The Power of Light and Shadows
And a free book to help you escape the winter blues
Thanks for being here, book bestie. You could’ve picked anywhere to spend your reading time, but I’m honored you landed in my sweet and cozy world. No matter what genre I write, the only thing steamy you’ll find in here is the coffee.
Fighting the Winter Blues
This Mission-style lamp in the image above is one of my favorite things about my office. It’s from the Arts and Crafts period. Here are some features that stand out:
Pyramidal Shade: The four-sided, geometric “slanted” shade is a hallmark of this aesthetic. The amber-toned replica glass provides that warm, honey-colored glow.
Wood and Metal Base: The base features a sturdy, architectural look with vertical lines, likely made of dark-stained wood with metallic accents.
Linear Simplicity: Unlike the ornate, curvy Victorian lamps that preceded it, the Mission style features straight lines and construction.
But the number one reason why it’s one of my favorites is that it’s a close match to a lamp in the living room of Lorelai’s home on the television show Gilmore Girls, which you can see in this TikTok video.
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Unfortunately, it was in the worst possible place in my office. The earlier evenings, combined with the stress of winter weather and a few other things, started wreaking havoc on my mental health. My moods swung like a front porch swing in a hurricane. My fast writing had slowed, not to its previous pace, but it was nowhere near “fast.”
A friend noticed and asked me if everything was okay. Their message came at the perfect time because, while usually I would have said, “Everything’s fine!” this time I answered truthfully. No, everything was not okay.
“It’s okay to not be okay,” they replied. I let it sink in. We discussed some possible reasons behind my mood shifts, what time of day they happened, and other details. Then they asked how the lighting was in my office since I’d renovated.
The lamp I loved so much was on a cabinet behind my desk, while the brighter lamp was across the room in an area I never use. My youngest son switched the lamps around (because one was plugged in behind the heavy sofa on the other side of the desk). The change was almost instant.
The area around my desk is so much brighter. More importantly, I’m less moody, and I’m writing fast again.
So if you’re someone who struggles with the challenges of shorter days, you are not alone. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is a real thing. If you aren’t comfortable opening up to someone you know, you can always contact NAMI (the National Alliance of Mental Illness) and talk to someone there.
Escaping into books is my other way of dealing with difficult situations. Keep reading to learn how to get a free cozy mystery!
Get a FREE cozy from Tonya Kappes!
Mae West has been kidnapped...BY THE LAUNDRY CLUB LADIES for a spa retreat bachelorette party like no other.
Dottie's screaming at the stripper to put it back on instead of keep taking off, fun bride games, and spa activities don't keep these sleuthing friends off the tracks of a killer when one of the other brides ends up dead!
Put a group of nervous brides and slew of prissy brides maids together, meddling along with jealousy brings out a bridezilla who will do anything to make her day more special than anyone, even Mae!
That's all for now. I hope your day is filled with books and coffee (or whatever you’ve got in your favorite mug). Happy reading!
Until next time,
Becky
P.S. No one has guessed which item on my 2026 Bingo Card hints at what’s coming after the Serial Knitters series.
The options remaining are:
Visit a new restaurant
Finish Stranger Things(done, incorrect)Library book bingo
New office bookshelves
Get a second bird feeder camera
Make a writing playlist
Play pickleball
Finish unpacking
Get hair cut at a salon
Go on a lunch date
Attend a town hall meeting
Go on a beach date
Have a fire pit night
Join a new book club
Weekend with Mom
Visit a new bookstore
Visit a new coffee shop
Finish a knitting project
Hang art in the office
Go on a museum date
Try a new food for the first time
Go to the movies (guessed, incorrect)
Rip out the deck
Lunch with authors(done, incorrect)
Leave a comment to let me know which entry you think relates to my next series!
Due to personal reasons, Books 2 and 3 in the Serial Knitters have had their release dates moved up a week to February 26 and March 26, respectively. Thank you in advance for this little extra time. I appreciate your patience more than words can say.
Cozy mysteries with caffeine, chaos, and charm.
Romantic stories with heart, hope, and absolutely zero heat.
The only thing steamy in here is the coffee.
www.beckymuth.com
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🔎 Cozy Mysteries with Magic and Mayhem
Paranormal cozy mysteries are similar to traditional mysteries, except they have enchanting elements such as talking cats and witchy sleuths.
🩷 Sweet Contemporary Romances
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My original guess was museum date but I see it's taken. So I'll go with Library Book Bingo
Meeting in the townhall