From 2008; 31 December spent walking along the beach in Santa Cruz.
When we lived in Britain, we always enjoyed the year-end round-ups, usually on Sky, noting achievements from news and sport to entertainment and other issues, I’m sure. We can’t seem to find something similar here in America, a pity. It was a way to frame the end of the year, a marker. It felt very comforting.
Right now I’m in a bit of discomfort; amid making a cuppa and starting my dishwasher, I put my lower back into a tizzy. I had just finished the WIP, but had yet to correct the mistypings. All I was doing was standing there, I promise. Now I’m sitting, and will be doing so for a while to come.
But that doesn’t negate all that occurred in 2012; I published books, a good number of them. I wrote some as well, started another, also completed two short stories, very exciting all-round. When I wasn’t working (or straining my back) I was plotting, then reveling in my eldest daughter’s wedding. Occasionally I went to the beach, although not nearly as often as I would have liked. For three years running my husband and I went to Santa Cruz and Capitola to usher in the new year. This year I’ll be lucky to step outside my back door to watch the hummingbirds.
It’s been a wonderful year, wordy both in novels and blogs; I switched to WordPress in July, am loving it for the smooth interface, new friends I’ve made, also reconnecting with old pals. I’ve learned so much about indie publishing, I’ve become a better writer with every book released, an even better editor. I’ve engaged with readers who make my heart leap, I’ve read new authors who have captured my soul (more on those in January). I have recommitted myself to this tasking, which is not easy, but then, loading my dishwasher seems fraught with peril. Writing is not as precarious as kitchen chores, but it’s not without some drama. Or a lot of drama; releasing The Timeless Nature of Patience was a thrill, still makes me smile.
In the meantime, I’ve taken painkillers. I’ve finished Where The Ball Is, and lord help me, might be considering not just a sequel for that book, but a third tale as well. Writing and publishing are indeed sometimes thorny, but I shall prevail. A host of manuscripts wait for revising, heh heh heh. Not an aching back or missing year-end TV specials can dissuade me, when I can post photographs like the one above, or yet one more of darling Buttercup. She was a treasure falling into our lives this year; what wonders might I encounter in 2013?
In her new Christmas sweater; I think she’s just adorable!
January 2nd, 2013 at 6:40 PM
Well done on all your achievements in 2012, Anna. I hope your back gives you some respite this year, Buttercup is too adorable.
January 2nd, 2013 at 7:41 PM
Back is feeling better, thank you so much! Buttercup is really something else; I’ll have to post some new pictures soon.
January 1st, 2013 at 10:02 AM
Anna,
I am very glad to hear that you are feeling better!
Blessings and a very Happy New Year to you and your family!
January 1st, 2013 at 10:29 AM
Thanks so much Cathy. Blessings and New Year’s joy to you too!
January 1st, 2013 at 5:40 AM
Anna, I am very sorry about your back. I hope that you feel better very soon!
Blessings, and a Happy New Year to you and your family!
January 1st, 2013 at 7:47 AM
I woke feeling much better, thank you so much! Many blessings to you and yours, and a very Happy New Year too.
January 1st, 2013 at 1:35 AM
Sounds like you had a wonderful year, Anna! I really hope your back is feeling better soon
Big *hugs* to you…
January 1st, 2013 at 7:46 AM
Amazing what a good night’s sleep can do Dianne; the back is much better! Maybe it’s just a new year, hee hee. Big * hugs* to you too!!
December 31st, 2012 at 3:25 PM
I’m so sorry to hear about your back, Anna. Having two back surgeries under my belt, I feel your pain. Aleve and flat on my back with a heating pad always takes care of my periodic kinks. Buttercup cracks me up! She never seems very thrilled with having her photo taken ~ she’s a cutie! Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2012 at 3:51 PM
Oh Jill, wow, that’s not small when it comes to surgery. I’m hoping this is just the occasional kink that usually occurs along my shoulders and takes a few days to unravel itself. As for Buttercup, she always seems so pained in photographs, like she’s doing the photographer a huge favour. When my daughter sent this one, I just burst out laughing. Happy New Year to you too.
December 31st, 2012 at 2:48 PM
Hey Anna! I’ll be writing the new year in, how about you? peace
December 31st, 2012 at 3:48 PM
Oh yes, always something needing to be written. Much peace to you too!