It’s been a bit quiet on the blog-front lately.  Scratch that.  It’s been quiet on the publishing side of things, but in the background, I assure you, a whole heck of a lot is happening.  I’m working on some big changes to my little corner of the internet.  As I marched into 2012, I was hit with a wave of creativity and inspiration, and I’ve sort of been running with it.  I’m redesigning the site, complete with more focus and direction.  I know precisely where I’d like this blog to go in the next few years, and I’m pouring my heart and soul into making sure it gets there.  I can’t wait to unveil the new creation!  Granted, I don’t want to give away the surprise, and it will probably be a few weeks before it’s done.  But just know, I’m full of energy thinking about it, and it will be so fun to share with you!

A few other projects have also been percolating.  I’m not sure if I mentioned it before, but I finally bought that DSLR camera I’ve been salivating over.  It was a Christmas gift to myself.  (I’m a big fan of getting yourself gifts.  Who better to know precisely what you might like?)  The past few weeks I’ve thrown myself into photography — watching videos, reading tutorials, snapping shots at every opportunity.  I love it.  It’s so much fun and so creative and such a challenge at times.  It’s a rush diving head first into a hobby that once intimidated me.  Stay tuned, as I will be sharing lots of photos in the near future.

Speaking of hobbies and creativity, I’m signed up for an online painting class, and it starts Monday!  My supply list is in hand, and I will be stopping at my favorite art supply store this weekend to grab new paints.  I haven’t painted in quite a while, but it’s something I’ve always loved.  Not to mention, take a painting class is on the super awesome bucket list.  This likely sounds a bit strange, but I am often surprised by how spot-on the bucket list actually is.  Perhaps because I once questioned the things I enjoyed doing — as in, I wasn’t quite sure what those things were.  But now, I know myself.  I mean.  I really, really know myself, and I know what I love to spend my time doing.  That’s an awesome feeling.

One last thing.  I’ve started work on a writing project.  I’m really excited.  It’s one of the most difficult projects I’ve attempted, as I’ve been struggling to be 100% honest and vulnerable in the writing.  That type of vulnerability comes easier to me when I’m writing fiction — no one has to know what comes from personal experience and what comes from my imagination.  But this project is a memoir project of sorts, and to do it right, I have to really be honest.  I have to let myself be seen in ways that I’m not necessarily comfortable with.  My goal is to finish the project within the year, then send it off into the world.  I’m nervous.  But in a good way, I think.  I feel like this project will push me to grow, as a writer and a person.

So there you have it.  That’s what I’ve been up to.  As the printing presses have quieted over here, the motion hasn’t slowed a bit.  I’ll be back to regular posts and travel updates and all the goods quite soon.  I’ll be writing and ranting and exploring and inquiring.  In the mean time, I’m sending virtual hugs your way.

xoxo