As the final days of 2015 are upon us, I look at the year and smile.
In March I released Forged in the Maze to Kindle. It was a leap of faith. One that made me feel as if I were walking on air.
I learned a lot about self publish, fast. And am still learning.
Am I a number 1 best seller? No, but that's not the point. Or at least it wasn't the point as far as I was concerned.
I am growing a reading public, slowly... but it is growing.
I started a blog! I would never have thought to do that.... but it was recommended in something I read on self publishing. This blog has been a bit of an adventure and a lesson in discipline. And I'm glad I took on the task.
I lost some Faire friends this year, people who had touched my life in quiet ways. Steve whose camera was a silent sentinel, recording moments of life. Pat, who kept our Garden running like a top, and who sold me my favorite Faire hat. There were others, too. And I will miss them all.
In August I released the second of my Forged series. And I learned to be proactive in self advertising my novels.
I'm blessed in having family so close. The children, gown now, are only moments away. I always know that if I get in trouble, I just need to shout and they are here. I'm blessed that John is still with me. His conditions is what his condition is, and that's that. But at least he still has that cutting humor, and he still makes me laugh. It's harder for him to get out now, and mostly he only goes out to the doctor's offices. But for now he's still able to move about the basement and his trains give him the greatest of pleasure.
My craft room is nearly done, only plaques and paintings left to go up... and that will take place when we take down all the Yule decorations. I love that room... I know I fought the color that the family said would be best, and they were right. I now love that yellow...it's so charming and cheerful. it's a pleasure to go in there and work on projects.
We've taken a long time to heal after the loss of our beloved dog, Missy. She was so much a part of our lives. Come the spring we will start actively looking for a new dog. It's time.
As an artist, and a writer, I feel this has been a good year. I grew as a person. I grew as a writer. And the adventure of life goes on. Here's to a fulfilling 2016.