And The Word For 2022 Is

 Post by Doris McCraw

writing as Angela Raines

Photo Property of the Author

A number of years ago a couple of friends and I would get together around the beginning of the new year. We would decide what our word of the year would be.

Fast forward to about a month ago, and I get this email that had the question 'Your word for the year'. Not only did it bring back lovely memories, but it also had some added questions.  As this new year begins, it seemed an opportune time to share the concept with others.

So what would your word for the year be? For me, the first one to pop up and stay was 'Joy'. So how does this work? Well, whenever I am looking to do something or have been asked to participate, I will take it through the filter of will it bring me joy.

Photo Property of the Author

What was exciting was the pairing of the word for the year with making a list of things that you plan to include during the year. Not a resolution but what will fulfill your life and dreams.

So, what would your list look like, be it ten or more dreams? 

My list would include:

1. Finish hiking the trails in Garden of the Gods that I physically can.

2. Share my photography in ways that bring joy and some income

3. Start officiating weddings (Yes, I can do that, but ...)

4. Make up for the lack of published works by doubling down this year.

You get the idea. The above all sounds like fun to me.

We all have ways we plan out the new. As you head into the next phase of your year, what would your word be? What would be on your list?  

Until next time, have a pleasant journey through the following days, and all the best for your 2022.

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Books: Angela Raines Books

Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here

DECEMBER 1, 2019 - A Look Back

Post by Doris McCraw
writing as Angela Raines

I find it hard to believe it's December 1, 2019, already. It seems like just yesterday that I was making plans for the upcoming year and here the year is almost over.

So what became of those plans? I don't know about you, but when I look back I'm surprised at how the year turned out. Did I succeed in those plans? Well, yes and no.

1. When it came to writing, my goal was to have a novel and a short story published. I am happy to say, I did succeed. Of course, I had started writing the novel in 2018 much like I am writing the 2020 novel now. The challenge for 2020 is the novel needs to be about twice as long as I normally write. I am enjoying the challenge but it is taking a lot longer to write with a lot more twists and turns.
     The short story was published, along with the other wonderful stories in the anthology "Hot Western Nights", I was so honored to be included and enjoyed reading all the other stories in the book.

2. I decided I would fulfill my desire to have my first novella, "Home for His Heart" out in an audio form.  It looked like that wouldn't happen with so many obstacles in my way. I have ended up working more hours this year, including being called back to work at the second job I'd left about a year and a half ago. I am glad to say, the extra hours are helping to pay for the studio. After my first day in the studio, half the story is now recorded. I will finish recording next week if all goes as planned. (It felt good to be in the studio again, just this time it's for a book instead of music.)

3. I truly wanted to be further along on the book about Colorado's Women doctors, however, that has not happened. I am currently working on rewriting a paper that is an overview of what the book can be. I plan to try to get it published in 2020.

4. I had a surprise request for an article earlier this year and was able to write about a four thousand word piece on Women, Custer, and the Westward expansion. Fortunately for me, I have been researching a lot of that information with my work as Helen (Hunt) Jackson and her writings on the Indians. For those who might be interested, it was published by 'Saddlebag Dispatches'.

5. I wanted to be able to sell my home and move to a smaller place, but that is one plan that will take a lot longer than anticipated.

6. The goal of selling more books is ongoing. I don't know that any author ever stops going for that. I do realize that for 2020 it will be important that my pen name be more familiar to readers.

So as we get ready for the Christmas Holiday and the coming of 2020, how did your 2019 stack up to your expectations? I confess I am happy with the way the year went. I've been able to fulfill my love of research and include much of what I've found in my writings. All in all, a good year despite some setbacks.

Wishing everyone a great Holiday Season and that your dreams and plans be fulfilled.

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Angela Raines - author: Where Love & History Meet

Books: Angela Raines Books

Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here