Dec 21, 2012

The Year That Was ......


By Helen Lacey

Well, if you’re reading this then maybe the world hasn’t ended! Downunder it is December 21st and in my neck of the woods we haven’t been rocked by quakes, engulfed by a tsunami or incinerated by solar flares. In fact, it’s a spectacularly beautiful day here in my little town which sits at the most southern point of the Great Barrier Reef.

And, it’s only days away from Christmas and there’s something quite magical about this time of year. The tree is up and looks beautiful with its shimmering lights and bright baubles. The weather is warm and balmy and the local summer fruits are plentiful. Call me crazy, but I just love the shopping experience as people count down to Christmas Eve. Years ago, when I worked in retail, I never really enjoyed the frenzied rush at the end to buy those last minute gifts, but now I see the fun in it. The gifts are wrapped and under the tree and I bought a carols compilation CD pack to play over the holidays. Even the dogs and cats have a little something to unwrap Christmas morning J .

So, since the predications of the end of the world haven’t come to fruition I thought is would be a good opportunity to reflect of the year 2012 and think about all the things I am grateful for.

On the career front - I had my first book release in January, so it was a wonderful way to start the year. Seeing the book in the stores was a treat, as was my first book signing. But I think my favorite thing was getting a reader letter from a lady in Canada who said she loved the book and I now had a reader for life. Going to the Romance Writers of Australia’s conference and catching up with friends was definitely on my list a good things. Being nominated for a Romantic Times Award with my second book, Marriage Under The Mistletoe, was also a highlight.

Personally – spending time with family and friends is always the most important thing. And my animals, of course. We lost one of our beloved dogs this year, which was devastating. But recently a new dog joined us and she has settled in marvellously. We also now share our life with two ragdoll cats – Oscar and Candy – and they are delightful.

Impending end of the world aside - 2012 was a great year and I’m excited to think about what more wonderful things are to come in 2013.

 
So, what was your highlight for this year? And what are you looking forward to in 2013? Since it’s Christmas and I love giving presents – I have a three book pack to give away to one commenter. Leave a comment and you will go into the draw.

Have a safe and wonderful Christmas!

Helen

30 comments:

  1. Highlight? Having my sister and her husband stay with us (for 1.5 weeks of vacation and then again a few weeks later for another week after our sister-in-law passed away).
    Looking forward to in 2013? Feeling better. Have been sick the last few days and am just now back on the computer. My house is a disaster and apparently we are having company for Christmas - IF I feel up to it by then.

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  2. Hi Laney - spending time with family certainly is something to be grateful for. Have a great Christmas :)

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  3. I enjoyed spending time with family at Thanksgiving.

    Looking forward to more books next year.

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  4. 2012 has been a bag of mixed blessings for me - but then again, I guess most years are.

    Highlights - attending the RWAmerica conference in Anaheim. I wish I could go every year!

    Other great things - the RWAustralia conference on the Gold Coast, and time with family and friends.

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  5. hi Helen, my highlight would definitely be our Big Trip! Such a priviledge to have the opportunity to travel through Outback NSW and Queensland. Rounded off beautifully with a visit to Anna Campbell and Rachel Bailey (waving!) and the RWA conference on the Gold Coast!

    Good luck for 2013!

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  6. Helen, you've certainly had a big year! I remember the thrill of seeing my first book on the shelves -- and I still get the same thrill when I see them on the shelves now.

    My highlight this year is probably my trip to Tasmania -- spectacular! But I had a ball at the RWAust GC conference too. But really...just curling up in the evening with the dh and a glass of wine is pretty spectacular stuff. :-)

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  7. The highlight was definitely our cruise. Have wanted to do that with my husband sans kids for ages. It was better than we'd imagined.
    Congrats on your highs, Helen!!!

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  8. Hii bn100 - more books...... what a great idea!

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  9. Hi Rachel - you're right, most years seem to come with the good and the bad. The RWA conference is certainly on my list of 'things to do'. Have a great Christmas.

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  10. Hi Sharon - how marvelous your trip sounded. I always loved seeing your blog posts about your destinations. Travel is always a highlight, I think. Merry Christmas!

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  11. One of my highlights was discovering this blog! Just love the way everyone's mind works plus love discovering what beautiful things live on the other side of the world. I hope to one day see it first hand rather than through the words and eyes of others.
    Have the Merriest of Christmases!

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  12. Rita, how lovely that you've discovered LoveCats, and like it so much.

    Helen, congratulations on the special moments this year. There have been some big firsts in there. For me, one of the big bonuses was having my daughter return after studying abroad. It's great to be in the same continent! Am looking forward to 2013 - there's something about that sense of a fresh start that's always so appealing.

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  13. I think a major highlight for me was a year of good health. Not to say I did not have my moments, but all in all. Having your health is everything sometimes.

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  14. Just hope all be more good in new year

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  15. Having your first book out is such a highlight, Helen. I had my first book out too and it was an amazing feeling. Others highs for the year for me were going to the RWA conference in Anaheim - with Rachel and Louisa! And our three month trip to Europe. I'm hoping for and equally exciting 2013! Merry Christmas to you and everyone, Helen.

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  16. Hi Michelle - a trip to Tassie sounds fabulous. It's on my list on places to go. Have a great Christmas.

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  17. Hi Robyn - there's so many travel hightlights mentioned - which is awesome. So pleased you enoyed your cruise. Merry Christmas!

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  18. Hi Rita - how wonderful that you discovered LoveCats this year! Welcome! I do hope you get Downunder to visit this awesome part of the world. Happy Christmas!

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  19. We had a couple highlights this year. We had a wonderful party for my mom who turned 90 this year and who is doing very well! Also, my 45 yr. old nephew and his wife just had their first child after 3 miscarriages and we're all so happy for them. (His sister has 7 kids!) I have no idea what it will be for next year but it's nice to hope for something exciting happening in 2013!

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  20. highligths...since i didn't win many books this year..looking forward for my luck next year..more books, so i can add up my books treasure :D

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  21. HI annie - how lovely that your daughter is back home. And I agree about the start of a new year - it always seems rejuvinating. Merry Christmas to you!

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  22. Hi Helen,
    I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and 2013 is filled with good things.

    I love the promise of a new year - anything is possible. You hope and dream, make resolutions, and celebrate. This time of year is like a big celebration of what's been and what is to come.

    Merry Christmas to you and yours (including the animals!)

    Cath xo

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  23. Hi Mary - yes, how true - good health is a blessing. Have a wonderful Christmas.

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  24. Hi Eli - I think looking forward to more good things is exaclty what we should all do. Merry Christmas!

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  25. Hi Barb - your three month trip looked awesome. And congratulations on your first release. Hope you have a fab 2013!

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  26. Hey Helen

    What a wonderful way to begin 2012 and trust that 2013 will continue in a similar vein with more great books.

    Merry Christmas

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  27. Hi Catslady - what a lovely story about your nephew - thanks for sharing it. Wishing you a merry Christmas!

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  28. Hi mariska - what a great thing to look forward to. Good luck! And Merry Christmas.

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  29. Hi Catherine - I think you summed it up perfectly! Have a wonderful Christmas x

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  30. Hi Zana - yes, it has been a great year. Have a wonderful Christmas!

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