The years truly pass faster the older you get. Seems like 2025 went by in a flash and here we are at the threshold of the new year. It’s time to reflect back on what we each accomplished during the past year.
I’ve read more books this year which has been fun. Part of it was spurred by joining a neighborhood book club which I’ve enjoyed immensely. I got a new Kindle Paperwhite which I love to read on. I bought books from other authors at the book signing events I’ve attended as well. I read more e-books than paperbacks, mostly because I read in the dark and it’s easier.
Hubby and I didn’t travel as much this year, sticking close to home. For me, it was a physically difficult year that curtailed my usual activities. I went to several book signing events and conferences that weren’t too far away, mainly in Wyoming and East River South Dakota, and participated in a couple of local events. I enjoyed those, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. The Monarch Bookstore and Boutique in Rapid City and Henry’s Books in Spearfish started carrying my books and have done an awesome job for me. Thank you to them.
I didn’t release any new books this year; however, I’ve almost completed one and if all goes well, I’ll self-publish number ten early in 2026. Walkers on Water will be book two of my Oldsters Love Adventures series, with our characters from book one taking a cruise. Follow me to see when it will come into the reading world. My big achievement of the year was when my book, Walkers on the Run, won the cozy mystery category of the National Excellence in Storytelling competition. It was a huge pat on the back that told me to keep doing what I’m doing.
I don’t make new year resolutions because if something in me needs improvement, why wait? Do it now. I started late in the year, but I’m over 15 pounds lighter than at the beginning of it. I was struck with sciatica trouble early in 2025 that has worsened through the year. I’m getting treatments for that and hope it will be handled in 2026 so I can function more normally. Hubby and I hope to travel a little more, but time will tell on that one. I want to get to more events to sell my books if I can.
More than all those, I hope to be more generous and reach out to help more often. In our world where hate seems to be running rampant, I want to be the person who restores hope in others. If I want there to be more kindness in this world, it starts with me.
I wish all of you a very prosperous, healthy, and happy 2026! May we all find peace, love, and purpose in the coming year.
The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Psalms 90:10