In early January I set my goals high just like anyone else. I wanted to achieve certain things through my new year’s resolutions.
Among other things I knew I needed to spend more time with my family, finish my second book, and work more diligently on my career.
It is so funny how rapidly all of those dreams began to take shape. My manuscript was my first project I wanted to complete. I did that, and rather quickly I might add.
The reason for the push was that I wanted to start writing the story while it was still fresh on my mind.
I wanted to take those tools I learned from the first book, and improve the concept for the second one.
Last year I did some market research and asked various people what they thought of my idea. With their help I was motivated enough to bring the story to life.
My second book is called The Mouse Trap. It is about what happens to those missing socks that you cannot find in the dryer. My take on this is that there are mice in the sewers who are using the socks for sleeping bags.
I have not started on the illustrations as of yet, but I can already see the characters in my head.
Did I forget to mention that my second book is going to be a pop-up book? I am so excited to see the finished product. I will keep you updated on the progress of my new book as time goes on.
My second book is dedicated to my mother’s dog that passed away from cancer. When my sister and I moved away, Envi (mom’s dog) kind of took our place.
Envi will always be remembered for how much she touched each and every person in some form or fashion.
Towards the end of January was when I was able to cross number two off of my resolution list.
The ice storm hit our county. My husband was stuck in Louisville, and the kids and I were stuck in Grayson County.
I remember vividly waking up in Caneyville on that first Tuesday morning, thinking it was really cold in the house.
I immediately called my parents and asked them what was going on. Mom explained the county was covered in ice from a storm that had hit Monday night.
I knew I had to get to Leitchfield somehow to help publish our Wednesday edition of the paper.
The rest of the week is a blur. By Wednesday morning the county was a ghost town.
I was stuck in Leitchfield, whether I liked it or not.
The kids and I ended up staying at my parent’s house for several days.
I juggled taking care of the kids, covering the storm, helping those in need if I could, and also spending time with my family.
We all felt like the Waltons. At one time my aunt even stayed with us. I slept on one couch with my youngest daughter, my aunt slept on the other, and my parents and my oldest daughter slept in the bed.
Our cat was the only one that was stranded in Caneyville. My in-laws were able to pick him up from the house later in the week, and bring him to us in Leitchfield.
We had a great time together, despite the madness.
We talked, sang songs, played with the kids, ate some food then ate some more.
I cannot remember the last time that all of us were forced to slow down and enjoy each other’s company.
The second benefit of the storm was that it put things in perspective for everyone. We learned you do not have to have technology to live.
My parents went back to using a landline phone to communicate with family members.
We used flashlights for light. We went back to the way things used to be when there was no computer, dvd player, Nintendo Wii, Playstation, television, or wireless phone.
As far as my career, that is continual.
That is something I need to work on everyday. I do feel like I have advanced so much since I started though. You are always learning something new everyday with this type of job.
The main thing I have realized is that I am in this position for a reason. I have a responsibility to get information out to the public. In my own way I feel like I am making a difference in our community. Lessons learned so far this year is to appreciate what you have, look out for your friends and family, and don’t take life for granted. It can change in an instant.
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