2017 brought tragedies and triumphs. The big tragedy was being laid off in July of that year, with a resulting triumph of retiring as a paralegal and starting my own business. The even bigger tragedy were the October fires in Santa Rosa and Clearlake, two communities very dear to me, followed by the triumph of many people choosing to rebuild.
I am a true believer that every dark cloud has light waiting to break through, but recognizing triumph after tragedy takes time and healing.
While my partner and I did not lose personal possessions in the fire and were able to return to our home in Clearlake Park. Our condominium in Santa Rosa near Coffee Park was also spared. Even though we were blessed, I know that terrifying feeling of almost losing everything—my precious cats, treasures from my deceased mother and grandmother, documented family history archives, and childhood mementos. My animals and personal belongings are the things that have brought me to the place I am today.
Once the fires were over and we were back home safely, I started seeing the light breaking through what seemed like several months of dark clouds. I began thinking about what is important to me, and as I took that leap from 2017 into 2018 I devised a plan to make 2018 a better year by choosing to:
1. Show family and friends each day how much I love and appreciate them.
2. Stand up for what I believe in and fight against corruption.
3. Prepare in case another disaster strike by having an evacuation plan in place to keep ourselves and our animals safe and to preserve treasured items.
4. Treat my fiction writing as a job. Make time to write every day.
5. Treat my non-fiction writing as a job. Make time to look for paid writing gigs.
6. Continue to grow my business as a notary and loan signing agent. Market, market, market, and show my value through my final product.
7. Make a sustainable income from my notary/loan signing work and writing.
I wish everyone a wonderful 2018!
STROKING THE PEN 