I have never been a big fan of the “year-in-review” letters I get from time to time from friends and family, but I have come to realize that most of those letters come from those who are not in my life on a day-to-day basis, and it is their way of including me in theirs. And for that I am most appreciative. So, in light of that, I would like to share my year with you.

My granddaughter Lacey, who lived with me until recently, brought home a dog. “To help out a friend. Just until she finds a new apartment.” That was last December and Lily is still here. She’s a Shepherd/Rottweiler mix and a super sweetheart. Needless to say, Lacey’s dog, Pixie a Rat Terrier/Jack Russel mix, and permanent resident, let her displeasure with the invasion of her space be known loud and clear. Thankfully things have calmed down and Pixie now tolerates Lily. Lily ignores Pixie.

April saw the completion and dedication of the Trail’s End Project that I have been a part of for the last three years. I designed and produced the marketing materials for the project as well as helping to coordinate the three-day western event. Trail’s End, soon to be named a national landmark, consists of an actual 1860s steam locomotive, tender car, cattle car and a drover’s caboose. Running along side of the train are one and one quarter life-size bronzes of four longhorn cattle, horse and rider, a calf and cow dog sculpted by artist J. Michael Wilson.

In the meantime, I designed some book covers for a couple of author friends and worked on finishing up the third book in my INESCAPABLE series as well as writing some short stories to share at our SpoFest events. Book three launched in July and I had a book signing at our local book store the end of July. It went very well. Began writing on book four in the series.

August is when the Missouri State Fair is held here in Sedalia and I always take off two weeks to be a part of it. I was Superintendent of the Fine Arts Building for fifteen years, but decided five years ago that it was time for someone else to be “responsible”, so I stepped back into the Assistant Superintendent’s position. I am still able to enjoy the art and artists without the headaches.

September was great! Well at least part of September was great. Got to go to the InD’Scribe Convention in Palm Springs, CA. Met a lot of new-to-me authors and made lots of new friends. It was 104° when I left Palm Springs and 66° when I landed in Kansas City.

At the end of September we had torrential rain storms and my finished basement flooded. Had to take up all the carpets and replace them. Thank goodness for insurance.

My author/teacher friend Debbie Noland, tried to convenience me that I could write poetry, even though I kept telling her “poetry was not my thing.” So just to prove her wrong, I took her The Poem and You class at our community college. Well, wouldn’t you know it? I wrote a couple of not half bad poems. Thanks to Debbie I can now add poetry to my resume.

My oldest granddaughter Holly, was married October 30. It was a double wedding with a Halloween theme. Guests could come formal, casual or in costume. I was surprised at how many actually came in costume. It was lots of fun. Truly an event to remember.

I picked up another commission to do a book cover and illustrations for a children’s book. Then my author friend Debbie White invited me to join her and four other authors—Brandi Gillilan, Jaimie Hope, Linda Phillips Ward and Carole McKee-Spalino—in writing a romance anthology for Valentine’s Day. I am super honored to have been invited to join these talented authors. I will let everyone know when it is published.

Well, that brings me to the end of an eventful year. Some good, some bad, but all in all everyone is healthy and blessed. Still have a couple of on-deadline jobs for my graphic design business to wrap up and several waiting in the new year.

I am looking forward to a blessed and Happy New Year. May yours be equally blessed.