out!: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry

This year has been a banner year for my new poetry book, Time Measured Out!: Navigating Life’s Journey Through Poetry. It was Third Place Winner at BooksShelf.com. Then the cover won 2^nd place in the AllAuthor.com nonfiction book cover contest. Recently, I got word this second book in my five-book poetry series won a Gold Medal in the Global Book Poetry – Verse category.

And this year isn’t over, so watch out!

In focusing this month on Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better?, winning the local writing contest of the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards felt so wonderful. I had submitted my books for six years. During those years, I attended each banquet, full of excitement and anticipation. I had the pleasure of being a finalist, but never the winner at a banquet.

At the banquets I went to and lost, the winner received a beautiful glass trophy and was recognized by all in attendance. Everyone received a certificate too in the mail. I won during the aftermath of the pandemic, so there was no banquet, no trophy and no certificate for each win. I felt cheated!

A Sample from Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better?

Let me share another poem from Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better? from Chapter 13.

The Wait for What?

May 13, 2020

Since March 9,
     I self-quarantined
          For two weeks
     I stayed put!

Then it stretched
     To May 15!

March
     April
          Half of May.

Drastic 
     Maybe
Wise and cautious
     For sure.

I obey the restrictions.
     I wear a mask.
          I adhere to six feet
               In social distance.
                    I apply hand sanitizer
                         After each necessary outing.

Yet the battle rages.
     Some say it’s a hoax
          Protest
          Violate the restrictions.

In the name of the first amendment
     Free exercise of religion
     Freedom of speech
     Freedom of the Press
     Right to assemble peaceably
     The right to petition the government
          For the redress of grievances.

Important freedoms I love.

In the name of the second amendment
     A well-regulated militia, being necessary
          To the security of a free State,
     The right of the people to keep
     And bear arms shall not be
          Infringed.

The right to bear arms
because of the coronavirus restrictions?
Really? 

Can you shoot this enemy?
     A minuscule virus particle
Why guns?
     Why assault weapons?
          An AT4 rocket launcher?

Why Confederate flags?
     Swastikas?
          The militant attitude, Army fatigues, and camouflage gear?

As this continues,
     Confusion mounts.
As the unrest continues,
     My confusion soars.
          Why?

A virus
     Killing thousands
          Demands naysayer’s denial and protests?

Why do you deny the serious nature of the coronavirus?
     Ill-advised?
     Ignorant?
     Stupidity?

Why do you clamor
     About socialism
          And your rights?
Selfish
     Self-centered
          Me, me, ME!

What about compassion?
     Caring for others?
It’s not about you, 
                    you,
                         you!

The wait for normalcy
     logic
          and
     compassion to surface
          may be a long time in coming!

For some!

For others,
     it never left!

YOUR REFLECTIONS

Did you ever confront someone else for their careless behavior? If so, what happened?

Larada Horner-Miller, Coronavirus Reflections: Bitter or Better, (Horner Publishing Company, 20), 109-115.

Currently the paperback Coronav irus Reflections: Bitter or Better is $9.80 for the rest of the month. Click on the title!

Finally,

I am so thankful for the awards I’ve won. Isn’t it funny that the New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards mattered so much to me? My local peers?

What are your thoughts about book awards? Are they a selling point for a book to you? Let me know!

Larada's crazy side - awards — Larada’s Crazy Side!

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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Christmas · Christmas · Memories · MY LIFE · My Thoughts

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

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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

[mc4wp_form id=3447]

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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