There’s nothing like the fresh start
and a wealth of possibilities at the beginning of a new year.
Something about the appreciating what’s past with the anticipation
of what’s to come is refreshing and empowering.
My 2014 was amazing, launching new
romantic suspense books co-written with Debra Webb, seeing our son
start college, and celebrating our daughter’s engagement to her
personal hero. Of course 2015 is full of potential with more books on
my release schedule, a bit of travel on the horizon, and our future
son-in-law’s college graduation.
I don’t typically make grand
resolutions anymore but I have adopted my friend Holly Jacobs’
strategy of choosing a theme word for the year. Hers is ‘stretch’
and while I was tempted to steal that one for myself, I decided on
‘joy’. I want to maintain my joy in the writing hours as well as
the big and little joys of each moment with family and friends.
When I was growing up my parents hosted
the annual New Year’s Eve bash for their circle of friends. The
family event was one of the clearest examples of joy in my childhood.
I can’t recall a year when I didn’t have fun. There were things
for everyone to do, fabulous buffets full of food, and usually a
football game on in the den.
Even the year our roof caught fire
(thanks to a faulty chimney) holds happy memories for me. We were
scared, but everyone came together gathering up pets and hauling food
to the neighbor’s house. I laugh thinking back to the argument
between firefighters and diehard football fans who refused to
evacuate until we assured them the neighbors had the game on. (They
left at the next commercial. I’ve always marveled at the patience
of the firemen trying to save our house).
In recent years, we’ve morphed to a
quieter celebration, usually choosing a themed movie marathon (Harry
Potter, Lord of the Rings, Marvel universe, etc.), our favorite junk
foods, and popping champagne at the stroke of midnight. Then we kick
off the new year with breakfast goodies while we watch the Rose Bowl
Parade. Traditions matter, especially the tasty ones.
This year, in addition to my theme
word, I’m creating a gratitude jar too. Each day, I’ll toss in a
note about something good that happened and at the end of the year
I’ll have a reminder of those wonderful moments.
Live the adventure!
~Regan
For a great romance to take the chill
out of your winter season, try The Hunk Next Door or take out
one of the Dangerous Protectors heroes from Against the Wall
or Too Far Gone. Keep an eye out for Heart of a Hero
and Nothing To Lose both new releases in February!
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