2019 was a solid year. I finally read the Harry Potter series. (Severus Snape is one of the best characters ever written anywhere, any time, by anyone). I underwent a very successful bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. I finished writing my first Young Adult novel, and have a pub date of summer 2020, my daughter has found a passion in horseback riding, my husband broke off and partnered up for his own law firm, and the list goes on. Not too shabby. Oh, and I finally stayed in that cozy, storybook Inn in Vermont. Run by an older British woman and her husband.

As we enter 2020, a new decade, my eyes are wide open to all of the love and beauty that surrounds me. Maybe we will get some big beautiful snowstorms, maybe some money for my town’s crumbling school district will come pouring in so that our children get the same opportunities that we did decades ago, and God help us—a new and capable President. Perhaps a female or gay man? Here’s hoping…. But, let’s not talk politics. Let’s talk life. Let’s talk food.

My wish for all of you is to eat really good, healthy food, because if you’re under the age of 70, it will set you up for your retirement years. I mean, nothing is a guarantee, but I say it’s worth a shot to put your faith in food. I have gotten into the habit of eating a nice sized chunk of raw ginger daily. I feel the difference. Read up on raw ginger. Look up golden milk, too, but start small. 🙂

I wish for you to give up any old habits, and to try new things. Don’t give up on your dreams. Love the ones you’re with. Communicate with lost ones in your dreams. (that, I am afraid to say, will just happen. You can’t really control that. So I hope it happens for you too). 

I wish for all of you to not be afraid to reconnect with old friends and family. Check in with them. Ask how they are doing. A simple gesture goes a long, long way. Let down your guard. 

Apparently, blogs are kind of a thing of the past for authors, so in 2020 I will be creating a newsletter directly in an email. You will be asked to subscribe. I won’t be offended if you decline,  but I will be utterly and completely appreciative if you do. I will produce the email monthly as my publication date approaches. Currently, my publisher is aiming for an August 2020 release date. Black Licorice—starring Freddi Birdoni, fifteen-year-old flute prodigy. Heartbroken, but hopeful. Interested in mending her broken soul with whatever means necessary. 

Happy Holidays and see you in 2020. 

love,

Elaina