New Day, New Year, New Determination

2009 has arrived in all its glory. Are you as amazed as I am? Doesn't it seem like only yesterday we were bringing in 2008?

Looking back on the past year, I'm terribly disappointed in myself. It seems to me that I have failed to reach every goal I set. I have not yet finished the novel I started - even though I feel in my heart of hearts that it's a good one, one that will rival Goldeneyes. I did not finish Nanowrimo - I was sick, but I don't want to make excuses: The fact is, I didn't complete what I started.

On the bright side, I sold a children's book, but I can't even take the credit for writing it in '08 - it's one I've had sitting on the sidelines for a very long time. I also got my editor interested in a book of devotions, and I'm very excited about that. I've spent quite a bit of time developing that project, which is one of the reasons my novel remains on the back burner.

I think I need a better weekly schedule. On this day and this day, I will write devotions. On this day and this day, I will work on my novel. On this day I will research, write articles, and work my internet presence.

What do you think, peeps? Any advice? Any bright ideas to light a fire under my lazy behind?

What I did accomplish last year was to pack up and move from California to Oklahoma. It was a nerve-wracking decision, and carrying it out was time consuming. We do love our new place, although I must confess we miss our kids and grandkids sooooo much. God's been good though, and we've been blessed with a number of visitors from Bakersfield. They kept us from going insane in those first few lonely months of wondering, "What on earth have we done????" We also

(If you're interested in seeing our humble little "mansion," visit us here.)

Now...on to 2009! In the spirit of getting my "rear in gear," I have determined to start attending the local ACFW chapter meetings, starting in February. Author Margaret Daley made me aware of them soon after we moved here; it simply hasn't "worked out" for me to attend. However, I've decided if it's going to work out, it'll be because I work it out! So...help me pray, will you? I need to stay healthy, get focused, and WRITE. Hey, God is able to accomplish that even with a subject this unfit! He's done it before, and He'll do it again.

Here's to all of you, my faithful readers! Thank you for continuing to visit my mostly stagnant blog. It is my intention to liven it up for you this year, and make your efforts in returning here worthwhile.