Wow, it’s been quite a year! A year of growth, changes, and losses. It’s hard to believe that my little side business, The Publishing Shop, is nearly a year old! I have had a lot of fun with it and have learned a lot in starting up a new business. Indigo Bohemian Art Studio became a thing this past summer when I realized I had a real passion for acrylic poured painting. Who knew that my little art website would branch out into my own YouTube channel? It wasn’t so long ago that I would have laughed in your face if you told me I’d be doing that. I used to think, who me? But now I often think, why not me? *smiles* For the most part, I’ve maintained the weight loss I experienced in 2017 and I was really blown away yesterday when a good friend thanked me for being the inspiration for her to try the keto diet and lose a bunch of weight for herself. It meant a lot because the main reason I share such personal glimpses of my life on social media and in my websites is to inspire others to step up and aspire to make the dreams they have for themselves come true! (Check out the Dawnings files tab at the top of the page if you want to know what that keto stuff is all about!)

Not all of 2018 has been sunshine and smiles. My stepmother Rose, lost her battle with emphysema almost a year ago, and not a day goes by that I am not reminded of her. She is missed by many but I know she’s at peace now. Unfortunately, Donald Trump is still president of the United States despite his law-breaking ways and his knack for bringing out the worst in people. Syria and Yemen don’t make the news like they used to, but the people there still suffer war and famine. But despite the rainy days of sadness and the helplessness felt concerning human catastrophes that seem impossible to fix, there is so much to be grateful for in this life.

As for me, I have my health back after years of struggling to move or breathe. I often find myself regretting the years where I did nothing to improve my health, but I know I need to turn my eyes to the present and the future and try make the most of the time I have left here on this blue marble. I have good friends who make me smile and look out for me. My husband Paul who loves me unconditionally and brings laughter and light to my daily world, and who gets behind my every scheme with full support. My children who have made me so proud by growing up to be awesome individuals who care about others and delightfully have the same warped sense of humour their mother has. I have a home, a warm bed and ample food, clothes to wear, and almost all the art supplies and musical instruments that my heart desires. In many ways, I feel like I’m finally blossoming into the woman I only dreamed I could be years ago. It’s funny how time and a little courage can change your point of view, from “I can’t” to “I can”! I’ve experienced a lot of healing from my past that has allowed me to look at life differently. Instead of worrying about what people think or being so afraid of failure that I don’t even try, I’ve found a place in my head where I can take the limits off of life and shoot for the stars. It took most of my life to get to this point, but I’m so glad/thankful/pumped to be here!

I’m so looking forward to 2019. No longer do I fear growing a little older, as I’ve become a little wiser and a whole lot more appreciative of the little things as I’ve aged. I’m on a mission to pack as much as I can into the years I have left, and maybe even leave a small but indelible mark on the world showing I was here. 🙂

A very Happy New Year to you all, and may you find love, light, peace, joy, warmth, laughter, health, gratitude, prosperity and the fire in your heart to reach for your dreams in 2019.