2012 Goals: Year in Review

When I set seven goals back in January 2012, I had no idea just how far I would come and how much would change as I worked through each month. Overall, I consider myself quite successful even though I didn’t achieve every goal with perfection. I learned a few things and realized that sometimes a new direction is needed rather than plodding along on the same path for the sake of reaching a benchmark. For a goal oriented person such as myself, this is a huge leap and I’m glad to have learned how to be a little more flexible with my determination.

December turned out to a month full of distractions beyond my control. My muse opted to stay silent as I dealt with family situations, health issues, and the holiday season. Normally, I would be incredibly frustrated with a quiet muse, but given the circumstances of the last few weeks I decided to take a small break from writing to get my reality back in order. Starting tomorrow, however, that break is officially over as I consider my goals for 2013 and jump back into editing Novel #2.

To recap my 2012 goals, I couldn’t stop myself from creating a little chart much like I did for NaNoWriMo. One side of the chart backtracks to where I was when each goal began and the other side shows where I stand as 2012 comes to a close.

Goal #1: Submit 5 pieces of writing.

To read my submissions visit the following links:

Fatespeak

Blueberry Hunt

The Expanding Pear

Poetry

Goal #2: Finish minor changes in Novel #1

Goal #3: Work on Novel #2

I am so excited to jump back into Novel #2! Within the next week, I’m hoping to send the first five chapters to a beta reader.

Goal #4: Send out 5 query letters.

World Literary Cafe is a fantastic resource for aspiring writers and people who love to read. I highly recommend it as it is a great to place to hang out with people who love the written word.

Goal #5: Keep up with my blog.

Thank you so much to my readers! Your visits and comments are an amazing source of motivation and inspiration for me as a writer. Whether it be musings by way of fiction, crafts, or poetry, it’s a good feeling to know people care about what I’m writing!

Top 5 posts of 2012

1. Wreck This Journal: Letting Go

2. Wreck This Journal: Time Flies

3. Wreck This Journal: Be Unpredictable

4. Wreck This Journal: Stay Positive

5. Beautiful Book Inscriptions

Goal #6: Network more with other writers.

Here’s where post various musings on writing and the creative process:

Facebook 

Twitter

Goal #7: Inspire others to keep writing.

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Now, it’s time to start considering goals for 2013! Hmmm . . . I have a lot to ponder.

Happy New Year!

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c.b.w. 2012

 

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Grasmere Pause

Near Grasmere, England.
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

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Grasmere is a beautiful village in England’s Lake District. The writer inside of me delighted in walking the same pathways as William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. However, my greatest joy came with spending time in a pastoral setting which inspired one of my favorite authors, Beatrix Potter. Grasmere is usually full of tourists, but its easy to escape the hoopla if you take a short trek through the centuries old cemetery or into the green fields full of grazing sheep. Lean against a dry stone wall and listen carefully . . . you just might hear the tiny patter of mist droplets against flowing blades of grass.

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c.b.w. 2012

Quiet Contemplation

Near Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

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There’s nothing more peaceful than sunset on the lake. Stillness coaxes leaves to hang without a rustle, while the water placidly asks the sky to reflect on the day. When the dragonflies begin to soar, listen to those inner thoughts that otherwise have no voice.

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c.b.w. 2012

Little Gifts, Big Heart

This Christmas was the first I’ve ever spent without my Grandma, but in keeping my promise to her, I celebrated with a lot of love and laughter. It was a beautiful Christmas filled with family, friends, and wonderful gifts.

One of my favorite things about my family is how we all put so much thought into the gifts we give one another. I don’t recall ever receiving a gift I felt was haphazardly chosen or thoughtlessly wrapped. No matter how small, they all mean something and are personal, which makes them that much more special.

My husband in particular puts an incredible amount of thought into the gifts he gives. Not only does he always find the perfect thing, but he is also creative in how he presents his gifts. I never know what to expect and this year was no different.

For a few years now, I’ve been an avid fan of Simon’s Cat. I’ve posted videos here on my blog and shared links on Facebook for this adorable cartoon cat. He cracks me up and I think he’s just the cutest thing! Little did I know, he’s even cuter in person. When I came home from a little Christmas Eve get-together, this is what I saw when I turned on the lights:

Meow! Is there food in here?

Hee hee! Simon’s Cat was on my table and causing mischief in my stocking! Now I know why my husband had to run back into the house before we left for the party. He set the whole thing up because he knew it would make me laugh. The gift itself was wonderful ( I really wanted a plush Simon’s Cat!), but the fact that he went to all the trouble to make it funny means the world to me.

Simon’s Cat is already getting into trouble. By Christmas evening, he found my knitting. I think we’re going to have a lot of fun with this little guy!

Bad Kitty!

If you’ve never “met” Simon’s Cat, here is one of my favorite videos:

Humor aside, my husband also thought to give me something very meaningful. I once wrote about a compass necklace I wear every day (See Finding True North) as it is something that holds some deep significance to me as a traveler, explorer, artist, and human being. In addition, the pendant now has further meaning as it now holds a special memory of my Grandma that was made shortly before she passed away.

After more than a year of daily wear, the chain has weakened and the finish is quite worn. I still love everything about it, but I’ve become increasingly worried about losing it due to snapped chain or jump ring. It was definitely time for a new one and apparently my husband agreed.

During the week leading up to Christmas, he joked that the present I was shaking was something that “sometimes knots together,” so I walked around thinking it was yarn (Ha! I really have knitting on the brain!). When I opened it, I realized he was referring to a chain just like the one he’s had to untangle countless times. My new compass necklace is very similar to the original, but also very different.

A new compass for a new year.

As I embark on a new year and a new phase of my life, I leave the old compass behind and embrace the new. A thoughtful gift, indeed.

My heartfelt thanks to a man who knows me better than anyone and never ceases to amaze me. I love you.

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c.b.w. 2012

Christmas Wisdom

With Christmas Day upon us, I hope the holidays bring you and your family many moments of joy, love, and bright memories.

Every year, I revisit the timeless tale of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. While the last line is the most famous, there is another one that resonates with me the most . . .

Photo by: c.b.w. 2012

May we all find laughter in our hearts this holiday season. To you and yours Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and everything in between.

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c.b.w. 2012