Happy New Year

Another fun weekend that lingers. My brother and his family are visiting from San Diego. It's a festival of cousins. We brought 2012 through the front door with plenty of banging-pots and happy celebrating. I have high hopes for this new year. 2011 was rough. My husband is on month 10 of unemployment. We keep paying $600 a month for my health insurance. We needed it badly in the spring when I had surgery (that went well) and recovery (that didn't go well). I keep holding the children in a space of confidence and positivity even when I struggle with frustration and scary thinking like, maybe this won't end for a long time yet.

I don't have answers. But I keep hoping for a phone call offering him work. With health benefits. Please.

Then, on the other side of the equation, I found a fantastic agent who is helping bring the Fairy Craft book to life. I have discovered big joy in sharing our magical world with others. And I'm excited for what happens next in Fairyland. I have a feeling 2012 will be a good year for the Forest.

I am going to try the Photo365 project. I know, I know I do not need another project. But I take photos almost daily with my phone or the fancy camera, so why not make them into something cool? I'll post as many as I can (without getting boring :)).

I have ideas for fiction, too.

Then I take a breath and remind myself that I do not need a more list. I need a less list.

So I am trying to think of things to take away from my daily expectations. How to make life easier, not busier :)

That's big work. So I circle around to conversations this weekend. We talked a lot about balance. Which makes sense given my many bumps and bruises lately. Balance. A good intention for the year.

I have photos from the fancy camera to share. Stories of celebrating. 2012. May we all find magic, happiness, and good health!