Random Thoughts on 2010

Around New Years Day, it is almost obligatory that bloggers/columnists reflect on the past year, so here are some random thoughts about 2010.

It was a good year for me. As far as my writing career goes, I was privileged to read and sign my books at several Literacy Lab Revisited workshops, I had two short stories published in an anthology and another won first place at the Grand Prairie Arts Festival. I maintained the discipline of posting comments here every week (mostly) and working with a monthly critique group. And the biggie: on December 30 I submitted my final draft and cover design to the company that will publish my latest novel, To Find a Home.

Between January and December, I read 24 books for my enjoyment and edification. More about that when I post the one-sentence reviews next week.

I had a supporting role in two plays at Center on the Square, chaired the Church Council, taught a Sunday School class once a month and filled my spare time with various other volunteer tasks at church and the theater.

About 30 minutes before the end of 2010, in my dream hometown in Arkansas, dead birds fell out of the sky. There are as many theories as to the cause as there were blackbirds. (Not four and twenty. More like 4 and 4996.) This didn’t happen in my neighborhood, but if it had it would have scared me to death. If I had walked outdoors at 11:30 pm and birds traumatized by fireworks (one projection) started hitting the ground around me or going berserk and offing themselves by flying into my house, car, mailbox (another theory) I would have gone into cardiac arrest.  Then the count would have been ‘5,000 birds, 1 duck and a sweet little old lady.’

As long as I can remember I have greeted January 1 with enthusiasm, thankful to be here and eager to see what happens next.