Already the end of another year has approached. I think that this is the first year in a long time that I don’t feel depressed at the shear idea of yet anther calendar passing us by. Maybe it is due to the fact that I’ve been too busy to think about how I’m getting older by the day and with what to show for it? Oh look, I think I see the perfect opportunity to reflect coming on….

This past six months have been a trying emotional struggle. Most people know at this point – if not from my Episode column about Luke and Leia then from a first had conversation – I’ve been helping my parents to care for and raise my niece and nephew. To say that the family end of my life this past year has been a demanding, exhausting, and sleep deprived doesn’t seem to do it all justice. But I’ve gotten to watch two remarkable little kids grow every day and it has made me think about the very real aspects of deciding one day to have kids or not. I know that I would never want to do it alone, but with the right person I could see how magical it all can be: shaping young minds, showing them that being who you are is a good thing, teaching them the importance of a 3-minute dance party, how to embrace your inner geekdom, I constantly want to offer them a better world where reading is cool, and people can save themselves. However, boy do I ever miss the quiet life. I miss the freedom to put me first. I know that sounds bad but it’s the truth.

The children haven’t been my only adventure this year, life is full of them. I am a contributing author for National Geographic’s Veteran’s Voices: Stories of Heroism, Sacrifice, and Honor which comes out April 26^th, 2016 – distribution by Penguin Random House! Becoming a writer is one of my earliest dreams in life, and I feel like I can finally officially call myself an author. I’ve talked about it in my blogs before, but I feel so utterly blessed to be apart of this project and I look forward to more writing opportunities in the future.  This one was particularly touching, on multiple occasions it may have had me in tears. Maybe. To listen to the real life accounts of these warriors and heroes who have sacrificed so much gave me chills. To have the opportunity to write them down for the world to read was more then I could have asked for.

I’ve written other things this past year as well. I’ve finished Faerwald (working title) a science fiction – time travel book about family and friendship, with an alien sprinkled in – just one though. I’m looking for representation presently so keep your fingers crossed for me. I’ve also entered a couple of short story competitions this past year, so who knows maybe one will take.

The opportunity to write and follow my dreams has been a gift unlike anything I’ve experienced before. I’ve worked for the man and paid my dues (for YEARS), I’ve worked for myself and paid those dues too. I’ve done a lot of amazing things with my life so not to knock them down in any capacity, but I’ve never lived my dream job before and I’m really giving it everything I can.

Recently I’ve been dabbling with digital art. I’ve been an artist my whole life, canvas, walls, charcoal, paint, pen, any opportunity I could take to make art. Over the past couple of years, my art has taken a back seat to life. Moving into the digital age has provided me the opportunity to work in a new medium and with unlimited virtual canvas. Hello! Who doesn’t love that?! Right now I’m trying to add a bombed Death Star to a picturesque landscape. Also I’m designing the most kick ass nerd tattoo EVER. You know, whateves.

On the book front – Every year I try to accomplish my Goodreads goal. This year I upped my game with a goal of 50 books and with just a few chapters left before midnight, it’s looking like I’m going to make it!

Clearly making my Goodreads goal is winning out over going out to some bar where the only person I’ll make out with will be the stranger to my left as the clock strikes midnight. I’m struggling to see the point in it all. Maybe I’m jaded, but I like to think of it as waiting for the right sorta geek to stumble my way. Someone who doesn’t mind the fact that I need my own library to house my tiny book collection – because it could be much larger, I’ve shown restraint. Someone who will listen to me ramble endlessly about my new characters and provide me an endless supportive wall to bounce ideas off of. I want to do the same for the record, I want to listen and laugh and be an idea wall too. Just someone who believes that there are things worth fighting for. Oh and passion – I want truck loads of it in all aspects of our lives. That’s it. Not too much to ask for, right?!

I’m putting it all out there this year, if there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s to ask for what you want. I want the opportunity to write more, I want to.. No I will find a publishing house for my novels. I’ll meet more people this year. I have dreams of someday buying a house and seeing more of the world. 2016 will be fantastic, even if I have to drag it kicking and screaming while beating it into submission. That sounded a bit harsh, but I think you get the picture. It’s time to rise up and take life by the metaphorical balls or horns or whatever you want to hold onto!

I wish that this next year be filled with magic, dreams, and the good kind of crazy. I want to make art, and you should too. The world always needs more art in whatever capacity. I hope you kiss someone who thinks the world of you. Read more. Do something that scares you, I will too and who knows, maybe next year we’ll both be surprised.

Happy New Years

-M

P.S.

I’m betting you can guess what I’m going to be watching tonight…