New year! New decade! and 100 years since the date I set my first book (yes, that would be 1910)… So I’m figuring it’s probably a good time to consider embracing change – not that I’m a stick in the mud (like Winston Churchill I believe there’s nothing wrong with change so long as it’s in the right direction) but I do like to know how things turn out (which, of course, is impossible). I’m a great one for worrying about the not-so good changes (pointless I know), so this year I’m going to throw off my shackles and embrace uncertainty and change in all aspects of my life (yes, really…)
I met most of last year’s resolutions after all – I did grow my hair long (and then cut it all off in horror at what I looked like); I learned how to ride a bike (my husband bought me one for Christmas so my fate is sealed) and I did lose weight (although after eating my way through the holidays my bum is now exponentially larger…sigh). My writing resolution (put the writing first!) fell a bit by the wayside – but then with twin five-year old boys I guess what else can I expect! I completed two books and am three-quarters of the way through a third…so not too bad…(though on the publishing end of it, 2009 was bit of a dud).
I’m reminded of a quotation from Washington Irving that I think I may adopt for the year:
“There is certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse! As I have often found in traveling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to shift one’s position, and be bruised in a new place.”
I know that 2010 is going to be year of change – and so I am going to focus my efforts
on trying to adapt as best I can. I shall shift my position in the stagecoach and see how it feels:)
on trying to adapt as best I can. I shall shift my position in the stagecoach and see how it feels:) I have ideas for lots of new books (even I need a break from Edwardian England sometimes) and I am completing a short story as well…so maybe I’ll even foray a few more times into this medium (or maybe not…let’s see…)
So forget resolutions – let’s just accept the inevitability of change and fess up – what kind of change will you be embracing this year?
Nice to see you back Clare. What change have I in store?
At the present there is 83 cents in change in my left pants pocket. 25 cents of which is Canadian, therefore I’m not sure how accurate the original 83 number stands.
As for future change:
1. This year I will take off the 25% extra me I put on after shoulder surgery last year.
2. I will sell at least one of the four novels I have written.
2b. I will sell at least one of the four movie scripts I have written.
3. I will learn how to make Kung Pao Chicken as good as Pagoda Restaurant in North Pole (best Chinese food in interior Alaska, was even on the Food Network.)
4. I will not say stupid things that make my wife not talk to me.
6. Get my web radio talk show syndicated for actual pay.
5. I will never wear speedos to the pool unless I take off that 25% weight plus another 10%, and get a ripped six pack abs and no double chin, because a double chin with a six pack just ruins the whole effect of speedos. Not that I have ever worn speedos, or even that my wife or anyone else has ever imagined me in speedos, although if they have that would explain some of the rude looks I get for no apparent reason at all by women who suddenly gasp in shock and cover their children’s eyes. At any rate, I will not wear a speedo, ever in 2010.
At least that last one, I kind of have control over.
welcome back Basil – glad to see your sense of humor is still intact despite the holidays:)! At least you have some change in your pockets left…
Glad you guys are back! Missed reading your entries. Hope everyone had a great holiday season and became well-rested and ready to start a new year of wonderful writing!
Hopefully my husband will be able to find a new job and quit the one he has.
I may find out I really can’t write well enough to make a career of it.
Then again I may find out I can write well enough and begin my career at it. 🙂
Change? Nothing like having change thrust upon you. Like say having a big Belgium Beer company buy out an American Beer icon and some guy named Carlos Britto tell you and 1,400 of your co-workers that you’re out of a job two weeks before Christmas. I’m reflecting back on Christmas 2008.
But seriously, talk about change! 2009 was a year of adapting for me. My writing career took a big hit in adjusting to a new job, etc.
The good news is, I survived.
I quit smoking 11 yrs ago, didn’t drink, so I gave up on resolutions. Didn’t have anything left to give up. Finally, someone told me Resolutions aren’t about giving something up, like food, booze and smoke. So, I’ll make a resolution not to make any resolutions. Does that count?
Happy New Year to you, Clare. Your posts are great.
I have the same resolution every year- to learn something new. One year I learned to knit, the next to ride a motorcycle. This year…piano. More of a refresher course, since we recently inherited a baby grand and I realized to my shock that I’ve forgotten how to read sheet music.
Love the pic, btw. 🙂