Midnight Reflections

All right. You got me. It's not yet midnight in my part of the world. But I have some time to write a bit, and I wanted to think back over 2012. It's been such a great year for me; I kind of hate to see it go! The world, however, moves on...and I with it.

The first part of the year was the same as most years. We traveled to Branson for Spring Break, which was awesome! My whole family loves Branson. It helps that we have extended family who live there. As we traveled home, however, I began to realize that I needed to do some things to change my life. A trip to Copper Mountain , CO with my brother at the very end of March confirmed that.

We spent the day at a much higher altitude than I was used to. I got winded climbing a flight of stairs. I just felt crummy throughout most of that day. It was time to lose weight. April 1st, I began a six-month journey that resulted in losing close to fifty pounds. I worked out. I watched what I ate. I walked all over our small town. And I started to feel so much better.

I have more work to do on that. I'd like to lose about thirty more pounds. Over the holidays, I stopped worrying so much about eating healthy, so I need to get back on track. My body is ready. This afternoon, I was thinking about what I could have, but I realized I really didn't want anything. I wasn't hungry. It's really that simple. I'll just have to start reminding myself of that.

This year, I "retired" from singing. I've never considered myself much of a singer, although I hear good things from people after I've performed. I'd been singing in a trio of ladies, but it was time to give that up. I felt like our season was over, and I wanted to concentrate on writing. I still sing from time to time, but it's just not as important to me as it once was.

The biggest news of all, though, happened in July. My book, Asylum, was chosen as the WestBow Press/Munce Group Writing Contest grand prize winner. My book went into production at the beginning of August, and by the end of that same month, I held the paperback in my hands. It was quite awesome! Since then, I've been trying to market my book in all kinds of crazy ways. I've had amazing response from both friends and folks I've never met.

That leads into my hopes for 2013. It's my prayer that I will be paired with a literary agent who can guide my career, work with me as a writer, and partner with me in getting my series off the ground. I'd like to see the Circeae Tales land a traditional contract with a reputible house. And not for financial success. I've heard from people who have been touched by my stories - that's what it's all about. Reaching people for God. For His glory.

I wish you all a beautiful and prosperous year ahead. May your dreams come true. May you find what you are searching for. And may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. Happy New Year!