Hello, 2023!
Howdy y’all, and Happy New Year!!! Here’s hoping we all have a joyful and healthy 2023. ✨
I don’t know about y’all, but I try not to put too much pressure on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s resolutions. Do I have “soft” goals for 2023? Sure. But life has taught me not to cling too tightly to specific outcomes, because we can’t control everything. In fact, this year I made a “Done List” of big and small things I’m proud to have accomplished/experienced in 2022 instead of focusing on a “Goals List” for 2023. It’s several pages long, and that makes me happy. Naturally, adopting Charlie is on the list.
Alright, enough about New Year’s. Let me tell you about December! The first weekend of the month, I accompanied a dear friend on a quick road trip to Dallas. The hotel we stayed in was so cute, and I had a blast relaxing in a luxurious bed, eating good food, and watching movies from the 2000s. We also went to Galleria Dallas, where I got a sweet deal on some eye and face masks. The place was PACKED, but decorated beautifully for the holidays. After the hell of Covid, it was actually kind of nice to be among so many people, even if it overstimulated my sweet little nervous system.
In writing news, with the help of an awesome editor and some great folks who were willing to be quoted, I got a piece published with Leafly this month! It focuses on how Missourians are feeling about the passing of Amendment 3, and you can read it here. Additionally, one of my creative nonfiction pieces was recently accepted for publication by Reckon Review! I’ve been told it will be published this summer, and I’ll definitely be sharing a link when it goes live.
I also got a fabulous haircut this month. I’m loving it, and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on it!
My holidays were mostly lovely. Lots of snow and spiced wine and good food and gifts — both for me and from me. I had to give away my fake tree because Charlie kept trying to eat it, but I adore my ceramic replacement. It’s so retro and cute!
I decorated my grandparents grave, like I do every year. I went with a poinsettia sign, because my grandma Ruby looooooved that flower. I had a lot of fun decorating the holiday bulletin board at my tutoring job as well. I tried to make it as cozy and inclusive as possible.
Welp, that’s all for now y’all.
As always, thank you for reading!
~ Liz ❤️