 How’s your "Twenty-Twenty…Too" going so far? Make any New Year’s resolutions? Or does anybody even bother doing that anymore? I’m going to try really, really, hard to stick to mine this year. How about this? I’ll tell you my resolution if you tell me yours. It’s only fair, right? Okay. Here goes… In 2022, I’m going to strive for more balance.  I know, it seems overly obvious, but it’s harder than it sounds. Do this with me. Think back to 2021 and consider all the things that happened in your life. Maybe things you didn’t expect. Maybe some not so good. Now think of all the goals you accomplished. All the projects you completed. Still thinking? Me too. While you’re thinking, I’ll tell you mine. Our daughter got married. We lost our dog to cancer. My husband retired after 30 years in healthcare. My husband opened a hardware store. Book 1 (Paint Me Fearless) and Book 2 (Wolfheart) of the Shady Gully Series were published. I completed the first and second drafts of Book 3 in the Shady Gully Series. No title yet, but I’m so dang excited I can barely contain myself.
Let’s flip it now. Let’s consider the vacations we took in 2021, the times we relaxed and read a book on the back porch while sipping sweet tea. The days we turned off the computer. Or put down the phone and really looked at our family. Or the times we picked up the phone and called an old friend…just for the heck of it. Okay. I’m done. Sadly, that list isn’t nearly as long for me. How about you?  I’ve come to realize that most of my deadlines are self-imposed. I wonder, why-oh-why do I do that to myself!? What am I chasing that’s more important than friends, family, and real-life Hallmark moments? Maybe I’d feel less anxious (and tired) if I could find a way to balance work with real life? Maybe if I picked up the phone every time I thought of an old friend (rather than just enjoying the fond memory) I’d come away enriched by the experience. What would happen if I slacked off my “things to do” list and took my daughter shopping? Or popped into my Friendly Hardware Man’s store with lunch?  I’m pretty sure that trifling list of mine would be waiting for me the next day. No doubt its importance diminished in the face of real-life harmony. What do you think? I know it’s hard. Our lives are busy. There are things we must do. Like earn a living, to be sure. BUT…a little mindful balance couldn’t hurt, could it? What say you? Balance. It’s something to aspire to… I’ll let y'all know how it goes. NOW, it’s your turn: What are your resolutions? Tell me here: [email protected] Or, if you’re feeling feisty, you can add a comment below and share it with everyone. Speaking of goals, I was invited to be part of the Kentucky Book Festival in 2021! I had a wonderful time meeting readers and signing books. Thanks to everyone who came out to see me! Here are some of my favs!!!!
Before I close this newsletter, I'd like to remind y'all to swing by the SHADY GULLY section on my website. If you've read the books, you'll find some of the RECIPES (and the notes) amusing. They are all delicious, with the exception of Granny Lacey's Zucchini bread. Tee Hee. I have a HUGE surprise for y'all very soon. In fact, if you've read this far, and you're interested in being entered into a drawing for a FREE Audiobook of WOLFHEART, email me at [email protected] and you'll be entered! The audiobook will be out any day now. Seriously. Any. Day. Now. EMAIL ME HERE TO ENTER THE DRAWING Happy January y'all. And remember.... Stay Fearless, Hallie
2 Comments
Janet Abramson
1/11/2022 17:37:25
I would like to be entered into the drawing for a free Wolfheart audio book. Winning would be so fantastic. 1/12/2022 08:20:05
Hi Janet, Leave a Reply. |
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