We Interrupt Your Tour of Key West for an Important Message

Here it is...another New Year's Eve. It hardly seems possible it's been a full year since we ushered in 2014, but I suppose that's another tiny little sign telling me that I'm another year older, too.

It's about now, when my blood sugar levels are through the roof from holiday goodies someone is always handing me (okay, maybe I pick up the holiday goodies, but someone makes them awfully available), I know I'm ready for a change. The excess of gifts, food, and parties has left me tired and at least 10 pounds heavier. There's something in my soul that says it's time to stop for a moment and take a deep breath. Despite a few challenges in 2014, I know I've been blessed. But what lies ahead?

There have been scary things going on in our world both far away and very close to home. I can barely stand to watch the evening news bombard me with the latest terrible events, and only hope there's a plan somewhere in all this. I realize there's not much I'm able to do to change the world. I can only soldier on and do my best, fortified by family, friends, and an occasional Heath Bar Blizzard. Who knows? Maybe 2015 will be the year the evening news has only good things to report. Hope provides the possibility that prevents us from giving up.

If you've ever bought a lottery ticket or entered a contest, you've taken a chance. You take a chance because you have hope. It's endlessly fun to mull over what awesome things you would do if you win. A new year is sort of like a lottery ticket, but better. It gives us both the opportunity and the excuse to take a chance we might not have taken before.

I personally am a resolution maker, in my mind if not on paper. Who doesn't love the idea of accomplishing something new and wonderful? Or wish for the chance to make amends for past failings? Or conquer a bad habit? Like opening the pages of a new book, anything seems possible on January 1.

So as we contemplate our 2015, Indy, Bogey, and I want to thank you for spending another year with us. We appreciate all of you, and send wishes for a happy, healthy, and successful new year.

I'm hoping to make some new and exciting changes in my 2015. How about you?

New Year 2012

We'll have a cup of kindness...

for auld lang syne...

It's a time to remember. What we loved about 2011, and what we'd much rather forget.

The idea of dusting ourselves off and making a new year better, is a testament to an inherent belief that hope and redemption are right around the corner. A certainty that this time, we'll try harder, do better, and accomplish more. With child-like faith, we look forward to a fresh start, and new beginning.  It's our favorite time to promise a "do-over".

The things I'd like to achieve in 2012 are similar to those I've identified in years past.  I always make my list with the best of intentions, yet before I know it, they drift away like smoke into a clear blue sky. One thing I've learned over the years is not to beat myself up if I don't succeed.

And always be ready to give it another try. 

Indy, Bogey and I wish you a wonderful New Year filled with health, love, happiness, and plenty to keep you motivated and moving toward your goals in 2012.

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year-2011

It makes sense to think about our life and what we can do to make it better. The concept of a fresh start in a brand new year is the perfect opportunity to ponder what we want to change. Many people have already made their list.

Of course, typical resolutions are getting in shape (we'll be bombarded with diet and fitness ads), getting organized (sales of plastic containers will go through the roof), and lining up finances (books on money management and tax programs abound). If the new year doesn't do anything else, it certainly helps the economy.

When I look at my list of resolutions from last year, I must admit I fell a little short. Okay, I didn't stick with any of them. But not to worry. Instead of beating myself up over 2010, I intend to resurrect my resolutions. I'll keep on trying in 2011. And isn't that what setting goals is all about?

Meanwhile, Indy and Bogey had no difficulty setting up their priorities.

Indy plans to:

1. Look for opportunities to eat more.
2. Spend daily time in Mom's lap.
3. Bark louder at squirrels and all other intruders.
4. Take more naps.

Bogey plans to:

1. Find better hiding places.
2. Find new ways to sneak outside.
3. Stand in the middle of everyone else's business at all times.
4. Take more naps.

Somehow, I think they'll both be pretty successful.

Happy New Year to all our Critter Alley readers! May 2011 bring happiness and blessings beyond belief!

Welcome 2010!

Image courtesy of justme56

Like many, I've been thinking about a fresh new year. It's the perfect time to forget about disappointments or regrets from 2009, and focus instead on what to accomplish in 2010. My thoughts on the subject follow, not necessarily in order of importance:


1. Keep my fingers busy writing more, thereby eating less, thus accomplishing TWO of my long term goals.
2. Exercise each day, even if it's only a walk around the block. That gets blood pumping, theoretically enriching the brain with oxygen. My brain could use some enriching...and my body could use some calorie burning!
3. Submit one piece per month to a contest or possible publication. Be persistent!
4. Layer, edit and polish my NaNo novel...a lot like climbing Mount Everest without the snow.
5. Spend some time at a good conference and regularly connect with writing friends. It's motivating to talk writing with other writers!
6. Try not to whine so much about retiring from my day job. I'm lucky to have one!
7. Spend some time each day reading a good book.
8. Enjoy the company of family and friends.
9. At least once a month learn something new.
10. Take time to pet the critters (my version of smelling the roses).
11. Be kind to other living things, no matter the species.
12. Use my money wisely.

Gosh, I thought I'd limit myself to only a few things, but the list just grew and grew, so I better stop here. Sounds like I'm going to be busy as is, doesn't it?

To help keep me on track, Critter Alley will be slightly modified in 2010. I'll be reducing blogs from Monday through Friday, to approximately three posts per week on any given day (sort of like surprise blogs) as time permits. Indy and Bogey have also been hired as occasional guest bloggers.

The two of them already have their heads together making plans, so, dear readers, heaven help us all.

Thanks for visiting Critter Alley in 2009. May we all enjoy a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2010!