2023 in reflective snippets

Hi. I wasn’t going to do a year-end reflection post because I honestly couldn’t remember what even happened this year. Then, with my little journal open on my lap this morning, I started laughing. What little journal, you ask? 

Oh, just the little journal I bought at the end of 2022 and wrote 5 things I’m grateful for EVERY SINGLE DAY of 2023. (it is very typical of me to forget about something I do on a daily basis)

I read back through it this morning, and very (very) randomly picked out some highlights to share:

January: Not sad to not be on a 25th anniversary trip right now. Played disc golf with all four kids—so fun. Found a reader for my jaded audiobook. Nina made me a grilled ham and cheese sandwich that was to die for. The birds like my new rainbow wind chimes.

February: New orchid buds. The Toni Morrison documentary is phenomenal. My friend got a book contract! Vanna passed his driver’s test! We raised $5000 for the Black Writers Fund.

March: Snuggles on the couch with my 3yo buddy J. Selfie with Barbara Brown Taylor. BBT called me a badass omg. Met my publisher IRL. Three dreamy days with Nya.

April: Kitty baby jumped up on the TV mantel omg. Ted Lasso “Sunflowers” episode omg. Sitting outside, I can’t believe this is my backyard. Steph and I won euchre. One period closer to menopause.

May: Met a guy named Fart because of my Octavia Butler t-shirt. Duke’s Pad Thai take-out picnic at the riverfront. Ted Lasso is even better when you rewatch it. Strawberries. Listening to Alice Walker read The Color Purple.

June: All my anxiety about the protest in Denver melted away. Roller derby in Augusta was lots of fun. I got a Jesus book from 1814 (!!) for $5. NEW BABY KITTY OMG. Rock Hill Pride was so freaking beautiful. 

July: I’m having so much fun writing book 3. Changed the title of the book from more to whole. Got 93 books for $55 at Goodwill yesterday omg. Magical time in New Orleans with new friends. I want to live at Corrin’s. The kindest words from Herman, La Toya, Melanie, and Shayna.

August: Stargazing with Nya on a lake for her 39th birthday. Just saw the most vibrant cobalt blue bird. I feel like I can do hard things today (yesterday I could not). Feeling anxious about money and taking deep breaths. 51 books for $9.87 at Oliver Christ omg.

September: Steph and Daniel got a PUPPY. So much fun with Lettie and Gracia in Wilmington. Made some Frog and Toad poem art. I love my new neck heating pad. Talking to Ivy (8) about poetry (swoon).

October: Nina passed her driver’s test! Kiddos hanging with their cousins in Charlotte. Another delightful chat with BBT. Hugs from Matthew Paul Turner and Sarah Bessey. Happy 48th bday to me.

November: Having fun making JimDob bookmarks. Painted our kitchen cabinets reflecting pool blue. People are buying lots of elephants. I found the BEST cringe books at Goodwill. Feeling annoyed with people who have time to rest. 

December: Liv’s birthday was really fun and special. I just got Spotify Premium. Colonoscopy was easy peasy (prep was hell). please cut up my poems is live on Amazon! I’m excited for 2024—especially this.

Happy New Year, friends! Love you much!