Every New Year's Eve, I find myself looking back. And this one was the same. I remember as a child, we celebrated as a family toasting in the new year, given that we could stay awake. If we fell asleep, my Dad would carry us upstairs to bed and Mom would tuck us in as she always did. As I grew older, throughout high school and college, my boyfriend, who played in a band and worked on Saturdays and holidays including the Eve, would call when he could after midnight and stop by on his way home for a wish and a kiss. Then my life took a sharp turn when my father died... I remember thinking how I didn't want the year to change... for some reason, I didn't want to say "he died last year." But the year sadly turned and my life went on.
I lived in the city with a group of friends - it was the best time! We spent New Years in our rented ski chalet in NH. On the Eve, we celebrated (not much drinking) and on the day, we skied. After we all married, we would gather on the Eve toasting in another year. How the years seem to fly by... one new year after another! And here we are again... remembering, reflecting and looking forward.
On this Eve, I'm so very thankful for the wonderful year that I've had. We stayed healthy, the kids continue to grow into good and thoughtful children. Their hugs are the best. My writing career, after all my hard work and studying, really took off... two books published, a cable TV interview and a number of book club invites! I'm almost afraid to step into this new year... how could it get any better???
But I'm looking forward to traveling with my husband in 2019... not sure where yet, but we shall find an intriguing spot somewhere. Day ago, I finished the draft of another novel - not a Oyster Point Mystery, but one I hope my readers will love just as much. It has a French flavor to it. I've started another Oyster Point Mystery and as soon as I finish up this current novel, I'll be following Jack and Jamie on another very scary adventure. I love those two characters as I gather my readers do. Jack is especially a hit with the ladies.
All I can wish for you all is a happy, healthy and productive 2019! May your dreams come true and when they don't, may another door open for you... as my mother used to say.
Keep writing,
till,
Judi
The main thing is to be moved, to love, to hope, to tremble, to live. — Auguste Rodin
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