2013, A Fresh Start?

I'm not counting 2012 as a sterling year, not after a visit to the ER with a ruptured appendix and a professional assessment that ran along the lines of 'it was a real mess in there'. That 'real mess' led to kick starting other issues, one of which is a medical challenge I'll face going forward this year.

But more about that another time...

Suffice it to say: good health in 2013 is at the top of my wish list.

There were other sadnesses: the loss of Demon Cat and my darling mare, Miss Winnie. I still have two Arabian geldings to tend and love but they really aren't mine, they are my son's and the boys don't let me forget that little fact.

That doesn't mean I will replace my girl, in fact I rather doubt it. That's a hole in my heart that will remain gaping for a long time to come.

We still have two other cats, Demon Cat's full brother, Tom—a semi-feral beastie who prefers the barn on most days but will escort me about the property, much the way a dog would. MiniMe is a widget of a cat, 5.5lbs of catitude, preferring her garage digs to the comforts of a couch or a bed.

That left an opening for a kitten, and lo and behold, the cat gods did provide a sweetheart of a solid grey wee little girl, rescued off a highway in upstate NY and brought to my door via the good graces of a friend.

'She's a little spooky. She needs a quiet atmosphere. It will take time to adjust. She's very sweet...'

Uh-huh. Yeah, right.

I haven't laughed so much, or gotten so worn out from providing 'structured activities' in years! My son and I have to take shifts, that's how boundless her energy.

One good thing: we get her tired enough that she sleeps through the night.

I'm not making a boatload of resolutions this year—most times they are honored in the breach rather than the observance. 

I want to write the sequels to books already out there, I'd like to complete the 'women-of-a-certain-age' chicklit trilogy, and start book 2 of Dragon Academy... 

If the gods will it, I'd love to return to Scotland and explore the Highlands and the coast, renew old friendships and once more face the daunting challenges of roundabouts to the tuneful shouts of 'She's an American' as my passengers hang out the car window, waving their arms in dismay.

I want to walk those narrow, winding streets, smell the tang of the North Sea and listen to a lilting language that is music to my soul.

Mostly I just want to enjoy the time I have left on this planet, be one with nature, be true to what I believe and give back to those who have extended the hand of friendship. 

Happy New Year. May peace and contentment be yours through all the days of 2013 and beyond.