Two New Things for 2013

I said before that I don't expect 2013 to be much different than 2012. But there are two little things.

1. I decided to set a goal of taking at least one photograph each day, in an effort to get to know my camera a little more. In order to keep myself accountable, I'm posting the photos on my new blog, Rebecca's Daily Photo 2013. Fourteen photos so far!

2. I decided to create an art journal. The point of this project is to help my artistic self gain a little more confidence by learning to let go and just create, without the pressure of "Oh, I hope this turns out right!" It's a bit like a sketchbook, but messier, with room for any kind of art I choose, and journaling too!

What's new for you in 2013?

Unanswered Questions

1. Why does my dog eat poop?
2. Why do I manage to make my bed on work days, but not on my days off?
3. Why is it so hard to write an excellent rhyming picture book?
4. Why are so many published picture books far from excellent?
5. Is the answer to question number 4 related to question number 3?
6. Why can't I get to sleep when my body feels like it is on the verge of shutting down completely?
7. Are unanswered questions one of the reasons for so much poetry in the world?
8. Are unanswered questions such a bad thing?
9. Why does someone always spill sticky liquid on the floor right after I mop?
10. Why do so many people type your when they really mean to type you're?
11. Does anybody know the answer to this question?
12. Why are you still reading these questions?

New Year, Same Life

Today is the first day of a new year. But it doesn't really feel new to me because there is so much from 2012 that will be carrying on as 2013 gets its start. I will continue to seek representation for my verse novel, HOUSE OF BONES. I will continue to pursue my picture book projects. I will continue to submit my poetry to magazines for possible publication. I will continue to work in the library three days a week, take care of my family 24/7, and try to find time for all the little things I love to do.

I don't expect 2013 to be much different than 2012.

But...maybe this will be the year that Corey and I will sell one of our picture books. Maybe this will be the year that I will find an agent who believes in my work. Maybe this will be the year that my friends and family will see me as an author, and not as a hopeful wannabe.

I wonder, though, how differently I will feel if those things do happen this year. I suspect that, even though there will be excitement and celebration when I meet those goals, life will go on as it always has.

My life, my happiness, my contentment--these things don't depend on me reaching my writing goals. As much as I would love to earn a living with my writing, that is not why I write. And I would not be the writer I am if that were to change.

So here is to a New Year filled with writing for the love of it, and all the other good things that God sees fit to bless me with.

God bless you as you begin your 2013!