January 2025 ✨
Ah, the new year—time for fresh starts, big dreams, and shiny new goals! Every January, I find myself bursting with ideas about how I want to live not just this year, but the rest of my life. It’s a mix of excitement and hope that feels like the perfect moment to turn the page. Did you know that in 2003, Merriam-Webster started the tradition of choosing a “Word of the Year”? I’ll admit, I jumped on this bandwagon just a few years ago, probably after seeing someone post about it online. I’m a bit of a private person, but there’s something so powerful about words of affirmation, so I’ve made a point to weave them into my daily life. Past words have been “thankfulness” and “prayer,” and this year? I’m embracing the word intentional. 💫
Do you pick a word of the year? If so, spill the beans—what’s yours?
But wait, there’s more to a new beginning than just picking a word. For me, it’s also about cleansing—and I don’t just mean my soul! I’m talking about my home. I love doing a deep dive into my closets, tossing out clothes and odds and ends I don’t need. Why? Because a cluttered space = a cluttered mind. If I want peace and calm in my life, my space has to match that energy. 🙌
Now, let’s talk books! 📚
My next children’s book is finally moving forward (cue the confetti). I finished writing the story years ago, with just a few tweaks here and there. The talented Karen Karnuta brought the illustrations to life this past summer, during her vacation in sunny California. But of course, I threw a curveball into the mix and decided to switch to a new print house. And you know what that means… learning curve! There’s been so much to figure out—push this, post that, download, upload… type, type, type. But I’m determined to get it ready for release by spring! 🌸
In the meantime, I thought I’d give you a sneak peek into my next book, The Little White Cottage. I’m only sharing this information for my friends and followers here on the blog. So, if any of your friends would like to be privy to fun little tid bits about the stories I write, send them here please.
The Little White Cottage is no ordinary cottage—it’s an actual place in northern Michigan, where my grandparents bought a little getaway in the 1950s. The story takes place in that magical time, before I was born, and I can’t wait to share it with you. And hey, if you’ve ever wondered how I came up with the name for my publishing company, Blueberry Pancake Publishing, here’s the story:
One day, my sister asked me that exact question, and I told her, “Well, Grandma used to make us blueberry pancakes at the cottage when we were kids. We’d go pick fresh berries in the woods, and then she’d turn them into the fluffiest pancakes you could imagine.” A total core memory.
My sister cracked up and said, “I never got blueberry pancakes! All we got was soldier toast!” Apparently, soldier toast is just little slivers of toast… not the same thing. 😂
It was this sweet, innocent conversation that sparked the idea for The Little White Cottage. The story practically tumbled out of my head and onto the pages. It’s a true labor of love, and I can’t wait for you to read it.
As we move through the next few months, I’ll be sharing little behind-the-scenes glimpses and backstories about the book right here on my blog—exclusive nuggets for my readers. You won’t want to miss it!
Here’s to a year of intention, growth, and, of course, new stories to tell! 🌟
Blueberry Pancake Publishing 