Spinning the Story Wheel: the First, Best, and Last of 2018

I just spent the past three minutes trying to maneuver my cursor to delete a backslash ("/") from a document I'm editing.

Turns out it wasn't a backslash at all. It was a piece of flotsam on my computer screen.

Story of my life, eh?

January, 2108. A first for me:
hit a deer; totaled my car.

Last year about this time, I posted The Annual Extra, resolutions of sorts for 2018. I was going to start a newsletter about cool stuff I've read, interesting factoids I came across in my research, and whatnot. I actually did this thing. (You're a subscriber, yes? Thanks!) Newsletters post infrequently, but -- and this is key -- they do happen.

Unlike, say, the other resolutions I made. All of them fell by the wayside. ::sigh:: I've come up with a foolproof approach to New Year's Resolutions this year... which I explain in detail in my next newsletter.

Unrealized resolutions aside, 2018 flew by in a whirlwind of activity and experiences. One of those experiences happened last night.

Our friends invited us over for dinner. Several others were there who we didn't know well. After we ate, we played Storyology, which involves telling stories about random topics. On the first round, everyone tells a story about their first ____. Second round involves stories about the best ____. Final round is a story about the last ____. The game ends as everyone, in turns, recalls details of the previous stories. It was a genuinely lovely way to spend an evening.

It me!

In the vein of Storyology, I'm going to tell a few stories about 2018. (AKA: The Year Few Things Went As Planned).

2018's FIRSTS:

* Since Cas took Driver's Ed this summer, I now have a chauffeur. Not only is she a first-time driver (and a fairly good one) but this is also the first time since 1996 that I have not been the only driver in the family.

* I went ziplining for the first time this summer in Denali Park, Alaska. Cas (who doesn't like heights) went, too, but she had been before, at summer camp.

* I lost my voice -- completely -- for nearly a week. Nothing hurt; I wasn't sick. I was just mute. Gave me new appreciation for those who have difficulty speaking. Trying to make myself understood to salespeople or on the phone was a nightmare.

* I wrote my first romance novel this summer. Romance is not generally my chosen genre, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Even more surprising: I quite like the finished project. Better still -- so does my agent. (Whew!)

* Attended my first political rally AND got seated with my friends in the "behind the speakers / gonna be on TV" section. I was this far away from Obama! The last president I saw in person was Ronald Reagan when I was working for our college newspaper. This was way better.

"Put on Your Sunday Clothes"

The BESTS of the Year:

* Best trip: went on a two-week vacation / cruise to Alaska with Cas and my friend Stacey. Saw whales, sea lions, bald eagles, and more. Went on the afore-mentioned ziplining adventure. Also went horseback riding in Denali, which was on my Bucket List.

Cas (Chef 2) & friends

* Best news: that Dad would be ok. He got critically ill while we were on vacation and spent most of the summer in the hospital (including 2 weeks in ICU) and in rehab. Today he is 90 lbs. lighter than he was last year this time, and in far better shape. Thank God!

* Best live entertainment: Cas was in her high school's production of "Hello Dolly!" Which was phenomenal. Truly. I'm not saying that just 'cause I'm the mom. I went to every show and loved every moment.

And the LASTS:

* The last book I read was Pratchett and Gaiman's GOOD OMENS, which was, of course, excellent.

The view from my hotel room.

* The last trip I took was to Hollywood in November, for the annual Tobias Agency Retreat. While there, I got to meet up with some old friends, which is the highlight of any trip. Had a great room, met some amazingly talented people, and the pièce de résistance: was treated royally at a French Consulate 'do.

* Last two movies I saw were "Mary Poppins" and "Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse." Liked them both. Not a bad way to spend a few hours in December.

* Last colossally stupid thing I did was a week and a half before Christmas, which resulted in 15 stitches in my top lip. I don't want to talk about it...

* And THIS is the last post of 2018. I'd love to say I've made a resolution to blog more, or to be more consistent, but you and I both know that I would just be blowing smoke. I'm looking forward to the next year; lots of writing and editing projects ahead, just waiting for me to dive into them.

Here's wishing you the best of everything in 2019. May it hold many memorable stories for you.

The Annual Extra

From "Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation." P. 49

When I was helping hunter / jumper judge and trainer Geoff Teall write his book, he brought up the concept of the Annual Extra. The annual extra was one thing he determined to add over a year -- in addition to his regularly scheduled program -- thus making it part of his routine.

I love this idea. This year, I am going to implement an Annual Extra in several areas of my life.

* Professionally, I'm going to start sending out a newsletter.

I'll continue blogging, aiming for regular updates every Monday, because I like the longevity and permanence of a blog. I've met so many wonderful people through the magic of internet searches that bring them to my posts. (Of course, if net neutrality becomes a thing of the past, blogging probably will too. Guess we'll cross that rickety bridge when we come to it.)

Major, the MuseLetter Mascot

Blog posts are forever. But I want the opportunity to interact in a little more timely and personal way with people. Hence: the monthly MuseLetter. [You've signed up for it, right? If you're reading this on your phone, you may have to click "View Web Version" at the bottom, but there's a nifty MuseLetter signup form. It would be cool if you'd join me on this little adventure. I solemnly swear not to waste your time.]

I want a place to share cool things I've discovered while researching my latest projects, odd or quirky books and movies that lie far off the beaten path, portraits of fascinating people I wish I'd learned about before, and more. I figure if such things inspire me, they'll likely inspire others.

* Creatively, in addition to the two books I intend to write, I'm going to finish "ANTHEM," a concept musical honoring American women.

This is a big stretch for me. My songwriting has always been something I've pushed to the back burner. Writing the songs is one thing. That's fun. Letting other people hear them -- that's way out of my comfort zone. But it's something I'm going to tackle this year. Because: growth.

* Personally, I'm picking up the guitar. Again.

Telling myself I'm going to learn to play it. Again.

Last year, I did fair-to-middling with this decision. Until about March. Then, erm, well, let's just say my good intentions became paving blocks on the highway to Hell.

But I mean it this time! I've trimmed my fingernails ("too long; can't practice" is relegated to the trash-heap of 2017). I've loaded GuitarTuna on my phone to practice chords when I'm sans instrument. I've re-searched and re-found and re-bookmarked the YouTube tutorials I need. I'm gonna do this!

Why am I telling you this? Two reasons: 1.) Telling the world of my plans makes me more accountable. And 2.) perhaps you, too, would like to join me in my Annual Extra extravaganza.

What extra thing do you want to make a regular part of your life in the next twelve months? What additional skill would you like to have? Do you want to write a novel? Make a film? Learn a new language? Maybe you'd like to keep a neater house, have a container garden, or learn ballroom dancing. Your Annual Extra could be "write an actual letter to someone every week and send it" or "take up watercolor" or "become proficient in C++." Whatever it is, here's your official green light. Make it happen. Blessings to you as you put another wrinkle in your brain in 2018!