Hope all of you are having a wonderful holiday season. First I have to give a gift today and that should put me into the holiday spirit! Natasha, the judges said your story won, so you’ll be receiving the signed copy of Shooting Kabul. Congratulations. Contact me and send me your snail mail address.
Now that that’s done. Let’s think about what the season is really about. Gifts, of course, but the idea behind those gifts. The wrapping up at the end of the year, looking back to be grateful, looking ahead to the possibilities in the new year.
What are you looking back to in 2010? What are you looking forward to in 2011? Hopes? Dreams? Good health? Knitting together rifts or reaching out to new friends?
I’m remembering 2010 as a great year. My mom is still with me, even though she’s had some illnesses that were deeply troubling. My family survived the economic downturn. My yoga brought me closer to my goal of being”accepting” instead of “judgmental.” I have book two out as of the fifteenth.
As for 2011, I’m looking forward to a wonderful year of writing-submitting my third book, developing my fourth, sharing with writers whenever possible and keeping close ties with my friends and family.
Oh, yes and lots of persimmon things. My neighbor’s tree was prolific this year and I have a freezer full of persimmon pulp just waiting to go into cookies and puddings. Having persimmons ensures that I will have a lot of guests. I think they smell when I’m baking and just happen to drop by! Lovely.
I was amazed by how many new people poured into my life when I started writing and blogging. You're so right. It has been a game changer. I love it. Thanks for the visit, Julie.
I look back on 2010 as a year of growth as a writer. I've come a long way this past year, and learned so much. Plus, I began blogging and tweeting in 2010, so I got to meet amazing writers like yourself. What a game changer.
An intern sounds so wonderful-for you and for her as well. What a wonderful opportunity for the both of you.
And your daughter at 15 . . . isn't that the most exciting time of life? All is possible. All is ahead.
Thank you for stopping by and thank you for sharing the happiness of 2010 and the hope for 2011.
Looking back on 2010, I'm happy I got an intern this year because she helped me remember why I love my job. It's been invigorating introducing her to all the aspects of being a school librarian. I'm very blessed! In 2011, I'm hoping to make family, especially my daughter, a higher priority. As a single mom of a 15 year old, I sometimes forget that she is still a child. I want to make sure she knows that I'm there for her and her friends. Like Cheryl, I still have my mom with me and I want to be there for her too.
Thanks, Lisa. And right back at you.
Congratulations on all the happy news of the year. I truly hope such good things continue for you in the year to come!
A great post, Lee. Can hardly believe 2010 is almost over. My YA historical came out in 2010. I've met many wonderful people through blogging. A couple of my stories will be published in 2011 and I'm hoping for another contract, maybe an agent too.
Lee, congratulations on your book. My favorite part of this blog is what you said about yoga bringing you closer to being accepting rather than judgmental. It just struck me as funny because from your blog posts and the comments you leave on my blog, you've never seemed judgmental!
beth-project52.blogspot.com
I've got good writerly things happening, but I'm most grateful for the personal-health and happy relationships. Looking forward to the same next year.
Awesome trailer!!!
2010 was kind to me, too. Wrote my freckles off. Got a publishing contract. Then a second one. Dumb luck. But I'll take dumb luck … I'm not proud.
Looking back on 2010, I realize it was a great year for me. I wrote more than I have have in a 12-month period, and my first picture book was accepted for publication. I can't complain.
What I'm looking forward to in 2011 is my picture book coming out in Spring!! I'm so excited.