The days are cold, the nights are long, and we are creeping ever closer to the end of another year…or the beginning of a new one, (depending on how you prefer to view it).

It’s sometimes hard to grasp how things have changed in the span of a year. What did we learn, what did we accomplish, what failed, and/or what were our experiences? Until we take a moment to pause, and hit the rewind button, we can’t always see the whole picture.

For me, a lot actually did happen, and I wanted to share some of the highlights.

Writing:

Firstly, back in February, I wrapped up the first draft of my first novel. At the time, it felt a little anticlimactic. Maybe I was waiting for a sign from the universe, that I had leveled up on the writing totem pole, or some such thing. But nothing like that happened. Instead, everything felt exactly the same. Currently, I’m nearing the end of the second draft, which already feels like a bigger accomplishment. Looking back, I can see that it’s the little tiny steps, (that may feel insignificant,) that grow into the big, monumental leaps. Patience, young grasshopper.

The other half of my writing time, was spent working on a brand new, cohesive, and detailed plot. I always thought I was a full-fledged pantser, but that’s changed. I’ve spent a lot of time studying structure and plot this year, and I’ve learned so much. For my next project, I don’t want to make the same mistakes. The way I intend NOT to do that, is by plotting, properly. ( I’ll talk more about my new story at the end of this post.) Basically, I took this year to go back to square one. Reviewing all the story principles the writing world had to offer, and take my time working on my projects.

Travel Adventures:

When I was younger, my family used to travel a fair bit. Now that everyone’s older, and has jobs, and other boring stuff, we don’t travel as much anymore. But this year, we went on not only one big trip, but TWO. (I know, I know, I might as well sell all of my belongings and start a new life as a backpacker in Europe.) They weren’t just any ol’ trips, friends. I somehow convinced my mom and sisters to travel across the country to attend the concerts of not only one, but two of my favorite musical groups! I honestly still can’t believe it actually happened. Seeing BTS live in concert, is not an everyday thing, you know. And even though my memories from that night are kinda foggy, I’m so grateful I was able to go. And to top it off, I also got to see Day6! After another online purchasing ordeal, we snagged tickets, for a much better price. The show was amazing, and we made a lot of crazy memories along the way. I’m so happy we went, even though it meant suffering through an eleven hour drive to get there.

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*Psst! Check out the vlogs of my travel adventures here, and here, on my sister’s YouTube channel.*

Though I never would have imagined crossing off two such events in one year, they still can’t compare to one even bigger and better thing; seeing the OCEAN again. Even though I dearly love my home, (that is far from any great body of water), I have always had a deep yearning for the sea. No matter how long time stretches between visits, that feeling never lessens. It’s a feeling that is always there. (I wonder if everyone feels that way?) I’m eternally grateful for the few days that I was able to sit on the sandy shore, soak up the cool mist, and watch the beautiful crashing waves. For me, being near the water is healing and I can truly feel the magnificence and majesty, of the One who created it.

Study:

This year, I studied quite a bit, over a range of topics. Studying is no longer something that is “required” of me by someone else, but something that I now “require” of myself.  I really enjoy it and plan to continue always. Some of the topics I delved into were, plant science, the creation of the universe, herbal medicine, and WWII. It’s been so much fun choosing any subject that interests me, and dedicating my time to study it. I’m really grateful for the freedom I have to learn, and explore so many topics.

Life:

Another major event this past year, was the welcoming of a new life into our family! Babies are truly one of the best gifts in this life, and I’m so blessed to be an aunt again!

I’m also grateful for the precious visits with my family. Life can be rocky, and the future quite uncertain, but I hope that I will always remember to treasure and cherish the moments I have with loved ones.

Thinking back, 2019 was long, yet it feels like it ended in an instant. With each passing year, life feels scarier, and more unpredictable than the last. But I hope that we can all grow stronger in our FAITH, cling tightly to the TRUTH, and the love of CHRIST, and TRUST that tomorrow is in HIS control.

The Year Ahead:

An old decade is ending, and a new one is about to begin. 2020 sounds so strange, like it belongs in the title of a sci-fi film. It’s so weird… but we’re all in this together, right?

In 2020, if all goes according to plan, I’m going to begin a new writing journey. My next project is one that has been lingering in the back of my mind for several years now. Over time it has changed in subtle ways– new names, new faces and scenes, but at its core it’s still the same. I’ve held off from writing it, until I felt my skills were advanced enough to begin. Though I still don’t feel all that adequate, (and probably never will), I do believe I am ready to begin. I’m actually, even thinking of starting a new series on my blog. So early next year, I’m going to begin the first draft of my yet, unnamed novel, and I hope to chronicle that journey, here. Posting monthly updates on my progress, and sharing any wit, or wisdom I come across along the way.

A while back, I told my family I wanted to be published by the time I reach age twenty-five. And that number is not as far off as it once was (or as I’d wish it to be). But I’m hoping that by saying this aloud to the world, and having some accountability, it may propel me forward, and help me get down to business.

Thank you for another year, and thanks to those who read my posts! I really appreciate you. I hope you all have a blessed year ahead!

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Do you have any goals for 2020?

Did anything special happen this year? I’d love to hear from you!

As always, thank you for visiting,

Lady S