For some reason most of my Christmas pictures came out very blurry and fuzzy. I think I have another memory card with other pictures of the tree - sure hope so as tree number two turned out to be lovely.

Because it's midnight and I was too tired to search through more pictures, I thought I'd use this one. It's probably going to be the main character in one of my works in progress. Or maybe not. This is the picture that I found to use on a one sheet for the ACFW conference last fall. Didn't get to pitch that book anyway . . .

Found this picture on a website called something like "Lost Relatives." It's page after page of people who are unknown which is a little sad. When I used to visit antique shops a lot, I loved looking at old photographs. They had such stories to tell! Often wished I'd bought some of the ones I still remember.

Anyway, I put this lady up here to remind me that I do have goals and that I need to get started on them soon.

Actually began January 1st with several good intentions and followed through for several days. On the 1st, I actually skipped a holiday dinner at my brothers to get caught up on crits, to read two research books and get semi-caught up on email. I'm beginning to think email is like laundry - one only has the illusion of being caught up.

By next week, I should have the final draft of the Drummer Boy article. Once I resolve the picture dilemma, I'll send it off to the magazine a whole week early. That has to look good. :)

By next week, I should also have a final, complete, not going over it again version of Cattle Rustler. It's been a long time coming. I've written, rewritten, written again, had good crits, bad crits, right crits, wrong crits and sometimes very frustrating crits. It's been entered in contests, scored an Honorable Mention in one and failed miserably in others who thought the character was a "little young" for a young adult book. Well, duh--as the teens say. But, I think a ten year old is perfect for a children's book.

By next week, I will have whittled down the pile of research books I need for a) the drummer boy article, b) the horse book and c) the historical romance.

By next week, I will have revised my anthology piece for my writing group, finished two full book crits for friends (well, I hope!) and finished sending out the last of my Christmas gifts. (Okay, so they're a little late.) :)

By next week, I should have two doll coats cut out for my niece's new Christmas dolls - if I remember to buy the material while I'm out tomorrow.

By next week, things should look a lot better.