Another Blog-A-Week topic: (I didn’t save them all, only the ones I found interesting as possible topics.)
“What are you looking forward to this year?”
The first thing that comes to mind is my daughter’s wedding this fall. Under her calm exterior I think she’s super-excited. She’s attended several friends’ weddings and she has definite ideas about how she wants hers to be. So far, it’s been smooth sailing for the most part. We booked a venue. She found a dress. I found a dress. Family members have offered their services for things like invitation design and flowers. After doing her homework, she booked a bagpiper, a DJ and a photographer. What’s left? Bridesmaid dresses. Gift registry. Probably a host of other things that aren’t my problem. It’s her wedding. She gets to plan it.
Why am I looking forward to this so much? Because as a parent, all you ever really want is for your kids to be happy. I like seeing her happy. She’s marrying quite a guy who likes seeing her happy, too. What more can you ask?
If I’d written this earlier in the year like I was supposed to, I’d have been looking forward to the wedding of another family member…in New Jersey. In February. That was this past weekend, and the truth is, while I looked forward to the actual wedding I did not look forward to the travel. Or to a February weekend in New Jersey. It all went more smoothly than I could have expected. Planes, rental cars, hotels, navigation, even the weather (no snow). We visited friends in Philadelphia we haven’t seen in 28 years. By the way, how cold does it have to be “up north” before you’re allowed to complain about how cold it is? An afternoon high of 37 degrees is cold and no native Philadelphian is going to convince me otherwise, although one did try.
I’d like to say I’m also looking forward to having another book published, but that endeavor is moving along at the speed of maple sap in January, so it’s anyone’s guess as to whether I’ll even get an answer on the manuscript in question this year.
I am sort of looking forward to the Novelists, Inc. conference in St. Pete Beach in October as well. I went last year. I thought it was pretty cool and interesting. I met some writers, had some interesting conversations, heard from industry professionals. Walked the beach, hung out with my daughter, wrote some poems, read. It’s what I think of as a working vacation. I’m not much of a joiner, so when I’d had enough, my hotel room awaited.
Other things I’m looking forward to? Finishing and submitting at least two more manuscripts by year-end. Writing poetry has morphed into writing song lyrics. I look forward to finding the ideal musician/collaborator and hitting the top of the country or pop charts. Notice I’m not picky about which one it is.
I look forward to my birthday. I’ve decided to give myself a birthday soiree every year from now on. I only invite people I enjoy. It’s my day. I serve what I want and do what I want. Which is hang out with any of my friends and family who are willing to show up. And always there will be a Publix cake with buttercream frosting, because that’s just about my favorite thing in the whole world.
Come visit me at www.barbmeyers.com
