 Reflecting in December Oprah talks about it. Amy Bloom, Amy Poehler, even Malcolm Gladwell write about the constant element of change in our lives. CHANGE! Oh, how we hate change. Just when we think we've figured it out, things change again. People change, careers change, life changes around us. And yet, change is what keeps us relevant, interested and interesting, and married. Or not. Change or give in. I have pursued change, chasing the digital age so I can write and publish my own books. I have a Mac, iPad, iPhone, and iTunes. I BLOG (hel-lo!), I'm on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest, thanks to my virtual assistant, Meagan. Frankly, I'm tired. Change or else. This year, I have attended workshops by the best in the business: Marie Force (books are your business), Courtney Milan (something new every three months), Hugh Howey (regrets not finishing everything), Bella Andre, Sylvia Day and Kristin Lamb. I have read and practiced The Secret faithfully, listened to lectures on writing fast and escape from revision hell. I even tried NaNoWriMo in November. And I still haven't reached my goal to: Become a 99c Millionaire! From writing books? Are you kidding me? OK, scratch that. Which leads me to… Celebrating! As I look back on this year, the times I cherish most are the celebrations, fun with friends and family, the most important people and events in my life. Love to my husband of 49 ½ years – yes, next year will be 50! You can be damn sure I'm celebrating that love affair, every chance I get! This year we celebrated with our kids, here at Sunset Casa and from sea to shining sea where they now live. I discovered that Connecticut is quaintly beautiful and that Thanksgiving on the California Coast is flip-flop heaven. We celebrated visits with lifelong friends from afar and here with fabulous Tucson friends, because we're wild 'n crazy! None of these are in the 'Learn to say no' category. They are what life is all about. I'm sure I'll change in this next year, but not much. I will let the digital world whirl out of control. I will continue my passion for writing. I will celebrate more and write my book when I can. After all, what good is a million bucks if you don't have anyone to celebrate with? Thanks to all who have bought my books and liked my stories. I would love to hear from you. What are you celebrating this year? Warm hugs and Happy Holidays All, Mary Tate PS: All my eBooks are 99 cents during December, so if you're seeking a sweet and sassy romantic story, or just curious about what I'm up to, check me out at www.marytateengels.com  |
