A New Year
Granddaughter Mimi in Our Town
With 2017, a new year here, we look back on 2016. It’s been a tumultuous year, marked by a wild American election, Brexit, the Syrian refugee crisis and rising concerns about climate change. We also lost some well-loved celebrities. Because of all that and more, it wasn’t an easy year. I’ve heard many journalists say they were glad 2016 was on its way out.
But it was also a year that promised new horizons through space travel, electric cars, and cures for Alzheimer’s, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
In fact, our family sat around the dinner table on New Year’s Eve discussing other positives in the past year. We noted that gay marriage was accepted and legalized in more places. The indigenous populations in both Canada and the USA became more vocal with their concerns and were heard like they hadn’t been before. Marijuana was legalized in many states and accepted as a drug that could help rather than hurt. For many, it lessens pain and anxiety. And though racism reared its ugly head, we became more conscious of how far we have yet to go. There is hope here as well that we can put aside our differences and live in peace and harmony.
2017 New Year’s Resolutions
With the tradition of New Year’s resolutions, it’s natural to do an inner check and plan on some changes. I’m planning on scaling back my involvement in social media. Much as I like the Twitter buzz and the Facebook updates from friends and family, I end up spending too much time checking out videos, reading quotes, etc. All lovely, but it’s time I could be devoting to my writing projects and reading. So, that’s one of my resolutions. To lessen the time spent on these sites. Whether I’ll be able to follow through remains to be seen.
Lukia
I’ve also decided to re-write Lukia, my grandmother’s story and weave myself into it, much like the author, Amy Tan, did in her novel, Joy Luck Club. I had tried before but gave up because I couldn’t come up with a satisfying ending. I’ve since figured it out and have started the re-writes.
I’m also hoping to get it published sometime in 2017. But again, I don’t know. Hope is like that.
Along Came A Gardener
And if you haven’t signed up for Diana’s Book News, do. I’ll be letting you know of any book specials and also sending you FREE chapters of my other work in progress, Along Came A Gardener.
Blessings at This Time of Year
Rob and I have been blessed to have a wonderful Christmas. Our two daughters, one son-in-law (the other was performing in It’s A Wonderful Life for Soulpepper) and three grandchildren have been celebrating the holidays with us.
The photo on his page is one from Our Town, a Thornton Wilder play that Soulpepper produced in 2011. The little girl waving is our granddaughter, Mimi. I like to think she’s waving good-bye to the old year as well.
A Very Happy New Year!
And if you have any resolutions you’d like to share, I’d love to read them. I wish you a wonderful New Year, one of peace and joy and hope.
Yes, it has been an unusual year…something to do with being an even numbered year? Oh, well. You granddaughter is adorable! Your 2017 writing goals are ambitious but you accomplished much in 2016. I would like to start another longer writing project, but to do that I will have to spend less time on social media also. Another goal is to be more positive, worry about family less and be thankful for each day for what I have. As you wrote. hope is like that.
Jo, lovely to hear about your goals. I enjoyed the writing samples you had on your website so will be looking forward to reading whatever you produce. As for worrying about family less, I have to work on that one as well. I think I’m a born worrier. 🙂
Thanks Jo, re: granddaughter. She is now 15 and 5’7 1/2″. Still adorable.:)
Happy New Year to you and yours! I suspect 2017 will be interesting.
Yes, Julia, 2017 will be interesting. I’m looking forward to seeing what the great minds of 2017 come up with. And I hope your mobility is again in top form this year. Hugs.
Happy New Year, Diana. It’s certainly been a topsy turvy 2016. All the best to you and yours in 2017, and happy writing.
Thanks, Jo-Anne. Yes, a topsy-turvy year. Here’s to great writing this year. xo