Christmas is almost here. I will be so glad when it is over and in fact, I am ready for the new year to begin. Some would say that sounds negative but I really don't intend it  to be negative at all.  This year has gone by so fast and so much has happened that I am just plain tuckered out.  I need a rest.  Maybe this new year will move a little slower and perhaps I will have the time to do some of the things I had hoped to accomplish in 2013.  I made a list the other day.  My goals for 2014.  Some are left overs that didn't get done this year. 

1. Publish a new children's book.....I'd like to do Marmalade Jones finally

2. Publish Tiny Bones

3. Rewrite Blood Redemption

4. Do more promotion for all my books. 

5. Find a Gallery for my paintings.

6. Make $50,000

7. Lose 20 lbs.

8. Set my style for my paintings.

9. Participate in a show through the Art Association

10.  Stay grateful for all the blessings that I have received and trust that God is watching over me and will lead me down the path I need to follow.

Now you see?  I was not being a Grinch...I am just anxious to get started on all those great things to come in 2014. 

I had an unusual day.  I lost a white filling in m front tooth last night, so I called my dentist first thing this morning. They took me right away. I got a good report.  He said my dental hygiene was great and he could fix my tooth in a jiffy........so I didn't even have to get a shot.  It took such a short time that I was shocked. and didn't hurt at all........Thank You Dr. Chandler.  I asked him if this one would last 20 years like the last one and he said, he hoped it would.  I wanted a guarantee...lol...........oh well.....

I closed out the bank account for my business on the way home.  I don't need it.  Now I have all my pennies in one pig and it will be easier.  I guess it felt good to have a business account with the company name but it was not necessary.  It was an ego trip but didn't help me much. 

Tomorrow is housework day........that means I will probably paint.  I go into the studio to CLEAN UP and before I know it there is a brush in my hand. 

Christmas is two weeks away.  This year has flown by.  I have to say I am glad because it has not been an easy one, but I survived and I hope that next year is going to be better.  Let's all wish that.

I made myself a list of things I want to accomplish next year.  It has things like publish more books and make money and  find a new gallery.  I need to get busy so I will be ready to hit the ground running in January 1st. 

Sleep well my Artist and writer friends.  Read, Write and Paint and feel good tomorrow.  Goodnight.

I got my drivers license renewed today.  It expired on my birthday, which was Saturday.  The picture is actually very good.    The lady asked me if my height and weight were the same...unfortunately yes......maybe I should have lied and told her I grew 3 inches and lost 50 lbs.....lol.....oh well. 

I ran into an acquaintance at the DMV. She was looking good....evidently she has lost some weight.  I am happy for her.  I wish I had lost a bunch too. 

So now....I will go get dressed in painting clothes and hit the canvas.  I want to finish my duck picture.  I am having fun doing the whimsy.  Anyone want to join me?  I would love to have company painting.  That would be so much fun. 

Later....

I had a birthday yesterday. I am now 67 years old.  The fact is, I have felt 67 all year long so it doesn't feel any different.   Instead of spending my birthday eating cake and partying, I went to a book event.  Christee Atwood invited me to Baton Rouge to a Self Publishing seminar at the Jones Creek Library and after the speaking part, several other authors and I sold our books from tables in the back of the room.  It was fun. Being with a room full of writers is always fun.  My husband promised to take me out to dinner another night this week, so it will be ok.  At my age, it doesn't matter much to me if I have a cake. Actually, it's better if I don't.  My waistline is big enough already.

I do hope that I will have the time and mental energy to paint this week. If not then maybe I can work on Tiny Bones. I do need to revamp another few chapters.  That would be progress.

I am beginning to crawl out of this hole I have been in lately.  I want to be more creative.  I want to be strong and lean and happy.  I want to win the lottery and be able to publish as many books as I could write........Ohhhh the joy of it.........LOL