New Year

A new year is a new beginning for many things. I decided to resume posting on this blog. My goal is once a week for now. I hope you will rejoin me here from time to time.

I'm excited about the forthcoming release of my devotional gift book, As Grandma Says. Harvest House has scheduled release for next month. I have post cards and a poster. It really is happening!

Meantime, I've joined two writing groups in neighboring communities. The one that meets one Sunday afternoon a month is difficult to attend each time because of family things. However the one that meets one Thursday evening a month is great. There are some really astute writers there. We have unique points of view and can give one another deeper perspective on our writing.

It is a learning experience that will help me to become a better writer - which is, of course, my goal. I hope to be of similar help to others as well.

In the meantime, I sometimes read over the transom submissions for a small publisher. That gives me great joy - except when I have to tell the editor that a manuscript is not worth the time and effort. I've had to do that from time to time. But it is extremely gratifying to see some of the things I recommended on their list of coming attractions. It validates my judgment when the publisher agrees with my opinion.

In an online writers group that I joined, I have had the extreme pleasure of working with a young woman who shows great talent. Her creativity and imagination gave me a pleasurable trip through a draft of her first novel. I was able to recommend some things that will help her polish the manuscript to a high gloss. She is such a quick study that she "gets it" and can work up revisions with alacrity. What a joy! I can hardly wait to see her in print. Then I can say "I knew her when."

This year is full of promise.

Special Dates

Today is the birthday of two of my children. No, they are not twins. He was born on her fourth birthday.

At the time, she wasn't thrilled. After all, he spoiled her birthday party. Her birthday happened to fall on Sunday, so we were having relatives from out of town for a special party. By that age, she was able to understand party.

Happily, things have warmed between them. As adults, they are best of friends. And they are of an age where a large party is no longer THE thing to do.

Coincidentally, it is also my grandparents' wedding anniversary. Both of them are long gone, but each year when this day comes I remember.

Occasions and remembrances.

This is the year to make them special for your family and friends. Sunday we will have our annual mountain oyster fry. The house will be full of friends and family. No one will say or do anything spectacular. But we will all feel the joy and the love of a large circle of support.

May your year be filled with joyful occasions. Good times to remember.