Last year I posted that I don’t usually do New Year’s resolutions. I still don’t. However, I did post a few goals for this year. So now, having a look back, I am pleased. These were my five goals and the results are in.

1. Complete 24 new pieces of art. I figure that is two a month. If I end up doing more, great!!

I don’t post all my art, but I know I exceeded completing 24 new pieces of art. My greatest achievement that gave me the most joy was doing the series of the seven different sea turtles. That was FUN! And really, shouldn’t we make it a goal to love our work?

2. Read at least 12 new art instruction books.

I read a few. Actually, twelve was really reaching. 😉

3. Read 100 books.

Last year I read 70 books. This year it was about the same. I actually don’t have a count because I lost my list that I was keeping! Oh well. I read a lot of books, but I would still want to try and hit 100 in 2015. OR maybe it would be better to set a much lower number and read some deep stuff that makes me THINK a lot more. Hmmmm….we’ll see.

4. Learn how to paint watercolor portraits.

I did one watercolor portrait of my daughter which I was very pleased with, but didn’t attempt any more. I did the pencil drawing of my friend, Matthew Songmaker which I posted earlier this year. I was pleased with it. And I suppose the sea turtles were portraits in a way, right?

5. Music

My husband and I were planning on spending lots more time on music this year, however, by the end of the summer, we decided to leave the church where we were supposed to be taking that ministry over. Many, many problems developed there and came to a head in October. So we have found a wonderful new church that we love. I am very much looking forward to all God has planned for our lives!

THIS YEAR MY GOALS WILL BE ABOUT THE SAME (except for the music.) I’ll just play my piano for enjoyment and sing occasionally when I feel like it. But I am including a new one. GETTING A LOT MORE WRITING DONE!

I want to finish things I have started like…

1) My autobiography
2) My novel
3) A few short stories
4) Some non-fiction writing

Yeah, I know. Pretty ambitious. I have read a lot about different famous writers who have stated that some novels they’ve done took several years. Others seem to knock out a novel, a non-fiction book and other writing as well all in one year. However, I am still really learning how to write well. My autobiography at this point is composed of my major life events. Detail is difficult for me, because I just don’t seem to have as many memories as some people do. I remember lots of feelings, but not specific memories like I wish I did.

I have thought about taking a different approach to the structure. I have been writing it chronologically, but I am thinking perhaps topically might work best for me. I haven’t decided yet. First, I just want to finish getting down all the facts and aspects I feel comfortable enough sharing. Then I will decided how to structure the body. Last night I managed to finally get out on my laptop the most painful, scary, and pivotal event of my teen years, but I am still not sure I even want to include it. However, I am glad I finally got it out!

So I have a few goals again. It feels good to set goals and look back and see them get met! I have never been a goal-oriented person, because my life was so crazy and chaotic growing up that I honestly was never taught how to set and meet any. Fortunately, God will never leave me where I am. He doesn’t push; He doesn’t pull. He holds my hand and walks beside me.

SO RAISE YOUR GLASSES WITH ME AND TOAST TO HAVING A FRESH OUTLOOK THIS YEAR!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR. MAKE IT A GREAT ONE! AND REMEMBER TO GIVE SOMEONE YOU LOVE A BIG HUG!