One Word

Over the past few years I have followed Laura Lippman's tradition of choosing a one-word resolution for the new year. (I haven't seen her word for 2022 yet).

In years past I have spent a fair amount of time trying to come up with something pertinent and meaningful.   Something of value.

This year I'm going with a word of total and unapologetic self-interest, of no value to anyone other than myself.

Call me selfish.  I do not care.

I call it self-care.

My word for next year is "pamper."

I'm going to welcome 2022 with gifts from me to me.

Some scrumptious scented body oil of my favorite fragrance 

A new pair of slouchy jeans

And a new frock.

Slouchy jeans and maxi dresses!  They're back!  And I'm happy to see them, and wear them, again.  My ol' hippie self rejoices in the fact that everything old is, indeed, new again.

And I've started planning a trip for later in the year. 

 I, like many of you, am ready to travel again.  

Beyond ready. 

 If the trip falls through due to yet another COVID variant, so be it.  I'm doing all I can to lessen the financial impact should that happen.   Travel insurance.  Refundable flights.  Accommodations with a good cancellation policy.  

I need to spend some time doing one of the things I love best - planning a trip.  The planning is, to me, a major big fun part of travel, and thanks to my Baccarat Rouge 540 scented body oil, I'll smell absolutely divine while doing it. 

I hope you'll do something nice for yourself in 2022.

Another New Year's A-comin'

Laura Lippman is a writer I admire. 

Additionally, she's a woman I admire. 

And each year she reminds me, and others, by her own example, to choose a one-word resolution for the new year. 

Reading the words that others have chosen is always something I look forward to and enjoy. 

And it's always a bit of a challenge for me to come up with a word that I might actually be able to observe and follow. 

My word for 2019 is savor. 

I want to try to remember to savor the good things in my life. 

While I will not stop fighting and speaking out against the things I do not savor, I want to be more respectful to the goodness I am blessed with.

Here's wishing you all a Happy New Year!

My Resolutions for 2017

I'm one of those who has made countless resolutions over the years. For 2017 I've decided to stick with one. One word (thanks, Laura Lippman!). Persist. That's it. Just keep on keeping on. Hope for the best, be prepared for the worst - I was not prepared for 2016.

Happy New Year's Eve

I have much to be thankful for, and I always try to take some time on New Year's Eve to reflect and say a quiet thank you for my blessings.


Although Donald and I had to make several midnight trips to the ER this past year for kidney stone attacks, it all turned out okay. If that's the worst we ever have to go through, it would be okay fine by us.


2014 has been a pretty good year for Whimsey, proving to me that dreams do come true. It continues to collect some good reviews at amazon.com, and still selling better than I had ever expected.

My thanks to all the indy bookstores who took a chance on Whimsey, and stocked in on your shelves - Mystery Loves Company Booksellers- Oxford MD, Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe, Quarter Moon Bookstore, Laurel Bookstore, Black Bear Books, Park Road Books (and some I know I'm forgetting) and those of you who agreed to carry it in your on-line stores. You helped make my year one of the best. AND, my thanks for showing support by allowing me to visit your store for events and signings. I didn't get to Oxford or to Oakland, but ONE of these days . . . .

Icing on this great big wonderful cake was learning that it was also honored by librarian/book blogger extraordinaire, Miss Susie, who listed it on her favorites for 2014.  It's in some pretty awesome company, I must say!  Take a peek  -  http://www.misssusiesreading.blogspot.com/2014/12/my-favorite-books-of-2014.html 

Thanks everyone, for taking the tine to drop by this year, and I hope to see you next year.  

Wishing you a peaceful and magical 2015.