Me, signing books at my launch party, January 2012.

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my first novel’s debut. Having a book release on New Year’s day is certainly one way to start the year off with a bang! What followed was a whirlwind tour of blog interviews, guest posts, author visits, conference appearances, and celebrating what it took me so long to achieve. This was followed by the inclusion of one of my poems in Nasty Bugs, and more recently, a contract for a second Boy Project Book! Hats off to 2012!

2012 also turned out to be a great year for my family. (Okay, here is where I admit that I just typed and deleted variations of the same sentence about 15 times. I can’t find words to describe how tough 2011 was, so suffice it to say that we celebrated many blessings in 2012 and are kind of sad to say goodbye to a much needed good year.)

And of course, this blog was born in 2012. Interviewing so many strong, smart women, and researching famous females to quote has made me stronger… and hopefully smarter too. Thank you, thank you, for following us as we change, grow, and celebrate the achievements of some amazing people.

Like all years, 2012 also brought its share of sadness. The week before Christmas I lost one of my closest friends to cancer. Her last few weeks were very difficult and I was lucky to be able to spend quality time with her. I am so thankful that I had that chance.  But I didn’t feel much like writing, or blogging, during these weeks. It seems like when your days are heavy with sadness, the pen weighs a ton in your hand.

Today, I stumbled across a Chinese proverb that inspired me to pick up the pen again. Here it is:

You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.

(For those of you who have just seen The Hobbit, you probably have a ready mental image of those last five words.)

So today I will shake out my hair and start writing again. I have a book to finish, nerdy chicks to interview, children to encourage, and, of course, a house to clean. Even the latter is a blessing. I look forward to sharing all that 2013 brings  with you! May the birds of sorrow spend most of their time flying over open land.

Happy New Year!

And 2012 proved to be a much better year for us than 2013!