On the threshold of a new year we vibrate again with fresh vigor, aspirations and expectations. We face new challenges to maintain health while ageing wisely, need expanded energy to safeguard our financial security in an unstable world, and additional doses of mental acuity to cope with a more complex life.  

Do you look back on your achievements in the preceding year, the way I do, analyzing activities and trying to curtail workload that somehow balloons after retirement? Despite my best wishes the garage is still full of mementos that speak volumes to me now, soon to become an eyesore when I’m gone.  I would rather close the garage door and concentrate on constructive effort, because that mess will not survive me but hopefully my messages in writing will.  

Of course, the highlight of the year was winning Dan Poynter’s 2012 E-book Award in multicultural nonfiction for my book, The Immigrants’ Daughter.  Although I had won the Best Books 2006 Award in the same category, and scored high marks elsewhere, Dan Poynter’s award confirmed that I had shed my ESL title.  Snakes do change their skin, why can’t I?

Otherwise I was busy writing the sequel to my book, under duress I should say (ha, ha), to respond to my fans’ constant question: how did you come to the United States? I also handled two radio interviews now posted online, and one TV interview in December. I had a short article published -  an aberration of my regular book writing routine - and an excerpt from my book posted on Queensland’s (Australia) Department of Education’s website among other minor accomplishments, including  a humorous valentine speech. I still have a long way to  reach the skies unless I borrow wings of imagination or reserve a ticket on the next flight to the international space station.   

I did have a rejection too, the inevitable hazard of the profession.  I understand rejections should be counted as blessings. Indeed, with a message urging me to apply again next year for the same scholarship was encouraging rather than distressing.  Now I have to roll up my sleeves and delve into my passion without going astray. Writing is my nirvana, the essential pill that keeps me straight, committed and happy.

I wish you all a joyful , prosperous and blessed new year.