Guest Post by Johnny Tan, host of BTR show From My Mama's Kitchen

This is a wonderful Holiday piece written by author and Blog Talk Radio show host Johnny Tan. 



Some of us already realize this, and others will experience it for the first time: The kitchen will be the most important room in the house in the coming weeks.


Regardless of whether it is a modern-day designer’s kitchen or just one of the so-called “timeless” efficiency kitchens, it is time for it to claim center stage, as it will serve as the hub for the transformational loving energy that will bind families and friends alike during this holiday season.
Known as the heart of any home, the kitchen is the place that will serve as a wonderful backdrop where you will always find an abundance of joy and laughter from family and friends reminiscing and sharing meaningful communication, from knowledge gained to lessons learned.

As you already know, you do not have to know how to cook to be drawn into the kitchen as your five senses will eventually draw you straight toward it once the mouth-watering aromas start to fill the air.

My late Southern Belle mom, Eleanora, once eloquently described to me that being in the kitchen is like being a mother; it is about creating something special. It requires patience, a happy attitude, and a touch of love. It is the perfect blending of all these ingredients that ultimately produces a signature dish.

Since we now live in a global village, with the lifestyle to match, where families can only get together during special occasions, the holiday seasons have become more meaningful than ever. Although there are many of us who are fortunate to have a family to spend the holidays with, there are those of us who are less fortunate due to various reasons. We are the ones that, over the years, are able to find home from within our own hearts. Then, there are those among us who are fortunate to have the opportunity to experience the family holiday spirit thanks to the generosity of our friends.

Whatever the situation may be for you, if we can all take a moment to be mindful, perhaps we can truly experience the true holiday spirit as it is meant to be experienced.
For mothers — They cannot wait to have the family back home together to break bread with.

For children — Believe it or not, your mom will always be more excited to see you than you are to see her.

For singles — For those who are fortunate to have the generosity of a friend’s invitation to be with their family, be very thankful for the love you are receiving.

For those who will be by themselves — Always remember that you are never alone. Home is where the heart is, and be very thankful that you have made it this far. Happiness and glee are always generated and experienced from within.

For the families who will be celebrating this holiday season together with their loved ones — I would like to share with you what my Cajun mom, Ginger, told me a long time ago: “The natural life can always be funny and humorous. The most ordinary events usually end up being the sweetest memories. Being present during the small moments will always make us appreciate the happiness when it happens.”

For the families and individuals who have graciously opened their hearts and homes, and to those who are contemplating doing so — I would like to share with you what my German mom, Dianne, told me a few years back: “Every once in a while, a situation may occur that requires us to radiate our energy of positive goodwill, compassion, and love for others. Until we try to put ourselves beyond our comfort zone, we will not realize we have what it takes to make a difference in that person’s life and in ours.”

For those of us who will be spending this holiday season by ourselves – I would like to share with you what my Malaysian mom, Nyah, told me just before I left home to come to the United States: “Since childhood, you have been and will continue to be exposed to all kinds of experiences. Some experiences, good or bad, will stay with you for the rest of your life. However, it is how you manage them that will ultimately determine your idea of success and happiness, or failure and sadness, in your life. Always remember you are never alone, and although food may fill your tummy and the camaraderie of friends gives you a sense of belonging, it is the loving energy you generate from within you that will nourish your mind, body, and soul. This spiritual grounding is what will ultimately touch the heart and move the soul of others.”

Finally, here is my wish to everyone during this holiday season:

Health — makes all things possible.

Wealth — makes all things work.

Love – makes all things beautiful.

May you have all three.

Johnny Tan

Leadership Speaker
Talk Show Host: FMMKTalkRadio
Award-Winning Author: From My Mama’s Kitchen-”food for the soul, recipes for living”
(Mom’s Choice Awards® Gold Recipient – Inspirational/Motivational)

Thank you Johnny for sharing your work with the Page Readers audience. 

Happy Holidays Everyone!

To All My Author Friends

As the year winds down to a close I want to take a moment and thank all of the wonderful and talented authors who have made 2010 a very successful year for Page Readers.

Yes, I know it's only October, but quick enough, 2010 will be done. 

Many of you already know about and have participated in NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, which happens every year in November.  I've been saying that I'd like to do this for a couple of years now, and this year I've decided to go for it. I'm taking the advice of so many of my guests which is, "If you want to write - DO IT!"

If any of you are planning to participate, or are already members of the site, connect with me there!  My name on the site is Cowgirlheart, because that's what I am - a Cowgirl at heart.  And in real life too.  One of my favorite ways to spend a day is on the back of my four legged soul mate Romeo, exploring the surrounding desert and Tonto National Forest here in Arizona, just north of Scottsdale.

What will this mean for Page Readers while I take this time away to write?  I have cut back the number of shows I'll do for November and December.  I've been doing about 14 shows a month for some time now, which takes lots of time.  So for the last two months of 2010, I'll do a few specials with guests that I really, really want to talk with because I've enjoyed their work so much, and ask a few past guests back so we can catch up with them and their latest projects.  I'm even thinking of doing a few holiday specials and focus on authors who have also written "How To" books about writing - story creation, character development and even self promotion. 

I've also added ways for authors to appear on Page Readers.  I'm offering written blog interviews as well as the opportunity for authors to write a guest post about their work and their creation or writing process.  There are so many different ways we do what we do as authors and sharing those steps just might help another author who is struggling with their own routine.  If you would like to write a post about how you do what you do, please send me an email!

Be sure to "like" the Page Readers Fan Page on Facebook.  List your book in the reviews section to share your book with author Page Readers guests.  If you have other promotion events happening, like interviews on other shows or blogs, please share them on the Page Readers Fan Page. 

I'm also on Twitter - a lot.  My favorite thing to do is "Re-Tweet," especially announcements by Page Readers guests.  I've been working at building my following and those I follow organically - meaning I don't use an automated service to grow my followers.  I take the time to read each persons bio, to make sure they are people I want to connect with, and people I feel will want to hear what I'm saying, like authors, publicists, publishers and people who love to read!  So if you haven't connected with me there, please do so I can help promote you and your work using this fun social media tool. 
And stay tuned in 2011 because I'm planning a party to celebrate Page Readers second birthday.  Yes, come March, Page Readers will be two years old!

Thank You All for making Page Readers so much fun. 

Here come the holidays!