If we were having coffee today, January 6th, I’d wish you a Happy New Year and invite you in. I’d make you a cappuccino with my new coffee maker and share some of the many cookies I have left from the family cookie swap. They are delicious! I’d tell you about that evening when we all gathered at my sister’s for a meal and how we played games and had a lovely evening. I’d ask you about your family and tell you about mine. We are at the cusp of that next stage where many of our children are young adults and how much I’m enjoying this new phase. I’d show you the picture of my niece and I. We showed up at the party wearing matching outfits. It was very funny. Sarah has started her own fashion blog on Instagram and it just goes to show that creativity runs in the family.

 

 

I’d show you the new xylophone my husband bought for me. I’ve been trying to teach myself how to play piano and love having music in the house. My children are less than thrilled with our new instrument though. I had to giggle when one of my daughters was on the phone with the other. “Mom got a xylophone. Ugh!” My husband has several guitars and a banjo and tries to practice on a regular basis. He’s pretty good. Me? Not so much… I’d ask you if you play any instruments and invite you to bring them next time we visit.

As we sipped our coffee, I’d apologize for not posting as many poems lately. I’ve been engrossed in the writing of a short story. It’s very dark and was inspired by a simple phrase my principal uttered one morning at work. I don’t want to give too much away, but I’m very pleased with how things are progressing. My youngest sister has always been my Reader and she’s told me she likes the story but is a bit taken aback at how creepy it is. I’d ask you about your writing and if you stick to one genre or write in many. I’d tell you that in addition to my poetry, I’ve written historical fiction, young adult fantasy, romance, and now, thriller. I would explain that I started my blog five years ago to get myself back into the habit of writing every day and that I can’t wait for the day when I can give up the classroom and spend each day, all day writing. I’d ask you about your projects and writing habits.

Since it is the new year, I’d ask you about any resolutions you’ve made. I’ve made a few. I have decided to make more time for reading this year. I finished Where the Crawdads Sing over Christmas. It was my favorite book of the year. I’ve just started Hillbilly Elegy and am really enjoying it. I’d ask for book recommendations and if you are looking for some, I’d direct you to my friend, Marsha. She has an outstanding blog, Belle of the Book, and always has fantastic books on her list. Check it out!

 

My writing resolutions are pretty much the same as every year. I want to continue to grow my blog. As I checked my stats for 2018, I was pleased to see that my work has been read in 114 countries. I am excited about all the talented writers I’ve befriended and will continue to widen this circle. I will continue to participate on various platforms and for the months of January and February, will moderate “Promote Yourself Monday” on Go Dog Go Cafe. If you haven’t visited that site, be sure to check it out. It’s a wonderful space for writers. I’d ask you about any writing sites you belong to and what you do to reach out to the writing community. One of my resolutions is to be more active in my responses to posts. I read quite a bit but need to respond on a more regular basis.

Before you go, I’d show you my latest collection of poetry. I put this book together as a Christmas gift for my family. I didn’t promote it because I didn’t want to spoil the surprise. The Family Table is a collection of poems about what it means to be a family. I’m blessed to have the family I do and to be able to interact with people like you.

 

Have a great day! Check out other Weekend Coffee shares here.

 

Until next time…