It's that time of year again. It's time that I reflect on what happened in the outgoing year and set goals for the incoming year. With large amounts of snow outside right now, it's also the perfect time to be inside on the couch and writing.
A lot of great things happened in 2022. Among them was a very successful season of selling books and signing them at a local farmers' market. This was where we introduced the world to BP's Life in the Library. I am proud of every title I launch, but this one will always have a special place in my heart. Among other reasons for this, it is the eighth book I've written in seven years. Growing up, I loved spending time in the school library, especially when my mother was the librarian. So it was with her permission that the librarian who cares for BP the bookworm was called Ms. Helen. In doing this book, I also discovered how much better illustrations look when drawn with ink instead of colored pencil. This led to redoing illustrations in two of my previous books and basically relaunching them. Outside of my writing, my legs are stronger every day, and I was able to teach more than the previous school year. I am proud of this, but I am also proud to say that this whole recovery has taught me that it is okay to say no when I really need to.
Now anyone who knows me will tell you that I am not a resolution person. I hated when teachers made us write them in school, and of course sticking to them was another matter entirely. I do; however, give myself goals for the coming year. My first goal is to add a market this summer, so I would be at two markets per week instead of one. My daughter would love to see me add a new title, but first things are first. I have several titles that still need updates to their illustrations. I'm not ruling out a new title, because you never know when inspiration will strike. I can say, though, that my daughter may get her wish before all is said and done. It has also been suggested that I should create plush versions of several characters to sell in my market booth. I am not ruling that out either, but I have a few details to work out for that to happen. Outside of my business goals, I am going to look forward to being in the classroom more, as I truly enjoy teaching. I will keep working at improving my health and returning to doing things independently. To that end, I will also not beat myself up for saying no or asking for help when I need it.
I always like this time of year, because it is a chance to reset. There are so many great possibilities ahead of us. Look out, 2023 - here we come!
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