I’ve never been one for making New Year’s resolutions but I usually set goals and do a good bit of reflection on the past year and what the future might hold. Dressed in my flannel jammies, curled up with a hot cocoa and my faithful dog Charlie by my side, this year I watched the celebrations on television from afar, safe and warm.
I’m an
optimist and I look forward to the promise in a new year, the surprises
certainly in store, and the new beginnings - in my case mostly the opening hook
of a new novel work. I write humor because I believe laughter gets us through the rough patches.
The year 2023
was different for me because I did not set a goal, spend time in reflection nor
make a resolution. I did attempt to create a vision board for the first time, a
project which ended after two items were pasted on the empty board. I may
return to it sometime in ’24.
Early last
year I sold my house and moved to Fernandina Beach as a renter. The blue
bungalow just screamed writer’s cottage. Inspiration was sure to follow - but
wait. Not yet.
I can hear
the ocean from my porch. A most wonderful and familiar sound from my childhood.
I was not forced at gunpoint but rather encouraged to make the move to follow my daughter
and the rest of the family. You cannot be over 65 years of age and live an hour away or more from your children. There’s a rule. (I’ll be blogging about the complete list
of rules soon.)
It took me
longer than usual to settle into my new home and hometown. But I did finish
edits on a book that was subsequently released by the publisher in September
and in the fall I attended a six-week lifelong learning course on the future of
humankind and learned AI will be writing my books before long. Still, loved the
discussions, the information on climate control, electric vehicles, and in
general the amazing future if we stay calm and do not hurt each other. (Meaning
no more wars) I’ll be taking more classes and continuing to be a volunteer for
the Heritage Keepers Project. (Deja vue to my broadcast days.)
It’s been a
long time since I’ve entertained but I hosted dinner for the family on
Christmas day. There were almost a dozen people who came to dinner in the
little blue bungalow. A cozy but cool afternoon and evening. I might have been a
bit tired the next day, but I survived.
Did I
mention my editor left the publishing company I was with? No? Well, there may
be suspicions out there, but honestly, I did not run her off with this last
book. “Murder at the Blue Oyster Grill” has had excellent reviews!
And then there
were the inevitable heartbreaking losses during 2023, including friends who
cannot be replaced. Grief. Old and new set in, in 2023. As I imagine it will in
2024. It’s life.
New Year’s
Eve, 2024 has passed. I did not set new goals and only briefly reflected on the
past and future.
I’ve been
thinking about writing new blogs on the adventures of aging and perhaps a new
fiction novel dedicated to providing fun and entertainment to my readers.
Perhaps a new editor and publisher are in my future. A new website may be involved.
And I’ll be investigating new travel adventures. Because that’s what I’ve
always done. These things make me happy. They are what and who I am: a mother,
grand-mother, great-grandmother, friend, former broadcaster, and a writer
thankful for the gift.
My hope is
that you will find your happiness in the new year. Be kind, be safe, be well. Most
of all, welcome laughter into your life.
And have a very Happy New
Year!
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