My Version of Sugar Plums...

Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Each year, I get a little giddy about the New Year. I've always been one that sort of relished change (if it was my own doing,) and anytime there is a opportunity for a fresh start, I typically get super excited about it. 

I've been toying with some ideas for 2015. I thought I might share some of them with you. But before I do, I happen to have a personal disclamier:

I, Nicole Thurston, realize that I make lots of plans that never come to fruition. However, if it is something I am passionate about, I will eventually get around to it. 

Now that we got that nonsense out of the way, I can focus on some ideas I have. For one, more writing. But not just any writing, something to be published, if nothing else for my eyes alone. I thought about pulling some of my drafts from here and developing some of the stories about life, love, and loss. I've spent the last year researching more ways to make a little money on my stories. For one, I'm writing for a local magazine, and was recently asked to write for a local newspaper. I'm making a little on the side there. I've been grant writing, but honestly, that is a slow type of hell that kills your soul. I subscribed to Poets & Writers last year and it is chock full of great ideas to submit essays and short stories. Who knows? Maybe I could win a buck or two. 

I finally took that pottery class this year, and yeah.. I'm glad that is out of my system. What I have come to realize is that I adore pottery, but it is a lot harder than it looks. Not my thing. However, how long have I toyed with a mix media idea or photography? Perhaps there will be an opportunity to find the perfect class for me. I've also wanted to take this two year course in photography since before 2000, and maybe... just maybe the opportunity may arise.

I need to move my body some more, and increase the healthy eating habits I have tried to adopt over the years. Though I have gotten better, I have a looooong way to go.

I'm glad I finally did the whole ballroom dance class. That turned out to be an excellent choice for me. Apparently dance is definitely where my talent lies... not with visual art. lol

I also need to work on my spirituality a little more. I have completely fallen off the wagon. I need to drawl closer to God. None of this is anything without that. 

I have a new relationship I want to grow and strengthen. I have an incredible guy who has chosen to spend his time with me. Sometimes I have to pinch myself, because it is going so well and he seems like a genuinely good man. So much incredible potential here. I want to see where this goes and do my best to be a great partner for him.

2015 is going to be full of surprises. Any year with the number 5 in it is always a lucky year for me - "5" is my lucky/favorite number. Three numbers in particular are always lucky for me: 5, 10, and 15. THIS is my year. I own that.