To Buy All That Shimmers
A funny thing happened while Victoria Chatham and I were at a Christmas Farmer's Market selling our books. A lovely woman came over to share that people kept telling her to write a book of her experiences because she'd had some interesting ones. When she told us about a Christmas tree her family had when she was a kid, we were both hooked! The longer we chatted, the more intrigued we were. I lost track of how long we talked with her, but came away in awe.
Over the years I've done a few podcasts and blog posts and always find it fascinating how other people actually want to hear my story. I know I'm not alone in that. This woman doubted the validity of how wonderful her stories - and her ability to tell those stories - actually was. The more Victoria and I encouraged her, the more animated she became. I have no doubt she went home and started figuring out how to write her story.
The last thing she told me before she left was how she'd recently turned 70 and decided she wanted to go to Europe. Her husband had no interest in going. So she went alone and had the time of her life! She's also been indoor skydiving (something on my bucket list), and checked off a few other items she's only dreamed about doing. Writing her book will be next.
That got me thinking about my own bucket list and how I've been ticking a few boxes of my own.
I won't lie, 2023 has been difficult in so many ways, but I have done a few things I'm proud of:
- published my 15th book, All That Shimmers
- moving across Canada solo with two cats
- driving from Calgary to Penticton for the Wine Country Writers' Festival, again solo but no cats!
- setting a few personal boundaries
- meeting new people
- meeting people I've known virtually for years
- attending When Words Collide in person!
- started to learn some new skills that will come in handy in 2024
- connecting with writing friends and starting a monthly Zoom chat
- guesting on several podcasts and blogs and making some great connections
- starting to read other people's book again!
- moving closer to the mountains
- starting to write short stories again and having them published in anthologies
- hanging out with family when we can
- becoming my own cheerleader - something a lot of people struggle with
What's on the horizon for 2024? Probably catching my breath after 2023!
The good thing is, I have a month to figure it out!
What's on your bucket list?
Is there a book you long to write? I'm not only a writer, but also a book coach and can help! For coaching info: https://www.dianebator.ca/
Have a wonderful holiday season!
Diane Bator
